South Beach’s Southern Gateway – Adjacent to Government Cut & South Pointe Park
South Pointe Marina (also known as South Beach Marina at South Pointe) is strategically positioned at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, directly adjacent to Government Cut – the main shipping channel providing unrestricted access to the Atlantic Ocean. Located within beautiful South Pointe Park, this marina offers boaters spectacular panoramic views of cruise ships, Downtown Miami’s skyline, Fisher Island, and the Atlantic Ocean, combined with the vibrant energy of world-famous South Beach just steps away.
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Location: Southernmost tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park
- Coordinates: 25°45’47″N 80°07’56″W (adjacent to Government Cut)
- Phone: Contact through Miami Beach Marina (305) 673-6000
- Park: South Pointe Park – (305) 673-7779
- Type: Part of South Pointe Park waterfront complex
- Access: Direct access to Government Cut shipping channel
South Pointe Marina – Miami Beach
South Pointe Marina sits in one of the most prestigious locations in all of Miami – the southern point of Miami Beach where Biscayne Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean through Government Cut. The marina benefits from its protected position while offering immediate access to deep-water ocean cruising.
Table of Contents
Government Cut – Miami’s Main Ocean Gateway
Historic Shipping Channel (1905)
Government Cut is a manmade shipping channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island, providing the primary ocean access for the entire Miami metropolitan area.
Historical Significance
- Opened: 1905
- Authorized: U.S. Congress (1902)
- Purpose: Direct Atlantic Ocean access to Port of Miami
- Before the cut: Boats had to detour south around Key Biscayne
- Dredging began: 1903
- Completed: Summer 1905
- Name origin: U.S. government authorized the project
Channel Specifications
- Minimum depth: 38 feet MLW (Mean Low Water)
- Maintained by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Used by: Port of Miami cruise ships, cargo vessels, yachts
- No fixed bridges: Unlimited height clearance
- Well-marked: Comprehensive navigation aids
Government Cut Today
- Busiest cruise port: Port of Miami – “Cruise Capital of the World”
- Major cargo operations: International shipping hub
- Yacht traffic: Hundreds of vessels daily
- Constant dredging: Maintained by Corps of Engineers
- Coast Guard oversight: Safety and security operations
Navigation
- From Atlantic Ocean: Well-marked approach from northeast
- Morse (A) buoy M: 2.7 miles northeast of inlet
- Course: Approximately 248 degrees magnetic
- Outer Bar Cut markers: Red and green buoys
- Professional guidance: Recommended for first-time entry
Nearby Landmarks
- Port of Miami: North side of cut
- Fisher Island: South side of cut
- South Beach: North side of cut
- Miami Beach Marina: Just inside cut on north side
South Pointe Park Integration
17-Acre Waterfront Paradise
South Pointe Marina benefits from its location within South Pointe Park, a beautiful 17-acre green space at the southern tip of Miami Beach offering world-class amenities.
Park Features
450-Foot South Pointe Pier
- Fishing pier extending into Atlantic
- Viewing stations – Watch cruise ships pass
- Turtle-safe lighting – Environmental protection
- Motion-activated design – Energy efficient
- Recycling bins – For fishing lines
- Bait cutting stations – Fish cleaning areas
- Spectacular views: Ocean, bay, skyline, Fisher Island
Beach Access
- Direct beach entry – Steps from park
- White sand shoreline – Beautiful Atlantic beach
- Lifeguard towers – Colorful, safe swimming
- Umbrella and chair rentals – Convenient service
- Popular surfing spot – Good waves
- Volleyball courts – Beach games
- Paddleboarding – Calm morning waters
Park Amenities
- 20-foot wide promenade – Scenic waterfront walking path
- Winding paths – Running, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding
- Palm tree landscaping – Lush, tropical setting
- Benches throughout – Rest and enjoy views
- Picnic and BBQ areas – Charcoal grills, tables
- Mini splash zone – Water playground for kids
- Jungle gym – Modern playground equipment
- Bark park – Off-leash dog area (western side)
- Outdoor showers – Rinse after beach/ocean
“Obstinate Lighthouse” Art Installation
- Artist: Tobias Rehberger (Germany)
- Large-scale public art – Colorful, geometric design
- Instagram-worthy – Popular photo backdrop
- Hammock friendly – String between palm trees nearby
Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse
Fine Dining in the Park
Smith & Wollensky is an upscale steakhouse located within South Pointe Park, offering exceptional dining with stunning water views.
Restaurant Highlights
- Fine dining steakhouse – Mouth-watering steaks
- Fresh seafood – Shrimp, lobster, yellowfin tuna, salmon
- Extensive wine list – Premium selections
- Tropical cocktails – Creative drinks
- Panoramic views: Marina, Government Cut, cruise ships, ocean
Dining Options
- Indoor seating – Climate-controlled elegance
- Outdoor terrace – Waterfront ambiance
- Online ordering – Convenient reservations
- Dine-in – Full restaurant experience
- Takeout – Carry-out available
- Delivery – Through delivery apps
Dress Code
- Fine dining attire required
- No beach clothes – Change after beach visit
- Smart casual minimum – Respect the atmosphere
Hours & Reservations
- Open daily for lunch and dinner
- Reservations recommended – Popular destination
- Walk-ins welcome when available
- Valet parking available
Marina Facilities & Services
Strategic Boat Access
Wet Slips
- Contact Miami Beach Marina for slip availability
- Transient docking options
- Protected basin
- Professional dockmaster assistance
Boat Ramps
- Launch access nearby
- Trailer parking available
- Easy Government Cut access
- Quick to ocean
Marine Services
- Fuel: Available at nearby Miami Beach Marina
- Pump-out: Services available
- Fresh water: Dockside access
- Electrical: Multiple amperage options
- Ice and provisions: Park café and nearby stores
South Pointe Café
- Located near splash pad – Convenient park location
- Refreshments: Juice, hot coffee, cold drinks
- Snacks: Chips, granola bars, ice cream
- Quick service – Grab and go
Restrooms & Facilities
- Clean restrooms – Throughout park
- Outdoor showers – Rinse after swimming
- Changing areas – Convenient facilities
- Accessible design – ADA compliant
Spectacular Views & Sightseeing
Panoramic Waterfront Vistas
Cruise Ship Watching
- Port of Miami – World’s busiest cruise port
- Multiple daily departures – Massive ships pass through Government Cut
- Best viewing: Late afternoon around 5:00 PM
- Close proximity: Ships pass just yards from park
- Photo opportunities: Incredible shots of megaships
- Ship horn salutes: Tradition as ships depart
Miami Skyline
- Downtown Miami – Stunning skyscraper views across Biscayne Bay
- Brickell financial district – Modern high-rises
- Sunset backdrop – Golden hour magic
- Night lights – Illuminated cityscape
- Constantly evolving – New construction always happening
Fisher Island
- Private island – Exclusive community
- Historic significance – Created by Government Cut dredging
- Ultra-luxury – One of wealthiest ZIP codes in U.S.
- Ferry access only – No public access
- Beautiful views – Mediterranean-style architecture
Atlantic Ocean
- Endless horizon – Open ocean views
- Boat traffic: Yachts, fishing boats, sailboats
- Marine life: Dolphins, manatees (occasional sightings)
- Cruise ships – International vessels
- Weather watching – Storm systems approaching
South Beach Access & Attractions
World-Famous Neighborhood Steps Away
Ocean Drive (1 mile north)
- Art Deco District – Historic architecture
- Iconic hotels – Classic 1930s-40s buildings
- Restaurants and bars – Endless options
- People watching – Vibrant street scene
- Beach access – Beautiful shoreline
- Nightlife – World-renowned clubs and lounges
Lincoln Road (1.5 miles)
- Pedestrian mall – Open-air shopping promenade
- Designer boutiques – High-end shopping
- Restaurants – Diverse cuisine options
- Cafés – European-style outdoor seating
- Art galleries – Cultural offerings
- Sunday farmers market – Fresh produce and goods
Collins Avenue
- Luxury hotels – Fontainebleau, Setai, others
- High-end shopping – Designer stores
- Spas and wellness – World-class facilities
- Fine dining – Celebrity chef restaurants
South Beach Lifestyle
- Beach culture – Sun, sand, fitness
- Art and culture – Museums, galleries, street art
- Fashion – Trendsetting style
- Nightlife – Clubs, lounges, rooftop bars
- Events – Art Basel, fashion shows, music festivals
Parking & Transportation
Convenient Access Options
- Parking: Metered parking throughout park area, pay stations accept credit cards. Peak times can be challenging. Street parking is limited. Valet available at Smith & Wollensky.
- Alternative Transportation: Citi Bike share kiosks, walking (25 mins from central South Beach), ride-share (Uber/Lyft), free Miami Beach Trolley, and water taxi.
- By Boat: Arrive via Government Cut; contact Miami Beach Marina for docking arrangements. Day docking may be available.
Activities & Recreation
Year-Round Outdoor Fun
| Category | Activities |
|---|---|
| Water Sports | Swimming, Surfing, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Jet skiing, Snorkeling |
| Land Activities | Fishing (from pier), Walking/Jogging, Biking, Rollerblading, Skateboarding, Dog park (off-leash), Outdoor yoga classes, Playground (kids water features) |
| Relaxation | Sunbathing, Reading on benches, Picnicking (BBQ areas), Photography, Sunset viewing |
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Maintenance or Repairs Near South Pointe?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified marine professionals serving South Pointe and the Miami Beach area.
Common Services Available
- Engine service and repair – All makes and models
- Bottom cleaning and painting – Antifouling application
- Boat detailing – Complete cleaning and waxing
- Electronics installation – GPS, fish finders, VHF radios
- Fiberglass repair – Structural and cosmetic work
- Canvas and upholstery – Covers, cushions, enclosures
- Mechanical systems – Steering, controls, hydraulics
- Electrical troubleshooting – Battery systems, wiring
- Propeller service – Repair and balancing
- Rigging work – All boat systems
Why Choose South Pointe Marina?
- Government Cut Access: Direct route to Atlantic Ocean with no bridges
- South Pointe Park: 17-acre waterfront paradise with full amenities
- South Beach Location: Heart of world-famous Miami Beach
- 450-Foot Pier: Spectacular fishing and viewing platform
- Cruise Ship Viewing: Watch megaships depart daily from Port of Miami
- Panoramic Views: Ocean, bay, skyline, Fisher Island vistas
- Smith & Wollensky: Fine dining steakhouse in the park
- Beach Access: Steps to beautiful Atlantic shoreline
- Art & Culture: “Obstinate Lighthouse” public art installation
- Dog Friendly: Off-leash bark park for pets
- Events & Festivals: Year-round South Beach activities
- Lifestyle Destination: Boating meets South Beach glamour
Weather & Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Excellent conditions 12 months
- Water Temperature: 72-86°F
- Air Temperature: 68-90°F
- Best Months: November – April (peak season)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
- Government Cut: 38-foot depth, well-maintained
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dock my boat at South Pointe?
Contact Miami Beach Marina (305) 673-6000 for docking information. Miami Beach Marina is located just inside Government Cut and serves as the primary full-service marina for this area.
Is parking free?
No, South Pointe Park has metered parking. Pay stations accept credit cards. Weekend/peak times can be crowded.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Dogs are allowed in the park (leashed in most areas). There’s an off-leash bark park on the western side. Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach.
Can I fish from the pier?
Yes, the 450-foot South Pointe Pier is a popular fishing spot with fish cleaning stations and line recycling bins.
How close is it to Ocean Drive?
About 1 mile (25-minute walk) north along the beachfront boardwalk to the Art Deco District.
What time do cruise ships leave?
Cruise ships typically depart in the late afternoon, around 4-6 PM. Best viewing is around 5:00 PM. Multiple ships may depart daily.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, Smith & Wollensky steakhouse is located in the park with fine dining and spectacular views.
Contact Information
South Pointe Park
1 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Park Phone: (305) 673-7779
Miami Beach Marina: (305) 673-6000 (nearby full-service marina)
Smith & Wollensky: Restaurant reservations
Park Hours: Dawn to early evening daily (promenade open until early morning)
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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South Pointe – Where South Beach meets the sea since 1905
