Summary
- Aventura Mall
- JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort
- Tidal Cove Waterpark
- Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
- Aventura Circle
- AME Spa and Wellness Aventura
- Visit the Beach
- Greynolds Park
- St. Bernard de Clairvaux Monastery
- Haulover Park
- Oleta River State Park
- Gulfstream Park
- The Village at Gulfstream Park
- Founders Park
- AMC Aventura 24
A tall city with a small footprint, Aventura serves as an urban sanctuary of high-rise condominiums alongside the Intracoastal Waterway.
Aventura was officially incorporated in 1995; however, its history dates back to a purchase made by developer Donald Soffer in the 1950s. Amazingly, this area was once nothing but empty swampland.
The first establishment was the Turnberry Resort, now recognized as the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, famous for its championship golf facilities.
In the 1980s, Aventura Mall opened its doors and has since become a hallmark of exclusive fashion, standing as the largest shopping center in Florida.
1. Aventura Mall
Source: Felix Mizioznikov / shutterstock
Aventura Mall stands as a symbol of retail excellence, housing over 300 retailers and more than 50 dining options, making it an experience that one should not miss.
The mall features a selection of high-end luxury brands such as Fendi, Hermes, Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. This collection is a true representation of high fashion.
The ambiance of exclusivity is further enhanced by a diverse range of contemporary sculptures placed throughout the mall, including the striking outdoor slide tower designed by Carsten Höller, which is operational during the cooler months.
Additionally, shoppers will find popular mid-range stores like Zara, H&M, Apple, Sephora, Nike, and Adidas.
During weekends, the upper and lower levels host the largest indoor market in South Florida, the Aventura Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, specialty foods, and fashion accessories among other items.
2. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort
In discussing Aventura, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is an essential mention as it encompasses a significant area of the city.
This luxury resort, occupying approximately half of Aventura’s land, dates back to the pre-incorporation period.
Originally opened in 1967 as “Turnberry,” on over 750 acres of marshland, it was rebranded as a Marriott property in 2017.
The resort features extensive facilities set in beautiful tropical landscapes, including 685 rooms, five restaurants, a top-tier spa, and a water park.
The renowned 18-hole championship golf courses have been the venue for numerous PGA and LPGA events.
3. Tidal Cove Waterpark
Tidal Cove Waterpark, part of the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, is a premier family attraction.
Featuring a 60-foot tower with seven exhilarating waterslides amidst a tropical landscape, visitors can enjoy high-speed attractions such as Aqua Drop, a free-fall drop slide, and Boomerango, a thrilling group raft ride.
For those interested in honing bodyboarding skills, a FlowRider Triple machine is available. Alternatively, opt for relaxation by floating down the Lazy River.
This river winds past lush greenery, with the option to rent luxury private cabanas for an enhanced experience.
4. Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
The year 2010 marked the opening of the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, a significant addition to the city.
Utilizing a stunning waterfront location, this modern facility boasts a 330-seat auditorium, a magnificent glass-paneled lobby, and a plaza featuring a promenade.
The center hosts an engaging array of performances, including classical soloists, Broadway musicals, rock and pop tribute acts, and programs for children and families.
Another highlight includes the Miami International Piano Festival, which showcases acclaimed pianists throughout the season.
5. Aventura Circle
Given the assortment of high-rise condominiums, resorts, and commercial developments, public space is limited in Aventura.
My preferred free destination here is the paved path that extends more than three miles around the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa known as Aventura Circle.
Following Country Club Drive, this trail, named the Don Soffer Exercise Trail, provides a uniquely serene experience within the city.
The path offers invigorating views of golf courses and numerous lakes, with opportunities to observe ducks, wading birds, and iguanas, along with conveniently placed water fountains.
6. AME Spa and Wellness Aventura
At the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort, the AME Spa is the ideal venue for comprehensive relaxation and rejuvenation.
Occupying three floors, this facility provides an extensive range of spa and beauty treatments, complemented by a modern 3,600-square-foot fitness center.
The spa menu includes a variety of facials, massages, manicures, wraps, and scrubs, alongside numerous unique treatments.
Among its highlighted services is the Turnberry Detoxifying Treatment, which combines exfoliation, a hydrating wrap, and a high-performance massage. Special spa events, including yoga sessions and guided meditation, are also available.
7. Visit the Beach
Aventura is conveniently located just inland from the Atlantic shoreline, with several public access points only minutes away.
Although it may be considered a cliché, witnessing the sunrise over the Atlantic serves as a beautiful beginning to any day.
For beach amenities, South City Beach Park in Hallandale Beach is a highly recommended location, recently renovated in the 2010s, featuring full-service concessions at Cafe Cita at the Beach.
Moreover, the park includes a pavilion for outdoor events, picnic areas, volleyball courts, bocce courts, and a playground for young children.
Traveling south, there are also various access points throughout Golden Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.
8. Greynolds Park
Stretching over nearly 250 acres, Greynolds Park was formerly a commercial limestone quarry.
After its operational period ended, the land was donated to the county in 1933 and subsequently developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Now it features stunning natural environments, including native hardwood and coastal mangrove forests.
Visitors can explore well-marked trails either on foot or by bike, with frequent encounters of iguanas and raccoons along the paths.
The Oleta River borders the eastern side of the park, where canoe and kayak rentals are available from the boathouse.
9. St. Bernard de Clairvaux Monastery
Located nearby in North Miami Beach, St. Bernard de Clairvaux Monastery is arguably the most remarkable historic site in Florida. Initially constructed for a monastery in Spain approximately 900 years ago, these Romanesque cloisters were acquired by American newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst in the 1930s.
The structure was dismantled, shipped to Florida, and reassembled in the 1960s, now comprising over 35,000 pieces. Today, it serves as part of an Episcopal church, welcoming visitors.
Walking through this piece of Medieval European architecture set amidst tropical gardens is undoubtedly a surreal experience.
Take the time to appreciate the intricately sculpted capitals and reliefs, ensuring you keep your camera ready for unforgettable photo opportunities.
10. Haulover Park
Haulover Park is situated just a few miles down the coast, featuring 1.5 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline. Significantly, the beach remains undeveloped.
The shoreline is naturally framed by coastal vegetation alongside a variety of park amenities.
It is also worthy to note that the northernmost section of the beach at Haulover Park is clothing optional, making it the largest officially designated public nudist beach in the United States, attracting over a million visitors annually.
This particular coastline benefits from the refreshing breezes emanating from Biscayne Bay, while the park features a large grassy area ideal for kite flying.
11. Oleta River State Park
A couple of miles south of Aventura, Oleta River State Park offers over 1,000 acres of natural beauty amid a sprawling urban environment.
Visitors can hike or bike along 15 miles of trails amidst lush tropical landscapes, while the park’s waterways are interlaced with mangrove tunnels, perfect for kayaking adventures.
Rentals of mountain bikes, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available at the Oleta River Outdoor Center, inviting exploration and discovery.
The center also provides guided tours for those interested in unique experiences such as moonlit kayaking or learning about South Florida’s complex ecosystems from knowledgeable guides.
A sandy cove along Biscayne Bay remains one of my favorite spots within the park, offering a slice of paradise.
12. Gulfstream Park
Hosting over 60 graded thoroughbred races annually, including three Grade I races, Gulfstream Park features milestone events such as the Florida Derby in late March and the Pegasus World Cup in late January.
Since its opening in 1939, the racetrack has undergone significant transformation, notably with the addition of Vegas-style slot machines and table games in the 2000s.
Today, the grand clubhouse serves as a cornerstone for a 500,000-square-foot mixed-use development, which I will elaborate on shortly.
Notably, a colossal statue, Pegasus and Dragon, stands in the parking lot; at 100 feet tall, it ranks as the third-tallest statue in the United States.
13. The Village at Gulfstream Park
In 2010, a luxurious mixed-use development opened alongside Gulfstream Park.
The Village at Gulfstream Park features Mediterranean Revival architecture, radiating west of the historic clubhouse.
This distinguished setting encompasses fashion boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, specialty stores, premium wellness offerings, and designer housewares.
My visits here have often turned into entertaining nights; for example, Strike 10 Bowling offers an entertainment center for adults with bowling, an arcade, billiards, mini-bowling, and live music.
PlugIN Karaoke offers a luxurious East Asian-style karaoke experience, allowing guests to enjoy private lounges with friends and family.
14. Founders Park
Designed to honor the individuals responsible for Aventura’s incorporation in 1995, Founders Park is accessible to both residents and visitors.
The park offers a variety of amenities and activities, including athletic fields, outdoor trails equipped with exercise stations, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a playground.
The main attraction for families, like mine, is the exceptional splash pad, which provides refreshing entertainment for children during the spring and summer months.
Additionally, across Hidden Bay Drive, the park’s southern section features a bay walk adorned with benches and lush tropical landscaping that overlooks a substantial portion of the Intracoastal Waterway.
During the pandemic, access was restricted to residents; however, upon my visit, a small entry fee was applicable.
15. AMC Aventura 24
The cinema located within Aventura Mall may not possess the upscale charm one might anticipate, yet it retains numerous attractive features, including a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.
AMC Aventura encompasses a large facility, with all auditoriums featuring spacious layouts and stadium seating throughout.
For those eager to experience a new release recognized for its special effects, the Dolby Cinema at AMC, or the IMAX with Laser at AMC screens, is undoubtedly the right choice.
Based on previous experiences, these premium screens also offer luxury recliners, which are not available in other parts of the theater.