La Gorce Island, Miami — A Cheat Sheet for Buyers, Visitors, & the Curious

LIVING IN LA GORCE ISLAND

Is La Gorce Island a gated community? 

Yes. La Gorce Island is a fully gated residential island with a staffed security entrance controlling all vehicle access. 

The guardhouse sits at the bridge entrance along North Bay Road in Miami Beach, and every vehicle entering the island must be cleared by security or verified through a resident. 

Guests are typically registered in advance, and service providers, deliveries, and contractors must also be approved before entry.

This level of controlled access is a major reason the island has maintained its reputation as one of Miami Beach's most private neighborhoods. 

Unlike many gated subdivisions that rely on automated gates or key cards, La Gorce Island operates more like a private checkpoint with on-site personnel monitoring activity throughout the day.

How many homes are on La Gorce Island?

La Gorce Island contains about 55 to 60 single-family homes, with multiple luxury market sources placing the total at 59 homes, including roughly 33 waterfront properties, making it one of the smallest and most tightly held residential islands in Miami Beach. 

The limited housing supply is one of the factors that drives the neighborhood’s extremely high property values.

Since the island footprint is compact, most homes occupy relatively large parcels compared with typical Miami Beach residential lots. 

Many properties are directly on the water, offering expansive views of Biscayne Bay.

How expensive are homes on La Gorce Island?

Homes on La Gorce Island are among the most expensive residential properties in Miami Beach. 

Older houses or smaller interior lots occasionally list between $15 million and $25 million, while renovated waterfront estates commonly trade between $30 million and $60 million.

New construction trophy properties and large bayfront compounds have reached prices well above $70 million, particularly when the property offers expansive waterfront frontage, contemporary architecture, or deepwater dockage.

As only a handful of homes sell each year, the island’s supply remains extremely limited, helping sustain high prices.

What types of homes are on La Gorce Island?

The island features a blend of architectural styles reflecting Miami Beach’s luxury real estate history. 

Mediterranean Revival estates from the 1920s and 1930s remain scattered throughout the neighborhood, while newer properties include contemporary waterfront mansions, glass-and-steel modern homes, and fully rebuilt luxury compounds.

Many residences include expansive outdoor living areas, private pools, guesthouses, and large waterfront terraces. 

Several properties feature private docks suitable for yachts and sportfishing boats.

Are there waterfront homes on La Gorce Island?

Yes. A significant portion of La Gorce Island homes sit directly along Biscayne Bay. 

The western and northern edges of the island contain many of the most valuable properties because they offer wide-open bay views and sunset exposure toward the Miami mainland skyline.

These waterfront homes typically include private docks, boat lifts, and deepwater access that can accommodate large vessels.

Interior homes still command premium prices because of the island’s security and exclusivity.

What are lot sizes like on La Gorce Island?

Lot sizes on La Gorce Island are considerably larger than those in many other Miami Beach residential neighborhoods. 

Interior parcels often range between 12,000 and 18,000 square feet, while waterfront estates frequently span 20,000 to more than 30,000 square feet.

Some bayfront properties approach half an acre, allowing space for large homes, landscaped courtyards, circular driveways, and outdoor entertaining areas.

Are docks allowed on La Gorce Island properties? 

Many waterfront properties include private docks with direct access to Biscayne Bay. 

Waterfront frontage on La Gorce Island typically ranges from 80 to more than 200 feet, which allows many homes to install substantial dockage along their seawalls.

Dock sizes vary depending on lot frontage and permitting rules from the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, but many can accommodate vessels in the 40- to 100-foot range, while larger bayfront estates may support yacht dockage beyond that.

Since the island sits directly on Biscayne Bay rather than within a canal system, boat access is generally unobstructed. 

Most properties can reach open bay waters immediately, with no fixed bridges between the island and the Intracoastal Waterway, making navigation easier for larger vessels.

Is La Gorce Island safe?

La Gorce Island is widely considered one of the safest residential areas in Miami Beach. 

The combination of a gated entrance, private security personnel, and a limited number of residents creates a controlled environment with minimal outside traffic.

While the Miami Beach Police Department still serves the area, the island’s security gate provides the primary layer of access monitoring.

Are there HOA fees on La Gorce Island?

Yes. Residents pay annual homeowners association fees that help fund the island’s private security operations, guardhouse staffing, maintenance of the entrance bridge, and landscaping of common areas.

Annual fees typically range between $20,000 and $25,000 yearly, although the exact amount may vary based on security, staffing, and maintenance costs approved by the association.

What are property taxes like on La Gorce Island?

Property taxes on La Gorce Island vary widely by purchase price, assessed value, exemptions, and how long the owner has held the property, so there is no single annual figure that applies to every home. 

In Miami-Dade County, high-end homes typically fall into an effective tax band ranging from the high 1% to the mid-2% of assessed value.

However, actual tax bills depend on municipal millage, school taxes, and any homestead protections.

For practical buyer planning, that means a newly purchased luxury home on La Gorce Island can generate annual property taxes in the high six figures, and in some cases above $1 million, especially when the purchase price is in the upper tens of millions, and the property is not protected by long-term capped assessments. 

Buyers typically review the current tax bill, the county property appraiser's record, and a post-sale estimate before closing, since reassessment after purchase can materially affect carrying costs. 

This annual-dollar range is an estimate inferred from reported Miami-Dade effective tax bands and county tax rules, not a fixed island-wide schedule.

What schools serve La Gorce Island?

Students living on La Gorce Island are served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. 

Zoned schools for the area include North Beach Elementary School, Nautilus Middle School, and Miami Beach Senior High School.

Many families living on the island also choose private schools across Miami-Dade County, including campuses in Miami Shores, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and North Miami.

For more information, visit Best Schools Near La Gorce Island.

What is daily life like on La Gorce Island?

Daily life on La Gorce Island centers around privacy and waterfront living. 

Traffic on the island’s streets is minimal because access is restricted to residents and guests. 

Many homeowners spend time boating on Biscayne Bay, entertaining in outdoor spaces, or enjoying sunset views from their properties.

Despite the quiet residential atmosphere, the island sits only minutes from Miami Beach restaurants, shopping districts, cultural venues, and beaches.

That balance between seclusion and convenience is a major part of the appeal: South Beach, Downtown Miami, the Design District, and Miami International Airport are generally about 18 to 20 minutes away in normal traffic.

For a typical day on La Gorce Island, check out Top 5 Things to Do on La Gorce Island.

VISITING LA GORCE ISLAND

Can the public visit La Gorce Island?

La Gorce Island is not open to casual public visits. 

Since it is a gated residential island, visitors must have authorization from a resident to enter.

Guests typically access the island by being on a resident’s guest list or confirming their visit with security at the entrance gate.

Can you drive through La Gorce Island?

No. Vehicles without a legitimate reason to enter La Gorce Island are turned away at the guardhouse. 

Unlike some residential neighborhoods in Miami Beach, La Gorce Island does not allow unrestricted drive-through traffic.

Most vehicles entering the island are owned by residents, guests, service providers, or deliveries.

How do you get to La Gorce Island?

La Gorce Island is reached from North Bay Road in Miami Beach by crossing the island’s single bridge entrance, where the staffed security gate is located. 

In practical terms, there is only one controlled vehicle entry point, which is among the features that give the neighborhood its private, enclosed feel.

Once outside the gate, residents are well-positioned in Miami Beach. 

South Beach, Downtown Miami, the Design District, and Miami International Airport are typically within a 20-minute drive in normal conditions, which is a major reason buyers see La Gorce Island as private without feeling remote.

Is there a beach on La Gorce Island?

La Gorce Island does not have a public beach. 

The island is on the western side of Miami Beach, along Biscayne Bay rather than along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline.

Residents and visitors typically reach public beaches by driving a few minutes east toward Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive.

Are there parks on La Gorce Island? 

The island itself does not contain public parks or recreational facilities, as nearly the entire land area is dedicated to private residential lots.

Residents rely on nearby Miami Beach parks, golf courses, and beach access points for outdoor recreation.

Pet owners may also visit Dog-Friendly Parks Near La Gorce Island for a list of parks that allow dogs.

Where do guests park when visiting La Gorce Island? 

Guests typically park in private driveways or garages at the host property. 

There is limited, monitored street parking as the island consists primarily of residential streets without commercial destinations.

However, many homes have large driveways that can accommodate several vehicles during gatherings.

Is La Gorce Island walkable? 

Yes, the island is walkable for residents because its streets are quiet and traffic levels are low. 

Many homeowners walk, jog, or bike along the circular roadway that runs around the island.

However, since there are no restaurants, shops, or public amenities on the island itself, walking on La Gorce Island functions primarily as a residential activity rather than a destination experience.

For the best dining options around La Gorce Island, check out Top 5 Places to Eat Near La Gorce Island. 

UNDERSTANDING LA GORCE ISLAND

Why is La Gorce Island famous?

La Gorce Island is famous for its privacy, waterfront estates, and history of high-profile residents. 

The island has long attracted celebrities, business executives, and international buyers seeking seclusion within Miami Beach.

Its limited number of homes, gated entrance, and large waterfront properties make it one of the most exclusive residential addresses in the city.

Why is it called La Gorce Island?

The name La Gorce Island is from John Oliver La Gorce, an early Miami Beach civic leader, explorer, and longtime president of the National Geographic Society. 

La Gorce played a significant role in promoting South Florida’s development and natural environment during the early twentieth century.

Several Miami Beach landmarks carry his name today, including La Gorce Country Club and La Gorce Drive.

The island’s name reflects that historical connection to Miami Beach’s early growth and civic leadership.

Who lives on La Gorce Island?

La Gorce Island has long attracted high-profile homeowners, including business executives, international investors, celebrities, and professional athletes seeking privacy in Miami Beach. 

Since the island contains fewer than 60 homes and access is tightly controlled through a staffed security gate, it has historically appealed to buyers who value discretion as much as luxury waterfront living.

Over the decades, the island has seen a mix of long-term residents and newly built trophy estates purchased by global buyers. 

Like many elite Miami Beach enclaves, specific ownership details are often private, but the neighborhood’s reputation as one of the city’s most exclusive residential islands continues to attract high-net-worth homeowners from around the world.

When was La Gorce Island developed?

La Gorce Island emerged during Miami Beach’s rapid expansion in the 1920s and 1930s, when developers created several man-made islands in Biscayne Bay to accommodate luxury residential estates.

These islands were designed to offer waterfront living while remaining close to the growing resort city of Miami Beach.

Is La Gorce Island a man-made island? 

Yes. Like many residential islands in Biscayne Bay, La Gorce Island was created through dredging and land reclamation during the early twentieth century. 

Material dredged from the bay floor was used to construct the island and shape its residential lots.

How big is La Gorce Island? 

La Gorce Island covers roughly 0.15 square miles and contains a single looping roadway that circles the neighborhood. 

Its small size contributes to its quiet residential atmosphere and close-knit community of homeowners.

Is La Gorce Island part of Miami Beach?

Yes. La Gorce Island sits within the municipal boundaries of Miami Beach in the Mid-Beach area along Biscayne Bay.

Even though it is part of the city, its gated entrance and limited housing inventory give it a secluded residential enclave feel.

How is La Gorce Island different from other Miami Beach islands?

Several residential islands are located in Biscayne Bay, including Palm Island, Star Island, Hibiscus Island, and Venetian Islands. 

La Gorce Island stands out since it has far fewer homes than many of these communities.

With roughly 55 properties, the island remains smaller and more private than many neighboring luxury enclaves.

Is La Gorce Island near La Gorce Country Club?

Yes. The island sits near La Gorce Country Club, one of the oldest private golf clubs in Miami Beach.

Although the golf course itself is not located on the island, the club is only a short drive away along Alton Road.

Why do buyers choose La Gorce Island over other luxury neighborhoods?

Buyers are often drawn to La Gorce Island for its rare combination of privacy, waterfront living, and proximity to Miami Beach amenities. 

The neighborhood offers the experience of living on a quiet residential island while remaining minutes from South Beach nightlife, Bal Harbour luxury shopping, and the Miami mainland.

For many luxury buyers, the ability to live in a secluded waterfront environment while still being within one of the world’s most dynamic coastal cities makes La Gorce Island especially appealing.