Miami Gardens is a populous city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, located just 16 miles from Downtown Miami.
With well over 110,000 residents as of the 2020 census, Miami Gardens is the most populous city in Florida, making it a hotbed of all sorts of things to do.
Perhaps the most iconic attraction here is the Hard Rock Stadium, a destination you can’t miss during your visit to Miami.
Hard Rock Stadium is home to several world-renowned sporting events, making Miami Gardens a global sports hub.
Miami Gardens is also close to other neighboring attractions, such as its world-famous beaches, most of which you can reach in less than 40 minutes by car.
To kickstart your trip to South Beach, here’s a list of the best things to do in Miami Gardens, Florida:
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Hard Rock Stadium is an architectural and cultural marvel you can’t afford to miss during your trip to Miami Gardens.
Not just a Florida Icon, Hard Rock Stadium is renowned globally, rivaling the likes of Staples Center in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York City.
It is, after all, the home of the world-famous Super Bowl event, which you might want to consider when you plan your travel dates.
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Hard Rock Stadium is also home to the Miami Dolphins and all sorts of concerts and events that take place year-round in this bustling city.
A state-of-the-art stadium with sprawling food concessionaires and eateries, the experience of watching a football game or a concert here is unparalleled.
You can find Hard Rock Stadium along Don Shula Drive in the northern part of the city.
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Besides its rich sports culture, Miami Gardens is also a residential suburb of Downtown Miami, making it home to some of the best parks in the county.
At Rolling Oaks Park, you’ll experience the classic city park atmosphere, complete with food trucks, walking trails, and amenities.
The food trucks here are particularly sought after by the locals, so give them a try for the complete experience.
You can do a lot of jogging here for your morning sweat, but Rolling Oaks Park also has a basketball and tennis court.
You can find Rolling Oaks Park along Northwest 17th Court at the southeastern tip of the city.
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Within Hard Rock Stadium are two other stadiums, the first one being the Miami International Autodrome.
Miami International Autodrome, right across Hard Rock Stadium’s parking lot, deserves its own mention, as it’s a recent state-of-the-art facility for Formula 1 events, primarily the Miami Grand Prix.
Miami Grand Prix is fairly a recent addition to the world of F1 events, having been just included in the 2022 World Championship.
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Because of this, Miami International Autodrome is a must-visit if you plan to see some of the best F1 racers in the world.
It offers spectacular views of its three-plus mile race track that can handle speeds of almost 140 miles per hour.
You can also expect a lot of food and beer concessionaires, along with a festive ambiance during events.
While there are a lot of diners and restaurants in Miami Gardens, Sunday’s Eatery stands above these as an institutionalized icon in the city.
Sunday’s Eatery has been highly rated not only by millions of tourists that go each year to Miami but also by high-profile celebrities who frequent South Beach.
Sunday’s Eatery’s specialty is soul food, as it’s owned by 1990s American Rapper Trick Daddy, who has a penchant for soul food cuisine.
Some of the must-try dishes are fried ribs, turkey wings, grilled snapper, and mac and cheese.
Located along Northwest 207th Street, Sunday’s Eatery is a must-visit if you’re looking for a Miami Gardens icon and a place to chance upon a Hollywood celebrity.
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The second facility within Hard Rock Stadium is the Miami Open Stadium, a must-visit for avid tennis fans.
The host of the Miami Open, you’ll see tons of global stars in Miami Open Stadium if you visit during mid-March.
Hall of Fame players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic grace this facility, so utilize this opportunity well when planning your itinerary.
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Like the Miami International Autodrome, Miami Open Stadium is a fairly new facility, so you’ll have top-notch comfort and views for a stellar experience.
Some of its best features are its shade canopies, HD video boards, and luxury seats.
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Located along Northwest 199 Street lies the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, one of the largest recreational spaces in the United States.
Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex lives up to this recognition, as it has tons of amenities that fit people of all kinds of ages who are looking to exercise.
They have a dance studio, exercise trails, swimming pools, a running track, and a fitness center.
All sorts of ball sports amenities are also found here, such as a football field and basketball and volleyball courts.
This is one of the best atmospheres just to get lost in your exercise routine and be in tune with your physical and mental health.
So give it a go on your trip to Miami Gardens.
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Calder Casino is a massive casino complex on Northwest 27th Avenue that offers a wide variety of activities on top of its casino.
One of the best things to do here is to try many of its affordable restaurants.
If you’re feeling starving, Calder Casino has a buffet here where you can stuff yourself with tons of seafood and meat.
Of course, the casino is a must-try, too, if you intend to try your luck.
They have over 1,000 slot machines and tons of table games with neat jackpot prizes for the winners.
While a massive facility, Calder Casino has a relatively relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent place for older people to enjoy.
Buccaneer Park is another park in Miami Gardens that you may want to visit if you’re traveling with small children.
Buccaneer Park is mostly a recreational park with several entertainment activities, with its mini water park being the most prominent.
Miami’s heat can be a daunting experience, especially for inexperienced children, so Buccaneer Park is a great way to cool down.
Besides the water park, there’s also an outdoor basketball and tennis court here, as well as playgrounds and event grounds that sometimes hold carnivals.
Buccaneer Park is found along Northwest 207th Street.
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Miami Gardens is home to a historical and architectural landmark of Florida known as the Sunshine State Arch.
Completed in 1964, this arch is a parabolic design that exemplifies Miami’s Modern architecture, which is a post-World War II style that emphasizes simplicity and austerity.
Today, it stands tall and proud along the intersection of Northwest 13th Avenue and 167th Street, almost as if it’s a tunnel entrance where millions of cars pass through each year.
To get the best angle of this Florida icon, it’s best to drive through its intersection and take beautiful shots during a red light.
Otherwise, you can take photos of it from the sidewalks, giving you more time to appreciate this unique structure up close.
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Topgolf is not necessarily unique to Miami Gardens, but it’d be in your best interest to insert this in your itinerary, as it’s a can’t-miss experience in the city.
It’s a state-of-the-art entertainment center sprawling with high-tech amusement facilities.
One of the best things Topgolf is known for globally is its quirky indoor driving range, where golf doesn’t have to feel too technical for it to be fun.
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There’s also a bowling alley and lounge in this area should you want something a little more laid back.
Topgolf is also a fantastic place to have parties and go drinking and eating, so it’s a good all-rounder if you’re trying to find an excellent place to hang out at night.
Topgolf can be found along Northwest 7th Avenue.
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A trip to Miami can’t be complete without visiting its world-famous beaches—and Miami Gardens is only 30 minutes away from one of the best beach parks in South Beach.
Located in Hallandale Beach lies South City Beach Park—a state-of-the-art beachfront park that lets you experience Miami’s pristine oceans with complimentary amenities.
The park has a little bit of something for everyone, such as cafes, gorgeous green pathways, and all sorts of beach-related activities.
The best part of South City Beach Park is that it’s a public park, so you won’t have to go out of your way just to experience the beaches of Hallandale Beach.
If you’re not planning on booking a beach resort, South City Beach Park is one of the best public beachfront areas near Miami Gardens.
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One of the most scenic places in Florida is the iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, easily accessible via a 30-minute drive from Miami Gardens.
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has a vintage Miami vibe that makes it the picture-perfect destination in your itinerary.
It’s also packed with tons of things to do, boasting over 50 restaurants and shops along its pristine sandy shores.
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While it gets a lot of foot traffic, its spacious beaches and walkways help maintain its serene vibe.
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a can’t-miss spot if you’re traveling to Miami Gardens, accessible through South Ocean Drive.
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Found along Northeast Miami Gardens Drive in North Miami Beach lies Skylake Mall, which only takes you 15 minutes to reach via car.
Skylake Mall is one of the bigger and more well-known malls in the county, offering lots of establishments and services for both locals and tourists.
You can find almost anything here, from banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and fitness centers to beauty and wellness establishments.
It’s a great addition to your itinerary if you need something out of the way or you’re just in the mood to go mall shopping.
Skylake Mall is also conveniently located near the major thoroughfares connecting the cities of Miami-Dade County.
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Amelia Earhart Park is a nearby major attraction in Florida, located in Hialeah City, that takes just 15-20 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium via car.
What makes Amelia Earhart Park so famous is its massive size, comprising several lakes and smaller parks.
One of the most famous activities to do here include wakeboarding, jet skiing, mountain biking, and fishing.
The 500-plus acre park also has a famous petting zoo and playground, which is a hit for younger children.
Far more can be seen in Amelia Earhart Park, like dog parks, a water sports complex, and tons of sports fields for soccer and disc golf.
You can find Amelia Earhart Park along East 65th Street.
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If you want to experience Miami’s rich ecology, the Snake Warrior Island Natural Area can be reached in just a 10-minute drive from Hard Rock Stadium, found in Miramar City.
Spanning a little over 50 acres, Snake Warrior Island Natural Area is one of the best places to spot iguanas and various other reptiles like turtles and snakes.
The natural area is full of wetlands, making it a haven for migratory birds.
Besides these animals, Snake Warrior Island Natural Area is also home to some amazing flora, particularly large trees that have lived for decades.
An oasis in the urban districts of the county, Snake Warrior Island Natural Area is a must-visit if you’re an animal and nature lover.
Miami Gardens is one of the best places to enjoy the rich sports culture of the United States.
Whether you’re visiting for the Super Bowl, Miami Open, or a different game altogether, this is a city where sports is evident in the everyday life of its local community.
Of course, Miami Gardens is more than just the game; it also has loads of restaurants, amusement centers, and laidback parks.
What makes it truly shine, however, is its proximity to various other destinations iconic to South Beach—many of which are just a 30-minute drive away.
So, what are you waiting for?
Plan your trip soon because the best things to do in Miami Gardens, Florida, are waiting for you!
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