Bay Harbor Islands blends small-town charm with upscale coastal living. Set just west of Bal Harbour and Surfside, it’s prized for quiet streets, a welcoming community, and easy access to both the beach and some of Miami’s best shopping.
Bay Harbor Islands offers a community with a unique rhythm; you might start with a morning walk along Kane Concourse, stop by a local café, go to a pilates class, and browse boutiques steps away from home.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top things to do, places to eat, and shopping spots around Bay Harbor Islands.
Top 3 Things to Do in Bay Harbor Islands
1. Stroll Kane Concourse and Its Public Art
Kane Concourse is Bay Harbor’ Islands main boulevard, a short stretch lined with boutiques, cafés, and unexpected bursts of art. In the median stand two pieces that locals know well: Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture and Romero Britto’s For You. Morning or evening, it’s the part of the island that feels most alive.
2. Relax at Bay Harbor’s Parks and Tennis Courts
For such a central spot, Bay Harbor Islands has a surprising amount of green space. The 98th Street Park and Tot Lot give families room to play, while nearby courts draw regular tennis matches. Tucked into the neighborhood, these parks feel like small escapes from the city energy just across the causeway.
3. Spend a Day at Haulover Park
Cross the causeway and you’re at Haulover Park, a sweeping stretch of coastline that feels worlds away from city life. The park spans more than 170 acres, with wide beaches, rolling dunes, and a marina for anyone heading out on the water. For Bay Harbor Islands residents, it’s the quickest way to trade neighborhood streets for open sand and endless views.
Top 3 Places to Eat in Bay Harbor Islands
1. The Palm
The Palm in Bay Harbor Islands feels less like a restaurant and more like a private club — the kind of place where the staff remember your name and regulars greet each other across the dining room. Founded in New York in 1926, The Palm built its reputation on a simple philosophy: treat guests like family and never compromise on quality. At the Bay Harbor Islands location, that legacy shows in the details: generous cuts of prime steak, oversized lobsters, and the kind of service that keeps people coming back. It’s become part of the neighborhood’s fabric, a dining room where celebrations, deals, and everyday dinners all feel equally at home.
2. Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
Mister O1 has quickly become one of Miami’s most talked-about pizza spots, and the Bay Harbor Islands location is a neighborhood favorite. It was founded by Master Pizza Chef Renato Viola, who established the restaurant after receiving the prestigious O-1 Visa for individuals with “Extraordinary Artistic Ability”— the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. Mister O1 is built on the philosophy of using only the highest quality ingredients, with many imported directly from Italy. The star of the show is the Extraordinary Pizza, defined by its unusually thin, light crust and its signature star shape, where each point is generously stuffed with fresh ricotta cheese. It’s an innovative, high-quality take on classic Italian fare that perfectly suits the island’s modern, upscale vibe.
3. Open Kitchen
Since 2011, Open Kitchen has been Bay Harbor’s go-to café and gourmet market. Chef-owner Ines Chattas, who grew up in Buenos Aires and built her career in Miami’s hospitality scene, brings a personal touch to everything from brunch staples to house-made pastas and salads.
Beyond the menu, guests browse shelves stocked with Chattas’ favorite finds — olive oils, artisanal pastas, and a curated wine selection — blurring the line between restaurant and marketplace. It’s casual, welcoming, and unmistakably local, the kind of place where a quick lunch often turns into a longer visit.
Top 3 Shopping Spots in Bay Harbor Islands
1. Kane Concourse Boutiques
Kane Concourse is Bay Harbor Island’s retail heart — a two-block stretch where shopping feels as local as it does upscale. Along the landscaped boulevard you’ll find jewelers like Jackie Abraham, fashion shops such as Prim N Proper and Bubbles Miami, and even specialty stores like Designer Rug Center. It’s an easy place to wander, browse, and take in the mix of boutiques, art, and café culture that gives Bay Harbor Islands its charm.
2. Bal Harbour Shops (Nearby)
Opened in 1965 by developer Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops redefined luxury retail with its open-air design and curated mix of high-fashion brands. Today it hosts more than 100 boutiques, including Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, alongside anchors Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Consistently ranked among the most productive shopping centers in the world, it’s now undergoing a $550 million expansion to welcome even more flagship stores. For Bay Harbor Islands residents, this landmark destination is just a short walk away.
3. Gray & Sons Jewelers (Nearby)
Across from Bal Harbour Shops, Gray & Sons Jewelers has built its reputation on precision and craftsmanship. Known for meticulously restored certified pre-owned watches and one-of-a-kind estate jewelry, the showroom also carries modern pieces and diamonds in every cut and quality. Their team of six master-trained watchmakers has more than 150 years of combined experience, making Gray & Sons a trusted destination for expert watch repair and restoration in Miami. Whether you’re searching for a rare Swiss timepiece or bringing a family heirloom back to life, this long-standing boutique blends technical mastery with genuine passion for the craft.
Living the Bay Harbor Islands Lifestyle
Life in Bay Harbor Islands balances peaceful island living with a close-knit community and quick access to Miami’s best dining, shopping, and beaches. For relocators and visitors alike, it’s a neighborhood where lifestyle and location come together.
Learn more about Bay Harbor Islands, or or reach out directly to request floor plans, pricing, and availability for Bay Harbor’s newest residences.
