Top 5 Things To Do in Oakland Park

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Known to be an inclusive community in the center of South Florida, the charming, quaint city of Oakland Park is an ideal match for the perfect dining experience. 

You can tell from its diverse population!

Imagine 8.1 square miles peppered with residents who hail from Brazil, Haiti, Cuba, Colombia, and Peru-- there's no doubt that makes for an enticing array of international cuisines! 

So when you get that craving for some authentic Latin or Caribbean dining, you'll know you can satisfy it in a jiff!

Whether it's a coffee run, a quick breakfast, heavy lunch, or a lavish dinner for two, Oakland Park's got you! 

There are laid-back and bougie options too!

Out for a late-night food binge? 

Oakland Park's got 24-hour joints will hit the right spot! 

There's nothing that you can't find, food-wise, in this up-and-coming city! 

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Love to shop? 

Oakland Park has an array of options for you too! 

While you'll find lesser choices compared to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, malls in the neighborhood are more expansive compared to other smaller cities and offer more retail shops and boutiques for your shopping.

Feed your quirks and thrift-loving, antique-finding soul and shop 'til your heart's content at these unique Oakland Park shopping enclaves. 

You'll find everything from clothing to jewelry, books, candles, music, and more. 

And get your home some shabby chic décor, too!

Northridge Shopping Center, USA Oakland Park Flea Market Mall And Shopping Center, and Oakland Lakes Square are a few of the locals' faves.

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The city's proximity to Fort Lauderdale has made waves in Oakland Park's tourism, taking it to the next level as a "resort city" to watch out for. 

With this, you'll notice that Oakland Park has an array of hotels, resorts, and accommodations surrounding it, most of which are only 12 minutes away from the residential enclave!

And you know what that means, right? 

Staycation all the way-- Oakland Park style! 

There's never a better relaxation session than a night or two at your dream hotel and resort!

Royal Beach Palace, Ocean Beach Palace Hotel and Suites, Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano, and more-- now you'll never have to worry about finding a place to stay in the heart of South Florida!

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Walking, walking, and more walking? 

Thanks to Oakland Park's nature spots and lush city parks, you can sneak in some exercise and fun during your vacation!

For one, the city has Jaco Pastorius Park, a park that is a tribute to "The World's Greatest Bass Player," Jaco Pastorius. 

The park is home to the city's signature events, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration, Polynesian Cultural Festival, Holiday Village, Culinary Arts Showcase series, Moonlit Movie, and the Urban Farm Institute. 

The public promenade at the Oakland Park Main Street entrance to Jaco Pastorius Park also features an arched fountain creating a "walk underwater" experience and is illuminated with colorful lights at night. 

It has benches, a jogging area, a walking track, and a community center you can rent for special occasions.

Another must-visit park in Oakland Park is Easterlin Park, a Broward County Designated Urban Wilderness Area that features 46.6 acres home to cypress trees that are 250 years old and 100 feet tall. 

It's one of the county's earliest regional parks and boasts a campground and a disc golf course!

Luckily, these parks aren't your only options in Oakland Park! 

The community offers 18 city parks with sports courts and walking trails, some with fishing grounds that you can use!

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What's a vacation without a bit of nightlife? 

It's a good thing Oakland Park's got more than a "little," especially compared to other smaller cities around Broward County!

In fact, the city features two spots on the Greater Fort Lauderdale Ale Trail: Funky Buddha Brewery and Tenth Level Tavern.

Funky Buddha is a giant on the region's brewery scene, and you'll find their locally brewed suds on menus and in stores across the U.S. 

Enjoy staples like Floridian Hefeweisen, Hop Gun IPA, and Pineapple Beach, plus seasonal and regional flavors on tap while you savor their menu of innovative pub food or Sunday Brunch.

You can also schedule a tour of the brewhouse to learn about its techniques and history while you sample tasty beers along the way in a commemorative Funky Buddha Brewery glass.

Meanwhile, across the street lies Tenth Level Tavern, a unique concept that combines arcade games with an array of craft beers on draft and cans and a wine selection. 

Play Mario Kart, Pac-Man, classic games on Nintendo 64, and more. 

They also host video game tournaments.

There are also dozens of trendsetting restaurants, clubs, and bars to choose from in the city's downtown area, so as soon as the sun goes down, expect an eventful night at Oakland Park!