By Joanna Wurmann
Perhaps you don’t remember the first time you visited the City of Aventura, but it was probably to shop at the famous Aventura Mall, right? No doubt. This is one of the most important shopping centers in the country, but this small city, covering just 3.5 square miles, is much more than just a shopping destination. Here are some places to explore and things to do in Aventura for a special outing.
Where Is Aventura?
Located in the northeastern part of the county and stretches from NE 183rd Street all the way up to NE 215th Street, just south of the Miami-Dade/Broward County line. Aventura is nestled between Biscayne Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway.
A Brief History:
It all began over 50 years ago with a bold sketch on a cocktail napkin by founder, Don Soffer—a vision that saw potential in 785 acres of swamplands and would ultimately transform the area into the vibrant City of Aventura. What started with the Aventura Country Club, now the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, has blossomed into an exclusive residential and leisure destination, rich with golf courses, green spaces, and a lifestyle that seamlessly combines luxury and tranquility.
Since its incorporation in 1995, Aventura has steadily grown, enhanced by new entertainment options and, most recently, a Brightline stop that boosts accessibility. Today, Aventura is a thriving hub in South Florida.
Things to Do in Aventura
Tidal Cove Waterpark
Tidal Cove Waterpark, located at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, is the region’s only water park and a must-visit destination in Aventura. It offers seven exciting water slides, a relaxing Oasis pool, and a dedicated children’s area with interactive water games. The park also features the FlowRider® Triple surfing experience, perfect for those seeking an extra thrill. With its tropical atmosphere and luxurious cabanas, Tidal Cove is ideal for enjoying sunny Florida days with family or friends, offering fun for all ages.
Tidal Cove at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers various ticket options for visitors, with day passes and loungers and cabanas typically ranging from $75 to $125 per person, depending on the day and season. Admission grants access to all the exciting water park attractions, along with additional amenities at the resort. However, if you’re staying at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, no separate pass is required, as access to Tidal Cove is included with your stay.
19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura. www.tidalcovemiami.com
Don Soffer Exercise Trail, a 3.1-mile exercise path, is one of the most popular spots for outdoor sports in Aventura. Circling the Turnberry Isle Resort golf course, this trail is ideal for running, walking, skating, or cycling, and the best part is, it’s completely free. The trail is ADA-accessible, making it open to everyone. It also offers amenities like shady trees, night lighting, benches for resting, and cold water fountains. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and stay active in a well-maintained natural setting.
19999 W Country Club Road
Aventura Mall Farmers Market
The Aventura Mall Farmers Market, held every weekend, is an excellent place to explore and support South Florida’s farmers and artisans. With over 20 years of history, the Aventura Market celebrates the cultural diversity of the region, offering a wide variety of unique products, from exotic foods and fresh produce to desserts, handmade crafts, and home decor, all made by local vendors. Held in a covered setting, shoppers can enjoy a comfortable space to discover these carefully crafted creations. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday during mall hours, making it an ideal stop for those looking to support local talent while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere. And even grab a bite for lunch.
19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, www.aventuramall.com
Hürrem Hammam Wellness & Spa
Hürrem Hammam Wellness & Spa is a luxurious 20,000-square-foot spa, inspired by the Turkish bath culture of the Ottoman Empire’s golden age, located in North Miami. Its design, based on the majestic Topkapi Palace and the extravagant hammams of Istanbul, offers visitors an authentic and relaxing experience. Guests can enjoy traditional treatments such as kese scrubs, chromotherapy baths, herbal saunas, and even a cold-water igloo. The spa also offers personalized massages and treatments for hair and nails, all in a setting designed to maximize relaxation and well-being. Check the website for their ladies days, too. For more, click here on my review – Karen.
14652 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami.Hurrem Hamman
Things to do in Aventura: Culture and Art
Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
The Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, inaugurated in 2010, is the city’s main artistic and cultural venue, offering a wide range of high-quality cultural events. The center features a 330-seat auditorium, allowing for a close and personal experience with the performances, and a beautiful lobby with water views that adds a special touch to each visit. Managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the center hosts events ranging from theater, music, and dance to comedy and film, standing out as a true cultural hub for the Aventura community.
3385 NE 188th St, Aventura. www.aventuracenter.org
Arts Aventura Mall
Arts Aventura Mall offers visitors a unique cultural experience with a collection of more than 25 museum-quality sculptures and installations. Developed over more than 12 years, this collection includes works by renowned international artists like Louise Bourgeois, Lawrence Weiner, and Ugo Rondinone, as well as vibrant murals by local artists. Visitors can enjoy this exhibit year-round as they stroll through the mall, using an audio guide that provides detailed information about each piece. This fusion of art and commercial space allows both shoppers and art lovers to appreciate a wide variety of artistic expressions in an accessible environment.
19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, www.aventuramall.com
Things to do in Aventura: Nightlife
Pinstripes
Pinstripes, founded in Chicago in 2007, offers a unique experience that combines made-from-scratch Italian-American cuisine, bowling, bocce, and flexible spaces for private events. Its location in Aventura covers 30,000 square feet over two levels, blending an elevated dining experience with the entertainment of bowling and bocce. The bistro on the lower floor features an extensive Italian-American menu with seasonal delights and craft cocktails, all in a vibrant atmosphere featuring artwork by Miami muralist Charity Matty Gangale.
19505 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura .www.pinstripes.com/Aventura
Gulfstream Park
Even though Gulfstream Park is not located directly in Aventura, but rather in neighboring Hallandale Beach, it’s worth including. Best known for its thoroughbred horse racing, the park also features an on-site casino with a wide variety of slot machines, poker tables, and other gaming options. Several restaurants and bars are available as well, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining experiences. Among these is the Sport of Kings Theater, which often hosts events, and Ten Palms, a restaurant with stunning views of the racetrack. The park is also a hub for live music, concerts, and special events, particularly on weekends, held regularly in Champions Plaza or at the Sport of Kings Theater, making it a lively destination for both locals and visitors.
901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach. www.gulfstreampark.com
Things to do in Aventura: Shopping
Aventura Mall and adjacent The Esplanade
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Aventura Mall is Miami’s top destination. With over 300 stores, including not only international luxury brands that you find in top end malls, but also, other brands with a shop that’s exclusive to the Mall, like Schutz, known for its trendy, statement-making women’s shoes; Castañer, famous for its iconic espadrilles made in Spain; and Água de Coco, offering stylish Brazilian-designed resort wear and accessories. Soon to join the lineup is TYNA, a Miami-based brand featuring cutting-edge fashion from emerging designers across the US, Latin America, and Europe. And in 2025, the highly anticipated Eataly will open, bringing its renowned blend of gourmet Italian food and culture, offering everything from restaurants to a vibrant marketplace.
The mall also impresses with its modern design, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its iconic two-story Apple Store, Aventura Mall is home to major department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, alongside popular favorites like Aritzia, Anthropologie, Alo Yoga, Charlotte Tilbury, Nike, SKIMS, and the expansive two-story Zara.
Adjacent is The Esplanade that also features an ever expanding number of restaurants offering varied international cuisine.
Note from Karen: Look for news in MiamiCurated about fashion popups on the third floor, most offering Latin American designer fashion and accessories. A favorite of mine, the fashions are often unique and reasonably priced.
19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, www.aventuramall.com
The International Jewelers Exchange
When it comes to jewelry, The International Jewelers Exchange is a top destination for those seeking a wide selection of fine jewelry, luxury watches, engagement rings, and vintage pieces. Established over 40 years ago, it offers the largest selection of jewelry in Florida, with 60 independent jewelers selling everything from diamonds and gold to custom pieces and expert repairs.
19275 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, www.intljewelers.com/
Where to Eat
The Amalfi Llama
The Amalfi Llama, located in the new Esplanade at Aventura, offers a unique fusion of Italian cuisine with Patagonian, especially Argentine influences, with participation from the Messi family. This new culinary concept stands out for its slow-cooked dishes, where diners enjoy grilled plates and pizzas. With modern and cozy decor, organic details, and a vibrant atmosphere, Amalfi Llama provides a dining experience accompanied by an extensive wine list and craft cocktails like the negroni. Be sure to try the star of the menu: the “Milamessi,” a version of the classic milanesa created by none other than soccer star Leo Messi. For more on the restaurant, click here for MiamiCurated’s earlier post.
19505 Biscayne Blvd., Bidg. D, Suite 4150. Aventura. www.amalfillama.com
Toku Modern Asian
Originally from New York, Toku combines Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine in an attractive setting, dominated by an imposing Buddha statue. Its bar, considered one of the most beautiful in the city, is a favorite for weekend nights. Toku’s menu features reinterpretations of traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients, such as the Kobe Riverstone BBQ, fried rice sushi with tuna, cold Udon noodles in peanut sauce, and the Peking Duck. The bar also offers handcrafted cocktails, with the Passion Chili Martini being a must-try.
19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, www.tokumodernasian.com
Golden Chariot Indian Restaurant
Golden Chariot Indian Restaurant, just off Biscayne Blvd, stands out for its authentic and diverse Indian cuisine. Popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala and a wide variety of Biryani, such as Veg Pulao. The menu also features delicious Tandoori options, like Tandoori Chicken and Tandoori Lamb Chops, along with traditional desserts like Ras Malai. This restaurant is especially popular in the evenings, thanks to its warm vibe and flavorful dishes. Golden Chariot also offers online ordering so you can enjoy the authentic flavors of India from the comfort of your home.
18201B Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, www.goldenchariotindianrestaurant.com
Reunion Kitchen & Bar (RKB)
Reunion Kitchen & Bar has established itself as one of Aventura’s favorite local restaurants. Since its inception, it has expanded four times its original size due to growing demand. RKB is a friendly, unpretentious restaurant offering a global culinary experience with regional specialties, high-quality ingredients, and bold flavors, perfect for sharing tapas-style with the whole table. Standout items on the menu include truffle-shiitake croquettes, mahi ceviche with mango and avocado, and flaming saganaki cheese. Seafood fans can savor rock shrimp tempura, while those preferring meat may opt for the acorn-fed Iberico ham. Vegetarian offerings include roasted cauliflower and crispy artichokes with a touch of truffle oil.
18167 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura. www.reunionkb.com
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak, undoubtedly Aventura’s most iconic restaurant, celebrates 15 years of offering a luxury steakhouse experience at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. This restaurant, part of Michael Mina’s modern vision of the classic American steakhouse, is a favorite in South Florida. It features high-quality, organic, hormone-free meats and fresh seafood from around the world. In addition to its exceptional cuts, the restaurant is famous for its lobster and its exclusive wine selection, approved by Star Wine List. And if you’re looking for a great happy hour, their complimentary duck fat fries are not to be missed. Bourbon Steak’s bar is especially popular on Thursday and Friday nights.
19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura. www.bourbonsteakmia.com
For More Ways to Spend a Special Day in Miami:
About Joanna Wuermann:
Joey Wurmann, a Chilean journalist with over 20 years of experience, has spent the past five years immersing herself in the City of Aventura’s unique neighborhoods and community life. From the bustling areas near Aventura Mall to the peaceful paths along the Intracoastal Waterway, Joey knows Aventura inside and out. Over the last six years, she has shared Miami’s vibrant lifestyle with readers, from culinary hotspots to must-see shows and cultural highlights. Her writing provides an insider’s guide to the most captivating aspects of Miami, Aventura, and beyond.
2 Responses
Excellent post! I can’t wait to go to the hamman, and to the waterpark with a grandchild
Both well worth the visit!