HIALEAH, FLORIDA

Hialeah, Florida is in the Miami metropolitan area adjacent to Miami, Miami Springs, and Miami Lakes.  The city's population in 2021 is 230,135, which makes it the sixth largest city in the state of Florida. 

Hialeah Entrance Plaza on Okeechobee Road

According to IndexMundi.com, Hialeah's Hispanic population is 96.1%, the largest percentage of any city in the United States with a population over 100,000.

Like most Florida places, the Native Americans were here first.  The name derives from the Seminole-Creek word "hiyakpo" which kind of translates to "pretty prairie."

It remained a prairie and cattle range until 1921 when rancher James H. Bright hooked up with famous aviator Glenn Curtiss and started developing a new town.

Vintage Postcard of Bright Dairy Farm in Hialeah

The town was incorporated in 1925 and the same year the famous Hialeah Park Race Track opened.  The park quickly became the Miami area's most popular attraction.

Thousands of people attended Hialeah Park racing.  Some of the more famous of these include Harry Truman, Joseph Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and J.P. Morgan.

Vintage Postcard of Flamingos at Hialeah Park

A massive hurricane in 1926 wiped out a lot of Hialeah and much of Miami.  It was the beginning of the end of the Florida land boom of the twenties.

The town is north of and adjacent to Miami International Airport, of which Glenn Curtiss had been the main creator and promoter.  

Downtown Hialeah in 1921

Aviation remained important in the area.  Amelia Earhart took off on her famous flight around the world in 1937 from Miami Municipal Airport. 

Her trip was ill fated and her fate remains a mystery to this day.

After World War Two many U.S. military veterans settled in Hialeah and the town began to grow again.  Even though it started out with the race track and was to be a place for the rich and famous, it became a blue-collar city.

When Fidel Castro and his communist revolution in Cuba was successful in 1959, Cubans began to escape to Miami in large numbers.

The earliest Cubans came over in the late fifties and early sixties, and the number increased with the "Freedom Flights" from 1965 to 1973 and the Mariel Boatlift in 1980.

Miami's Freedom Tower
Symbol of Freedom For Cuban Exiles

The Freedom Flights alone brought in more than 300,000 Cuban refugees.

There was a lot of friction in the beginning between the new Cuban-Americans and the largely Anglo residents of Hialeah. 

Gradually more and more Cubans moved in until it reached its majority status of today.

Hialeah is the hands down winner of any American city in the percentage of Cuban-Americans.  The population has 73% Cuban ancestry.  As a long time Floridian this amazes me. 

When I moved to Florida I doubt if there were more than a few Hispanics in the almost entirely Anglo Hialeah.  Anglo is the Miami Dade County word for a non-Hispanic American.

Just about every country in Latin America is represented in the county's population. 

It is possible to survive in the county without speaking the English language, but most people do as a second language.

For the younger generations, English is the first language and Spanish the second.

Rick Sanchez

Hialeah is the home town of many well known Cuban-Americans such as Ricardo "Rick" Sanchez, a journalist and radio/television personality. 

He came to Hialeah with his parents from Cuba when he was two years old. 

His full name is Ricardo "Rick" León Sánchez de Reinaldo

It looks like Fidel Castro was the creator of the biggest real estate boom in Hialeah history.  But the late Fidel has very few fans in Hialeah or any nearby location.

The Cuban-Americans are the ethnic group that despises him most.  Most Cuban-Americans I know love America very much.

American Flag and Cuban Flag

The southern city limit of Hialeah is along the Miami Canal and US-27, known locally as Okeechobee Road because the canal runs from Lake Okeechobee to the Miami River.

The neighboring small city of Hialeah Gardens is also located along the canal.

Lift Bridge Over Miami Canal

There is a lift bridge over the Miami Canal that connects Hialeah to Miami Springs.  Glenn Curtiss was also the developer of Miami Springs.

Hialeah continues to grow even though there isn't much space left for new development.  It has many industries and warehousing businesses and the city's slogan is "The City of Progress."

It also has a large number of big box stores including Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, and others.  You will have no trouble finding a Starbucks or any fast food franchise you can think of.

You won't be surprised to learn there are a lot of great Cuban restaurants in town.

Hialeah City Hall

Westland Mall has over one hundred stores and several restaurants, including a Macy's and a J.C. Penney. 

Palm Springs Mile is another large shopping mall similar in size to Westland Mall.

Telemundo, the large Spanish language TV network is headquartered in Hialeah.

Hialeah has 14 public parks, including 500 acre Amelia Earhart park with a petting zoo, beach, bike trails, and picnic facilities.

Another one, Milander Park, has an auditorium for events and a 10,000 seat stadium. 

It is named for Henry Milander, a popular Hialeah mayor who served from 1942 to 1974 with two years off to serve in World War Two. 

When the Hialeah population became largely Cuban-American, the mayor became Raúl L. Martínez, who served for 24 years from 1981 to 2005. .

Hialeah Park in 2018
Flickr/Phillip Pessar

The Hialeah Park Racetrack is on the National Register of Historic Places, but no longer has thoroughbred horse races. 

The state passed a law that kept the track from having exclusive dates with its main competitors, Gulfstream Park and Calder Race Course.  Today a casino operates in the old historic property.

Hialeah is served by several elementary and secondary public schools including Westland Hialeah Senior High School, Hialeah Senior High School, and Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School.

An interesting charter school is iMater Charter Middle High School.

There are also several private schools in the area, and Miami-Dade College has a Hialeah campus as does Florida National University.

Many Hialeah residents go into Miami for their jobs, either by car or Miami Metrorail and Tri-Rail transfer stations.

The average commute time is not as bad here as in some of the other South Florida communities because Hialeah is closer to the major employment centers.

THINGS TO DO IN HIALEAH, FLORIDA

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL 33013 | (305) 885-8000

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino, discussed and pictured earlier, is a historic venue that offers thrilling entertainment. We enjoy the exciting simulcast horse races from around the country and the vibrant casino floor. Visitors can enjoy playing a variety of slot machines and poker games.

The park’s beautiful gardens and historic architecture add to its charm. Its 200 acres of lush landscaping is also an Audubon Bird Sanctuary with Flamingos on site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a great place to experience the thrill of betting and the elegance of a bygone era.

The restaurants and bars offer delicious food and drinks, making it a perfect spot for a fun night out. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for a unique experience, Hialeah Park is a must-visit.

Amelia Earhart Park
401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013 | (305) 685-8389

Amelia Earhart Park, mentioned earlier, is a spacious and beautiful outdoor area of 515 acres perfect for family outings. We enjoy the wide range of activities, including bike trails, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo and the farm village, which are hits with kids.

The park’s scenic lake and picnic areas provide a relaxing environment. It’s a great place for a weekend picnic or a day of adventure. The playgrounds and sports facilities ensure that there’s something for everyone.

There’s even a dog park for your canine friends! Whether you’re looking to relax or be active, Amelia Earhart Park offers a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Leah Arts District
1501 E 10th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010

The Leah Arts District is a vibrant and creative neighborhood that showcases the artistic spirit of Hialeah. We enjoy the colorful murals and street art that decorate the area. Visitors can enjoy exploring the galleries and studios of local artists.

The district often hosts art walks, live music, and cultural events, making it a lively and exciting place to visit. The friendly atmosphere and creative energy make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment
4800 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012 | (305) 827-0681

The Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment is a cultural hub in Hialeah. We like the variety of performances and exhibitions that take place here. Visitors can enjoy concerts, theater productions, and art shows.

The center’s modern facilities and welcoming environment make it a great place to experience the arts. It’s a perfect spot for a night out or a family outing. The center also hosts community events and educational programs, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Garden of the Arts
1850 W 76th St, Hialeah, FL 33014 | (305) 557-1231

The Garden of the Arts is a serene and picturesque park that features beautiful sculptures and art installations. We like strolling through the gardens and admiring the artwork. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the well-maintained grounds.

The park is perfect for a relaxing walk or a quiet afternoon. It’s a great place to appreciate the beauty of nature and art combined. The Garden of the Arts also hosts events and workshops, making it a vibrant community space.

Bucky Dent Water Park
2250 W 60th St, Hialeah, FL 33016 | (305) 818-2990

Bucky Dent Water Park is a fun-filled destination for families and kids. We enjoy the variety of water slides and the large swimming pool. Visitors can enjoy the interactive water playground, which is perfect for younger children.

The park offers a great way to cool off and have fun in the sun. It’s a perfect spot for birthday parties and family gatherings. The friendly lifeguards and clean facilities ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. There is a restaurant on site.

Goodlet Park
4200 W 8th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012 | (305) 556-4567

Goodlet Park is a well-loved community park offering a range of recreational activities. We look forward to the walking trails and fitness areas. Visitors can enjoy the sports facilities, including tennis courts and soccer fields.

The park’s playgrounds and picnic areas make it a great place for families. It’s a perfect spot for a casual stroll or an active day out. The park also hosts community events and sports leagues, adding to its lively atmosphere. It has a dog park for your canine friends.

Opa Locka - Hialeah Indoor Flea Market
13449 NW 42nd Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054 | (305) 688-0500

The Opa Locka - Hialeah Indoor Flea Market is a bustling marketplace filled with a variety of vendors. We like browsing the wide selection of goods, from clothing and accessories to fresh produce. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the great deals.

The market is perfect for finding unique items and bargains. It’s a great place to spend a weekend morning or afternoon. The friendly vendors and lively environment make shopping here a fun experience.

Amelia Earhart Bark Park
13105 NW 47th Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054 | (305) 685-8389

Amelia Earhart Bark Park is a paradise for dogs and their owners. We like the spacious off-leash areas where dogs can run and play freely. Visitors can enjoy the shaded seating areas and the well-maintained grounds.

The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe environment for all pets. It’s a great place to socialize with other dog owners and let your furry friends have fun. The friendly atmosphere and clean facilities make it a favorite spot for pet lovers.

Triangle Park
Palm Avenue and Okeechobee Road, Hialeah, FL 33010

Triangle Park is a charming and historic park located in the heart of Hialeah. We like the beautiful landscaping and the war memorial. Visitors can enjoy the playground and the shaded picnic areas.

The park is perfect for a family outing or a quiet afternoon. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery. The park also hosts community events and activities, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Molina's Ranch Restaurant
4090 E 8th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33013 | (305) 693-4440

Molina's Ranch Restaurant is a beloved spot for authentic Cuban cuisine. We enjoy the flavorful dishes, including classic favorites like ropa vieja and lechón asado. Guests can savor refreshing tropical juices and cocktails in the relaxed setting, featuring comfortable booths, flat-screens, and a deli counter.

The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back meal with family and friends. Despite its popularity, Molina's Ranch does not accept reservations, so plan accordingly. The friendly service and delicious food make every visit memorable.