14 Best Things to Do in Miami Shores (FL)

The city of Miami Shores was incorporated in 1932 and had almost 11,000 residents at the time of the last census.

It’s situated along the Intracoastal Waterway between North Miami Beach to the north and Miami proper to the south.

Miami Shores is just west of Interstate 95, which gives guests easy north-south access to many of South Florida’s most popular attractions. For those with access to wheels, day-trips to Everglades National Park and even Key Biscayne are doable.

Cultural, natural, and activity-oriented attractions abound, so finding ways to stay busy shouldn’t be an issue.

Below are 14 things to do in and around Miami Shores.

1. Miami Shores Aquatic Center

Occasionally, even kids need a break from the beach; for those who do, the Miami Shores Aquatic Center is the perfect retreat.

The center’s Shipwreck Cove is a kid’s wonderland and features six slides of varying heights, as well as a number of pool areas – one of which is zero-depth and reserved for toddlers and their parents.

The children’s portion of the facility is decorated in a cool pirate theme, and there are also playgrounds, water cannons, and dump-buckets.

For parents who’d rather watch from a safe distance, there are plenty of covered seating options, and designated lap areas for them as well.

2. Miami Shores Country Club

Miami Shores Country Club is located on Biscayne Boulevard and is spread over more than 120 scenic acres that include a variety of natural environments.

The 18-hole, par-71 course plays between 5,000 and 6,600 yards depending on which tees players choose. For many locals and savvy visitors, it’s considered one of Miami-Dade County’s must-play courses.

The course has been around since the late ‘30s and is known for its reasonable rates and array of amenities, like full-service bar and restaurant, putting greens, and locker rooms. For those who need some professional instruction, several lesson options are available as well.

3. Amelia Earhart Park

Located in Hialeah just a stone’s throw from Miami Shores, Amelia Earhart Park is comprised of more than 500 acres that offer visitors a variety of recreation options.

For those traveling with dogs, there’s a five-acre park that includes a fenced area for smaller dogs only.

The park’s centerpieces are its five lakes that are popular with fishermen and kayakers. Paddleboats are available to rent as well. They’re a fun and calorie-burning way to see things from a unique perspective.

The park is crisscrossed with several multi-use trails too, which are well-marked and appropriate for kids. On top of all that, there is a petting zoo and multiple playgrounds to discover.

4. Ñooo! Que Barato!

For linguistically challenged travelers, it’s probably best not to even try to say the name of the above attraction.

Just remember; in Spanish, it translates into something like, “Darn, that’s cheap!”

Ñooo! Que Barato! is located on West 23rd Street in nearby Hialeah inside an iconic yellow building that’s kind of hard to miss.

It’s a Cuban, family-run business, and inside, shoppers will find a variety of items that range from cheap watches and tight, stretchy jeans to formal dresses, candles, and perfume.

You may feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the island nation of Cuba, but that’s half the experience.

5. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science includes two distinct wings and multiple buildings that boast some pretty impressive statistics.

Combined, the wings include more than 200,000 square feet of floor space. The museum’s centerpiece is its Gulf Stream aquarium exhibit that is purported to hold upwards of 500,000 gallons of water.

The museum’s interactive exhibits touch on animals, the natural world, technology, and aviation. There’s a world-class planetarium on site as well offering regularly scheduled, year-round programs that are entertaining for children and adults alike.

Their calendar is usually full, so check their website to see what’s on the horizon before heading out.

6. Calder Casino

Miami Gardens’ Calder Casino is one of the area’s premiere gaming destinations. Those who prefer to roll the dice and bluff the dealer without inhaling gobs of second-hand smoke will be pleased to discover that – unlike many casinos – it’s a smoke-free environment.

Though gambling is the big draw, the casino offers a variety of recreation options; many of them don’t require losing large sums of hard-earned money.

Sports bars, full-service restaurants, and live entertainment are all big draws, and the ever-popular Vegas-style buffet is a great place to fill-up on world-class grub before heading off to a concert or other adventure.

7. Garden of the Arts

Hialeah’s Garden of the Arts is a unique attraction located off the beaten path in an otherwise mundane area of warehouses and nondescript homes; for lovers of art and the Bohemian lifestyle, it’s a must-visit attraction.

Just off the Palmetto Expressway on West 76th Street, it’s full of open garden areas that include sculptures, walking paths, stunning murals, and a variety of businesses selling everything from coffee and organic smoothies to art and locally-made jewelry.

The garden features a small amphitheater that hosts a variety of live entertainment events. There are also regularly scheduled monthly art walks that are big hits with locals and visitors alike.

8. Hard Rock Stadium

Though it’s still often called Joe Robbie Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium is a premier South Florida sports and live entertainment venue that’s been an icon for decades.

It’s home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes, and preparations are currently underway as it’s slated to host the Super Bowl in 2020.

Though football tickets may be hard to come by, the facility also hosts tennis, concerts, and a number of fairs and festivals.

Stadium tours are also available and are popular ways to get a behind-the-scenes look usually only seen by players, coaches, performers, and staff.

9. Hammond’s Bakery

Located just a few minutes from Miami Shores in Miami Gardens, Hammond’s Bakery is a locally-owned business known for its fresh, baked-daily breads, sweets, and pastries.

Hammond’s draws an eclectic crowd that represents nearly all walks of life. Much of what you’ll find is influenced by the Caribbean cultures that are so prevalent in the area.

They offer a variety of savory items in addition to their sweets; Jamaican patties are a perennial favorite and are offered in three different meat filling options.

If it’s sweets you’re after, consider their cinnamon buns, bread pudding, or tropical fruit smoothies.

10. Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment

In the past few years, the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment has undergone some significant renovations that have gone a long way towards solidifying its role as the area’s preeminent cultural and performance venue.

In addition to its roles as art gallery and entertainment destination, the facilities at Milander are available to rent for private gatherings. Throughout the year, they host a variety of live performances that range from classical music and dance to dramatic theater and recitals.

They’re known for being on the forefront of hot-topic issues like climate change and immigration, especially highlighting their relationship to art and the local community.

11. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Coconut Grove is an easy drive from Miami Shores, and for those with access to wheels and a desire to experience one of the region’s most noted art and natural attractions, a trip to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens would be time well-spent.

The museum and gardens are spread over more than 40 bay-front acres that offer visitors some of the most stunning vistas they’re likely to see on their trip.

The historic home includes period art and furniture, much of which dates back more than two centuries. The gardens and grounds are connected by easily walkable paths that are great for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

12. Wynwood Brewing Company

Wynwood Brewing Company - Tap Room — Wynwood Brewing Company – Tap Room

The Wynwood neighborhood in Miami is known as a Bohemian enclave that’s famous for its galleries, studios, and quaint coffee shops, but it’s also home to a popular brewing company.

Some claim that Wynwood Brewing Company was the first of Miami’s micro-breweries, and though lots of competition has popped-up in recent years, they’ve remained one of the most popular.

They’re located in a ho-hum building, but their taproom is trendy and contemporary. In addition to their huge variety of brewed-on-site beers, they often host food trucks that offer reasonably priced and internationally influenced fare that goes great with a cold one.

13. Deering Estate

Few area attractions combine history, culture, and the natural world quite like the Deering Estate.

At the turn of the 20th century, it was the winter home of a wealthy Midwest industrialist, and is considered one of the southern Atlantic coast’s historic gems.

The home and estate buildings feature stunning architecture, and the waterfront grounds include gardens, fountains, and sculptures, not to mention stunning views and great photo ops.

A portion of the estate has been set aside for archaeological discovery as well, and includes human and animal bones, some of which date back tens of thousands of years.

14. Jungle Island

From zip-lines and petting zoos to playgrounds and wild animals, Jungle Island has a firm grip on one of the top itinerary spots for families traveling with kids.

It’s one of those places that tends to far exceed visitors’ expectations. In addition to being engaged and entertained, almost everyone walks away enlightened as well.

The animal and natural activities are the island’s main draws, but they’ve been expanding their repertoire recently and now offer light shows, eco-tours, and even a cool flight simulator.

It’s a hands-on and activity-filled environment that’s often one of the most memorable experiences of many families’ Sunshine State vacation.