Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Miami Lakes, FL | Go Travel Daily

Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Miami Lakes, FL

The town situated in Greater Miami carries the slogan “Growing Beautifully.” Established on land owned by the distinguished Graham family, Miami Lakes was initiated in the early 1960s.

Though it was anticipated to be completed by the early ‘90s, the town continues to grow and develop in contemporary times. The Grahams retain ownership of significant portions of the town, including the Miami Lakes Hotel and Golf Club.

Named for the nearly twenty-two lakes within its boundaries, Miami Lakes is particularly picturesque and charming, benefitting from a tree canopy that covers approximately a third of the area.

With ample shade provided by maturing live oaks, the design of the town’s streets promotes walkability, and every neighborhood remains in close proximity to a public park. Undoubtedly, Main Street is among the finest downtown areas in Greater Miami.

1. Main Street Miami Lakes

In accordance with Miami Lakes’ urban planning, the entire town radiates from this central commercial hub.

Main Street has garnered praise and admiration from communities all across America. Along its verdant sidewalks, there exists a variety of locally owned shops, eateries, and service establishments, ranging from gyms to yoga studios and nail salons.

The district culminates at a quaint rotary, featuring a magnificent old tree at its center, surrounded by fountains. Here, one is merely a short distance from a 13-screen CMX theater, recently upgraded with power recliners.

Every Saturday, a farmers’ market convenes right in the core of the downtown area.

2. Miami Lakes Optimist Park

Source: iheartmiamilakes.com

Miami Lakes boasts one of the most extensive park systems within the county, many of which are easily accessible from other local attractions, ensuring convenience for visitors.

For instance, Optimist Park, located a short stroll north of downtown along the oak-lined 67th Avenue, offers facilities for baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, and tennis, making it an excellent venue for active recreation.

This park includes four baseball diamonds and three illuminated batting cages. Notably, the fenced playground, surrounded by trees, has a substantial canopy overhead and features soft rubber paving.

3. Miami Lakes Farmers’ Market

Source: Miami Lakes Farmers Market / Facebook
Miami Lakes Farmers Market

Another notable feature of downtown Miami Lakes is the weekly farmers’ market, which takes place on Saturdays in a tree-shaded location along New Barn Road, off Main Street.

Distinct from many farmers’ markets, this one remains open all day, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Visitors can expect a constantly changing selection of fresh produce, flowers, plants, eggs, honey, baked goods, and an assortment of handmade products, including organic soaps, baskets, candles, or jewelry.

A visit can be conveniently combined with lunch, as a delightful variety of food trucks frequently attends the market, offering options like Puerto Rican street food, acai bowls, and Neapolitan-style pizza.

4. Garden of the Arts

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Garden of the Arts

This beautiful public garden is nestled within a residential area, a mere five-minute drive from Hialeah. For those willing to stray slightly off the well-trodden path, it serves as a serene oasis of culture and tranquility.

Situated on an elongated plot, the Garden of the Arts presents an outdoor gallery adorned with murals, mosaics, and sculptures. These artistic creations are interspersed among well-tended lawns, flower beds, shrubs, fruit trees, and palms.

All artwork within this park is the handiwork of local artists, and visitors can appreciate these pieces from several benches placed along the winding trails.

5. Amelia Earhart Park

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Amelia Earhart Park

The site of the former Miami Municipal Airport, where the renowned aviator, Amelia Earhart, departed on her final flight in 1937, is located not far from Miami Lakes.

Now entirely redeveloped, this facility should not be confused with the current Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, which is situated further north.

I recently discovered that the previous airport was precisely located just south and east of the park honoring her legacy.

Amelia Earhart Park serves as a remarkable public resource. It encompasses over 500 acres and features amenities such as a skate park, a complex of mountain biking trails, and a petting farm with pony rides.

Additionally, it houses the Miami Watersports Complex, which will be detailed further below.

6. Main Street Players

One aspect I particularly appreciate about Miami Lakes is its local theater group. Established in 1974, this has became the longest-running community theater in Miami-Dade county.

The 2017 season signified a noteworthy development in the history of the Main Street Players. That year marked the first instance where the group was able to offer compensation to its actors.

In a typical year, four productions are staged, along with performances geared towards children and unique events like comedy shows. These are conducted in an intimate 90-seat theater, often featuring original works steeped in the rich Cuban American culture of South Florida.

7. Miami Lakes Golf Course

Source: shulasgolfclub.com
Miami Lakes Golf Course

Part of a resort managed by Graham Hospitality, this championship golf course was formerly named in honor of the legendary Dolphins coach, Don Shula.

The resort underwent rebranding in 2020, and the semi-private golf club has become my preferred choice for a round of golf within Miami Lakes.

Spanning across 500 wooded acres, this course was originally designed in 1962 by the eminent architect Bill Watts, later updated in 1998 by the notable designer Kipp Schulties.

Miami Lakes Golf Course caters to more advanced players. The front nine holes are relatively straightforward and open.

However, a shift occurs at the 11th hole, with every fairway and green thereafter framed by water. Additionally, there exists a comprehensive practice facility with a driving range, where one can relive their round at the 19th Hole, known as The Bull Pen.

8. Veterans Park

Ideal for those wishing to unwind outdoors in Miami Lakes, Veterans Park primarily serves as a picnic area, along with a space for children to play.

This park is the venue for the town’s annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks display, commemorating its 20th anniversary during the period this article was written. The festivities also feature a Fun Zone for children and a variety of food vendors.

For those inclined toward physical activity, the park boasts a fitness trail equipped with the latest exercise equipment. Additionally, there is a half-court for basketball and the Mary Collins Community Center, which hosts yoga and tai chi sessions.

9. Miami Watersports Complex

Within Amelia Earhart Park, a 90-acre lake houses a state-of-the-art cable wakeboard park. Here, numerous activities are offered, including cable wakeboarding, boat wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake-surfing, kneeboarding, and paddle boarding.

No previous experience is required to enjoy the Miami Watersports Complex, as individuals of all skill levels are welcome. Moreover, while utilizing the cable system, participants receive expert guidance from a qualified coach accompanying them.

Floating on the lake is also an aqua park, featuring an inflatable obstacle course complete with an exciting array of slides, climbing towers, and bridges to navigate.

10. McDonald Water Park

Located a mile south of downtown Miami Lakes, within the namesake park, lies an impressive public water park.

The highlight for me at McDonald Water Park is the lazy river, which stretches 1,000 feet and winds past lush palm trees and through a waterfall tunnel. This experience rivals any attraction found in Miami’s upscale resorts.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a wave pool and a zero-depth water playground, featuring numerous fountains, jets, and sprays.

The admission cost for non-residents is slightly higher than for Hialeah residents, and the facility is available for private rental, including the option for a FUNbrella private area for parties.

11. Westland Mall

Given the climate, it is not surprising that enclosed malls thrive in South Florida. A regional mall is located just a mile south of Miami Lakes in Hialeah.

Westland Mall boasts over 100 stores, but what particularly impressed me was the food court. Bathed in natural light from skylights, this area is bright and inviting, featuring options like Cajun Grill, Sbarro, Subway, Yihi Japanese, and McDonald’s.

Among the numerous national and international retailers are Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, Guess, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret, Perfumania, and Pandora.

12. Opa Locka Indoor Flea Market

Situated five minutes from Miami Lakes is one of several large flea markets located within the Greater Miami area.

Open every day of the year, the Opa Locka Indoor Flea Market is an indoor and outdoor marketplace, as the name suggests. During my visit, I noticed at least 200 vendors inside, with many more outside.

This is precisely the type of space in which I enjoy exploring for hours. As I navigated through this maze, I discovered an array of quirky gifts, apparel, jewelry, footwear, watches, musical instruments, fresh flowers, power tools, and more.

Additionally, a plethora of fresh produce and food vendors offers tacos, roasted corn, Cuban tamales, and an assortment of other delicious items.

13. GoFly Tours

One advantage of being in proximity to Opa Locka Executive Airport is the chance to view Miami from the sky.

Situated at the airport, GoFly operates as an FAA-approved flight school. The organization provides expert pilots for breathtaking tours of the Miami region.

When I inquired about their offerings, I found three primary packages available. I selected the Miami Sky Tour Experience, which showcased the South Beach skyline, Fisher Island, Star Island, and the Cape Florida Lighthouse.

The Romantic Tour follows Miami’s coastline and includes champagne during the flight. There is also a Majestic Tour that highlights the luxurious developments further north, specifically in Fort Lauderdale.

14. Hard Rock Stadium

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Hard Rock Stadium

For many dedicated football enthusiasts, what is now officially known as Hard Rock Stadium will forever be identified as Joe Robbie Stadium.

Constructed in the 1980s, this 65,000-seat venue serves as the home for both the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami’s Hurricanes. It is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable sports arenas in the nation.

The famous Orange Bowl is hosted here each January 1, and several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled to occur at this venue.

Apart from the extensive football season, the stadium also serves as a venue for various live entertainment events throughout the year. Prominent artists such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift performed here during my visit.

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