Nixon Sandbar Key Biscayne

Nixon Sandbar (also called Nixon Beach Sandbar or Nixon Beach) is a shallow-water sandbar in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, often associated with the nearby Mashta Flats. It’s one of Miami’s most famous “raft-up” destinations—boats anchor in skinny, clear water and spend the day swimming, floating, and socializing.

There’s no land access, no facilities, and the best shallow areas shift with tide and conditions—so planning matters. Use the GPS pin below as a go-to meeting point, arrive early on busy days, and be ready to anchor responsibly while keeping clear of deeper channels.

Whether you’re going for a laid-back weekday float or the full weekend scene, Nixon is all about timing (tide + wind), good boat handling, and bringing everything you’ll need for a safe, comfortable day on the water.

Nixon is a shallow sandbar zone where depth commonly sits around 2–5 ft in the best areas (varies with tide and exact spot). Weekends and holidays can be crowded with music, float mats, and boats rafting together; weekdays are usually calmer and more family-friendly.

Water clarity and comfort change quickly with wind and tide. Currents can be noticeable near deeper edges and channel-adjacent water, so set your anchor carefully, keep an eye on swing room, and avoid drifting into traffic lanes.

Nixon Sandbar’s name is commonly linked to Richard Nixon’s former Key Biscayne home (often referenced as the “Winter White House”), which was later torn down (frequently cited as 2004). The name stuck, and today the area is best known as a classic Biscayne Bay sandbar hangout near the Mashta Flats—an expanse of shallow flats that become more pronounced at lower tides.

Boaters come for the easy swim-and-float setup, postcard views of Key Biscayne and the Miami skyline, and the social raft-up culture that turns busy days into a floating neighborhood.