This mostly residential neighborhood of distinctive historic and contemporary architecture takes its name from the oceanfront Casa Marina Resort located on the largest private beach on the island. It was built by Henry Flagler in the 1920s at the terminus of his overseas railway, which extended from mainland Florida to Key West. The neighborhood, once known as the countryside, retains a distinct heritage of spacious yards (by island standards), well-manicured homes, and lush gardens of Royal palms and Poincianas, many with pleasantly gurgling water features passersby can hear from sidewalks and roadways. This area includes Higgs Beach, a delightful stretch of soft sand. At a curve in the beach sits Salute!, a locals’ restaurant where patrons can have an excellent lunch or dinner among writers, artists, families, and visitors. Further along the coast, still overlooking the Atlantic, is Louie’s Backyard, a Caribbean-American restaurant known for fine dining. The Southernmost Point USA and Duval Street are close by.
