Bordering the Florida Everglades, Doral is a bustling city west of Miami that was once voted one of the “Best Places to Live in the United States” by Money magazine. It was initially developed in the 1960s when the Doral Country Club opened and flourished as a residential suburb in the 1980s.
Things to do in Doral
At the heart of the city is Doral Central Park, a 33-hectare green space that regularly hosts festivals and celebrations. You can stretch your legs on the lakeside walking trail, let little ones loose in the children’s playground or take advantage of the recreational courts. Also within the park is a skate park and pump track, plus an amphitheatre where live music performances take place.
For a retail fix, head to Doral Plaza, a small shopping mall with brand stores and a supermarket. You can grab a bite to eat at Subway, the Pita Zone and Five Guys or settle in for sushi at Sesame Asian Cuisine. Doral is also home to the Miami International Mall, a light-filled mall anchored by Macy’s and JC Penney.
Doral lies on the edge of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, a sprawling nature reserve home to American alligators, green iguanas and a diverse range of birds. Its embankments can be explored on foot or by bicycle, with airboat rides also available. At the Miccosukee Indian Village, you can learn how the tribe has adapted to life in the Everglades.
Getting around Doral
Doral is around 35 minutes’ drive from the centre of Miami and 25 minutes from Miami International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Doral and four trolley routes service the city. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.