Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Margate, FL

  • Published 2022/12/25

The charming city of Margate is a nice and quiet suburban area in Broward County.

With a population of 58,001 residents in 2001, they only contribute a small portion out of the approximately 6.1 million residents in the whole Miami Metropolitan area.

Margate was founded in the 1950s, relatively recently compared to other cities, and was established during a time when most of the city was either farmland or part of the Everglades.

Nowadays, Margate is known to be a quiet city filled with historically rich museums and stores, waterparks, and golf courses, as well as a cozy residential spot near the beautiful beaches to the east.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Margate, Florida:

Take the Kids to the Calypso Cove Aquatic Center

Start your trip here at Margate at the Calypso Cove Aquatic Center, one of Margate’s most popular attractions.

The Calypso Cove Aquatic Center is a fantastic waterpark here at 6200 Royal Palm Boulevard that’s a must-visit during the dry and sunny seasons along with family.

There are tons of things to do in this small waterpark for the whole family.

There’s a large splash pad and aquatic playground in the middle where kids can explore the structure and have fun.

There are two awesome 30-ft tall waterslides, and children must be measured before they ride them.

Aside from the large pool, there’s also one lap pool for little children.

The Calypso Cove Aquatic Center is an amazing place to go with your family for a few hours’ worth of fun; however, due to the small size of the place, it might get packed during peak hours so keep this in mind.

Get a Hole-In-One at the Oriole Golf Club

Another popular attraction here in Margate is the Oriole Golf Club.

The Oriole Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course and a favorite spot in Broward County for an amazing day out golfing at an affordable price.

Located here at 8000 Margate Boulevard, the Oriole Golf Club was established in 1971 and has since been a staple for golfers here in Margate.

Beautiful fairways, a nice driving range with tee boxes and greens, a fun course layout, and a fair amount of high-risk, high-reward holes to spice up that game.

Once you’re done, you can eat a meal at their delicious restaurant and full liquor bar, visit their pro shop to buy some new equipment, or maybe purchase stuff you forgot!

Whether a beginner or a veteran, you will enjoy your time here at the Oriole Golf Club.

Jog at the Firefighters Park

The Firefighters Park is a unique memorial park here in Margate.

Found here at 2500 Rock Island Road, the Firefighters Park is beautiful and a memorial place for firefighters and other unsung heroes.

This 9-acre park has a lot of amenities for the whole family to enjoy.

The children can play at the playground while you can play sports at their basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts and on their soccer rink.

There is a 1.5-acre fenced dog park area for your pet to run around and socialize with other dogs.

You can also jog around the park’s half-mile trail while you keep a watchful eye on the children in the playground.

There is also a firefighter memorial statue depicting the world trade center building as well as the heroic firefighters who save countless lives during the attack.

You also can’t miss the bronze statue at the entrance portraying a firefighter holding a child.

Find Treasures at the Way Back When Antique and Collectible

If you’re an avid collector or you just want to find crazy and cool stuff, stop by the Way Back When Antique and Collectible.

This cool little shop has almost everything—from collectibles and retro and vintage antiques, as well as extremely hard-to-find items.

The Way Back When Antique and Collectible buys and sells cool items at a fair price, so you’re sure to find something cool to see or buy and bring home.

The owners are also cool people who know a lot about the items in their collection, so you’re sure to have an excellent time browsing the stuff they have in the store.

If you’re interested, be sure to visit 6217 Margate Boulevard Unit 2, it’s a must-stop for any collector.

Relax at the Coral Gate Park

Coral Gate Park is a charming little park here in Margate

Found here at Coral Lake Drive, this small city park is a local favorite for a nice and relaxing day at the park.

This community park is more about time with family; the kids can play at the covered playgrounds while the parents can sit down at the shaded benches nearby.

In addition, they also have half-court basketball courts and tennis courts for a quick game.

They also have a nice walking trail that loops around the park, perfect for a morning walk or jog while you watch the parkgoers do their thing.

The Coral Gate Park is located at Coral Lake Drive, right next to the Northwest Medical Center.

Solve Puzzles at the Demented Escape Room

Escape rooms are a fun way to spend a few hours with your friends and family; however, the Demented Escape Room is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

The Demented Escape room is a unique horror-themed escape room where you and your friends are put into a creepy and uncomfortable room with challenging puzzles to find your way out.

They have three different horror-themed escape rooms, and you only have 50 minutes to figure out the puzzles and find your way out.

Expect to be spooked and scared by villains and enemies while you navigate each room; the whole experience is caught on camera, of course.

If you’re interested in having a unique escape room experience, the Demented Escape Room is found at 2505 FL-7 here in Margate.

Get a Strike at the AMF Margate Lanes

The AMF Margate Lanes are the best place to visit for a fun time bowling.

Formerly called the Brunswick Lanes, the AMF Margate Lanes is a popular bowling alley here in Margate, where friends and family gather to hang out and do bowling, as well as the occasional birthday party or other events.

Even if you’re not good at bowling, you’re sure to have an awesome day at the AMF Margate Lanes, as they have more things to do than bowling, such as billiards and video games.

Come by the snack bar and order delicious food; their menu has all the typical items you’d find at any snack bar—pizza, burgers, fries, wings, and more.

You can also visit their pro shop and take a look at it or buy their cool merchandise.

The AMF Margate Lanes are located near the heart of Margate, at 2020 N State Road 7.

Smoke Premium Sticks at Burn One Cigar Bar

The Burn One Cigar Bar is a cool niche hangout spot for cigar enjoyers.

Here at 7328 Royal Palm Boulevard at the Royal Palm Plaza lies the Burn One Cigar Bar, an amazing lounge offering a variety of cigars with their humidors packed to the brink with fantastic sticks.

They feature a main area Espinosa lounge that exudes comfort; with a nice granite wine bar, cozy leather chairs and couches, cool lighting, and intimate lounge tables, you’re sure to have a chill time.

They sell cigars by the box or by individual sticks, and don’t forget their spectacular alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks—wine, beer, spirits, and coffee.

If you want a comfortable spot while shopping, this is the place.

Attend a Homily at St. Vincent Catholic Church

St. Vincent Catholic Church is a popular Roman Catholic Church here in Margate.

The church is found at 6350 NW 18 Street, just near downtown Margate.

The reason why this church is so popular isn’t just because of the beautiful architecture but because of the unique, diverse mix of several communities of different languages and cultures celebrating their faith in this very church.

They have masses in other languages—Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Creole Masses during specific dates and timeslots.

The grounds at the St. Vincent Catholic Church are clean and beautiful, and with the shrine of Mary right outside, it’s an amazing church to visit.

Taste Fabulous Italian Cuisine at Pasta And…

Good Italian food is usually a hit or miss, but the Italian cuisine here at Pasta And is a sure hit.

Located at 4990 W Atlantic Boulevard at Coconut Square, Pasta And is an Italian restaurant offering a taste of Italy in its high-end establishment.

This family-owned and operated restaurant serves the best flavors and traditions of Italy; they have everything you’d expect—homemade pasta, risottos, polenta, and hearty soups distinct to Northern Italy.

They make their homemade pasta fresh every day, including their meats and fish that are procured locally, so you can expect fresh and delicious meals here at Pasta And.

From the main course all the way to the dessert and drinks, you’re sure to love your authentic Italian dish here at Pasta And.

Go Fishing at the Lemon Tree Lake Park

The Lemon Tree Lake Park is one of those parks where you can just sit back and relax.

Found at 5511-5531 Lakeside Drive here in Margate, this small lakeside park is a cool and quiet place to stay with your family.

Their amenities include a nice scenic walking trail that shows you a beautiful look at the waters, a boat ramp, a covered picnic area, and swing benches you can sit on while admiring the view.

You can also take a seat near the waters or at the dock and join the other visitors also out fishing by the lake.

This is also a fantastic spot to catch a sunset or during the Fourth of July fireworks here at Margate.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Swim at the Pompano Beach

Aerial view of Pompano Beach

PAG Photos and Designs / Shutterstock.com

The beach at Pompano Beach is one of the best places to visit near Margate.

With just an 18-minute drive from downtown Margate, you can visit this spectacular beach with a bustling waterfront area.

Although the beach is clean and gorgeous, there aren’t as many people as you’d expect, so you can have a nice and quiet day at the beach.

Alongside the beach are walking paths that cross cool stores, amazing restaurants, and luxurious hotels.

Sunny day at Pompano Beach

Serenethos / Shutterstock.com

They’ve also recently developed their piers with iconic shade sails, as well as a fish-shaped pier point that’s a must-visit.

In addition, there are also picnic pagodas to stay at, fitness equipment for a quick workout, and a children’s playground complete with a water fountain for kids to enjoy.

The beach at Pompano Beach is too much of a waste not to visit when you’re just minutes away here in Margate!

A lighthouse at Pompano Beach

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Have a Day Filled with Discovery at Children’s Science Explorium

The Children’s Science Explorium is an interactive museum experience here in Boca Raton.

With just a 21-minute drive to 300 S Military Trail in Boca Raton, you’ll be able to find the world-class Sugar Sand Park, which houses the Children’s Science Explorium.

This children’s museum focuses on hands-on and fun exhibits that stimulate children’s curiosity as to how and why things work.

The museum has rotating main exhibits, so not one trip will be the same, and each exhibit carries fun and challenging brainteasers, challenges, and puzzles your child can overcome.

The Children’s Science Explorium is an amazing spot to visit while you’re at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton.

Visit the Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse and Museum

Aerial view of the Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse and Museum

Captain Johnny Bahama / Shutterstock.com

Just north of Pompano Beach at 2639 N Riverside Drive, just an 18-minute drive from Margate, you can visit the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse and Museum.

The lighthouse was built all the way back in 1906 in Detroit, and after 4,000 miles of transport, it first illuminated the seas in 1907.

Climb this 10-story lighthouse and be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view, but you have to buy tour reservations online beforehand.

Spiral stairs in the Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse and Museum

SunflowerMomma / Shutterstock.com

But you can still enjoy the fantastic view of the park across the inlet and join the other visitors just relaxing or fishing.

You can also learn about the barefoot mailmen through their memorial statue, mailmen who walked 40+ miles on the shore to deliver mail during the 1880s, with one dying presumably to an alligator attack.

Lamp of the Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse and Museum

SunflowerMomma / Shutterstock.com

Discover LGBT Culture at the Stonewall National Museum and Archives

Exterior of Stonewall National Museum and Archives

Chris Allan / Shutterstock.com

The Stonewall National Museum and Archives is a unique museum here in Fort Lauderdale.

With just a 21-minute drive at 1300 E Sunrise Boulevard from Margate, you can visit the country’s largest museum that promotes understanding the LGBT+ culture.

They have quite a large collection of LGBT+ history, with more than 28,000 volumes of books and 2,700 feet worth of archival objects, mostly from the 1950s to the modern day.

Other than that, they also host programs and events that help spread awareness about LGBT+-related topics.

Their library is open to the public, and the materials are free to study and research; however, you have to be a member to check out items from the library.

Final Thoughts

It just goes to show that Margate isn’t just a place you can stay to visit the other surrounding cities; for a nice and quiet suburban area, Margate has lots of fun activities and places to visit.

From its ever-popular waterpark and golf courses to niche shops, delicious restaurants, and memorable parks, Margate does shine on its own.

Not to take away its appeal of being close to fantastic cities, of course; it’s just one of the things that make Margate an appealing place to visit.

Hope this list of the best things to do in Margate, Florida help fix that travel itinerary on your next visit!

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