Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Opa-locka, FL

There was a time when individuals were generally disinclined to spend extended periods in Opa-locka. Located approximately ten miles north-northwest of downtown Miami, this city was historically linked to socioeconomic challenges and elevated crime rates.

During my recent visit, numerous positive developments were evident. The Arts & Recreation Center situated downtown presents an intriguing campus, featuring galleries that host a variety of exhibitions.

Founded by the esteemed aviator and inventor Glenn Curtiss, the city’s identity is characterized by street names inspired by Arabian Nights, such as Ali Baba Avenue and Sharazad Boulevard. Historically, there were close to 100 Moorish Revival structures, of which several remain intact and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the time of writing, JSX Airlines had recently initiated commercial services at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF), adjacent to the city.

1. Moorish Revival Architecture

In the mid-1920s, entering the newly constructed Opa-locka would have presented a surreal encounter.

During this era, nearly 90 Moorish Revival structures existed, characterized by their fantastical design elements such as domes, horseshoe arches, and minarets reminiscent of Arabian Nights.

Sadly, much of this architectural heritage was lost during the devastating Miami Hurricane of 1926. A century later, approximately two dozen of the original buildings still stand.

These are preserved as part of the Opa-locka Thematic Resource Area. For a brief self-guided tour, one might begin at the historic Opa-locka City Hall near Sherbondy Park, which, although boarded up, still exists.

Also noteworthy is the Opa-locka railroad depot, constructed for the Seaboard Air Line and located beside the modern station.

2. Amelia Earhart Park

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Although it is technically situated in neighboring Hialeah, the 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park overlaps with Opa-locka’s southwestern boundary.

The park honors one of aviation’s greatest pioneers, where she took off on her final flight. Interestingly, the now-closed Miami Municipal Airport was located a few blocks east of this park.

Amelia Earhart Park offers an array of amenities, including mountain biking trails, a designated dog park, a fishing pier, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and numerous picnic areas.

Notably, the large lake at the center of the park is also home to the Miami Watersports Center, which will be discussed further below.

3. Opa-Locka Indoor Flea Market

If you appreciate the experience of shopping for enjoyment rather than necessity, the Opa-Locka Indoor Flea Market is an excellent destination. This market has been a community fixture for over forty years.

Featuring numerous vendors, this venue offers a vast selection of goods ranging from fresh produce to gifts, footwear, wristwatches, musical instruments, electronics, jewelry, luggage, swimwear, home appliances, and tools.

The market occupies a spacious area adjacent to the airport and has relocated after its previous premises were sold.

4. Miami Watersports Center

Located on Peregrine Falcon Lake within Amelia Earhart Park, this state-of-the-art cable park provides facilities for wakeboarding, waterskiing, knee-boarding, wake-surfing, and a variety of other water sports.

The complex features two full-size cables and one tower cable that incorporate a wide range of advanced elements.

If you’re a beginner feeling apprehensive, rest assured that helpful instructors are available to guide you through your initial experience. The ‘Get Up Guarantee’ program is designed to ensure all first-time participants attain a level of proficiency by the conclusion of their first day.

Additionally, my children thoroughly enjoyed the Aquapark, which features a floating inflatable obstacle course with more than 30 exciting elements to navigate.

5. Arts & Recreation Center (ARC)

Conveniently located near Opa-locka Station, this venue is overseen by the Ten North Group. The Arts & Recreation Center invigorates the downtown area with a diverse range of cultural events throughout the year.

During my visit, I attended an inspiring art exhibition. The engaging exhibit titled “Genius Species” showcased the work of various talented black women artists.

The ARC is part of a larger campus that includes a dance/movement studio, co-working spaces, an arts charter school, and an urban farming initiative.

Moreover, the Ten North Group has initiated various interesting projects around Opa-locka, one of which is the Opa-locka Light District where ten street lamps were transformed into projection devices showcasing poetry on sidewalks and walls.

6. Hard Rock Stadium

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For many years, the impressive sports venue known as Hard Rock Stadium was originally named Joe Robbie Stadium.

Constructed for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the stadium has a seating capacity of 64,767 and has been the home field for UM’s Miami Hurricanes since 2008. Every January 1, it hosts the prestigious Orange Bowl.

Even for those who are not attending during football season, the stadium remains an attractive location to visit. Throughout the off-season, it accommodates a wide array of events that attract diverse audiences.

With a seating capacity exceeding 60,000, guided tours are available during non-event days for those interested in a behind-the-scenes experience.

7. Hialeah Park Casino

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With a legacy that spans nearly a century, Hialeah Park offers a glimpse into historical Florida as a former horse racing track. Established in 1922, it was once recognized as one of the most picturesque racetracks in the world.

Prominent figures, including movie stars and heads of state, have been photographed at this venue, with notable guests like Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill gracing its grounds in the past.

Today, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach has become the primary venue for horse racing. The last thoroughbred races at Hialeah Park occurred in 2010, after which the facility was repurposed as a casino.

Quarter Horse races are still conducted during the winter season, while the casino features a comprehensive array of the latest slot machines, an expansive poker room, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.

Additionally, the park is renowned for the flamingos that flock to its infield, which has been designated as an official Audubon Society sanctuary.

8. Main Street Miami Lakes

While Opa-locka’s downtown area is in need of revitalization, a vibrant alternative can be found just five minutes away in Miami Lakes.

Developed from the ground up in the early 1980s, this district was envisioned as the focal point of the city, strategically situated at the heart of its road system.

Main Street serves as a delightful area for leisurely strolls, featuring covered walkways and a line of beautiful live oak trees lining the promenade. The area includes independent boutiques, restaurants, and a variety of service establishments ranging from gyms to salons.

My personal favorite feature is the circular fountain, a perfect spot to take a break under the shade of another substantial live oak.

9. Calder Casino

A few miles north of Opa-locka, in Miami Gardens, lies another casino. Like many of the older establishments in the Miami area, Calder Casino began as a racetrack.

Established in 1971, it served as a stepping stone for young jockeys from Latin America and the Caribbean to break into the horse racing scene within the USA. The track later evolved into Gulfstream Park West, and racing activities gradually slowed in the 2010s.

The casino opened its doors in 2010 and features an extensive, 100,000-square-foot gaming floor. During my research, I noted that it houses over 1,000 slot machines, along with options for blackjack and video poker.

The Card Room presents games such as Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, offering the lowest minimum bets in South Florida at just $5. Additionally, Calder Casino boasts three dining venues and an open-air, smoker-friendly Backyard Casino.

10. Main Street Players (MSP)

Merely five minutes from Opa-locka, you can experience professional-grade performances from the oldest community theater in Miami-Dade.

The Main Street Players, established in 1974, have transitioned through various venues and currently reside in a storefront on Main Street in Miami Lakes.

Their repertoire includes popular classic musicals, as well as more daring and thought-provoking productions, alongside original works.

For instance, during my visit, I encountered “No Cojas Lucha,” a novela-style farce set in Hialeah, revolving around the marriage of a Cuban individual and an American.

The theater also offers improv shows, workshops, and children’s programs, including seasonal workshops.

11. Topgolf Miami Gardens

A branch of this innovative driving range chain is conveniently located in Miami Gardens. Topgolf can be described as a fusion of golf and bowling, presenting a sophisticated atmosphere.

Spread over three levels, Topgolf Miami Gardens features more than 100 all-weather hitting bays equipped with sensors and screens to provide a diverse selection of games suitable for players of various skill levels.

Participate in games like Angry Birds, where you can demolish virtual structures or TopScore, which rewards accurate and powerful shots.

Throughout your visit, attentive restaurant and bar service is available, offering a range of beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a selection of snacks and shareable plates such as hummus dip and pretzel bites.

12. Claude Pepper Park

If you are seeking a quintessential active park, consider visiting Claude Pepper Park located just a minute or two east in North Miami.

Situated between Opa-locka Boulevard and NW 135th Street, Claude Pepper Park features an extensive paved walking trail, ideal for morning or evening jogs, stretching precisely 1.1 miles, with workout stations available for those looking to intensify their exercise routine.

Moreover, the park is equipped with tennis courts, baseball fields, a basketball court, and expansive green areas for casual games.

13. Go Fly Tours

One of the significant advantages of being in close proximity to Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport is the availability of companies such as Go Fly Tours.

This family-owned aviation business provides unforgettable flying experiences across South Florida. Customers can choose from a range of tours, whether they wish to observe Miami or Fort Lauderdale from above.

The premier experience offered is the Miami Sky Tour. This journey begins over South Beach, moves past Star Island and Fisher Island, and proceeds southward to the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse at Key Biscayne’s southern tip.

14. McDonald Water Park

Located nearby in Hialeah, this public water park features affordable entrance fees for non-residents. The standout attraction at McDonald Water Park is undoubtedly its lazy river.

Meandering through tropical landscapes and beneath cascading waterfalls, this lazy river spans more than 1,000 feet. In addition, the park includes a wave pool and a large splash area designed for young children.

This facility is within a public park that also features a minimum of ten picnic pavilions, lighted tennis courts, racquetball courts, and a playground for younger guests.

15. CMX Cinemas Miami Lakes 13

One observation I have regarding movie theaters in Greater Miami is the surprising lack of modern amenities.

By this, I refer to the latest advancements in sound and projection technology, as well as comfortable seating. A venue that defies this trend is CMX Cinemas Miami Lakes 13, which had recently been upgraded during my visit.

This theater features fully reclining leather seats, spacious tables for refreshments, all-digital sound systems, and internet ticketing options.

Similar to most theaters, they offer discounts on Tuesdays, where patrons can enjoy a movie for $6.