History

  • Aerial view of the Surf Club on Miami beach in the 1930's.
  • A historic black and white picture of day at the beach, cabana style, at the Surf Club.
  • A black and white photo of Elizabeth Taylor in a swimsuit at the Surf Club.
  • Black and white photo of the glamorous beachside lifestyle at the Surf Club.
  • Black and white photo of women from Miami's elites hanging out at the Surf Club.
  • black and white historic photo of Frank Sinatra walking along the shores of the Surf Club with on-lookers
  • Churchill painting at the Surf Club
  • large New Years Eve party with many people dancing and celebrating in formal attire with balloons lining the ceiling at the Surf Club circa 1940's.

The Surf Club was a kind of magnet for people who came from all over the world to be part of this lavish lifestyle. It was, and will be again, the place to be

 

– Richard Meier

Established in 1930, the celebrated Surf Club has stood the test of a time as South Florida’s premier private beach club. From the stunning high-beamed, vaulted ceilings, majestic colonnades, and massive fireplaces, to its keystone staircase that elegantly unwinds to the semi-private beach below. According to CNN Travel, The Surf Club evokes Miami’s former glamour, recalling bygone days of a Gatsby era characterized by plush extravagance and brilliant decadent beauty.

Through the years, the historic building’s glittering parties and tranquil hideaway have attracted a litany of world-famous personalities including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, and General Douglas MacArthur as well as intimate, private performances from entertainers such as Tony Bennett. Perhaps the clubs most famous guest was Sir Winston Churchill, who visited in 1946 to paint panoramic seascapes from the balcony of one of the famed horseshoe-shaped row of beach cabanas.

Today’s roster of exclusive owner-members includes legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula and American business magnate Carl Icahn. In recent years, the historic building has hosted elegant charity balls, glamorous wedding receptions, and intimate dinner parties. For the opening of the new luxury resort, the project went through an extensive restoration designed to bring back the club’s original sophisticated glory. To see The Surf Club in all its current-day glory, visit the gallery page.