Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Pembroke Park, FL

Crossed by the east-west Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Pembroke Park is a modest town in the Miami metropolitan area.

It is worth noting that nearly half of its inhabitants reside in mobile homes. Despite adopting a residential ambiance distinct from Miami’s glamour, Pembroke Park is just moments from the excitement.

Gulfstream Park, South Florida’s foremost thoroughbred horse racing venue, is just a short distance away. Similarly, Aventura Mall, one of the largest and most renowned enclosed shopping centers in America, is nearby.

The beach is accessible within ten minutes if traffic allows, or you can spend a delightful afternoon along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, potentially enjoying live music as the sun sets.

1. Hallandale Beach Boulevard

Spanning between US 441 and I-95, Hallandale Beach Boulevard serves as Pembroke’s commercial backbone, with most of the town’s businesses lining its edges.

Given the high traffic volume and the configuration of strip malls, this area does not exactly resemble a traditional main street. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for dining options in Pembroke Park, this is the destination to visit. The offerings include diner cuisine, pizza, Haitian dishes, sandwiches, burgers, Cuban fare, Chinese food, freshly roasted coffee, and Italian meals.

A variety of shops selling antiques, musical instruments, wines, jewelry, exotic groceries, and more can be found along this corridor. As you proceed into Hallandale Beach, the shopping experience becomes more upscale, with the Lakeside Shoppes shopping center located right at the town border.

2. South City Beach Park, Hallandale Beach

Approximately four miles east of Pembroke Park, the Atlantic shore is easily accessible via Hallandale Beach Boulevard, which leads to a public access point at South City Beach Park.

However, the journey can be unpredictable, taking anywhere from ten to 25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

At South Beach Park, visitors will find a well-equipped public park that is abundantly wooded. This area underwent a comprehensive renovation in the 2010s. Facilities include a beachfront concession, playground, sand volleyball court, bocce court, a pavilion, showers, and picnic tables.

Of course, the pristine beach with its immaculate sands and inviting surf is the main attraction.

3. Aventura Mall

Source: Felix Mizioznikov / shutterstock

Aventura Mall boasts over 300 stores ranging from mid-range to high-end retailers, establishing it as one of America’s most recognized shopping centers. Furthermore, it is the third-largest mall in the country and has remained a significant landmark for more than 40 years since its inauguration.

The mall features major department stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Bloomingdale’s. However, true exploration reveals the extensive range of retail offerings present.

Luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren, Boss, Chanel, Cartier, Lacoste, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and others share space with more affordable retailers and over 50 dining establishments.

To highlight its distinctiveness, Aventura Mall houses an impressive art collection that rivals many museums. A notable installation here is Carsten Höller’s rideable Aventura Slide Tower, unveiled in 2018.

4. Ives Estates Park

As a county facility, Ives Estates Park borders Pembroke Park to the south. It serves as my preferred destination for active recreation in the area, as it offers a remarkable array of amenities.

In total, the park features four basketball courts, six racquetball courts, a tennis center, two baseball fields, and a synthetic field designated for soccer/football. Accompanying these facilities is a six-mile paved trail along Snake Creek, equipped with fitness stations, as well as a fenced dog park.

The recreation building at Ives Estates Park is a popular venue for children’s birthday celebrations, and a variety of outdoor events take place throughout the year.

5. Aqua Golf Driving Range

Source: aquagolfrange.com

For fans of iconic 90s comedies, this driving range may appear familiar as it featured in the 1998 film “There’s Something About Mary,” starring Cameron Diaz.

Aqua Golf Driving Range has a history spanning over 60 years and is one of the few remaining driving ranges situated over water. They provide club rentals and guidance from knowledgeable staff for those seeking assistance before venturing out independently.

This facility operates daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, offering competitive pricing. Many previous visitors have noted that hitting balls under the lights is more enjoyable than during daylight hours.

6. Pembroke Park Preserve

The largest public area within the town is Pembroke Park Preserve, a passive public park adjacent to the town hall. Located conveniently on Hallandale Beach Boulevard, it is in close proximity to many local cafes and restaurants.

For those looking to enjoy a picnic, there are numerous tables scattered throughout the park’s tree-lined area. Additionally, outdoor exercise equipment is available for workouts, alongside a well-maintained playground for children.

From February to July, this location serves as a nesting site for burrowing owls, making it an excellent time to visit for a leisurely walk, provided a safe distance is maintained.

7. Chef Tally World Famous Jerk Chicken

Pembroke Park and its neighboring West Park may be somewhat less frequented. However, one establishment that has gained traction within the Miami area is a popular jerk chicken food truck.

What stands out about Chef Tally World Famous Jerk Chicken, permanently located at 2481 SW 56th Terrace, is the straightforwardness of its menu.

Patrons can choose from chicken (white or dark), pork, or ribs, or select combinations of each. The meat is seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of jerk flavor, which can be complemented with a BBQ sauce. For those who prefer milder flavors, there are ample servings of festival bread.

8. Gulfstream Park

Source: Philip Lange / shutterstock

South Florida’s premier thoroughbred horse racing venue is located adjacent to Hallandale Beach. Established in 1939, Gulfstream Park hosts a variety of prestigious events throughout the year, including Grade I races such as the Florida Derby, first held in 1952, as well as the recent Pegasus World Cup.

A major renovation in the 2000s introduced a casino to Gulfstream Park, which operates year-round. Open 24 hours during weekends, this state-of-the-art facility features numerous slots and electronic table games, alongside fine dining options.

Following another expansion in 2010, Gulfstream Park is now complemented by a lifestyle center, which will be further described below.

9. The Village at Gulfstream Park

It is essential to mention the lifestyle center that was established in front of Gulfstream Park in 2010. The Village at Gulfstream Park stands out as an upscale shopping plaza that fits seamlessly among Miami’s most stylish malls.

Within the complex, characterized by Mediterranean Revival architecture, visitors can find fashion boutiques, art galleries, premium home design stores, spas, salons, and more. Notable brands include Bang & Olufsen, Pottery Barn, and numerous chic independent shops.

In the evening hours, The Village at Gulfstream Park transforms into a vibrant entertainment hub, offering various dining experiences and nightlife options, including the Strike 10 Bowling concept and PlugIn Karaoke.

10. Highland Oaks Park

Situated on the southeastern side of Pembroke Park, Highland Oaks Park offers expansive public space beside the Oleta River, which flows along its eastern boundary. This park features a significant lake at its northern end.

It provides an excellent venue for jogging, with a trail winding around the lake and beneath the shade of numerous trees. The park also boasts a remarkable playground for children, along with several picnic areas.

At the southern edge of the park, sports facilities are available, including tennis courts and fields for soccer and baseball. Additionally, on Thursday evenings, the park hosts a food truck rally, providing a lively atmosphere in this section.

11. McTyre Park

Recently, in 2023, this park underwent a significant renovation that focused on enhancing the children’s playground, now equipped with brand new structures, astroturf, and canopies.

Distinct equipment is available for both older and younger children, and the park features impressive live oak trees that provide ample shade.

A lengthy paved trail, suitable for jogging, encircles the park’s perimeter, passing by facilities for basketball and football.

The landscape is further accentuated by towering transmitters located on the park’s northern side, which belong to WLRN-TV, secured by cables throughout the area.

12. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

A highlight of the coastline just east of Pembroke Park is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, which stretches 2.5 miles along the sandy beachfront, with origins tracing back to the 1920s.

This brick-paved promenade is ideal for joggers, cyclists, skaters, and anyone keen on people-watching, making it a regional attraction. One side features swaying palm trees and expansive sands, while the opposite side is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses offering water sports activities.

Beautiful in the morning light, the Broadwalk is equally enchanting at sunset. There is a delightful offering of free live music five nights a week (Wednesday to Sunday) at the Hollywood Beach Theatre located here.

13. Snake Warrior Island Natural Area

West of Pembroke Park, this serene preserve presents a fascinating blend of nature and archaeology. The land surrounding Snake Warrior Island Natural Area is recognized for having been inhabited for over 2,000 years.

Numerous archaeological finds have been made across the islands within the marshes, left behind by the Tequesta people followed by the Seminoles. Visitors can learn about this history through an interpretive trail.

A boardwalk meanders through the wetland area and along the shores of two lakes. While walking, you are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife, including iguanas and a range of bird species such as ibises, anhingas, wood storks, and ospreys.

14. Orangebrook Golf & Country Club

Source: Orangebrook Golf and Country Club / Facebook

Located to the north of Pembroke Park, Orangebrook Golf & Country Club features two 18-hole championship courses, namely Orangebrook East and Orangebrook West, the latter of which poses a greater challenge.

On Orangebrook West, there is a particularly difficult stretch between holes #11 and #14 that involves water hazards. Notably, hole #14 is a challenging par 3 with an island green.

As is common with many courses in South Florida, the weather can affect the conditions. Nevertheless, players may overlook any such issues due to the appealing pricing at this course, especially compared to local standards.

15. Tidal Cover Water Park

While being close to the beach in Pembroke Park is a constant benefit, sometimes a visit to a water park is unparalleled for enjoyment. Tidal Cove Water Park, located in Aventura and welcoming day visitors, is part of the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa.

This attraction presents itself akin to a full-fledged theme park, boasting a slide tower with seven towering water slides, alongside a lazy river winding through lush ferns and palms. Younger guests can enjoy the 4,000-square-foot water playground.

Perhaps the most notable feature is the Flowrider Triple surfing ride, the only one of its kind in the United States.