Summary
North of Doral and west of Hialeah, this city of over 20,000 residents is situated on the extreme western edge of the Miami Metropolitan Area.
Until the 1960s, the landscape in this section of Dade County was predominantly agricultural, characterized by horse farms along the Okeechobee Road corridor.
Over the following three decades, Hialeah Gardens evolved into a densely populated suburb. Major transport links, such as Okeechobee Road and the Palmetto Expressway, position the city within a 30-minute commute to downtown Miami.
While Hialeah Gardens is primarily residential, the range of activities available in the vicinity is remarkable. The Everglades offer airboat tours, and expansive parks alongside modern lifestyle centers are merely minutes away.
1. Westland Gardens Park
Source: Miami Lakes Chevrolet / FacebookAs the principal community park for Hialeah Gardens, Westland Gardens Park includes the city’s public library. The diverse array of amenities is commendable, featuring botanical gardens, athletic facilities, and an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool.
This pool is complemented by an impressive splash pad that typically operates during school breaks. Additionally, the park contains three baseball diamonds, a dry playground, and racquetball courts.
A highlight is the five acres dedicated to a botanical garden located on the eastern side. This area, featuring well-maintained landscaping, hosts over 45,000 plants from 500 species and is freely accessible for visitors.
2. Assault Brigade 2506 Museum
During my recent visit, this informative museum had just opened adjacent to Westland Gardens Park. Brigade 2506 was the CIA-backed group of Cuban exiles involved in the Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961.
This event proved to be a humanitarian and geopolitical disaster, resulting in over 100 fatalities and the capture of 1,113 fighters by Castro’s forces.
The Assault Brigade 2506 Museum spans 5,300 square feet and honors those who participated in this operation. Exhibits include a B-26 Bomber that played a role in the planning stages.
Additionally, an M41 Bulldog Tank is displayed, representing the type that participated in the landings. The museum houses over 800 photographs, replica weapons, and numerous artifacts from the invasion.
3. Amelia Earhart Park
Source: facebook.comRecently, I learned that aviator Amelia Earhart embarked on her final flight from an airport close to Hialeah Gardens in 1937.
The park named after her is situated to the north and west of the site of the formerly redeveloped Miami Municipal Airport.
Amelia Earhart Park boasts over 500 acres, making it significant by municipal park standards. With a multitude of activities, it is an excellent location for visits that extend beyond just an hour or two.
This park features a creek, five lakes, and several trails designed for biking, walking, and running, making it a favored spot among those looking to remain active.
Notably, I will elaborate on the exceptional watersports complex situated on the park’s main lake further on in this article.
4. Miami Watersports Complex
Positioned on Peregrine Falcon Lake within Amelia Earhart Park, the complex is one of the largest cable wakeboard parks in the nation. The two full-sized cables at the Miami Watersports Complex accommodate not only wakeboarding but also waterskiing, wakeskating, and kneeboarding.
Experienced boarders can refine their abilities using rails and kickers, while beginners can benefit from a ‘Get Up Guarantee’ package. This includes personalized coaching, complete equipment, and access to a private cable.
A major attraction at the complex is the expansive floating Aquapark, which spans 10,000 square feet. Monitored by lifeguards, this facility features more than 30 challenging elements, providing an excellent opportunity for teenagers to expend energy.
5. Westland Mall
Having been operational for over 50 years, this enclosed mall remains in excellent condition following my recent visit.
The highlight is the spacious food court, which provides a variety of counter-service dining options on both sides, along with a designated corner for domino games.
The mall is anchored by JCPenney and Macy’s, alongside a plethora of well-known retailers. Noteworthy brands include Aéropostale, Kay Jewelers, Foot Locker, H&M, G by Guess, and Pandora, among others.
Additionally, complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and there is an engaging children’s play area that features a Little Free Library.
6. Mack’s Fish Camp
Hialeah Gardens represents the westernmost point of Greater Miami before entering the Southern Everglades. A brief drive along U.S. Route 27 brings you to Mack’s Fish Camp.
Here, knowledgeable gladesmen offer guided airboat rides through these renowned wetlands. During a private eco-tour with my partner, we spent an hour exploring the sawgrass.
It was just us and our guide, during which we observed numerous bird species, turtles, and a variety of alligators. The excursion was filled with intriguing anecdotes concerning wildlife encounters and daily life in the ‘Glades.
7. Golden Eagle Park
Adjacent to Hialeah Gardens Elementary is an appealing little park that may possess the best playground in the vicinity.
Laid with soft mulch and outfitted with numerous slides and climbing structures, this playground encompasses the park’s entire width. Parents can easily supervise their children from benches situated under the trees along the perimeter.
Notably, there is an unusual feature on the park’s eastern side, a large grassy mound. While its purpose remains somewhat mysterious, I do know my children enjoy rolling down it.
8. CityPlace Doral
Source: Marina Blanco-Pape / shutterstockThe southern neighbor of Hialeah Gardens is experiencing remarkable growth, with its population nearly doubling to 80,000 in just a decade.
During this period, a series of innovative mixed-use developments emerged throughout the city. Among these, CityPlace Doral stands out as a vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment district.
The dining options range from charming cafes with outdoor seating to upscale restaurants with white tablecloth dining. Entertainment options include live comedy, high-end bowling experiences at Kings Dining & Entertainment, or an elevated cinema experience at the CMX CinéBistro.
9. Curtiss Mansion
A short drive along U.S. Route 27 leads to a beautifully restored mansion originally constructed for developer and aviator Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930).
Curtiss is remembered for accomplishing the first long-distance flight in the United States, which was from Albany to New York in 1910. Later, his company was involved in manufacturing aircraft for the U.S. Army and Navy.
The Pueblo Revival mansion in Miami Springs was completed in 1925, and despite changing ownership and entering a state of disrepair by the late 20th century, it underwent a significant restoration completed in 2012, now serving as an event venue for the City of Miami Springs.
If you share my interest in the history of the structure and the life of Glen Curtiss, guided tours are offered on Saturdays, led by knowledgeable docents and lasting about an hour.
10. Trump National Doral
It is fitting that one of the earliest developments around Hialeah Gardens involved a golf course.
The neighboring city of Doral derives its name from the union of Doris and Alfred Kastel. In the 1950s, they acquired vast tracts of land in western Dade County and subsequently opened the Doral Country Club.
For over 40 years, the Blue Monster course here hosted the Doral Open, a PGA Tour event. After being acquired by the Trump Organization in 2012, the resort today features 72 holes of golf.
For golf enthusiasts, the Blue Monster course is a must-play destination, highlighted by its 18th hole, which is ranked among the Top 100 Holes in the World by GOLF Magazine.
11. Joe Sherron Park
This modest neighborhood park is set within residential streets, accompanied by several local businesses at its northern end. Primarily designated for passive recreation, Joe Sherron Park is particularly ideal for young children.
The park features two play areas, one of which is shaded by tall trees. The entire facility is enclosed, providing peace of mind for parents.
A paved trail encircles the park, offering an excellent place for those looking to incorporate a few steps. This space is also a popular site for picnics, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, baby showers, and similar events, given the presence of three pavilions on the western side.
12. K1 Speed Miami
In nearby Medley, an indoor karting center features tracks suitable for both novices and seasoned drivers.
While I was at K1 Speed Miami, I was surprised by how swiftly these electric karts can accelerate. With 20bhp, they can reach speeds up to 45 MPH, with a driving experience that feels remarkably stable on turns.
This facility is user-friendly, allowing patrons to arrive and race. An Arrive & Drive pass permits one, two, or three 12-lap races.
There is ample seating near both tracks, and the Paddock Lounge features a full bar as well as a menu of simple fare.
13. Miami Motocross Park
One of the benefits of being on the edge of the metropolitan area is access to attractions such as this. Surrounded by the Everglades, Miami Motocross serves as an off-road motorbike racing venue.
A competitive racing season occurs here, but what struck me was the opportunity for anyone to utilize the track. On Wednesdays and weekends, rentals are available for two or six hours, allowing visitors to fully enjoy their time.
Bikes are accessible for all skill levels, with two-hour coaching sessions offered if needed. In addition to the main motocross track, there is a peewee track designated for young riders. First-timers often express amazement at the proficiency of these younger participants.
14. Hialeah Park Casino
Source: Phillip Pessar / FlickrHialeah Park, a thoroughbred racetrack transformed into a casino, has a history extending over a century. Throughout this time, it has been graced by international dignitaries, entertainment icons, and numerous business leaders.
Established in 1922 by Glenn Curtiss, the track was renowned for its striking architecture, lush landscaping, an active schedule of thoroughbred races, and a vibrant population of flamingos inhabiting the infield lake.
Although thoroughbred racing ceased at Hialeah Park in 2001, the flamingos have remained and have even increased in number. The infield has been recognized as a sanctuary by the National Audubon Society.
Presently, the casino portion of the facility opened in 2013, featuring over 850 slot machines, more than 30 poker tables, and the Champions Simulcast Center for live horse racing.
15. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
From early November to early January, the ‘World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park’ operates just a few minutes from Hialeah Gardens.
With a history that spans more than four decades, Santa’s Enchanted Forest offers over 100 rides, games, shows, and other attractions.
A wide array of traditional carnival rides are available, including bumper cars, a merry-go-round, and a Ferris wheel. For entertainment, visitors can enjoy magic shows, acrobatics, and stunt performances featuring horseback riders and motorcyclists.
This festive attraction also allows children to meet Santa, who is present in the park each evening.
