Oakland Park FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oakland Park, Florida.
1. Funky Buddha Brewery
CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Funky Buddha Brewery is one of Florida's most unique craft breweries known for its bold beer flavors and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy an extensive tour that provides insights into the brewing process, followed by a tasting session of signature brews. The brewery also serves as a popular social hub in Oakland Park, hosting various events and food truck gatherings throughout the year.
2. Jaco Pastorius Park
MUSICAL LEGEND'S TRIBUTE
Jaco Pastorius Park is named after Oakland Park's most famous son, who many consider was 'The World's Greatest Bass Player.' The park features spectacular murals of the musician completed in 2010, along with an arched fountain at the entrance that creates a walking-under-water effect illuminated with colorful lights at night. This community gathering space hosts nearly every major holiday event in Oakland Park, offering playgrounds, jogging paths, and picnic areas.
3. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church stands as a significant religious landmark in Oakland Park. The church offers visitors a peaceful sanctuary with beautiful architecture and religious artwork. Beyond religious services, it serves as an important community center for local residents.
4. Oakland Park Culinary Arts District
FOODIE'S PARADISE
The Oakland Park Culinary Arts District is at the heart of the city, offering food lovers a plethora of dining options that showcase local and international cuisine. This district is especially known for its artisanal food markets, specialty food shops, and some of the best dining establishments in the area. Monthly culinary arts showcases feature live cooking demonstrations and tastings from local chefs, drawing both residents and visitors eager to explore the flavors of Oakland Park.
5. Dillon Tennis Center
RACQUET SPORTS COMPLEX
Dillon Tennis Center provides excellent facilities for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts in Oakland Park. The center offers well-maintained courts for players of all skill levels and frequently hosts community tournaments. Visitors can enjoy casual games or sign up for lessons to improve their racquet sport skills.
6. Port Everglades
BUSTLING CRUISE PORT
Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, located just a short distance from Oakland Park in Dania Beach. Visitors can explore the waterfront area and enjoy activities such as boating while watching massive cruise ships arrive and depart. The port serves as both a major economic hub for South Florida and an exciting attraction for those interested in maritime activities.
7. Hollywood Beach
CHARMING BEACHFRONT BOARDWALK
Hollywood Beach features a charming 2.5-mile Broadwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels just a short drive from Oakland Park. The beach offers pristine sands and clear blue waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. Visitors can enjoy street performers, outdoor cafes, and a laid-back atmosphere that combines natural beauty with entertainment options.
8. Sawgrass Mills
MASSIVE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest outlet shopping malls in the United States, located near Oakland Park in Sunrise. The mall features over 350 stores including luxury brands, designer outlets, and specialty shops that attract shoppers from around the world. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the various shopping sections, dining options, and entertainment venues within this massive retail complex.
9. Fort Lauderdale Beach
ICONIC FLORIDA SHORELINE
Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters just minutes from Oakland Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports along this picturesque coastline that has become synonymous with Florida beach culture. The beach is complemented by a vibrant promenade featuring restaurants, bars, and shops that create a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
10. Las Olas Boulevard
UPSCALE SHOPPING DISTRICT
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district near Oakland Park. The tree-lined thoroughfare features an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and gourmet restaurants that create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can spend hours strolling along this iconic street, enjoying everything from upscale shopping to people-watching at outdoor patios.
11. Las Olas Beach
URBAN BEACH RETREAT
Las Olas Beach serves as Fort Lauderdale's central beach area, offering a perfect urban beach experience close to Oakland Park. The wide shoreline provides ample space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and swimming in the warm Atlantic waters. Its convenient location at the eastern end of Las Olas Boulevard makes it easy to combine beach relaxation with city exploration.
12. Bahia Mar Marina
PREMIER YACHTING DESTINATION
Bahia Mar Marina is a world-class yachting center that showcases Fort Lauderdale's reputation as the 'Yachting Capital of the World' near Oakland Park. The marina features 250 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet, making it a spectacular place to view luxury yachts and sailing vessels. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, and even boat tours that depart from this iconic nautical destination.
13. Venice of America Tour
SCENIC WATERWAY CRUISE
The Venice of America Tour offers visitors a unique perspective of Fort Lauderdale from its extensive canal system, accessible from Oakland Park. This sightseeing cruise navigates through the city's waterways, showcasing luxury mansions, mega-yachts, and tropical landscapes that have earned Fort Lauderdale its nickname as the 'Venice of America.' The 90-minute narrated experience provides fascinating insights into the area's history, architecture, and celebrity homes.
14. Everglades Airboat Tour
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Everglades Airboat Tours offer thrilling excursions into America's largest subtropical wilderness, departing from Fort Lauderdale near Oakland Park. Visitors glide across the 'River of Grass' on high-speed airboats while spotting alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. These guided tours provide educational commentary about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades and the conservation efforts to protect this national treasure.
15. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Shipwreck Snorkel Trails
UNDERWATER EXPLORATION SITE
The Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Shipwreck Snorkel Trails feature replicated shipwrecks and reef systems accessible from the shore, just a short drive from Oakland Park. Snorkelers can explore these underwater attractions teeming with colorful marine life in the clear, shallow waters. This unique attraction offers both beginners and experienced snorkelers an opportunity to experience Florida's marine environment without the need for a boat.