Venetian Causeway
A historic 12-bridge causeway connecting Miami to Miami Beach, offering stunning skyline views and a popular spot for recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Venetian Causeway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 12-bridge causeway connecting Miami to Miami Beach, offering stunning skyline views and a popular spot for recreation.
"The views of Downtown Miami and Edgewater are absolutely stunning, especially during golden hour."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour Glow
The views of Downtown Miami are spectacular during sunset. Perfect for photos!
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk for the Best Experience
Dedicated lanes make it ideal for cycling or a long walk. Citi Bikes available at both ends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Miami Skyline Views
Along the entire causeway
Stunning panoramic views of Downtown Miami and Edgewater, especially magical during golden hour.
Historic Drawbridge Experience
The main drawbridge
Witness the impressive engineering of Miami's first drawbridge in action as ships pass through.
Scenic Cycling and Jogging Route
Dedicated bike lane and sidewalk
Enjoy a refreshing workout with dedicated paths, connecting Edgewater to South Beach in about 15 minutes by bike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Smooth Travels
Navigating the Causeway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour Glow
The views of Downtown Miami are spectacular during sunset. Perfect for photos!
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk for the Best Experience
Dedicated lanes make it ideal for cycling or a long walk. Citi Bikes available at both ends.
🚢 Watch the Drawbridge Lift
See Miami's first drawbridge in action! It's a quick but cool sight.
🚗 Be Mindful of Tolls
A toll is required after the drawbridge. U-turn right after if just visiting the bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour Glow
The views of Downtown Miami are spectacular during sunset. Perfect for photos!
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk for the Best Experience
Dedicated lanes make it ideal for cycling or a long walk. Citi Bikes available at both ends.
🚢 Watch the Drawbridge Lift
See Miami's first drawbridge in action! It's a quick but cool sight.
🚗 Be Mindful of Tolls
A toll is required after the drawbridge. U-turn right after if just visiting the bridge.
🏖️ Avoid Spring Break Chaos
Locals suggest avoiding MacArthur Causeway and sticking to 195 during busy spring break weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Venetian Causeway for its stunning Miami skyline views, especially during golden hour, and its suitability for jogging and cycling. The historic drawbridge is a unique point of interest. Some find the causeway long for walking and note the presence of tolls.
"MUST TRY!!
Venetian Causeway is hands down one of the best spots for jogging, cycling, or just taking a relaxing walk after work. The views of Downtown Miami and Edgewater are absolutely stunning, especially during golden hour—it’s the perfect backdrop for any workout.
You’ll see plenty of locals using the path for the same reason, whether they’re running, biking, or just soaking in the scenery. If you’re cycling, it takes about 15 minutes from Edgewater to South Beach, and walking is roughly 50 minutes one way. Plus, there are Citi Bike stations at both ends, making it super convenient.
If you’re looking for a spot to get your cardio in while enjoying some of the best views Miami has to offer, this is it. Highly recommended!"
Frank Garcia
"This is first ever drawbridge in action. Was around art district and found this place near by. First we thought of walking up to it but found to be very far. So drove here, and luckily we got to see couple of ships crossing the bridge. It only took 5 mins for 2 ships to cross, and there were red lights similar to rail road crossing.
One warning is, right after this bridge there is a toll, so keep eye on it, if you are going here only to see the draw bridge you can simply take the u turn right after the bridge to avoid the toll."
Wandering Guy
"Amazing Views, no matter if you visit in the day or at night. If you decide to walk over it, you have a nice little workout, do not underestimate how long it is✌️. I like to walk over it and enjoy the view. Here some expressions."
J. H.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Venetian Causeway connects Miami to Miami Beach, accessible by car from various points in Miami. Locals suggest using 195 to avoid some of the heavier traffic, especially during peak times like spring break.
While there isn't direct public transit onto the causeway itself, you can utilize Miami-Dade Transit buses to get to the mainland or Miami Beach ends, and then access the causeway via walking, cycling, or ride-sharing.
Yes, you can drive across the Venetian Causeway. Be aware that there is a toll after the drawbridge.
Locals recommend avoiding MacArthur Causeway and sticking to 195 during busy weekends like spring break. Visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays can also significantly reduce traffic.
Yes, the Venetian Causeway is a popular route for boating, offering scenic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access or use the Venetian Causeway for walking, jogging, or cycling. However, there is a toll for vehicles.
Yes, there is a toll for vehicles crossing the Venetian Causeway, which is collected after the drawbridge.
The Venetian Causeway is generally open 24/7 for pedestrian and bicycle access. Vehicle access is also continuous, though subject to drawbridge openings.
Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Venetian Causeway free of charge.
Information on drawbridge openings is typically managed by local authorities and may not be readily available online in advance. It's best to be prepared for potential delays if you are driving.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy jogging, cycling, walking, or simply taking in the stunning views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. It's also a popular spot for boating.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Downtown Miami and Edgewater, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! It's a favorite spot for locals for jogging and cycling, with dedicated paths and minimal slopes.
Walking the causeway takes about 50 minutes one way, while cycling can take around 15 minutes from Edgewater to South Beach.
While there aren't many designated rest stops, the width of the path allows for brief pauses to enjoy the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire causeway offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour for stunning skyline shots. The drawbridge itself is also a unique subject.
Sunrise and sunset, often referred to as golden hour, provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the Miami skyline.
Yes, if you're lucky enough to be there when a ship passes, you can capture the drawbridge in action.
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the city skyline, reflections in the bay, and the unique architecture of the bridges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds directly on the causeway, the journey itself is an adventure. The drawbridge can be an exciting point of interest for children, and the open space allows kids to move freely. Consider using the Citi Bike stations at either end for a convenient way to explore the causeway with younger ones.
🚴♀️ Active Travelers & Cyclists
Cyclists can easily connect from the mainland to Miami Beach, with Citi Bike stations conveniently located at both ends. The approximately 15-minute ride is a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for an active way to experience the area. Remember to stay aware of vehicle traffic and other pedestrians.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Capture the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the city's architecture, the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay, and the unique structure of the drawbridge. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the scenic vistas are sure to impress.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Engineering of the Venetian Causeway
The causeway's unique structure, with its series of bridges and islands, offers a distinct experience for visitors. Each bridge has its own character, and the islands themselves have evolved over time, housing some of Miami's most exclusive residences. The engineering behind its construction was significant for its time, allowing for the passage of marine traffic while connecting the mainland to Miami Beach.
Today, the Venetian Causeway stands as a beloved landmark, appreciated not only for its historical significance but also for its recreational value. It serves as a vital artery for the community and a picturesque route for those seeking scenic views and a connection to Miami's past.
Recreational Activities on the Causeway
For cyclists, the causeway offers a convenient and scenic route connecting the mainland to Miami Beach. It's estimated to take about 15 minutes to cycle the length of the causeway, making it a practical option for commuting or leisure rides. The presence of Citi Bike stations at both ends further enhances its accessibility for those who prefer not to bring their own bikes.
Beyond cycling and running, the causeway is also a popular spot for leisurely walks. Visitors can stroll across, taking in the expansive views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. It’s a place where you can enjoy a peaceful moment, observe the marine life, or simply appreciate the beauty of the South Florida environment.
Navigating Traffic and Tolls
There is a toll for vehicles crossing the Venetian Causeway, which is collected after the drawbridge. If your primary interest is seeing the drawbridge itself and not crossing to Miami Beach, you can take a U-turn right after the bridge to avoid the toll. This is a practical tip for those looking to experience a specific aspect of the causeway without incurring unnecessary charges.
Drawbridge openings, while a fascinating sight, can also cause temporary traffic delays for vehicles. These openings are necessary for marine traffic to pass through. While not always predictable, being aware of this possibility can help manage expectations when driving across the causeway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit