Nixon Beach Sandbar, also known as Nixon Sandbar, is one of the best known places to anchor and swim in Biscayne Bay. It sits in shallow, sandy water off the bay side of Key Biscayne, and on weekends it becomes one of the most social spots on the water in Miami. This guide covers where it is, how it got its name, when to go, and how to plan a day there by private boat.
Nixon Sandbar at a Glance
- Location: off the western, bay side of Key Biscayne, about two miles north of Cape Florida
- Also known as: Nixon Sandbar, Nixon Beach, and Mashta Flats
- Water: shallow tropical water over a sandy bottom, often around waist deep
- Busiest: weekend and holiday afternoons
- Recommended charter length: six hours from most Miami departure points
Where Is Nixon Beach Sandbar
The sandbar lies off the western shore of Key Biscayne, roughly two miles north of Cape Florida and just outside the entrance to Hurricane Harbor. Some boaters call it Mashta Flats, after nearby Mashta Island. The bottom is mostly soft sand with patches of seagrass, and across much of the sandbar the water is shallow enough to stand in.
Why It Is Called Nixon Beach
The name comes from President Richard Nixon, who kept a waterfront home on Key Biscayne and returned to it often during his presidency. The compound became known as the Florida White House. The main house was torn down in 2004, but the name stayed with the sandbar nearby.
What a Day at the Sandbar Looks Like
On a weekend afternoon, boats anchor across the shallows and guests wade between vessels, swim, and float in the warm tropical water, with music and conversation drifting between boats. On weekdays the same spot is noticeably quieter, which suits groups who prefer a calm swim stop with the Key Biscayne shoreline close by and the Miami skyline in the distance.
Best Time to Go
Nixon Sandbar is busiest on weekend and holiday afternoons. Arriving earlier in the day makes it easier to find space to anchor, and weekday visits offer the most room and the calmest atmosphere. Miami weather keeps the sandbar in use year round. For a month by month look at the charter season, see the guide to the best time of year to rent a yacht in Miami.
How to Get There by Boat
Nixon Sandbar is reached by boat across Biscayne Bay. Departures from Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove sit closest, and charters from downtown Miami and Miami Beach cross the bay to reach it. A six hour charter is recommended from most Miami departure points, which leaves time to cruise to the sandbar, anchor, swim, and return without rushing. Depending on the vessel selected and the distance traveled, a trip to Nixon Sandbar may involve additional fuel costs.
Yachts departing from the Coconut Grove side of the bay can be browsed with photos and live pricing on the Coconut Grove boat rental page.
Nixon or Haulover
Miami's two best known sandbars suit different charters. Haulover Sandbar, near Haulover Inlet in the northern part of the bay, is the larger and more energetic of the two, and it is best reached from departures in North Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale. Nixon Sandbar is the natural choice from Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, downtown Miami, and Miami Beach. Both appear alongside other favorites in the guide to the best sandbars in Miami by boat.
Planning the Day
- Six hours is the recommended charter length from most Miami departure points
- Morning arrivals and weekdays offer the most room to anchor
- Longer charters leave time to add Stiltsville, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, or the skyline
- Catering requires 36 hours advance notice
Water toys, floating loungers, and catering for a sandbar day can be added through the Miami yacht charter add ons store.
For availability, pricing, and vessel recommendations for a Nixon Sandbar charter, contact our team at 1 800 747 9585 or via WhatsApp.