Home to Hard Rock Stadium and the mighty Miami Dolphins, Miami Gardens is a destination for sports, gaming and recreation. There’s also an excellent Caribbean soul food scene. Read on for a guide to things to do in Miami Gardens.

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

Hard Rock Stadium

Fun fact: Miami has hosted more Super Bowls than any other city (11, in fact) and the most recent six took place at Hard Rock Stadium. Who can forget Super Bowl LIV’s Halftime Show starring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira in 2020? Home to the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium also plays host to the Miami Open, the University of Miami Hurricanes, the NCAA’s Orange Bowl and, most recently, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. An all-around entertainment destination, Hard Rock Stadium also hosts concerts and festivals like Jazz in the Gardens. It’s even home to an outpost of the Miami Beach mega-club LIV. At the concession stand, you’ll find much more than hot dogs and hamburgers – in fact, you can enjoy local favorites such as Café Versailles, Chef Creole and Shula Burgers. The stadium’s art is curated by Goldman Global Arts, the developers behind Wynwood Walls, and features dozens of murals and fine art pieces by world-class artists, from Peter Tunney to Jen Stark and The London Police.

Calder Casino

Miami Gardens is home to Calder Casino for all of your gaming fun, including slots, table games and a Players Club. It’s also a destination for concerts, entertainment and dining. Take a break from gaming at Center Bar located in the middle of the casino floor. Here, you can take in the atmosphere and indulge in cocktails and beer alongside a casual food menu. Come out on Friday nights for Social Fridays when Calder hosts DJ Bam at Center Bar with drink specials. Their newest restaurant, The Kitchen, offers classic fare, from chicken and broccoli alfredo to Atlantic salmon and beef tenderloin.

squirrel — Enjoy a day at Miami Carol City Park

Miami Carol City Park

Miami Carol City Park is a wonderful place to visit anytime of year. In addition to playgrounds, picnic pavilions and a walking path, Carol City Park is also home to basketball courts, a baseball diamond and football field. You’ll find restrooms and water fountains onsite, as well as indoor meeting rooms available for rental. Whether you’re up for a friendly game of touch football, a family stroll or an afternoon picnic, Miami Carol City Park is an ideal destination.

Skylake Mall

Skylake Mall is a shopping center on the northern edge of Miami Gardens anchored by TJ Maxx, Publix and LA Fitness, making it a convenient one-stop shop for running errands and stocking up on groceries if you’re staying in a condo or a hotel with a kitchenette. Other popular destinations include Starbucks and Goodwill. You’ll also find a nail salon, barbershop, spa, urgent care, veterinarian and plenty of great restaurants, including Mi Peru for Peruvian cuisine.

Sunshine State Arch

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.

golf ball — Experience fun for the entire family at TopGolf

TopGolf

Grab your crew and head to Miami Gardens for a round of TopGolf inside a climate-controlled driving range bay where you’ll score points based on how close your microchipped ball comes to the target. This entertainment complex is fun for the whole family with golf, gaming and a seasonal menu of tasty bites, perfect for sharing. If you’re new to golf, you can take lessons, and there’s also a KidZone with clinics and coaching available for the little ones.