Crossing the MacArthur Causeway: Star Island and Cruise Ships

Every drive from South Beach to the Everglades starts the same way: over the water. The MacArthur Causeway carries you about 3.5 miles across Biscayne Bay from South Beach to downtown Miami, and on a clear morning it’s one of the best views in the city.

A little history

The causeway opened on February 17, 1920, as the County Causeway. Before that, the only direct road link between the mainland and Miami Beach was the old wooden Collins Bridge, which later became the Venetian Causeway. The route was renamed in 1942 for General Douglas MacArthur. Today it’s a six-lane bridge with a 68-foot clearance for boats passing underneath.

Star Island

Just after you leave Miami Beach, look north for Star Island, a small man-made island created in 1922 by dredging the bay. It has only a few dozen homes behind a gatehouse, and it has long been known for famous owners. Bloomberg once called it the most expensive neighborhood in the United States. Palm and Hibiscus Islands sit beside it, also reached from the causeway.

The cruise ships and Fisher Island

To the south you’ll see PortMiami. On most mornings the cruise ships tower over the water like apartment buildings. Beyond the port is Fisher Island, which has no bridge at all. It can only be reached by ferry or private boat, and it’s often listed as the wealthiest ZIP code in the country.

Watson Island

Near the downtown end, the causeway crosses Watson Island, created in 1926 and named for former Miami mayor John W. Watson. It’s home to Jungle Island, the Miami Children’s Museum, the Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden and the Miami Yacht Club. It was also the longtime base of Chalk’s seaplanes and the Goodyear Blimp.

Next stop

At the western end the causeway turns into I-395, and the downtown skyline fills your windshield. Read about downtown and the Freedom Tower.