Golfer’s Guide: Live Near the Best Country Clubs in Miami

RIVIERA COUNTRY CLUB - CORAL GABLES

A name synonymous with some of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, including the frequent favorite of the U.S. Open in Los Angeles, Riviera Country Club in Coral Gables upholds its prestigious name with an historic golf course and recent upgrades to its many offerings and amenities. 

Originally designed by the world-famous golf course architect Donald Ross in 1924, Riviera Country Club continues to elevate its standard and evolve to meet the rising demands of its members. The course was restored to its original Donald Ross design in the 1990’s and recently underwent extensive renovations, completed in 2016 with the renowned Kipp Schulties leading the ambitious project, unveiling major upgrades such as elevated tee boxes, enhanced irrigation systems and the addition of 2 lakes. In 2019, the new 60,000 sqft clubhouse debuted featuring a 17,000 sqft dining terrace & patio, lap pool and 2 story state-of-the-art fitness center.

AMENITIES & FEATURES

• Historic Donald Ross Golf course: Par 71 & 6,511 yds
• 8 Har-Tru tennis courts (with rumors of a proposed new & improved tennis center)
• 8,000 sqft state-of-the-art fitness center
• Family friendly pool + lap pool
• Restaurant
• Event rooms

WHERE TO LOOK

NON-GATED

The Riviera Section: As the name suggests, the Riviera Section is Coral Gables’ luxurious and picturesque neighborhood surrounding its most prestigious private country club. Originally planned as “The Riviera of the United States” the area features some of the most picturesque tree-canopied streets in Miami with rows of banyans and old oaks towering in front of grand estates on oversized lots. Many sought-after sub-neighborhoods lie within Riviera including:

Florida Pioneer/Colonial Village: Set along Santa Maria Street running through the center of the Riviera Golf Course, this historic village is one of seven thematic enclaves featuring one-of-a-kind architecture inspired by regions from around the globe. One of the most grand, the Pioneer Village features impressive, colonial-style estates overlooking coveted views of the golf course’s pristine rolling hills. The original historic properties date back to the mid-1920’s with designs by John Pierson and John & Coulton Skinner.

Fun Fact: the street was featured at the beginning of “There’s Something About Mary” starring Cameron Diaz & Ben Stiller

Italian Village: Located just across the Coral Gables Waterway, the Italian Village is another of the city’s 7 historic villages set along quiet, manicured streets with towering palms, manicured landscapes and stunning architecture by Alfred L. Klingbeil, John & Coulton Skinner, R.F. Ware and Robert Law Weed, inspired by opulent Italian farmhouses of the past.

French City & French Country Villages: Both set along Hardie Avenue, the tree-lined roadway runs just south of Riviera seamlessly connecting Coral Gables with Coconut Grove. These two historic villages transport residents and visitors to 18th century France with architecture by Frank Forster, Phillip Goodwin and Mott B. Schmidt.

Country Club Section: Perched just north of Bird Rd next the Biltmore, the Country Club Section is one of the most highly sought-after neighborhoods in Coral Gables, known for its wide streets canopied by massive banyan & oak trees and central location with easy access to both private and public golf courses, tennis centers and the city’s central commercial district: Miracle Mile. 

Golden Triangle: Nestled to the east of the Biltmore between Granada Blvd, Anastasia Ave and University Drive, Golden Triangle is a small charming enclave with an eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from historic 1920’s Mediterranean Revival, 1930’s Art Deco, elegant new construction and everything in-between.

Ponce Davis & High Pines: Miami’s increasingly popular unincorporated communities offering oversized lots, architectural flexibility and one of the city’s best locations at the crossroads between South Miami, the Coral Gables bayfront and Coconut Grove. 

Discover homes for sale in all of these Coral Gables neighborhoods here and Ponce Davis & High Pines here.

GATED

Cocoplum: Just a 10 minute drive away and floating along the coastline of Biscayne Bay, Cocoplum is one of Coral Gable’s most sought-after gated communities prized for its long list of private amenities from tennis to a private marina and central location within moments to both Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami, and Brickell.

Gables Estates: Cocoplum’s world-famous neighbor has gained recent recognition for record-setting sales that Business Insider ranked as the “most expensive neighborhood in the U.S.” The ultra-exclusive enclave is revered for its top-tier security and unmatched privacy providing residents with a serene bayfront setting while still remaining close to Miami’s best destinations, including Riviera Country Club. 🙂

Sunrise Harbour: The City Beautiful’s northernmost gated community offers residents the perfect balance between Coral Gables’ timeless elegance and Coconut Grove’s eclectic easygoing lifestyle. Although floating along the coastline just 15 minutes from Riviera, residents also enjoy unique close proximity to Coconut Grove’s charming and vibrant village center.

Discover homes for sale in all of these neighborhoods here.

DEERING BAY - CORAL GABLES

Set on 220 acres of lush, tropical land along the Biscayne Bay coastline, Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club is one of the most picturesque private country clubs in South Florida and the only private club on Miami’s coast offering both a deep water marina and a championship golf course. 

Its roots date back to 1956, when it was founded as King’s Bay Country Club until its later redevelopment in 1991 spearheaded by Edward Easton, Armando Codina and Jeb Bush. Today, the exclusive club includes one of the most impressive collections of amenities from a prestigious Arnold Palmer-designed golf course to racquet sports, fitness and of course a coveted marina accommodating 30ft-120ft vessels. 

Fun Fact: Former President George H.W. Bush, his son and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, and Hall of Fame Yankee Joe Dimaggio all played a round together post-Hurricane Andrew to celebrate completed repairs.

AMENITIES & FEATURES

• 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Championship golf course overlooking open waters of Biscayne Bay
• 7 Har-Tru tennis courts
• 3 pickleball courts
• Fitness center
• Aerobic studio
• Junior olympic-sized pool
• 2 dining venues
• Event spaces
• 94-slip deep water marina accommodating 30ft-120ft vessels

WHERE TO LOOK

GATED

King’s Bay: Deering Bay’s neighboring private enclave exhibiting the prestigious club’s original name. Just 150 homes sit behind the guarded gates, many featuring charming mid-century architecture and a select few overlooking the serene canals and Deering Bay’s luxurious marina. Residents also enjoy access to a private community marina, private park and rare walkability to one of Miami’s premier private country clubs.

Deering Bay Estates: Set amongst tropical mangroves and within the Deering Bay Country Club’s grounds, the community of Deering Bay is a private, ultra-exclusive enclave offering elegant single family homes, timeless villas and luxury condos overlooking some of the most breathtaking views of the championship golf course and sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay. Residents’ only amenities include water sports with kayak launch areas, dog parks, jogging trails, and top security for the premier tropical lifestyle.

Gables By The Sea: One of Coral Gables’ most prestigious gated communities also happens to sit just moments north of Deering Bay. A series of winding canals provide the majority of residents with coveted waterfront living and direct ocean access. Additionally, many of the homes along the guard-gated streets showcase impressive architecture and premier private amenities from resort-style pools to private docks.

Discover homes for sale in all of these neighborhoods here.

NON-GATED

Pinecrest: Bordering Coral Gables to the south & west, the village of Pinecrest has become increasingly popular among both locals and newcomers for its sprawling estates on oversized lots allowing space for more rarely seen private amenities such as guest houses, tennis courts and expansive resort-style pools. Primarily residential with quiet, tree-lined streets, the village offers a serene escape within minutes to parks, botanical gardens, top-rated schools and popular commercial centers such as Dadeland Mall, downtown South Miami, and Merrick Park. 

Palmetto Bay: Pinecrest’s sister village located just south offers many of the same benefits of its neighbor - large lots, spacious homes, and a serene environment - but for comparatively less than properties just north. Residents benefit from both an a-rated public school system as well as prestigious private institutions. Also nearby: top hospitals, Dadeland Mall, huge expanses of bayfront natural preserves, local parks and more. 

Discover homes in Pinecrest here and in Palmetto Bay here.

LA GORCE - MIAMI BEACH

Nestled at the center of a man-made island in North Miami Beach, La Gorce Country Club’s history dates back to the Florida land boom of the 1920’s and today is one of the most exclusive private clubs in South Florida. Many locals and golf lovers are familiar with the club’s invitation-only policy for new members, its strict rules that once led to a legendary athlete’s banning from the club for failure to adhere to the dress code, and prestigious championship Nicklaus Signature course; what many people may not know is the course’s ties to Jack Nicklaus’ early career. Growing up in the area, the icon would frequently practice on the course before making his way on tour and carving a career that would rank him as arguably the greatest golfer of all time. Nicklaus later led the golf course’s re-design in the 1990’s. 

From sprawling mansions along North Bay Road to the private gated La Gorce Island floating off the northern edge, La Gorce Country Club is surrounded by some of the most expensive and coveted properties in all of Miami.

AMENITIES & FEATURES

• 18-hole Nicklaus Signature championship golf course
• 6 Har-Tru clay tennis courts
• State-of-the-art fitness facilities
• 50,000 sqft clubhouse
• Pool
• Casual & fine dining options

WHERE TO LOOK

GATED

La Gorce Island: Conveniently connected by one singular bridge, the exclusive gated island holds fewer than 100 custom homes making it one of the most coveted addresses in Miami. Buyers can find an array of architectural styles ranging from the historic charm of the 1930’s and 1940’s to timeless & cool mid-century modern and brand-new, cutting-edge contemporary estates. 

Biscayne Point: Floating just a few minutes north, 2 of Biscayne Point’s 4 tropical islands are guard-gated, ensuring maximum privacy within one the beach’s best locations. Two long peninsular islands stretch out into the open waters of Biscayne Bay, providing the majority of residents with coveted waterfront homes and stunning views of the city skyline glittering in the distance. The community has seen a recent influx of ultra-contemporary new construction, and as a result, has increased in popularity among beach buyers.

Sunset Islands: Located just a few minutes south via Alton Road, Sunset Islands is an exclusive archipelago of 4 gated islands perfectly nestled between South Beach, Mid-Beach and Miami’s mainland. Composed of all single-family homes, residents enjoy a peaceful and safe environment with rare walkability to endless shops, parks, restaurants and more including the vibrant Sunset Harbour located directly across the community’s southern bridge.

Discover homes for sale in La Gorce Island and Biscayne Point here and Sunset Islands here.

NON-GATED

North Bay Road: Known to many as the “Park Avenue of Miami Beach,” North Bay Road has stood as one of the most prestigious avenues on Miami Beach since the city’s inception in the early 20th-century. While not gated (yet), the area provides its residents with a peaceful and private residential environment compared to the more urban beachfront, and with spacious acreages lining Biscayne Bay, some of the most showstopping estates can be found standing along the gently winding road. Residents include business tycoons, prolific developers and a-list celebrities like the Beckham family, Jon Oringer and Cindy Crawford.

Fun Fact: the founding father of Miami Beach Carl Fisher’s original 1927 Mediterranean masterpiece still stands along the shoreline spanning 18,000+ sqft on over 1.5 acres of land.

PINE TREE DRIVE: Curving along the eastern edge of the island is Pine Tree Drive: one of Miami Beach’s first ever roads that today borders the Intracoastal Waterway and hosts impressive contemporary estates, timeless historic mansions and everything in-between. Many homes showcase a mix of charming original details and modern cutting edge design, vibrant views of the Intracoastal and Miami Beach skyline and enviable amenities from private docks, guest houses, resort-style pools and more. 

LAKEVIEW: Perched at the southern edge of La Gorce CC’s island, Lakeview is a small residential enclave and one of the city’s best kept secrets. Residents are welcomed by a statue of the father of Miami Beach, Carl Fisher, before entering a quiet, picturesque street lined by gated mansions overlooking Surprise lake. Not only is La Gorce Country Club within comfortable walking distance, but the best of the city is also easily accessible via Pine Tree Drive and Alton Road. 

Discover homes for sale is all of these areas here.

LUXURY CONDOS & NEW DEVELOPMENTS

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES: Completed in 2019 and located directly across Surprise Lake, the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach is a residence-only collection of 111 condos as well as 15 private villas just moments from La Gorce CC.  All residents enjoy access to an exclusive collection of luxury amenities including multiple pools, restaurants, a private marina, on-site spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, luxury house car and day yacht, beach concierge services and more.

57 OCEAN: An ultra-luxury, boutique collection of just 71 residences situated on the prestigious beachfront of Millionaire’s Row directly across the Intracoastal from La Gorce CC. Completed in 2021, each residence showcases high-end features including private elevators, 12ft deep terraces and Poliform kitchens. Experience world-class amenities including 2 beachfront pools, bar & lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness pavilion spa, poolside & beachside services, tropical gardens & more.

THE PERIGON: Coming Soon: just south of 57 Ocean is The Perigon: a brand-new collection of 73 exclusive waterfront homes perched on 200 linear feet of private beachfront. Each residence is positioned to optimize open views over the ocean and Intracoastal from spacious wraparound terraces. An incredible collection of world-class amenities includes: signature oceanfront restaurant, a residential butler, sunrise & sunset lounges, pool and beachside services, private spa, and more. 

INDIAN CREEK

At the heart of South Florida’s most exclusive private residential enclave lies an equally exclusive country club: Indian Creek. Set on a gated 300 acres, Indian Creek’s history dates back to the 1930’s when the manmade island was created and the championship golf course designed by the renowned William Flynn first debuted. In addition to the golf course that allegedly rivals Augusta National for its perfectly manicured grounds, members also enjoy dockage, event & hospitality facilities and access to the original, grand Italianate clubhouse. With top-tier security including its own state police force and floating boat patrols, the island is popular among a-list celebrities, politicians, and business moguls, gaining the moniker “Billionaire’s Bunker.”

AMENITIES & FEATURES

• 18-hole championship golf course originally designed by William Flynn and recently redesigned by Andrew Greene in 2022
• Stately, historic Italianate-style clubhouse
• Private dockage
• Event/hospitality spaces
• Top-tier security protecting the entire island both by land and water

WHERE TO LOOK

GATED

Indian Creek: There’s no better place to look than on the island itself which happens to also be one of the most secure and rarely available residential enclaves in the country. Just 41 sprawling custom properties line the edge of the 300-acre island on 1-2 acres of land with famous neighbors including Tom Brady, Jeff Bezos, Ivanka Trump and David Guetta.

Biscayne Point: Floating directly to the south is Biscayne Point: a community of 4 residential islands, two of which are guard-gated and hold some of the most coveted real estate on the beach. The peninsulas have become increasingly known for ultra-contemporary new construction, taking advantage of stunning water views to the north, west and south.

Bal Harbour Village: Perched a few minutes north and neighboring the world-famous Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour Village’s exclusive gated community lies on the west end of the island consisting of exclusively single family homes, including prized waterfront masterpieces. As the only location for private homes in Bal Harbour, residents enjoy esteemed living within one of the most sought-after private communities in South Florida renowned for its secluded feel and walkable proximity to endless designer shops, upscale dining and sandy beaches.

Discover homes for sale in all of these neighborhoods here.

EXCLUSIVE BEACHFRONT CONDOS

The Surf Club Four Seasons: Two modern glass towers and 147 bespoke residences stand over 8 acres of pristine beachfront and the original 1930’s resort destination that has been masterfully preserved to uphold its esteemed longstanding reputation. With the five-star amenities and services of the Four Seasons, on-site Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic social gathering spaces and unbeatable location along the coastline of Surfside, The Surf Club is primed to stand as one of South Florida’s premier ultra-luxury destinations for many years to come.

Arte: Located steps to the south of the Four Seasons is Arte: an ultra-exclusive collection of just 16 private beachfront residences offering top-of–the-line European design & finishes, white glove service and incredible oceanfront amenities. 

ULTRA-LUXURY NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Ocean House: Perched in the middle of Surfside along pristine beachfront, Ocean House promises to deliver just 25 exclusive residences overlooking breathtaking views to the eastern sunrises, western sunsets and southern skylines. With private elevators opening to generous 2-5 bedroom floor plans, each residence provides a perfect blend of private villa living with the convenience, services and views of a luxury condo.

The Delmore: Discover 37 bespoke oceanfront mansions in the sky from the legendary Zaha Hadid Architects and renowned designer Hirsch Bedner Associates. Residents will enjoy expansive four-to-five bedroom floor plans and have access to over 55,000 sqft of world-class amenities including a sure-to-be iconic glass bottomed sky pool suspended 125ft in the air.

FISHER ISLAND

Accessible solely by boat, Fisher Island is truly the most unique and private club on the list and possibly in the country. With roots tied to prominent historical figures including Miami’s first black millionaire Dana Albert Dorsey, Miami Beach founder Carl Fisher, and the billionaire Vanderbilt family, the island’s history is as rich as today’s residences. Set on 216 acres just off of the southern edge of Miami Beach, present-day Fisher Island is host to roughly 800 ultra-exclusive, sophisticated residences and is frequently ranked as one of the most expensive zip codes in the country attracting celebrities, business tycoons and those seeking the ultimate destination for luxury and privacy. With The Fisher Island Club at its heart, residents have everything they need at their fingertips from golf & tennis to deep water marinas, multiple dining venues, spa & salon and even an aviary to discover the area’s tropical, exotic birds.

Fun Fact: Carl Fisher traded the island with William K. Vanderbilt in 1927 in exchange for a yacht. The island held Vanderbilt's winter estate until it was later developed in the 1980’s.

AMENITIES & FEATURES

• Ultra-private beach club
• Award-winning 9-hole golf course designed by the famous Pete Dye
• 17 tennis courts encompassing all 4 Grand Slam surfaces
• 4 pickleball courts
• 2 deep water marinas
• 9 dining venues ranging from casual & formal to a local market and in-room dining
• Full service spa & salon
• Fitness center
• The Cove Kid’s Club
• The Vanderbilt Theater
• An aviary for bird watching
• An observatory to explore constellations

WHERE TO LOOK

Because of its unique, ultra-private location, the best place to look is on the island itself! While each building is sought-after in its own right, we’ll give an inside look into the newest residences to debut on the island. 

Palazzo Della Luna & Del Sol: The two sister buildings located at the northern end of the island enjoy incredible views over the waters of Government Cut and the breathtaking South of Fifth skyline on Miami Beach. Completed in 2019 and 2016 respectively, residences total just 93 3-7 bedroom units complete with deep private terraces and private elevator foyers, providing the feel of a single family home in the sky. On top of easy access to all of the Fisher Island Club’s offerings, each building is host to its own collection of luxury amenities including resort-style pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, 6-star concierge services, and more.

The Mansions: Coming soon near the western end of the island, 15 custom mansions will provide the first-of-its kind single family living experience on America’s most private island.

Discover all available properties on Fisher Island here.

Interested in learning more about Miami's exclusive communities and esteemed country clubs? Contact us! We're more than happy to help.