Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Hallandale Beach, FL

When I seek a touch of Old Florida elegance, Hallandale Beach is a favored destination. This coastal city is perpetually linked with Gulfstream Park, a prominent venue for thoroughbred horse racing since the 1930s.

Over the years, the venue has incorporated slots and table games, while an upscale outdoor shopping mall was introduced in 2010. 

Along Ocean Boulevard, Hallandale Beach’s shoreline features a series of towering condos and hotels. The city maintains several public beach parks, equipped with facilities such as showers, concessions, and volleyball courts.

Head north, and you’ll soon encounter the iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. To the south lies the equally distinguished Aventura Mall, renowned for its impressive art collections and prestigious retailers.

1. Gulfstream Park

Source: Philip Lange / shutterstock

Long recognized as the premier venue for thoroughbred horse racing in South Florida, Gulfstream Park opened its doors in 1939. 

A variety of races occur year-round, some with historical roots dating back to the 1940s. However, if I were to recommend one event, it would undoubtedly be the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. Held in late January, this Grade I race boasts a purse of $3 million when I visited.

The racecourse serves as the centerpiece for a diverse array of facilities. The luxurious four-story clubhouse includes a casino featuring slots and electronic table games, along with restaurants, bars, an 800-seat theater, and lavish suites.

In 2010, the Village at Gulfstream Park was inaugurated next door, which will be discussed in further detail later.

2. South City Beach Park

As one of two public beach access points in Hallandale Beach, this park underwent a comprehensive renovation in the 2010s.

South City Beach Park is an exceptional community space, featuring a beachfront concession (Café Cita on the Beach), a playground, an open-air pavilion, showers, restrooms, bocce ball, and volleyball courts.

Undoubtedly, the beach is the main attraction. The area remains impeccably clean, with a broad expanse of sand stretching endlessly in both directions.

The park is a bustling hub, hosting a live music series from December through April, along with activities such as yoga on the beach.

3. The Village at Gulfstream Park

Designed in the same Mediterranean Revival style as the Clubhouse, this 500,000-square-foot mixed-use development was established at Gulfstream Park in 2010.

The Village exudes the atmosphere of a refined city district, filled with boutiques, galleries, home design stores, and upscale services. 

One notable attraction, Strike 10, serves as a premium indoor entertainment center. Within this space, guests can enjoy bowling, mini-bowling, billiards, arcade games, a 50 ft bar, and a hookah lounge.

Additionally, PlugIN offers a luxurious karaoke experience, providing private karaoke rooms of various sizes, the largest accommodating over 30 individuals.

4. Aventura Mall

Regarded as one of the premier shopping destinations in the United States, Aventura Mall is just a few minutes from Hallandale Beach.

Established in 1983, Aventura Mall continues to symbolize luxury, featuring more than 300 of the world’s most esteemed retailers.

This location is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts. Brands such as Hermes, Valentino, Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and Boss represent the upper echelon of the market.

On my last visit, these high-end brands were complemented by numerous mid-market options, including Zara (two levels), H&M, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Gap.

A vast array of dining options is available, as diverse as the shopping, whether one prefers sushi, linguine alla vongole, cheeseburgers, ceviche, churrasco, arepas, or familiar comforts from the Cheesecake Factory.

To emphasize the fact that this is no ordinary mall, more than 20 sculptures adorn the space, reminiscent of a museum’s collection. Perhaps the most captivating is Carsten Höller’s 93-foot giant slide tower, unveiled in 2018, offering a thrilling ride during the cooler months.

5. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

Approximately a mile up the coast from South City Beach Park marks the beginning of one of the finest promenades in the nation. 

Captivating visitors since the Jazz Age, the brick-paved Hollywood Beach Broadwalk extends nearly 2.5 miles. With pristine white sands and swaying palms, the beach is notably wider here, providing stunning vistas.

The route features over 50 restaurants, more than 30 boutiques, 3 resorts, 3 parks, and nearly 30 small lodging establishments.

A constant flow of pedestrians, joggers, rollerbladers, and cyclists inhabit the area throughout the day. It is advisable to rent a bike to spend a couple of hours exploring and enjoying the scenery.

6. North City Beach Park

Just moments from South City Beach Park, a more secluded public beach park can be found. The landmark here is the Hallandale Beach Ball Water Tower. 

This structure is a replica of Hallandale Beach’s iconic water tower, which previously stood in Bluesten Park from 1951. In 1990, local artist Jim Weinberg transformed the reservoir atop the tower into a cheerful beach ball. 

The original tower was dismantled in 2013, but its legacy endures at North City Beach Park. Available amenities include a volleyball court, restaurant, showers, and restrooms. 

The beach has a relatively steep slope, so parents should closely supervise children. For those accustomed to lively waves, this is an excellent spot for boogie boarding.

7. Tidal Cove Waterpark

Apart from the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, this waterpark welcomes outside visitors. In my estimation, Tidal Cove offers sufficient attractions to occupy an entire day.

One notable attraction is Boomerango, which can be enjoyed with family and friends. This raft ride features a series of sudden drops, culminating in a “zero-gravity” finish.

Aqua Drop is another thrill ride that seals you in a capsule before plummeting downward. However, the most exhilarating ride for me was Whizzard, which incorporates a 360-degree loop and an unexpected drop.

For a more relaxed experience, a long lazy river and an interactive water playground await at Kids Cover. For additional privacy, guests can reserve one of the park’s 25 airy cabanas.

8. Curci House

Acquired by the city in 2007, this historic mansion serves as a testament to a more tranquil era in Hallandale Beach.

The city had not yet been incorporated when Frank and Rosina Curci constructed their Italian Renaissance-style retreat in 1924.

The couple adorned their residence with imported Cuban tiles, Italian colored glass, and Dade pine flooring. Shortly thereafter, the house withstood the devastating Miami Hurricane of 1926, which claimed over 500 lives.

The Curcis provided shelter for local residents whose homes had been ravaged by the storm. Following renovations, the Curci House earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. 

Guided tours are available by appointment, and a delightful light display occurs during the Christmas season.

9. Oleta River State Park

Merely ten minutes to the south, the sprawling shorefront developments are interrupted by Florida’s largest urban park.

Spanning over 1,000 acres, this serene area consists of a labyrinth of mangroves, native forests, and marshland, perfect for activities like off-road cycling and kayaking.

The park features 15 miles of trails winding through the wooded areas, and visitors can stop by the Oleta River Outdoor Center to rent bikes, whether mountain bikes or tandem bikes.

On the water, individuals can paddle through dense mangrove tunnels, quickly forgetting that they are in the heart of a metropolitan region with a population exceeding 6,000,000.

Enchanting spots can be found throughout the park, but the cove on Biscayne Bay stands out, featuring shallow waters that resemble a swimming pool.

10. Pegasus and Dragon

Prominently positioned amid the parking areas at Gulfstream Park stands a remarkable sight that surprised me. Here, I encountered what is reputed to be the third-tallest statue in the United States.

The name indicates that this steel and bronze sculpture depicts two mythical entities, a pegasus and a dragon. The dimensions are striking, soaring to 100 feet in height and stretching a total of 200 feet in length.

Unveiled in 2014, this monument was designed and constructed by the German foundry Strassacker, taking almost a year to complete. 

On special occasions, the Pegasus and Dragon serve as the centerpiece for a nightly light and music spectacle, featuring effects such as smoke emitted from the dragon’s snout.

11. Joseph Scavo Park

Now more attractive than ever, this charming green space is primarily designed for leisurely recreation. 

Joseph Scavo Park features a network of paved ADA-accessible pathways beneath a canopy of palms and other indigenous trees. Look up, as numerous iguanas can often be observed in this park.

For dog owners, this park is an ideal location to allow your pet to roam freely in Hallandale Beach. The enclosed dog park has designated sections for smaller and larger dogs.

Additional amenities include a playground, complimentary exercise stations, and a basketball court.

12. Aqua Golf Driving Range

As someone who enjoys the films of the Farrelly Brothers, I was thrilled to discover that the driving range featured in There’s Something About Mary (1998) is located right next to Hallandale Beach.

This facility is one of the last of its kind, consisting solely of a driving range that overlooks a 20-acre lake, complete with distance markers and targets.

There are various targets to aim for, and visitors can choose between covered and open hitting stalls. Following in Cameron Diaz’s footsteps, I felt compelled to hit a few balls. It cost $15 for the stall and initial bucket, with discounts available for subsequent buckets.

13. Don Soffer Exercise Trail

If you are looking for an ideal location for a run, the 3.1-mile path encircling the Turnberry Isle Resort Golf Course is a perfect choice.

Located along the edges of Country Club Drive, the Don Soffer Exercise Trail is accessible to all at no charge. A few aspects that impressed me included the chilled water fountains, consistent shade, and the lush landscaping alongside the path.

Road traffic along Country Club Drive is minimal, while the golf course serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. Occasionally, one might spot iguanas in the trees or waterfowl strolling along the fairways.

14. B.F. James Park

Source: cohb.org

Located near the Big Easy Casino, B.F. James Park is another public facility that has undergone enhancements over the past decade. 

This park features amenities such as a playground, basketball courts, palm-shaded pathways, a picnic pavilion, an outdoor fitness trail, and a well-maintained pool.

The admission fee for the pool is affordable, even for non-residents. The pool operates year-round, although hours vary with the seasons. 

A variety of aquatic programs are available throughout the year, and information about renting this facility for private events can be obtained.

15. Big Easy Casino

Until recently, Hallandale Beach gained recognition as a hub for greyhound racing. However, the state imposed a complete ban on this activity in 2021.

The local venue was the Hollywood Greyhound Track, which hosted its inaugural races in 1934. Presently known as the Big Easy Casino, this facility has evolved over time, adding over 900 slot machines and a poker room in the 2000s.

The final greyhound race occurred in 2018; today, the casino encompasses more than 70,000 square feet of gaming space. 

The Big Easy Poker Room accommodates over 30 tables, offering Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and 7 Card Stud. 

The casino also provides simulcast thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing from various locations across the United States and Canada.