Top 14 Attractions and Activities in West Park, FL

Approximately five miles from the Atlantic coastline, West Park is a compact residential municipality. It is indeed feasible to traverse its expanse within a few minutes.

Situated in one of the nation’s priciest metropolitan areas, West Park serves as a comparatively economical neighborhood. Furthermore, it grants convenient access to numerous engaging attractions located within a 15-minute radius.

Among these are renowned Miami landmarks such as Hard Rock Stadium, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Gulfstream Park, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

On a more tranquil note, the area boasts an abundance of charming public parks and subtropical green spaces throughout.

1. Snake Warrior’s Island Natural Area

Source: Miami Lakes Kia / Facebook

Numerous residents spend years in the West Park vicinity without recognizing the existence of a spectacular wetland area nearby.

Acquired by the State of Florida in 1922, Snake Warrior’s Island spans just over 50 acres and features a remarkable diversity of plant life. Along the trail, visitors can encounter bald cypresses, live oaks, strangler figs, bumbo limbo, among others.

Moreover, Snake Warrior is located on the Great Florida Birding Trail and attracts various wading birds. During my visit, I observed anhingas, ibises, wood storks, and a multitude of herons within moments.

The park is equipped with interpretive signage detailing the local wildlife, alongside numerous seating areas to appreciate the natural beauty.

2. Hollywood Beach

It is easy to overlook that West Park is merely five miles from the Atlantic coast. Even more enticing, a prime stretch of beach lies directly east of the city.

Accessing Hollywood Beach takes only about ten minutes when traffic is favorable. This area boasts miles of unspoiled white sand, with the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk as its primary attraction.

Extending 2.5 miles, this boardwalk, first paved in 1923, is flanked by resort hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and live entertainment venues. A personal recommendation would be to rent a bicycle here and enjoy a leisurely couple of hours exploring the Broadwalk and observing the surroundings.

Lastly, no city in South Florida offers a free live music program comparable to that of Hollywood. Visit the Hollywood Beach Theatre for performances five nights a week, from Wednesday to Sunday.

3. Aventura Mall

This globally recognized shopping destination epitomizes luxury in Miami and can be reached in approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

First opened in 1983, this shopping center is the third-largest mall in the United States and the largest in Florida. Featuring more than 300 tenants, the mall excels not merely in quantity but also in quality.

Indeed, Aventura Mall includes nearly every high-end brand one can envision. Notable names featured here include Chanel, Givenchy, Cartier, Hermes, Boss, Rolex, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton.

Complementing this extensive collection is a two-story Apple store, along with department store anchors, and a variety of mid-market retailers, ranging from H&M to Forever 21.

Additionally, dining options cater to all tastes, complemented by public art of museum quality. The most iconic piece is Carsten Höllder’s Aventura Slide Tower, unveiled in 2018.

4. Chef Tally World Famous Jerk Chicken

When this article was composed, there was only one dining establishment within the limits of West Park. However, Chef Tally World Famous Jerk Chicken effectively functions as a food truck.

People travel from far and wide to enjoy freshly grilled Caribbean fare. The menu is straightforward, featuring chicken, pork, ribs, or various combinations of the three, which contributes significantly to this venue’s appeal.

Each portion is served with deliciously soft festival bread, accompanied by a homemade BBQ sauce that enhances the flavor of the meal.

5. Hard Rock Stadium

One of the most iconic sports venues in the United States is located merely a ten-minute drive from West Park. This facility is home to the Miami Dolphins and has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1987.

To many, it will perpetually be regarded as Joe Robbie Stadium. In addition to hosting NFL games, Hard Rock Stadium also features NCAA football, courtesy of the University of Miami’s Hurricanes.

This 64,767-seat venue enjoys a reputation for hosting the Orange Bowl, a New Year’s Day tradition dating back to 1935.

Even four decades after its establishment, the stadium remains a reliable venue for significant events, including concerts and memorable sports spectacles. As this article is being composed, the stadium is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

6. Snake Creek Trail

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This 6.5-mile trail follows the canal of the same name, located just a couple of miles south of West Park. Although primarily intended for commuting and fitness, it rewards users with picturesque views along the route.

Fitness stations can be found along the path, and many individuals frequently visit early in the morning before the temperature rises. Additionally, one can launch a canoe or kayak and travel towards Biscayne Bay from this point.

Several parks are situated along the trail, and it is common for visitors to lose track of time while unwinding in this serene corridor.

7. Pembroke Park Preserve

Although West Park is densely populated with limited public green space, its small size allows for quick access to various splendid parks within ten minutes.

Pembroke Park Preserve is notably close, located directly on Hallandale Beach Boulevard. This scenic enclave caters predominantly to passive recreation.

Amid the urban landscape, a significant area of greenery is adorned with palm trees. This park is particularly favored for leisurely strolls.

Exercise equipment lines the trails, alongside a fenced playground for children, a community garden, and ample picnic spots.

8. Ives Estates Park

This large active park, managed by Miami-Dade County, is located just off the southwestern corner of West Park. It serves as an excellent destination for exercise and sports, boasting numerous athletic facilities.

Notable features include a full tennis center, a recreation center, a track field, racquetball courts, basketball courts, a synthetic turf field for football/soccer, and lighted baseball fields. Alongside these facilities, it presents a delightful picnic area with two shelters.

Moreover, the park contains a bark park that is perfect for those looking to bring their canine companions, featuring separate areas designated for large and small dogs.

9. Mary Saunders Park

Located at the center of West Park’s network of residential streets is a small but well-maintained community park.

Mary Saunders Park features a tennis court, a children’s playground, and a basketball court, with both the playground and basketball area protected under permanent shelters, an essential factor considering the climate of South Florida.

A spacious grassy area accommodates a multi-purpose sports field and a ballfield. My preferred feature is the perimeter trail, which meanders beneath a canopy of palms and hardwood trees.

10. Aqua Golf Driving Range

As an admirer of 90s Farrelly Brothers comedies, I was pleasantly surprised to uncover a local piece of cinematic history at this driving range, where Cameron Diaz famously practices her swing in “There’s Something About Mary.”

Aqua Golf Driving Range has operated for over 75 years and offers an economical way to practice golf, with bucket prices starting around $10.

This facility serves as a modest practice venue on a 17-acre lake, featuring synthetic tees, many with shade and rain protection. Additionally, a gentle breeze from the lake enhances the atmosphere, particularly during sunset.

11. Zinkil Park

Source: hollywoodfl.org

This park is among the quieter options within the West Park area. Situated within walking distance of the city, Zinkil Park is located on Washington Street in Hollywood. It offers various amenities for guests to enjoy.

These amenities include a lighted trail featuring ten exercise stations at intervals, surrounded by beautiful mature trees that provide ample shade. It is an excellent spot for engaging in outdoor workouts.

Additionally, two playgrounds are available for children’s enjoyment, with the highlight being an interactive water feature, a perfect retreat on hot summer days.

12. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Source: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL / Facebook

A simple drive north on SR 7 will lead you to the modern Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which completed a remarkable expansion in 2019.

The hotel, which is shaped like a Les Paul guitar and stands at 450 feet tall, is hard to overlook.

The complex now features an impressive 140,000 square feet of gaming space. The statistics are astounding—offering 2,700 cutting-edge slot machines, almost 200 live dealer table games, and a variety of games that include Blackjack and three-card poker.

Moreover, the Hard Rock Live arena has been renovated and has hosted notable performances from various artists ranging from Prince to Bruce Springsteen.

13. Gulfstream Park

Florida’s premier thoroughbred horse racing venue is situated approximately four miles east of West Park. Gulfstream Park commenced its first meet in 1939 and hosts numerous graded races throughout the year.

The three Grade I races include the Pegasus World Cup, the Pegasus World Cup Turf, and the Florida Derby, which has historical significance dating back to 1952.

In the 2000s, the track evolved into a racino, featuring state-of-the-art slot machines and electronic table games available 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the Village at Gulfstream Park was established in 2010.

This upscale lifestyle center hosts luxury boutiques as well as nightlife venues. I particularly enjoy Strike 10, an elevated entertainment center featuring bowling, mini-bowling, and arcade games.

14. Highland Oaks Park

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This spacious park represents a rare gem—a freshwater wetland, one of the last remaining segments of the Oleta River. Highland Oaks Park combines tranquil amenities, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding nature, along with various active facilities.

Visitors can spend time on the Black Oak Barren Trail, where wildlife, including alligators, ibises, and numerous crabs, can frequently be observed.

In addition to passive recreation, the park offers a baseball field, fitness areas, a soccer field, and a volleyball court. The variety of programs available at the park includes after-school activities and summer camps.