The ocean has been Dwyane Wade and Union’s ever-present haven. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a free weekend, the couple always seems to find their way back to the water. From romantic boat rides in Capri to beach days in Miami, the beach isn’t just a backdrop—it’s their sanctuary. So it came as no surprise when, late last year, they made it official—trading city lights for salty air with a permanent move to their beach house in North Fork, Long Island. And this weekend? Yup, they were back at it—sun-kissed and sea-bound once again.

Following a stint supporting the Chicago Sky, Wade returned to family life in Long Island. The NBA legend has been busy wearing his co-owner hat with the Chicago Sky, stepping in to support the team through a challenging 0–3 start under new head coach Tyler Marsh. Wade even dropped by practice after their Game 1 loss, and the Sky welcomed him with a cheerful “hey friennnnnd 👋🏾” on social media. Now home from Chicago, Wade is recharging with his family on the North Fork shore.

Kaavia ‘Shady Baby’ James posted an adorable Memorial Day reel. In a carousel of sunshine and smiles on her Instagram, the first photo shows the trio—Kaavia, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade—enjoying what Gab called their “first taste of summer.” Ice cream in hand, fruit punches nearby, and all the warmth of a simple moment captured with love. But the real star? A short video of Kaavia and her dad playing basketball. She gently places the ball in the hoop while Wade, beaming, gives her a proud thumbs up. It’s everything you want a holiday weekend to be.

And the joy didn’t stop there. The rest of the thread shows the family surrounded by loved ones, laughing with other kids and soaking up every bit of sun, song, and serenity. One especially adorable surprise? Kaavia belting out the lyrics to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” while vibing with her dad. She wrapped up the post perfectly with a caption that was pure Kaavia: “waves were waved, buckets were made, naps were had #gratitude.”

Kaavia James is quickly becoming the ultimate beach baby, following right in her parents’ sandy footsteps. From doing headstands during Easter to dancing in the sun with

Dwyane Wade, she’s turned every shoreline into her playground. Gabrielle Union called her the “tiny wild card” during a recent girls’ day by the sea, and honestly, it fits. Living by the water, Kaavia seems right at home.

Why Wade left Miami’s sunshine for Long Island’s quiet

After spending years in Miami, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union traded in their $22 million beach mansion in 2021 for Hidden Hills, California, and more recently in a $2.6 million beach house in Jamesport, Long Island. Unlike the glam of the Hamptons, this spot on the North Fork offers what they really crave now: peace, privacy, and family time. With three bedrooms, water views, and a screened porch that begs for long summer evenings, it’s the kind of place that feels more like a retreat than real estate.

But the move also prioritized safety and belonging for their children. Wade opened up to Rachel Nichols, explaining why he no longer lives in Florid a: “I mean, obviously, the tax [situation] is great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And so that’s one of the reasons why I don’t live there.” Since their daughter Zaya came out as transgender in 2020, the couple has prioritized finding communities where she could truly “blossom and grow.” For them, California—and now this peaceful stretch of Long Island—offered just that.

“There are a lot of reasons we decided California was best for our family,” Wade told People. “And finding a community for [our daughter] Zaya was a big part of that. She’s going to be a junior in high school now, and she’s been able to be accepted and become her here.” Between advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and crafting a loving home where their children can thrive, the Wades are building a building a legacy of love and acceptance. Beyond providing a safe haven for their family, Wade and Union have actively advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. In May 2024, they launched “Translatable,” a digital platform aimed at offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves and find community support.

For Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, home is about love, safety, and freedom. From Miami’s glitz to Long Island’s calm, they’ve built a sanctuary where their family can thrive, grow, and just be and enjoy vacations.