Two islands encompass Bay Harbor Islands, a Miami-Dade town bobbing in Biscayne Bay. To the east, East Island; on the west, yep, West Island. East Island contains BHI’s business district, including some eateries and shops, and numerous bayside condominium towers. Many of the latter contribute to East Island’s massive concentration of mid-century Miami Modern architecture, buildings characterized by aesthetic flourishes like lace-pattern cutouts, bright colors, and curved surfaces. West Island makes for even more of a tropical escape, entirely composed of charming, free-standing houses. Homes along the island-encircling waterfront, often complete with an accompanying private dock, are certainly the most coveted among West Island’s community. Though island paradise is nice, sometimes you need to reconnect to civilization. Luckily, it only takes a short trip up or down Collins Avenue to reach the wonders of Bal Harbour and Miami Beach.