When you hear that Florida’s nickname is “Sunshine State,” you immediately know that this southeasternmost US state calls for enjoyment. It was as if she had chosen the ideal location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, taking the best of both. Its cities are known all over the world, and its shores invite you to release your spirit on the white sand next to the unreal blue sea.
Although it sounds like a cliché, its appeal cannot be described more precisely.
Each part of Florida has its own features. In addition to beaches, there are also swamps, forests, rivers, lakes, and Everglades National Park.
Fort Lauderdale, a coastal city in Broward County, is located in the southeastern part of Florida. Its uniqueness and beauty lie in the fact that it is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by numerous canals that meander along the coast. These canals are boating, so it was called the “Venice of America” because of its similarity with the landscape associated with Venice, Italy.
One of Fort Lauderdale’s suburbs is Hallandale Beach, which has about 41,200 inhabitants. Young professionals, families, and retirees live here. Many Canadians from Quebec spend the winter here as “snowbirds.”
Things to Do in Hallandale Beach
With a diverse population and tourism, Hallandale Beach has a lot to offer. A classic walk through the streets and a tour of downtown Hallandale, an encounter with historic neighborhoods, a rich nightlife, getting to know the cuisine of Florida, and tasting specialties—all this awaits you in this vibrant and exciting place.
Boating
Every tourist who arrives in Hallandale Beach and settles in his comfortable hotel will want to go on a tour. Here, it is possible to do it in a way that is not common in most other destinations.
The pride of Hallandale Beach and Fort Lauderdale, in general, is an idyllic canal cruise. It is a unique perspective for getting to know the city. It does not mean only one view, such as sailing on a tourist boat on a river or through a city, is a much more intense experience.
Meandering canals lead you here between high-rise buildings, numerous parks, swimming pools, docks for cruisers and yachts, and characteristic palm tree-lined promenades. You will get to know various parts of the city along the coast itself.
Day and night cruises are also available, and they are impressive. Under the glow of the stars and the lights of the city, the experience will be unforgettable. If you have the right person with you and a romantic moment takes you, arranging a wedding on the boat is possible.
Rowing is also allowed in these canals, so you can include that in things to do in Hallandale.
Gulfstream Park
This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Hallandale Beach. The whole complex seems like you’ve stepped into a movie from 1939 when it was built. It was renovated in 2004 and also in 2021. It kept its appearance from the “golden age” but was improved with many new materials that are harmless to nature.
Old Florida’s charm dominates this vast entertainment area. Gulfstream Park is one of the most famous destinations in the USA for horse racing. It is open 365 days a year and includes the excitement of cheering and betting on your favorite. Some of the greatest American champions have won the trophy on this track.
One part of Carousel Park is reserved for the casino, but there are also numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. Here, you can try the original Florida cuisine, and there are various offers for all kinds of requests and tastes.
Within this complex is the world-famous Carousel Club, which has a unique appearance. It contains the legendary circular Carousel bar with an ornate carousel dome. Numerous restaurants and open-air areas where the fun never stops will make you spend the whole day here. Events, cocktails, music, parties, themed entertainment, and much more take place in this fantastic place. Expect the unexpected—that’s Gulfstream Park’s motto.
Hollywood Beach
Here is a party accessible to everyone, always attractive and dynamic. Fort Lauderdale has a 24-mile coastline, and prime sandy beaches stretch the entire length. From Hillsboro Beach in the north to Hallandale Beach in the south, you have the opportunity to enjoy beach activities. Swimming, fishing, rowing, sailing, diving, beach volleyball, kiteboarding, and surfing are for active people, and it’s an ideal day spent.
You can just sit on the warm sand and watch the mighty Ocean join the clouds on the horizon.
Paths for walking, jogging, and biking have been built along the beach, and there are also cocktail bars and restaurants. Another curiosity related to the beaches of South Florida is that there are places where endangered sea turtles nest. Those beaches are protected from visitors, but from March to October, you can film and observe this natural phenomenon in specially designated places.
Hollywood Beach is a 2.5-mile boardwalk along which are golf courses and many areas adapted for other sports.
Oleta River State
This is Florida’s largest urban park on Biscayne Bay. This oasis within the city offers extraordinary relaxation on the water and in the greenery. Easy access to mangrove swamps is provided here. Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, walking, camping, boating tours, birding, horseback riding, mountain biking, and star gazing are just some of the activities available. You will spend hours and maybe even days here.
A calm and authentic natural environment relieves stress for modern city dwellers. Here, it is necessary to behave in accordance with the rules of this reserve and not disturb the wildlife.
Sometimes, if there are too many visitors on weekends, it is closed until the next day. It is interesting to know that weddings can be organized here as well, upon agreement with the competent service.
Art & Museums
It’s time for a dose of culture and getting to know this aspect of Hallandale Beach. Among the many things to do in Hallandale, we recommend that you include this experience.
Along with numerous modern art galleries, characteristic of this climate, we highlight:
- Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
- WMODA Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts
- Museum of Graffiti
- Anne Kolb Nature Center
Here, you will not find galleries with paintings by old European masters, but you will feel the spirit of the place and time on the wings of modern approaches to artistic expression.
Many places are interactive, emphasizing the experience and making it even more interesting and exciting.
In addition to fine arts, you can enjoy various theater events, chamber orchestra concerts, jazz, and cabaret, and you can join yoga, salsa, and Latin dance classes outdoors.
Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tour
There is a specially designed tour for lovers of something completely different and those who love mystery, urban legends, tension, and chills.
It is known that this is not for ordinary people but for those inspired and attracted by horror and unexplained phenomena. When the moon rises and night falls, after dark, a professional guide will take you to the haunted places of this city. They will tell you scary stories that have been circulating for centuries, and that frightens many.
Go on this unusual tour and test your nerves and coolness; maybe you will meet someone there with similar affinities.
Full Belly Adventure
Here is everyone’s favorite adventure. After tours, cruises, daily activities of all kinds, culture, and music, it’s time to reward ourselves with a rich meal. We recommend spending several hours leisurely tasting cocktails, appetizers, and various southern specialties.
Guided tours take you to famous places of local cuisine, but you can also explore and orient yourself according to your own taste.
Lobsters, crabs, oysters, shrimp, alligator meat, conch fritters, Cuban food, key lime pie, ceviche, pandebono, fresh fish, and tropical fruits are all part of the original Florida cuisine.
If you are not a fan of seafood, numerous restaurants of international cuisine and steak houses await you with a rich offer. After this adventure, your energy level will rise, so you will go to the nightlife, one of the main assets of Hallandale Beach.
Conclusion
Fort Lauderdale has about 250 sunny days a year. The subtropical climate gives you a chance for many outdoor adventures.
Permanent residence (many of them moved with the help of City Movers Hallandale Beach) and activities by the sea define the daily routine of the population. Tourists try to get involved in this dynamic way of intense enjoyment.
Some of them like it so much that they quickly decide to move to this famous destination or at least become “snowbirds.”
What is certain is that here, there are endless possibilities for how you will spend your time. The tourist offer never stagnates. It is improving daily, and the tours and adventures are becoming more impressive and exciting. The list of things to do is getting longer, and it’s up to you to explore.