Summary
Doral, situated just west of Miami International Airport (MIA), has rapidly developed into a thriving metropolitan region with a current population of nearly 80,000 residents.
In recent years, the city has witnessed the emergence of impressive mixed-use developments such as CityPlace Doral, Downtown Doral, and Midtown Doral. Consequently, this article may become outdated quickly due to ongoing growth and changes.
Doral stands out as one of the premier locations for living, working, and enjoying leisure activities within the greater Miami area.
The origin of the name “Doral” combines the initial letters of developer Alfred Kaskel and his wife Doris, distinguishing it as a unique identifier for this flourishing city.
1. CityPlace Doral
Source: Marina Blanco-Pape / shutterstockIn the heart of this vibrant mixed-use development, it is remarkable to realize that the area has transformed significantly within a few short years.
CityPlace Doral showcases the quintessential neighborhood experience, with tree-lined streets complemented by an excellent selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Central Plaza serves as an exciting communal area featuring a 720-square-foot digital screen that hosts diverse gatherings.
The fountain captivates visitors with its light and sound performances on the hour, while the seven-screen CMX theater, inaugurated in 2017, boasts 4K projection, Dolby surround sound, and comfortable leather recliners.
2. Downtown Doral
Downtown Doral has emerged as a contemporary town center for this growing city, exemplifying several expansive mixed-use developments that define its urban landscape.
The area features an array of boutiques, restaurants, and lifestyle services nestled along palm-lined streets, with striking new apartment towers flanking either side of NW 53rd Street.
Green spaces, such as Downtown Doral Park and White Course Park, add to the appeal, the latter paying homage to Doral’s golfing legacy.
A personal favorite in downtown is The Doral Yard, which includes a live music stage, hosting events every weekend.
3. Dolphin Mall
The largest outlet shopping destination in South Florida, Dolphin Mall, is conveniently located nearby in Sweetwater. Since its opening in 2001, it has expanded to include over 240 outlet stores.
Renowned brands such as Nike, Boss, Guess, Polo Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbia, and Michael Kors enhance the shopping experience.
This location offers an extensive array of dining establishments, featuring cuisine from Cuban specialties to Brazilian steaks and sushi.
Dolphin Mall also serves as an entertainment hub, with attractions such as CMX Dolphin 19, Bowlero Doral, Dave and Busters, and Topgolf.
4. Doral Cultural Arts Center
In 2022, the Doral Cultural Arts Center opened adjacent to the City of Doral Government Center, providing a state-of-the-art venue for cultural events and art exhibitions.
This 14,000-square-foot facility is the ideal location for international and regional art displays.
Public art installations adorn the grounds, including a striking sculpture by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés at the entrance. Inside, visitors will find two spacious galleries along with a multipurpose area.
During my visit, the circular rooftop deck afforded breathtaking views of downtown Doral and highlighted the facility’s architectural design.
5. Trump National Doral Golf Course
Initially established as a golf resort in the 1950s by real estate developer Alfred Kaskel, the property has since transformed into an iconic golf venue.
The Doral Open, part of the PGA Tour, took place here from 1962 until 2006, with the resort recently hosting events for the LIV Golf tour.
After acquiring the property in 2012, the Trump Organization undertook a comprehensive renovation of the facilities.
In 2019, the venue was thrust into the spotlight as Donald Trump proposed hosting the 46th G7 summit there.
Trump National Doral features four championship courses, notably the Blue Monster, previously the site of the Doral Open.
The signature par-4 18th hole is recognized as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World by GOLF Magazine.
6. The Trump Spa at Doral
The Trump National Doral also offers an exceptional spa facility, featuring a comprehensive selection of energizing, restorative, and calming treatments.
Available amenities include a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, hot and cold plunge pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and four hard-surface tennis courts.
A diverse menu of massages and beauty treatments is available, ranging from citrus-infused body scrubs to manicures and deep tissue massages lasting 120 minutes.
Notably, guests benefit from complimentary parking and access to the pool, fitness center, and fitness classes on the day of any spa service lasting 50 minutes or more.
7. Curtiss Mansion
Located a short distance east along NW 36th St, the Curtiss Mansion stands as a unique piece of local history, constructed in 1925 for the pioneering aviator and inventor, Glenn Curtiss.
Having relocated to Florida in 1920, Curtiss played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Miami Springs and Hialeah. The Pueblo Revival-style mansion has undergone a tumultuous history, including a lengthy period of neglect.
Since the City of Miami Springs took ownership in 1998, extensive restoration efforts have been initiated.
During my visit, I participated in a Saturday tour led by a knowledgeable docent, who provided insights into Curtiss’s significant contributions to naval aviation and motorcycling.
The mansion also hosts a variety of public events, including concerts, car shows, and Halloween festivities.
8. Miami International Mall
Established in 1982, this enclosed shopping center was present when Doral was home to just a few hundred residents.
Decades later, Miami International Mall remains a robust retail destination, featuring over 130 tenants.
During my visit, I noted the scarcity of vacant storefronts and appreciated the comparatively low crowds in contrast to those found at Dolphin Mall.
Notable retailers include Mango, Kay Jewelers, Sephora, Footlocker, Macy’s, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, JCPenney, and H&M.
9. Miami Improv
Reflecting Doral’s growth, high-quality live entertainment now plays an integral role in the city. Among these offerings is Miami Improv, a comedy club and dinner theater.
Offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, the venue features performances by both touring celebrities and local comedians.
Guests can enjoy stand-up acts on one night and comedic sketch performances the next.
Over the years, I have attended shows featuring Jay Pharoah and Damon Wayans at this lively location.
Additionally, open mic nights, comedy brunches, and classes for aspiring comedians are available for those interested.
10. Doral Glades Park
Up until the 1950s, Doral’s landscape was predominantly Everglades swampland, a piece of which can still be experienced at Doral Glades Park.
This park, opened in 2019, is situated along the shore of the 12-acre Roseate Spoonbill Lake.
While the environment will continue to mature over time, the existing mangrove shoreline has already begun attracting wading birds such as egrets and herons, providing an excellent opportunity for nature observation along the waterside trail and lighted boardwalk.
An educational nature center within the park offers valuable information about South Florida’s ecosystems, featuring touchscreen displays that enhance the experience.
11. Planet Air Sports
Recently, various family entertainment centers have taken over former warehouses in Doral, notable among them being Planet Air Sports.
This destination excels in offering a multitude of activities for children and teenagers.
At the heart of the facility is a trampoline park covering over 46,000 square feet, allowing guests to jump to their heart’s content. Alongside the trampoline court, there are dedicated areas for dodgeball and three basketball hoops.
Additional attractions include bowling lanes, ropes courses, batting cages, VR games, bumper cars, a climbing wall, a ninja course, and a toddler play area.
A unique feature includes an indoor ski slope simulator, where visitors can experience the sensation of skiing or snowboarding right in the heart of South Florida.
12. M.I.A. Beer Company
Source: mia.beer / Nikko AzanLocated on NW 33rd Street, M.I.A. Beer Company is a modern craft brewery and taproom offering a diverse selection of beers catering to varied palates.
These beers—including IPAs, light varieties, sours, and malty options—are produced with traditional recipes, enhanced by creative twists. M.I.A. prioritizes high-quality ingredients, predominantly sourced from Florida, reflecting Miami’s vibrant identity.
This is evident in the 80s-inspired packaging design and the lively ambiance of the fluorescent taproom. After sampling several options, I developed a fondness for their Getaway IPA, brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops.
Furthermore, the culinary offerings include delicious handcrafted croquetas, available with fillings of blue cheese, spinach, ham, or cod.
13. Doral Central Park
Source: Tamanoeconomico / WikimediaSpanning over 80 acres, Doral Central Park holds the distinction of being the largest park in the city, serving as a venue for notable public events such as the Independence Day Celebration.
The park boasts a harmonious mix of open green spaces, tree-dense areas, and a picturesque lake, making it an ideal locale for leisurely strolls.
For those seeking activity, the park features a nearly mile-long walking/jogging trail and outdoor exercise stations.
At the time of this writing, the park was undergoing a series of enhancements.
Upcoming additions include an amphitheater, a wetlands boardwalk trail, an outdoor aquatic venue, and a new indoor recreation facility.
14. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
For a limited period each year, a large Christmas-themed amusement park occupies a section of Doral.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest has been celebrating the holiday season for over four decades, recognized as the World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park.
During my last visit, the attraction had recently relocated to a new, larger location at the northwest intersection of 87th Avenue and 74th Street.
This event has become a cherished family tradition. The last edition featured over 100 rides, shows, interactive games, and holiday displays.
Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of fair food, with more than 50 stands offering grilled corn, turkey legs, deep-fried Oreos, and myriad other treats.
15. Morgan Levy Park
Source: Maria Monica Betancourt / FacebookAs Doral’s primary hub for active recreation, Morgan Levy Park offers an extensive range of amenities to meet the needs of the city’s growing population.
The park features five hard-surface tennis courts, four basketball courts, two sand volleyball fields, and a trail equipped with exercise stations.
Among the facilities, the most popular are the synthetic turf soccer fields, recently resurfaced to enhance the playing experience.
During my recent visit, I was impressed by the park’s cleanliness and the modern appearance of its facilities.
Families were enjoying the picnic pavilions, and a wedding reception added a festive atmosphere at the community center within the park.
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