Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Miami Springs, FL

Directly north of Miami International Airport (MIA), Miami Springs is a city that emerged rapidly in the 1920s.

Over a century later, the golf course at the heart of the planned development remains vibrant. Additionally, numerous remnants from those early days can be discovered throughout the city. A notable example is the residence of developer and co-founder Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930), which is featured in guided tours.

A multifaceted individual, Curtiss was involved in several aviation milestones. In 1909, he set the international air speed record, and in 1910, he achieved the first takeoff from a US Navy vessel.

Between the golf course and downtown lies the elegant Curtiss Parkway, which hosts the well-attended River Cities Festival each April.

Below are my 15 recommended activities to explore in and around Miami Springs.

1. Glenn Curtiss Mansion

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

To gain insight into Miami Springs’ origins, a visit to the 1925 residence of co-founder Glenn Curtiss would be ideal.

As an early aviator, motorcycle pioneer, inventor, and developer, Curtiss led a remarkably varied life. At the time of writing, his Pueblo Revival home was being transformed into a museum to honor his legacy.

In the interim, you may participate in a historical tour of the property, which provides valuable insights regarding Curtiss, his innovations, and the early days of Miami Springs. Tours are conducted on Saturdays.

The mansion also serves as a venue for community events, such as car shows, concerts, and seasonal activities, including a haunted house in October.

2. Miami Springs Historical Museum

Situated in Stafford Park, this engaging museum had recently been inaugurated during my visit. If you wish to delve into the history of the city and its key figures, this is an essential destination.

Glenn Curtiss is prominently featured, along with extensive details concerning his Curtiss & Bright firm that significantly influenced Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa-locka.

The exhibits provide thorough insights into the land boom era and the subsequent period when Country Club Estates transitioned into Miami Springs.

Additionally, you will learn about Eastern Air Lines (1926-1991), a major employer in Miami Springs for numerous years, as well as the Fair Haven Nursing Home, which has a rich and storied history.

3. Curtiss Parkway

One of my favored aspects of Miami Springs is this impressive boulevard that connects downtown to the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club.

At its northern end, much of the commerce is centered along Westward Drive, which features an array of restaurants, shops, services, and municipal departments.

The Curtiss Parkway commences at Circle Park, a location for public events such as the River Cities Festival in April. From this point, one can walk or cycle southwest through the green strip that runs along the boulevard.

This area is adorned with live oaks and banyan trees, as well as various monuments and seating options. On the west side, be sure to observe the grand Fair Haven Nursing Home complex.

Originally established as a hotel in the 1920s and later evolving into a Kellogg sanitarium and a WWII military hospital, it has assumed its current role following the war.

4. River Cities Festival

This three-day event attracts a substantial crowd to the Curtiss Parkway every April. Celebrating its half-century anniversary, the River Cities Festival features a mix of live music, dancing, and DJs from Friday through Sunday.

During my visit, there were numerous other activities happening, including a car show, local food vendors, arts and crafts booths, live comedy acts, martial arts demonstrations, Zumba, jazzercise, and more.

Like all outstanding community festivals, children’s entertainment is abundant. The Kids’ World area provides bounce houses, a mini carnival, and various activities. Attendees can also learn about the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and even interact with a baby alligator.

5. Miami Springs Golf & Country Club

Source: Miami Springs Golf / Facebook

This municipality boasts the oldest golf course in Miami-Dade County. Established in 1923, this course played a crucial role in the city’s early development when it was still known as Country Club Estates.

From 1924 to 1955, Miami Springs Golf & Country Club hosted the Miami Open. Golf historians may find it exhilarating to traverse the same fairways as legends such as Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead.

The course remains picturesque today, nestled within a lush tropical landscape that has matured over the past century. Serving as a superb alternative to the premium Trump National Doral, it stands out as one of the most affordable courses in South Florida.

Additionally, it features the region’s only practice facility with nighttime access, remaining open until 9 PM.

6. Miami Springs Aquatic Center

Source: City of Miami Springs – Government / Facebook

As an individual accustomed to a cooler climate, I often envy cities blessed with outdoor pools that remain open year-round.

This is true for the Miami Springs Aquatic Center, inaugurated in 2016, which boasts an array of attractions. Among these is an accessible 25-yard lap pool featuring zero-depth beach entry with play equipment.

It also includes a 35-foot tower with a winding water slide and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Beyond its year-round offerings, the center hosts seasonal programs, from swimming lessons for children as young as one year to water aerobics.

7. Miami International Mall

Source: Felix Mizioznikov / shutterstock

Located near Doral, Miami International Mall is conveniently situated just beyond the airport. Opened in 1983, it continues to serve as a prominent shopping venue, particularly on days when the weather is excessively hot, rainy, or both.

To illustrate the shopping variety, prominent anchors include Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. Browsing reveals stores such as Guess, Sephora, Foot Locker, Hollister Co, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, and Pandora, among many others.

Dining options are abundant, featuring more than 20 establishments that cater to a range of price points, offering cuisines from sushi and steaks to burgers and Italian dishes.

8. CityPlace Doral

Just five minutes from downtown Miami Springs, the rapidly developing city of Doral showcases numerous impressive mixed-use developments.

My recommendation is CityPlace Doral, a vibrant urban district teeming with shopping, dining, and entertainment options all centered around a grand fountain.

The plaza hosts a variety of events, including a weekly market every Sunday, seasonal celebrations, and fundraising activities.

Furthermore, it is home to the nearest movie theater to Miami Springs, the upscale CMX CinéBistro, which offers full-service in-theater dining and luxurious reclining seats.

9. Casino Miami

Located just beyond the southeastern corner of Miami Springs, this expansive 24-hour casino is one of several in the region. Spanning nearly 70,000 square feet, Casino Miami boasts over 1,000 modern slot machines and a broader array of activities.

Nightly live music at Club Rio occurs every Friday and Saturday, complemented by table games, electronic tables, and the recently inaugurated William Hill Racebook.

Previously, this was one of the few locales in Miami-Dade to watch live jai alai; however, the nearest site for it now is Magic City Casino, approximately ten minutes from Miami Springs.

10. Stafford Park

The park adjoining the Miami Springs Historical Museum is located adjacent to the city’s middle school. For those seeking a venue for walking or jogging, Stafford Park is a top recommendation.

The entire grounds are surrounded by a paved trail measuring nearly 0.4 miles. Along the route, benches and trees, including unique banyan varieties line East Drive.

Apart from that, this is a quintessential neighborhood park featuring a tot lot and lighted fields for soccer, baseball, and softball.

11. Trump National Doral Golf Course

The adjacent city of Doral was established around a golf resort that emerged from the Everglades during the 1950s. This location hosted the Doral Open, a PGA Tour event from 1962 until 2006.

In 2012, the Trump Organization took over operations, and for those willing to invest in a premium golfing experience, this is the destination to consider.

Enthusiastic golfers will be familiar with the renowned Blue Monster course. A round here concludes dramatically on the iconic par-4 18th hole, recognized by GOLF Magazine as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World.

The Trump Spa at Doral is considered one of the top facilities in the Miami area, offering over 100 treatment options within an elegant and tranquil environment.

12. Hialeah Park Casino

This venue features a significant amount of mid-century glamour and is located just a stone’s throw from Miami Springs. Beginning in the 1920s, Hialeah Park was one of South Florida’s premier thoroughbred horse racing tracks.

Though those days have passed, winter pop-up Quarter Horse events still take place here. A quirky remnant of the racetrack’s heyday is the flock of flamingos residing in the infield lake since the 1930s.

Set on 200 acres of scenic gardens and stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, the casino opened in 2013. Inside, patrons will find all the latest slot machines, as well as one of the leading card rooms in South Florida and various dining and live entertainment choices.

13. Old Tom’s Sports Bar

Source: Old Toms Miami / Facebook

Sporting events are a significant aspect of life in this locality. Miami Springs is situated a few miles from Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s Liberty Stadium was under construction adjacent to the airport during my visit.

If you’re seeking a venue to watch a game, enjoy exceptional food, and connect with locals, Old Tom’s Sports Bar is the perfect choice.

Combining a sports bar with a restaurant, their menu offers a range of classic American and Tex-Mex cuisine, including burgers, ribs, and fajitas.

They feature an extensive selection of beers, including sampler options for patrons who wish to explore small quantities of various beers.

14. Peavy-Dove Field

Adjacent to the Miami River canal, this public park includes a footbridge spanning to the Hialeah side.

During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the dog park, which occupies a significant portion of Peavy-Dove Field’s eastern end. It features shaded areas, a separate section for smaller dogs, water facilities, and various obstacles for energetic pets.

In addition, the park contains various active amenities, including a small covered playground and fields designated for tee-ball and speedball. By the canal, one can access a short pathway that extends northwest for about a mile.

15. G. Carl Adams House

Located down a cul-de-sac adjacent to Miami Springs Golf & Country Club, this private residence is not necessarily a tourist attraction. Nonetheless, I recommend it for a brief visit if you’re following the Glenn Curtiss trail or passing by during a golf round.

This house, built in the Pueblo Revival style, was constructed for George Carl Adams, who served as mayor of Country Club Estates from 1930 to 1942.

He oversaw the rebranding to Miami Springs and was the half-brother and business associate of Glenn Curtiss. Together, they played vital roles in several local development projects, including the complete streetscape of Opa-locka.

In 1985, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places and stands out with its remarkable terraced profile when viewed from the golf course.