Top five places to visit in Hialeah

By a contrary to popular belief, there is more to Miami than just Brickell and South Beach. 

Hialeah is the real Miami. It is also among the most foreign born cities in America. Over 90% of residents speak Spanish and 74% of its citizens were born outside the United States, according to data from back in 2022. 

Labeled the City of Progress, it is filled with iconic locations such as Hialeah Park Casino and Amelia Earhart Park. Instead of the same generic tourist spots, get the authentic Miami experience by living like a local!

Vicky Bakery’s dessert selection. (Alejandro Rodriguez/Caplin News)

Vicky Bakery
860 SE Eighth St.
Hialeah, FL, 33010
305-888-2223
Monday-Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can’t visit Hialeah without passing a Vicky Bakery. Founded by Cuban immigrants by a couple who worked in a famous bakery in Cuba called La Vencedora. They opened their first location in 1972 in Hialeah. Vicky Bakery has been serving Hialeahans for more than 50 years. With a variety of sweets, sandwiches, and the iconic cafecito, Vicky Bakery offers a unique taste you can’t find anywhere else in South Florida.Try the Vicky Classic. Eggs and ham on toast with a café con leche for $9.75.

Slot machines at Hialeah Park Casino. (Alejandro Rodriguez/Caplin News)

Hialeah Park Casino
100 E. 32nd St.
Hialeah, FL, 33013
Sunday – Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: Open 24 hours.
305-885-8000

The Casino is the best place to enjoy a night out in the City of Progress. There’s fun for everyone with table games such as roulette and blackjack, multiple poker rooms, and more than 850 slot machines. It’s also home to the historic Hialeah Park Racetrack, filled with a simulcast room to watch the races. Legendary horses have passed through such as Seabiscuit and War Admiral on their way to the Kentucky Derby. It was founded in 1925 and originally opened under the name Miami Jockey Club. In 2023, the Casino had over $1.47 billion in slot machines. With daily slot promotions and weekly races, it’s always a great time to visit. 

People ordering at The Yards food trucks. (Alejandro Rodriguez/Caplin News)

The Yards at Amelia
7551 W. Fourth Ave
Hialeah, FL, 33014
Monday – Sunday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.

One of Hialeah’s hidden gems. This secret food truck location has only been open for a year. Home to seven food trucks, there’s a diversity of food and cultures. Burger Trap Miami has over 14 burgers from $13 to $20. Elote Lovers serves variations of nachos, street corn, and tacos. Temaki Sushi prepares sushi in bulk for everyone to enjoy. Boca Loca, Marduk Grill, and Carne en VARA offer authentic Latin flavors. Lastly, enjoy some dessert from ChurroMania. All food trucks are ready to serve old and new customers. 

Image by Zariah Broughton
Students walking across a lake at Amelia Earhart Park (Zariah Broughton/ Caplin news)

Amelia Earhart Park
401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013
Price: Free
Monday-Sunday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(305) 685-8389
Weekdays: Free
Weekend and Holidays: $8

Miami is often perceived as a party city, but not everyone who visits is looking for nightlife. For those who are in search of a more wholesome experience, Amelia Earhart park is a great outlet. Stretching 515 acres, this park includes five lakes and a free petting zoo. Providing visitors with the opportunity to engage with the surrounding wildlife. As soon as you step foot into this park you’ll be met with greenery and the sounds of free-roaming chickens. Walking further into the park, you will find multiple playgrounds for children to enjoy as well as mockups of animal exhibits for onlookers to enjoy and learn.

A driver on the indoor track at K1 speed (Zariah Broughton/ Caplin News)

K1 Speed Miami
8600 NW South River Dr, Medley, FL 33166
Pricing: $29 – $68 (Varies upon racing selection)
Mon -Thurs.: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
FRI: 12 p.m.- 12 a.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – noon
SUN: 10:00AM – 10:00PM

For those who seek an adrenaline rush while in Miami, K1 speed gives visitors the opportunity to fulfill their racing dreams while indoors. Inside this K1 location there is a track designed for both beginners and experienced drivers. Aside from the track there is a game room which features numerous arcade games with bold lights and dynamic graphics. After the rush of the races and games, there is a restaurant and bar for those who may want to unwind. This restaurant includes glass windows for restaurant goers to catch a glimpse of the next race going down. One race is $28.95, two races would be $53.95 and three races would be $67.95. However, for those who are looking to make indoor kart racing their hobby, they can purchase a speedpass for the same price of three races and they will get two races, a t-shirt and a license!

Alejandro Rodriguez is a Miami native and a college senior majoring in
Digital Journalism. After graduation, he wishes to work as a
journalist covering one of the local professional teams. He has worked
for ESPN Plus in the past, producing for FIU Sports as a cameraman,
replay assistant, and graphics assistant.

Zariah Broughton is a Digital Journalism major with an area of concentration in criminal justice. The diverse stories of everyday people fascinate her. Upon graduation, she wants to attend law school and work in the Sports and entertainment segment of law.