The greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale area consistently sees growth (you may recall Miami was first dubbed Magic City for its ability to grow "like magic"). People flock to the area for its waterfront real estate, low taxes, and perennially perfect weather. And while areas like South Beach are becoming a bit crowded as developers look for new ways to offer beachfront property, the surrounding neighborhoods still harbor a few hidden gems. 

Enter Hallandale Beach: This formerly sleepy suburb of Fort Lauderdale has one of the fastest growing populations in metro Miami. Take a peek at all things Hallandale Beach, from a quick history lesson to points of interest like shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Hallandale History

Hallandale Beach

Hallandale Beach’s history is tied to Henry Flagler, an industrialist responsible for much of the development on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Flagler was a railroad magnate who pulled in a man named Luther Halland to help build the Florida East Coast Railway. Halland came all the way from Sweden—allegedly, Florida's warm climate helped seal the deal—and set up his namesake town. The city was first called Halland, later changed to Hallandale, then renamed Hallandale Beach in 1999.

Modern-Day Hallandale

Aerial view of Hallandale Beach

With its proximity to Aventura, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and North Miami, there's a lot for residents to do around Hallandale Beach. Moreover, its own scene has grown in the past few years, and living in Hallandale means communing with nature when you want to—there are plenty of parks and, of course, the beach—while also having access to ample shopping, creative dining, entertainment, and even a casino.

Natural Wonders

Oleta River State Park

From the center of town in Hallandale Beach, you're just six miles from Oleta River State Park—Florida's largest urban park that features nature trails, canoeing, fishing, a saltwater swimming lagoon, camping, and more than 10 miles of intermediate mountain-biking trails. You'll pay a nominal per-vehicle fee to get in ($6), but you'll feel like you're in a whole other world.

Back in town, the city will soon unveil Peter Bluesten Park, a $30 million public works project spread across more than 16 acres. The facility will feature a walking trail, a swimming pool, fields for soccer, baseball, and football, picnic shelters, and a Hallandale Beach branch of the YMCA.

Hit the Jackpot

Gulfstream Park photo by Shutterstock

Gulfstream Park is a mega destination for all things entertainment. Bet on races at the live, on-site horse racing track or hit the casino on the premises. If gambling isn't your thing, you can still score big on dining and shopping. Gulfstream Park dining includes more than 20 casual-to-upscale restaurants and bars, including multiple Italian spots, a steakhouse, American fare, and seafood. Shopping at Gulfstream ranges from upscale boutiques to familiar home decor chains like Crate & Barrel and West Elm. Concerts, bowling, weekly live music programming, and even a nightclub keeps things interesting for young professionals, couples, and families alike.

Hip Cuisine

Mediterranean meal

Food lovers don't have to hit Downtown Miami to find great restaurants. Hallandale Beach has its own cache of spots offering standout cuisine in cool, Instagrammable confines. Some standouts are ETARU, a waterfront, Japanese-inspired spot; Piola for brick-oven pizza pies; and Juniper on the Water, a Mediterranean-tinged eatery with airy interiors and incredible dockside views.