Home to major sports and entertainment events, delectable Caribbean soul food, and Miami's only historically Black college or university – Florida Memorial University – Miami Gardens is a dynamic residential neighborhood with a strong African American community situated roughly 15 miles north of Downtown Miami. Discover what makes this corner of Greater Miami & Miami Beach so memorable with our handy guide to the hidden treasures and favorite spots of the community. This is just a sampling of what you can experience in this special neighborhood.

Hard Rock Stadium inside — Catch a Miami Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium

Experience the Thrill of Sports and Entertainment at Hard Rock Stadium

Home to the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is a year-round destination for sports and entertainment. As an all-around entertainment complex, it also plays host to other major sporting events, concerts and festivals.

Insider Tip: If you are visiting Hard Rock Stadium for a game or show, Brightline’s station in Aventura offers Hard Rock Stadium Connect shuttles. This direct service provides transportation from Brightline’s station in Aventura to select games and events at Hard Rock Stadium. When booking your train fare, look for event icons to help you secure your best option for travel.

Family playing golf at Topgolf — Experience fun for the entire family at Topgolf

Swing Into Fun At Topgolf

For hands-on sporting fun, enjoy a game at Topgolf, an immersive golf experience with climate-controlled hitting bays. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, you’ll have an unforgettable time at Topgolf while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Ethiopian food — Try Ethiopian flavors at Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, by MagicBones

Indulge in Soul Food From Around The World

Awash in Ethiopian Traditions

A husband-and-wife duo own and operate Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, an intimate eatery serving authentic Ethiopian dishes along with imported Ethiopian beer and wine. Guests can view the Ethiopian art and listen to traditional music at the bar. A fan favorite is Taste of Awash, which includes an array of vegetables, chicken and beef and served atop injera – a crepe-like flatbread. Traditionally, Ethiopian food is meant to be eaten with your hands, so the extra side of injera that comes with this dish helps scoop up all the wonderful flavors.

Old-School Soul Food at We Shuckin

We Shuckin Southern Eatery is a 60s and 70s-themed restaurant specializing in homemade, locally sourced, Southern comfort food. It features menu items from various regions and eras that all fall under the soul food umbrella. Get a taste of Carolina comfort food with their shrimp and grits, oxtail stew or catfish. Transport yourself to Louisiana with their gumbo, Cajun rice and oysters. Big fan of country cookin'? Try the Georgia Southern chicken and peach cobbler. Or get a taste of Florida's Southern food in their seafood dishes, like shrimp and conch.

mofongo topped with shrimp — Try traditional Dominican dishes like mofongo, by Rafael Bisbal

Authentic Dominican Fare at Yarumba

Yarumba Restaurant & Lounge is the place to go for Dominican dishes in Miami Gardens. The menu is a combination of traditional dishes like the goat stew, and new-age dishes like the mocano mofongo, an innovative take on the traditional mofongo that features crunchy pork rinds and cheddar cheese. On the weekends, the lounge turns up late at night with live Latin music.

Jerk chicken with rice, plantains and greens — Savor jerk chicken at Lorna's, by Tonelson

The Best of Jamaican and Bahamian Flavors at Lorna's

For authentic flavors of Jamaica and the Bahamas, look no further than Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill. This Miami Gardens staple is best known for its oxtail dinner, jerk chicken, conch soup and Atlantic wild salmon. Not only does the food transport you to the islands, but so does the ambiance. Every Tuesday night at Lorna's you can experience live music, delicious food and great drink specials, making customers feel like they are on vacation in their very own neighborhood.

colorful beans in bags — Find African ingredients at New World African and Caribbean Market, by Mediterranean

Uncover A One Of-A-Kind Shopping Market

For a unique grocery store experience, check out the New World African and Caribbean Market, which specializes in quality African cooking products. Stock up on honey beans, Ofada rice, Zobo beverages, Banga oil, seasonings, snacks and so much more. Cruise the aisles for your favorite hard-to-find products and discover something new at every turn.

Experience Gaming and Dining at Calder Casino

Miami Gardens is also home to Calder Casino, offering gaming fun with slots, a Players Club and more. The casino is known for its electronic table games, like roulette and blackjack. But if live card games are more your style, make sure to stop at The Card Room, where you can enjoy Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em or Three Card Poker.

Center Bar, located in the middle of the casino floor, is always a buzzy destination to indulge in cocktails and the bar’s legendary chicken wings while surrounded by big screen TVs. The Kitchen is the casino’s more formal dining destination, with classic fare ranging from shrimp Alfredo to Atlantic salmon and beef tenderloin.

Discover an Iconic Roadside Attraction

Situated at the intersection of Northwest 13th Avenue and 167th Street in Miami Gardens, the Sunshine State Arch arcs towards the heavens, reminiscent of the famed Gateway Arch in St. Louis. In fact, the Sunshine State Arch drew inspiration from Gateway, but managed to complete construction in 1964, three years ahead of the St. Louis monument. Designed by Walter C. Harry, it’s a classic Miami roadside attraction and officially designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

squirrel — Enjoy a day at Walt Frazier Park at Carol City

Visit Walt Frazier Park at Carol City

See what puts the “gardens” in Miami Gardens with a visit to Walt Frazier Park at Carol City. This greenspace is a wonderful place for outdoor recreation, whether it’s a stroll on the walking path or a pickup game on the basketball court, baseball diamond or football field. There are picnic pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms and water fountains onsite, as well as meeting rooms available for rent. The park pays tribute to hometown hero Walt Frazier, who dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving the Miami Gardens community as an educator and football coach who led Miami Carol City Senior High School to three state championship titles.

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