Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Fisher Island | Miami

An Artificial Island Once Part of Miami Beach

Did you know that this "richy-rich" island was once part of the Miami Beach island, a barrier island that lies across Biscayne Bay from mainland Miami?

Starting in 1903 and finishing in 1905, the US government decided to cut a shipping channel into the island to provide easier access to the Miami River. 

They cut what is now known as Fisher Island away from Miami Beach by dredging sand and expanded it further by adding much of the dredged sand to the island. 

They also used part of the dredged sand to create the foundation for the MacArthur Causeway that connects Miami Beach to the mainland.

Fisher Island passed from the hands of one millionaire to another several times, each owner utilizing the island as a private retreat for family and important guests. 

It was in the 1980s when more extensive development on the island began, providing houses and condos for more residents.

The Epitome of Private, Secure, and EXCLUSIVE

As of the 2021 census, Fisher Island has maintained its spot as the fifth highest per capita income of any zip code in the country, making it part of the richest cities, not only in Miami but in the U.S.

That said, rich and famous peeps own most of the homes in the area, so exclusivity and privacy are of utmost importance. 

Hence, Fisher Island has no bridges or roads and is only accessible through ferry or private boat. 

On top of that, they only allow residents and visitors, hotel guests, club members, and several workers on the island.

Indeed, Fisher Island prides itself as Florida's "Most Exclusive Private Club and Residences," home to many celebrities and dignitaries worldwide, including in the past, Orpah Winfrey, Boris Becker, and Sharon Gless.

The Famous Vanderbilt Mansion

If you dive into Fisher Island's deep history, you'll find that in 1925, William K. Vanderbilt II traded his 250-foot yacht for 7-acres of Carl G Fisher's barrier islands. 

It was turned into a gorgeous estate that adopted his name, the Vanderbilt Mansion.

Completed in 1941, the said estate and surrounding guest cottages, staff quarters, and airplane hangar are now part of the island's historic, luxurious hotel accommodations and club on Fisher Island. 

Today, Miami-Dade County's historic landmark and the island's most notable structure, the Vanderbilt Mansion, sits as the centerpiece of the country club's 15 luxury accommodations and is a rentable venue for events and weddings. 

Its unparalleled elegance and sophistication are second to none, providing top-of-the-line service and amenities you shouldn't miss when on Fisher Island!

Only Golf Carts At This Point

Fisher Island is a paradise of golf carts, so to speak, and you can expect to see lots of them in this exclusive community. 

As the preferred method of transportation in Fisher Island, these handy dandy vehicles make driving, especially parking, a real treat. 

And it's only fitting since nothing will make you feel like you're in a resort more than cruising around in a golf cart with no doors or windows, the wind blowing in your hair!

In fact, you'll rarely see people riding in their cars while doing errands around the island! 

And yes, there's no public transportation here, apart from the island's ferry, which takes people to and from the island-- you know, if you don't have a private yacht or boat!

Wildlife, Wildlife, And MORE Wildlife

As if the island couldn't be more exciting, Fisher Island is also COVERED with wildlife! 

Yes, you read it right--  the perfect icing on the cake!

Here, you'll see local wildlife, big and small, hailing from land and sea. 

From beautiful peacocks to cute little bunnies to green iguanas, you're sure to see at least one, if not all, gorgeous creatures on Fisher Island. 

You may even get to scope out dolphins, manatees, or sharks out on the bay, ocean, or in the marina, if you're lucky!

For a memorable bird-watching session, check out Fisher Island's Aviary Park, the resident bird sanctuary, in the morning when most birds are out of their cages!