South Pointe Park Pier, originally built in 1979, was in disuse and dilapidated after its intended use, and left for a decade before it was rebuilt. The 450m pier, sitting in the manmade channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island, needed to be spruced up to welcome those who came in by ship to PortMiami and its cruise terminals, over 20 million tourists annually. Not to mention its status as Florida’s biggest container port, other than being the world’s leading cruise ship stop.

Now with over 338 feet of designated fishing space, locals and tourists alike gather to spend a day enjoying the company of one another and the ocean breeze. Constructed with turtle-safe lighting to prevent egg-laying turtles and hatchlings from getting lost, attracted by the light. The reef and 29 coral-encrusted boulders at the site of the old pier were also transplanted to another spot nearby, to avoid them getting harmed by the construction work.

A favoured spot for those who love hobby fishing, joggers, and artists alike, the Pier is a serene place providing 360-degree views of Fisher Island, the Bay and the Downtown, but with minimal crowds, unlike the beach. A perfect spot for some me-time.