Eastern Shores - North Miami Beach, FL

Eastern Shores started its genesis as mangrove-laden islets until the city of North Miami began building the area up in the 1950s. The community had a large population of Jewish retirees until the early 1980s when South Florida began to see an influx of Latin American immigrants. Today, this area is known for its multi-ethnic demographics, privacy, security and gorgeous waterfront views. Art enthusiasts enjoy the Eastern Shores area due to its proximity to the Historic Art Deco District and the monthly Miami Art Walk.

Many great culturally diverse restaurants lie within a five-minute drive of Eastern Shores. Russian, Japanese, Colombian, Venezuelan, Chinese and Korean eateries comprise some of the most popular locations in this district of Miami. You will never run out of choices for classy nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and bistros in Eastern Shores. Several of the local restaurants provide convenient waterfront dockage for boaters. Why not try out the famous Chayhana Oasis Russian restaurant at 250 Sunny Isles Boulevard to dine on exquisite cuisine in a plush and extravagant atmosphere. Start your five-star meal with Suzma yogurt and greens or the assorted meat platter then dig into some salmon kebab and lamb pilaf. Order the famous Russian borsch (beet soup) and finish off your dinner with one of the Uzbekistani-influenced deserts. Before heading out for a night on the town, Eastern Shore residents pack into Hiro Japanese Restaurant located in Oleta Town Center at 3007 NE 163rd Street. Hiro serves up exotic fare such as grilled quail's eggs, skewered alligator chunks and barbecued baby octopus. For the less adventurous, staff prepare a sushi boat laden with your favorite fish - cooked or raw. This popular eatery is open until 3 a.m. 365 days a year. Eastern Shores lies 12 miles to the north of world-famous South Beach. After dinner, you can hop in the car and make the 20-minute journey south on beautiful Collins Avenue to some of the hottest clubs in the United States. Be sure to check out Set Nightclub on 320 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. This club's decor features a custom-designed sound and lighting system. Set provides its clients with a table butler who provides personalized service to each customer. Order and sign for your drinks via iPad as you enjoy the exotic ambiance. Dance freaks should stop by Mansion Nightclub at 1445 Washington Avenue if they want to get their groove on. Formerly known as Cameo, Mansion is at the center of Washington Avenue's entertainment district. It hosts live music, serves up some great cocktails and provides the ultimate in VIP experience on South Beach. Due to the popularity of this club, be sure to make reservations if you want a table.

Most Eastern Shores residents use their private vehicles for transportation — or their boats should they have a water-side destination. Many taxis frequent the area, and NE 163rd Street provides for easy MetroBus access to South Beach or downtown Miami. Uber also services the area, and free public parking is available throughout all of the commercial zones within the neighborhood. Eastern Shores lies 6 miles west of I-95 and the Turnpike exchange, which facilitates highway access. The smaller streets inside of the residential part of the neighborhood are safe for pedestrians and cyclists; however the main roads do not have biking lanes and are unsafe for bikers.

Eastern Shores residents live right across the street from one of the most popular parks in South Florida. Oleta River State Park provides for a guaranteed, fun-filled afternoon for family, friends and Fido. This dog-friendly park charges a $6 admission fee per vehicle. Covered pavilions with barbecue areas sprawl across its grassy and mangrove-laden expanse. The park provides kayak rentals, a swimming area, 10 miles of paths for jogging and cycling and a host of great fishing spots.

In-site public showers can be utilized after a day on one of Oleta River State Park’s sandy beaches, and a year-round youth camping area with primitive fire pits are available to the general public. If the food in your picnic hamper won’t suffice to feed your crew, try out Oleta River Park’s Blue Moon Outdoor Center and restaurant. This also makes for a great place to watch the fireworks at Haulover from your boat or from the beaches every Fourth of July.

The median rental rate for a one-bedroom residence in Eastern Shores is $1,705 per month. The cost of living in this area of Miami is very high. MetroBus charges $2.25 to take passengers from Eastern Shores to downtown Miami and also allows for free transfers within three hours. A beer in this part of town will set you back at least $7 or $8, but gas costs 3 percent below the national average.

Many consider South Beach to be one of the design centers of the Americas, and shoppers flock to this district en masse on a daily basis. If you need a new bikini for that day trip to Bimini on your yacht, then try Bikini Brasil at 402 14th Street in South Beach. This establishment makes its in-vogue bikinis in Brazil and markets them exclusively in Miami. It also carries a range of beach accessories and jewelry to create that perfect outfit.

If you wish to complete your ensemble with a special scent, pass by the Fragrance Shop on Lincoln Road in South Beach. The business carries both men’s and women’s fragrances and specializes in exotic and hard-to-find blends of some of the world’s rarest oils. Here you can buy your significant other a special gift in a custom, hand-blown bottle. Create your own special blend, or try an in-house, premixed fragrance.