Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Sweetwater, Florida

Upon arriving in this residential city located approximately ten miles west of downtown Miami, one may notice its recent expansion, having annexed two square miles of unincorporated land, with the renowned Dolphin Mall becoming an integral part of the city in 2010.

Sweetwater is distinguished by its vibrant Nicaraguan community, frequently referred to as “Little Nicaragua.”

To the south, the city shares its border with the expansive main campus of Florida International University. Consequently, alongside some of Miami-Dade’s premier shopping venues, this locale is enriched with cultural, sports, and entertainment opportunities.

Additionally, the wilderness of the Everglades lies merely minutes away. By heading west on US-41, visitors will encounter an endless expanse of sawgrass, ideal for airboat excursions.

1. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum

Source: The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU / Facebook

A highly recommended activity in Sweetwater is to explore the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum.

Situated on the campus of Florida International University, the Frost Art Museum stands as one of Florida’s eminent art institutions.

It boasts an impressive collection of artwork from around the globe, with a specific emphasis on 20th-century American art, complemented by a significant representation of Latin American art.

Visitors can always anticipate encountering inspiring or thought-provoking exhibits. During my last visit, I had the opportunity to see “To Recognize a Pattern,” a remarkable exploration of the Pattern and Decoration movement from the 1970s and 1980s.

2. Dolphin Mall

Source: Phillip Pessar / Flickr

A significant portion of Sweetwater is occupied by one of the largest outlet shopping and entertainment centers in Florida. Thus, the Dolphin Mall is truly a noteworthy reason to visit the city.

There are literally hundreds of shops and outlets to explore, where one may easily lose track of time in this retail paradise.

The mall features international brands, encompassing all the prominent fashion and designer labels imaginable.

For a diverse shopping experience, available outlets include Polo Ralph Lauren, Boss, Nike, Reebok, Columbia, Guess, Lacoste, and Calvin Klein, among over 200 others.

Dolphin Mall functions almost as a city within a city. Besides shopping, one can enjoy numerous dining options, catch a movie, or experience a variety of bars each evening.

3. Florida International University (FIU)

Sweetwater shares a boundary with the eighth-largest public university in the United States, Florida International University, which boasts an enrollment of over 55,000 students.

For residents and visitors alike, this institution is likely to be a focal point in your itinerary. The verdant campus features captivating modern architecture and intriguing traditions, complemented by an excellent art museum, NCAA sports through the Panthers, and high-quality performing arts.

For those interested in a casual visit, I recommend exploring the central fountain, which is surrounded by the oldest buildings on campus. Also notable is the turtle pond, where legend suggests that blowing a kiss to the turtles while crossing the bridge with a loved one guarantees lasting togetherness.

4. Miami-Dade County Fair (The Youth Fair)

Each spring, around 600,000 attendees converge at Tamiami Park for three weeks of festivities at the Youth Fair. This event stands as South Florida’s most significant charitable occasion, having contributed millions of dollars back to the community since its establishment in the 1950s.

Ranked among the 30 largest county fairs in the country, this event features various agricultural and educational exhibits, concerts, a vibrant marketplace, alluring fair cuisine, and a vast carnival boasting over 100 attractions.

I confess, I have a keen appreciation for fair delicacies, with specialties including roasted corn, elephant ears, and unusual offerings such as deep-fried milkshakes, pickle lemonade, and Cuban funnel cake sandwiches.

5. Tamiami Park

Source: Tamiami Tennis Center / Facebook

On its southern perimeter, Florida International University seamlessly integrates with this expansive park, which is maintained by Miami-Dade County.

This park is home to the Miami Fair Expo Center, which hosts various events throughout the year, notably the Youth Fair mentioned earlier.

The facility includes a 22-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool, walking and biking trails, as well as venues for baseball, tennis, football, basketball, and soccer.

In addition to the major fair held in March and April, the Expo Center features an ongoing schedule of events throughout all seasons.

Among the highlights is the Tamiami International Orchid Festival held every January, showcasing breathtaking exhibits, vendors, and expert-led discussions, marking it as the largest winter orchid event in the nation.

6. Everglades Airboat Adventures

Given the proximity of the world-famous Everglades, located just ten minutes west of Sweetwater, an airboat tour is certainly a recommended activity. To clarify, this is North America’s largest expanse of sawgrass prairie.

What I appreciate about Everglades Airboat Expeditions is the personalized experience offered; all tours are either private or semi-private, allowing for an exhilarating exploration of the wetlands for up to two hours.

During your journey, your guide will highlight and facilitate close encounters with a remarkable array of wildlife, including numerous alligators, various wading birds, large crickets, fish, and rare plant species.

As the day wanes, the wetlands are aglow with the soft glow of the setting sun, making a sunset tour an unforgettable experience.

7. The Women’s Park

Dedicating its efforts in 1992, this park honors the significant contributions made by women to enhance the quality of life in Miami-Dade County.

Covering 15 acres and set around a scenic lake, the Women’s Park was one of the first of its kind in the United States. It is evident from the moment of arrival that this park distinguishes itself.

The sculptural gates, symbolizing Courage, Love, and Wisdom, were crafted by Miami artist Lydia Rubio and were unveiled in 2009.

Additionally, the Roxcy O’Neal Bolton Exhibit chronicles the activism of feminist Roxcy O’Neal Bolton (1926-2017) over her 50+ years of advocacy.

Park amenities include a playground, tot-lot, a picnic pavilion, a butterfly garden, and a paved path encircling the lake.

8. Miccosukee Indian Village

Source: Sergey Akhrameev / shutterstock

Sweetwater is among the closest cities to the Miccosukee Indian Reservation, which spans nearly 130 square miles within the Everglades.

A primary attraction is the Miccosukee Indian Village, accessible within approximately 30 minutes. Established for public visitation in 1983, this site features an insightful museum that delves into the traditions and history of the Miccosukee Native Americans.

Exhibits include a wealth of original artifacts, historical documents, and archival photographs, providing a captivating window into how this community has adapted to the unique Everglades environment.

In addition to the museum, there are alligator-handling demonstrations, showcasing skills passed down through generations, alongside airboat rides that lead visitors to a traditional hammock-style Miccosukee camp.

9. Miami International Mall

Prior to the establishment of Dolphin Mall, Miami International Mall became a fixture, located less than half a mile east of its competitor. This proximity serves as a testament to the enduring strength of physical retail in Miami-Dade, showcasing how two sizable malls can coexist in the modern era.

Opened in 1982, Miami International Mall hosts more than 130 shops, anchored by JC Penney, Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store, and Kohl’s, along with many familiar brands.

Notable tenants include Forever 21, Old Navy, Foot Locker, H&M, Hollister, Sephora, GameStop, Bath & Body Works, and Kay Jewelers. A clear indication of the mall’s vitality is reflected in its busy food court, featuring diverse culinary options such as arepas, pizza, noodles, BBQ, and tacos.

10. Wertheim Performing Arts Center

One of the many benefits of proximity to a major university is access to top-notch live entertainment. Established in 1996, the Wertheim Performing Arts Center encompasses a 585-seat concert hall paired with a 300-seat mainstage theatre.

This venue is recognized as one of the premier collegiate performing arts spaces in Miami, having hosted esteemed artists such as Olivier Latry, Arturo Sandoval, and the Woody Herman Orchestra.

It is not an exaggeration to assert that there is always a compelling performance to attend, especially during the academic semester.

Events may include classical music performances from various FIU ensembles, guest musicians, and theatrical productions ranging from Broadway classics to Shakespearean works.

11. Tropical Park

Source: AleKreations / Facebook

Another outdoor venue worth visiting in the Sweetwater region is Tropical Park, located just a ten-minute drive away.

Originally the site of the Tropical Park Race Track, this park serves as an excellent recreational space for physical activities or simply unwinding. In an area characterized by urban density, it offers a welcome outdoor respite.

Equestrian activities hold significance here. The Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center hosts nearly 40 shows annually and provides two grass courses, three show arenas, and seating for over 1,000 spectators.

Additonally, the park features the Southwest Community Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, alongside facilities for racquetball, track and field, and more.

12. FIU Nature Park

Encompassing 11 acres of pristine greenery, the FIU Nature Park is located adjacent to the athletic facilities on the western side of the university campus.

This preserve is home to more than 230 distinct plant species, of which 13 are classified as endangered and 15 as threatened.

Visitors will encounter three native ecosystems, including freshwater wetlands, tropical hardwood hammock, and pine rocklands.

In quieter sections of the park, one can find a surprising sense of tranquility while still on campus. On a recent walk, I spotted turtles, an osprey, and snowy egrets by the northern lake.

For those interested in exercise, there is a jogging path that loops around the perimeter, measuring over half a mile and constructed from recycled tires.

13. AMC Tamiami 18

Sweetwater offers an impressive array of entertainment options, including two prominent movie theaters.

Of the two, AMC Tamiami 18, located at Las Americas V Central Plaza just west of the FIU campus, is noteworthy.

This theater features cozy reclining seats as well as an on-site bar, allowing patrons to enjoy a beverage while watching films.

An advantage of visiting this venue is the attractive discount of 30% on tickets prior to 4 PM that was available during my visit. Furthermore, visitors may want to consider the nearby 19-screen CMX multiplex at Dolphin Mall, which also features an IMAX screen.

14. Miccosukee Casino & Resort

Situated along the Tamiami Trail just west of Sweetwater, the Miccosukee Casino & Resort presents a Las Vegas-style experience. This eye-catching establishment marks the last large structure encountered before entering the Everglades.

Established in 1999 and run by the Native American Miccosukee Tribe, this striking building rises from the surrounding sawgrass.

The nine-story hotel features 256 rooms and 56 suites, complemented by five dining options across the resort. The expansive gaming area offers over 2,000 slot machines.

Additionally, the facility includes a 20-table poker room, as well as a bingo hall that predated the casino itself.

15. Bowlero Doral

Located within Dolphin Mall, Bowlero Doral has transitioned into a stylish indoor entertainment center featuring bowling, laser tag, and a sports bar, recently joining the Bowlero chain.

The bowling lanes are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering cosmic bowling at all times, not just on weekend nights.

Young visitors will particularly enjoy the laser tag arena, making it a perfect setting for birthday celebrations. Finally, the sports bar provides a range of signature cocktails, craft beers, and large flat-screen displays for game viewing.