Sunny Isles Beach is a small but visually striking city occupying a barrier island in the northeast corner of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, the city is only a few blocks wide along much of its length, a geography that puts nearly every address within easy reach of the water. It lies between the communities of Golden Beach and Bal Harbour and is part of the larger Miami metropolitan area. The city's modern identity as a luxury resort destination is relatively recent. For much of the mid-20th century, Sunny Isles was known for "Motel Row," a stretch of themed, retro motels along Collins Avenue that offered an affordable alternative to glitzy Miami Beach. Beginning in the late 1990s, shortly after the city incorporated in 1997, a wave of high-rise development replaced the motels with luxury condominium towers, transforming the skyline and the community's character. The historic Sunny Isles Pier, designated a landmark in 1982, was rebuilt and reopened as the Newport Fishing Pier, preserving a link to the city's earlier era. Today, Sunny Isles Beach is synonymous with luxury oceanfront living. Its towers include several internationally branded residences, and the population includes a large share of international and seasonal residents. The economy is driven by real estate, hospitality, and tourism, supported by proximity to the shopping and business centers of Aventura, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach. For residents, Sunny Isles Beach offers a polished, resort-style lifestyle with a genuinely walkable waterfront. It appeals to those seeking direct beach access, high-service buildings, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, all within a short drive of downtown Miami and its international airport.