Between Miami and Miami Beach
North Bay Village lies in the middle of Biscayne Bay between Miami and Miami Beach. North Bay Village has around 4.75 miles of private and public waterfront property. Several distinct themes come together to help you get your bearings: its location in the bay, local island and entertainment history, public art, and the surrounding natural environment. Pelican Island adds picnic and sports facilities, as well as the wildlife of a nature and bird sanctuary, to the overview of the area. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether art and history or nature and outdoor activities are more likely to shape your stay.
Parks and Nature
Dr. Paul Vogel Community Park is located at 7920 West Drive in North Bay Village. Philip Schonberger Memorial Playground is at 1841 Galleon Street. Dr. Paul Vogel Community Park is open to the public daily from sunrise to 9 p.m., except for special events and unforeseen emergencies. Keep these exceptions in mind if the park is part of your itinerary.
Pelican Island, a 10-acre public island, is near North Bay Village. It has covered picnic shelters, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a sand volleyball court. Pelican Island is also a bird and nature sanctuary. Brown pelicans, cormorants, and other marine animals such as dolphins and manatees can be found there. Picnic and sports facilities sit alongside a natural area whose wildlife offers a very different side of the island area.
Public Art
The Vogel Park Frame Sculpture was created by Florida artist Jeff Whipple. Curved steel arches and delicate metalwork frame the view of Biscayne Bay. The sculpture invites visitors to step inside and pose for photos with the bay as a backdrop. At Vogel Park, the North Bay Native Species Mural depicts native marine and pollinator species. This puts an artwork inspired by the bay alongside a mural featuring native species in one place.
Two murals share the phrase “Heart of the Bay” but use it differently: the Island Walk Mural at Benihana combines the “Heart of the Bay” look with the Benihana brand and uses cherry blossom motifs. The separate “Heart of the Bay” welcome mural is on the Grove by the Bay building on Kennedy Causeway. On Harbor Island, local artist German Dubois created environmentally themed artworks on the Village’s traffic circles. Next to Civic Park is a brightly painted Florida Power & Light utility box, designed by the artist duo “We Are Nice ‘N Easy.”
Island Names and Entertainment History
The island names and entertainment history also give North Bay Village a historical connection. Treasure Island takes its name from Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary creation. Broadcast Key, also known as Cameo Island, was the site in what is now North Bay Village from which radio station WIOD (610 AM) began broadcasting in 1926. Another aspect of the area’s history is recorded for the 1950s: North Bay Village’s popular restaurants and nightclubs attracted prominent guests such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. The origins of the names, the start of radio broadcasting, and the nightlife are distinct historical themes.
These highlights can provide a starting point for planning your trip: public art brings together a range of themes and forms, while the island’s history spans everything from its naming to its entertainment culture. Pelican Island adds picnic opportunities, sports facilities, and wildlife to the picture.
Explore more destinations: Naranja, Hialeah, Homestead, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Key Biscayne, Glenvar Heights.
For the broader travel overview: Miami-Dade.
