South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is a free, 17-acre city park at the very southern tip of Miami Beach, where the sand meets Government Cut, the shipping channel into PortMiami. Come for the pier, the cruise ships sliding past at arm's length, a shaded playground with water jets, and a sunset view back toward the downtown skyline.

It suits almost everyone: families with small kids, joggers, anglers, couples after a quiet evening walk, and anyone staying in South Beach who wants a break from Ocean Drive. Entry is free. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

What is there to do at South Pointe Park?

The main draws are the pier, the waterfront walkway along Government Cut, the beach on the ocean side, a children's playground with a splash zone, open lawns for picnics, and a fenced dog park. Most visitors spend one to two hours here, longer if they swim or stay for sunset.

The park was rebuilt in 2009 with wide limestone-edged paths, gentle grassy mounds and a long promenade that wraps from the ocean around to the channel. Paths are flat and easy for strollers and wheelchairs, and there is an outdoor fitness station behind the playground building. Restrooms sit near the concession stand.

South Pointe Pier: hours and what to expect

South Pointe Pier is a 450-foot concrete walkway that juts into the Atlantic at the mouth of Government Cut. It is free to walk, and its gates open in the morning and close around sunset; exact times are posted at the entrance. In rough weather the pier can close when waves wash over the end.

The pier reopened in 2014 after a $4.8 million rebuild, and it has lighting, benches and wide railings. From the end you look south across the channel to Fisher Island and east over open ocean. Surfers often work the break on the beach side when there is swell.

Can you fish on South Pointe Pier?

Yes. Fishing is allowed in marked areas of the pier, and there is no fee to fish, but adults need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license. Visitors can buy one online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; in October 2026 a non-resident 3-day license was $17 and a 7-day license $30.

• Fish only where signs allow it, and keep clear of walkers.
• Use the bait-cutting stations and drop old line in the recycling tubes.
• Follow Florida size and bag limits, and check posted pier rules for anything specific to this structure.

Watching cruise ships in Government Cut

South Pointe is the closest you can get to departing cruise ships without buying a ticket. Every ship leaving PortMiami passes through Government Cut, a channel only a few hundred yards wide, so the ships tower over the promenade as they head out to sea.

Departures cluster on weekend afternoons, especially Saturdays and Sundays, and in the cruise high season from roughly November to April. Find a bench on the channel walkway in the late afternoon and you will usually see several ships go by, along with pilot boats, fishing charters and the occasional dolphin.

Splash pad and playground

The playground sits close to the water and is split into areas for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, with soft rubber surfacing, slides, climbing frames, tot swings and a splash spray zone. It is free, and it is the best reason for families to choose South Pointe over the open beach.

The water jets run in warm weather and may be switched off on cool winter days or for maintenance. Bring swimsuits and a towel for the kids, and a hat for yourself: shade near the play area is limited at midday.

Parking at South Pointe Park

The park has two small paid city lots on Washington Avenue at the park entrance, plus metered spaces on nearby streets such as South Pointe Drive. They fill quickly on weekends and sunny afternoons, so arrive before about 10am or plan to park a few blocks north and walk.

Miami Beach parking is paid by app (ParkMobile) or at pay stations, and rates in South Beach are higher than in most of Miami, especially for non-residents and during events. Check the rate on the sign or app before you leave the car, and never park in a residential or tow-away zone: towing is strictly enforced. If you are staying in South Beach, walking, cycling or a short rideshare is usually easier.

Sunset at South Pointe

South Pointe is one of the few spots on Miami Beach where you can watch the sun go down over water. The channel walkway faces west toward Fisher Island and the downtown Miami skyline, so the sky and towers light up together as the sun sets behind the city.

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to get a bench, and remember the park itself closes at sunset, so linger at one of the restaurants on the edge of the park afterward instead.

Rules worth knowing

• Dogs: leashed dogs are welcome on the paths, and there is a fenced off-leash dog park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach here; the nearest dog-friendly beach is at Haulover Beach.
• Swimming: swim only on the ocean side near a lifeguard stand, never in Government Cut, where currents and ship traffic are dangerous.
• Glass and alcohol: treat the park as alcohol-free and leave glass at home, as with all Miami Beach beaches and parks.

What's near South Pointe Park?

The park anchors the quieter South of Fifth neighborhood, often called SoFi. A few blocks away you will find some of South Beach's best-known restaurants, and Ocean Drive's Art Deco strip begins about a 10-minute walk north.

• Smith & Wollensky: a steakhouse at the park entrance with a terrace on the channel, good for ship-watching over dinner.
• Joe's Stone Crab: a Miami Beach institution at 11 Washington Avenue, best during stone crab season (mid-October to May).
• The beachwalk: a paved path runs north from the park along the dunes, ideal for a morning walk or bike ride.
• Boat trips: many Biscayne Bay boat tours pass through Government Cut, giving you the view from the water.

For somewhere to stay within walking distance, browse our South Beach hotels, or see more ideas in our South Beach guide.