Things To Do in Opa-locka

If you’re visiting Greater Miami and Miami Beach for the first time, there’s a good chance you’re unfamiliar with Opa-locka. Where is Opa-locka, exactly? It’s located in the northwestern part of Miami’s metropolitan area. Its name is derived from Seminole roots, like several places in Miami that have Native American origins. We’ve got the intel on the best sights, eats and shops there. 

See Iconic Architecture at the Historic Opa-locka City Hall

One of the most distinctive landmarks in Miami, Historic Opa-locka City Hall was built in 1926 by Bernhardt E. Muller and developed by Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer and the founder of Opa-locka. Just a 5-minute drive from Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport, its striking build is inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, featuring a Moorish Revival style, with ornamental tiles, onion-shaped domes, horseshoe arches and minaret accents. The exterior is quite photogenic, and architectural buffs are known to visit to snap photos.  

Along with many other buildings in the area, Historic Opa-locka City Hall was inspired by Arabian motifs, but is one of the last-standing buildings of nearly 80 in the area. Its preservation and upkeep have been ongoing priorities, and the structure has undergone restoration due to age and various hurricane-related damage. 

Go Shopping at the Opa-locka Indoor Flea Market

Hidden among an endless sea of Miami shopping experiences, Opa-locka Indoor Flea Market is a great option for bargain hunters. It's open year-round, 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there’s free parking available. Here, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more. Over 200 vendors sell antiques, clothing, jewelry, home decor and food items in the indoor, air-conditioned facility. Plus, there are even more located outside – don’t skip the food trucks. 

There are also service providers, including car and electronic repair specialists and personal care specialists, that offer a range of services.

Recreational Activities for the Family at Amelia Earhart Park

Amelia Earhart Park spans an impressive 515 acres and has activities for everyone in your brood, including Fido. A 5-acre fenced dog park offers endless off-leash exploration, but that’s just the beginning of this expansive outdoor playground. For the kids, there’s Bill Graham Farm Village and the inclusive Tom Sawyer’s Play Island for children ages 2 to 12. 

For outdoor sports enthusiasts, you can go mountain biking from sunrise to sunset along beginner, intermediate and advanced trails and rent a Genesis Mountain Bike on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Plus, the Miami Watersports Complex has wakeboarding, wake-surfing, waterskiing, kneeboarding and paddleboarding experiences. Still, the Soccer 5 mini complex offers enclosed turf fields suitable for both adult and kid-friendly pickup games alike.

Entry to Amelia Earhart Park is free, as is parking on weekdays. On Fridays through Sundays and holidays, use Pay-by-Phone to pay the $8 parking fee. 

Journey Through Opa-locka’s Heritage Trail

A 2-year-old trail with a storied history, the Opa-locka Heritage Trail first opened to the public in 2024, offering the first permanent historical exhibition of its kind. The walking tour spans 15 stations through the historic downtown core, where visitors can learn all about the people and places that shaped Opa-locka’s past. 

The self-guided trail includes a map where you can visit 5 “lost” landmarks: The Observation Tower, The Opa-locka Park, The Florida Aviation Camp, The Archery Club and Pro Shop and the Opa-locka Aquatic Auditorium/Bathing Pavilion. You can also book a guided tour experience ideal for larger groups. 

Experience Community and Creativity at The ARC

The ARC is an event space that brings guests together through arts and culture programming in the dedicated Opa-locka Arts District. Beginning on June 30, 2026, the Pages in the Park Through Art program will give children the opportunity to participate in interactive reading and hands-on art activities in an inclusive outdoor environment, free of charge.

Indulge in Soul Food at The Licking

Head to The Licking to experience their delicious soul food and fresh seafood, available 24/7 to satisfy any craving. From Fried Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles to Grilled Tilapia and Mac and Cheese, their comfort food options are always a hit.