Welcome to Margate: A Hidden Gem in South Florida
Overview of Margate
Sitting just west of Pompano Beach, Margate looks like “another Broward suburb” on the map—until you’re here. About 58,700 people call the city home, enough to keep things lively but not so crowded you can’t find parking for tonight’s event.
Established in 1955 and woven with canals, Margate blends residential streets, small businesses, and leafy parks; it’s the kind of place where neighbors still wave from the driveway.
Getting Around
You don’t really need a car for a perfect day, but it helps.
Margate Boulevard connects most neighborhoods to State Road 7 (a.k.a. 441), lined with bus stops, restaurants, and auto shops.
Broward County Transit’s Route 62 loops around Margate, Uber or Lyft cover late-night rides between the local bar and home, and there’s always a bike lane if you’d rather walk or pedal.
Outdoor Adventures in Margate
Explore the Beauty of Coral Gate Park
Coral Gate Park is where locals go when the kids need to play or you want to hit a tennis court without a membership. Two full-size courts, three half-court hoops, six pickleball lanes, shaded benches, and a roomy playground fill the five-acre greenspace, and pickup games of volleyball break out on the grass most weekends.
Bring a cooler, pavilions are rentable for birthday parties, and the vibe feels more family fun in Margate than formal.
Enjoy a Day at Calypso Cove Aquatic Center
Ask any Margate kid about summer and you’ll hear “Calypso Cove!” first.
The Caribbean-themed water park inside Royal Palm Park packs two 30-foot slides, a zero-entry pool, and a splash playground, plus shady umbrellas for grandparents who’d rather supervise than splash. TripAdvisor reviewers call it one of the best things to do on a hot Florida afternoon.
2025 hours run daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in peak season, and resident admission tops out at six bucks—a great deal compared with bigger parks down in Fort Lauderdale.
Take a Walk or Ride Through the Margate Walkway Trail
If you’re craving a quiet activity before brunch, start at NW 31st Street and follow the paved Margate Walkway east along canals dotted with ibis and iguanas. Locals jog at sunrise, anglers cast under bridges, and dog walkers swap trail tips. TrailLink lists more than 42 connected paths within 30 minutes—plenty of mileage for a weekend 5-K training plan.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Feed the Fish at Winfield Park
Hidden off Winfield Boulevard, this canal-front pocket park sports swings, picnic tables, two fishing docks, and a boat ramp. Families stop to toss bread to tilapia, watch turtles surface, and let the little ones conquer the mini-climbing wall. The setting’s so chill you’ll forget you’re five minutes from busy 441.
Discover Local Events at the Margate Sports Complex
Think of the Sports Complex as Margate’s back yard: youth baseball by day, “Sounds at Sundown” concerts and food trucks by night.
Bring lawn chairs to the covered field on first-Saturday evenings—live bands crank classic rock, kids chase fireflies, and the whole area feels like a block party.
Field rentals, a ¼-mile exercise loop, splash pad, and shaded bleachers make it easy to turn practices into family hangouts.
Visit the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center (For All-Ages Activities)
Don’t let the name fool you—the Senior Center welcomes everyone for art classes, dance lessons, and community lectures. Where else can a teen learn a salsa lesson, Mom take a fitness class, and Grandpa join a chess club under one roof?
Check their calendar for bilingual tech workshops and monthly holiday luncheons; many are free or “pay what you can,” keeping the information accessible.
Where to Eat in Margate
Local Favorites for Breakfast and Coffee
Kick off your morning at The Gem Eatery! Diners rank this mom-and-pop restaurant among the best spots in town thanks to fluffy pancakes, gooey cinnamon rolls, and bottomless Colombian brew.
If you prefer a cozier vibe, slide into a booth at Toasted Cafe. The Greek-American menu runs from crispy spanakopita to stuffed-to-the-edge omelets, all delivered with fast-friend service and a 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor—proof this little diner punches well above its weight.
Best Spots for Lunch and Casual Dining
Craving sizzling fajitas and oversized margaritas? Grab a midday table at La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant II. Families love the lively room, free chips, and share-worthy combo platters—no wonder it sits near the top of almost every “best things to eat” list in the area.
For a taste of the islands, follow the lunchtime crowd to The Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant on State Road 7. Jerk chicken, curried goat, and $6.25 all-day specials keep regulars lining up; the peppery aroma alone will make you plan a return visit.
Need something lighter? Falafel Gourmet turns out crisp falafel, shawarma wraps, and bright tabbouleh that Tripadvisor reviewers call a “hidden Mediterranean gem.” Portions are hearty, prices are friendly, and the hummus earns rave review after rave review.
Dinner Destinations with a Neighborhood Feel
Date-night alert: Pasta And… claims TripAdvisor’s #1 slot for Margate dining, and one forkful of their house-made cacio e pepe explains why. The white-tablecloth Northern Italian restaurant stocks a 600-label wine list and rarely lets a plate leave the kitchen without a perfectly twirled nest of fresh pasta.
If you’d rather catch the Dolphins game with a pint, head to J P Mulligan’s Restaurant & Pub. Forty-plus drafts, live bands, and nightly food specials make this long-running sports bar the unofficial living room for locals.
Sushi fans can venture five minutes north to Parkland’s Bluefin Sushi & Thai Grill, where the chef’s sashimi boats and specialty rolls draw rave reviews for freshness and value.
Shopping and Local Finds
Browse Local Shops Along State Road 7
State Road 7 is Margate’s commercial spine.
Big-box stores mingle with mom-and-pop cell-phone kiosks, pawn shops, and a Jamaican bakery whose patties sell out by noon. It’s gritty, authentic, and—thanks to constant redevelopment—full of hidden gems if you’re willing to find them.
Visit the Swap Shop for Unique Treasures
A ten-minute drive south drops you at Fort Lauderdale’s legendary Swap Shop—an 88-acre flea market, drive-in, and vintage Ferrari museum open 365 days a year. Admission is a couple of bucks for parking, but bargainers score vinyl records, carnival rides, and street tacos under one gigantic roof.
Cultural and Community Experiences
Attend a Concert or Festival at the Margate Amphitheater
The location changes—sometimes the Amphitheater, sometimes the Sports Complex—but Margate’s outdoor concerts rarely disappoint.
“Sounds at Sundown” alone draws up to 1,000 people for rock covers and food-truck grub under string lights. Bring cash for local craft vendors selling candles and hand-painted dog bowls—small-town Florida at its most special.
Explore Local Art and Library Events
The Margate Catharine Young Library hosts author talks, Lego clubs, and open-mic poetry nights. Artwork from Broward high-schoolers decorates the lobby, proving you don’t need Wynwood walls for color.
Check the monthly calendar for free genealogy classes—perfect if you’re tracing roots around Margate.
A Day Trip Away: Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek
Seven minutes north sits Butterfly World, home to 20,000 fluttering beauties and a hummingbird aviary.
Tickets run about $32 for adults (watch for coupons), and the lush botanical walkways feel worlds apart from suburban strip malls. TripAdvisor ranks it among the county’s top natural attractions.
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek for Nightlife and Entertainment
Ready for glitz? The Seminole Casino boasts 2,300 slots, live blackjack, and its new Stage at Coco outdoor venue—hosting comedy and EDM shows, plus a July 2025 drone-and-fireworks extravaganza.
It’s the best bet for late-night fun without driving to Miami.
Beautiful Beaches Just a Short Drive Away
Shoot straight east on Atlantic Boulevard and you’ll hit Pompano Beach’s wide sands in under 20 minutes.
Greater Fort Lauderdale lays claim to 24 miles of shoreline—surf schools, reef dives, tiki huts with frozen daiquiris—the whole sunny spectrum.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Margate
Where to Stay: Hotels and Lodging Options
Margate itself has limited hotels, but neighboring Coconut Creek and Coral Springs carry brand-name chains—Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott—and plenty of vacation rentals with private pools.
Staying local keeps you close to morning tennis matches and nightly taco runs.
Best Times to Visit Margate
Dry season (November–April) means sunny 70s and festival-heavy weekends, yet a steamy July afternoon at Calypso Cove feels just as memorable.
Summer storms roll through fast; pack a poncho and plan an indoor backup like an escape-room activity if thunder rumbles.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Margate
Whether you’re scouting homes for sale in Margate, FL, plotting a quick weekend getaway, or just chasing one more slide at the water park, this little Broward spot punches above its weight.
Mix a morning walk, an afternoon pool splash, and a sunset concert, and you’ll understand why locals call Margate “the perfect day done right.”
Things to Do in Margate FAQs
What’s the cheapest family attraction in Margate?
Coral Gate Park and the Margate Walkway are free, and Calypso Cove costs just $6 for residents—budget-friendly family fun all around.
Is Calypso Cove open all year?
It operates daily during summer and on weekends in spring and fall; it closes for maintenance in winter, so double-check the 2025 schedule before you visit.
Where can I catch live music today?
Check the “Sounds at Sundown” calendar or J P Mulligan’s nightly lineup; both host free sets most Fridays.
Any indoor options for a rainy afternoon?
Try Northwest Focal Point Senior Center’s art studio, the local bowling alley on Sample Road, or Seminole Casino’s poker room.
Are there lessons for beginners at the tennis courts?
Yes—city-approved pros offer clinics at Coral Gate Park, and you can reserve a court online for private coaching.
