Top 5 Things To Do in Westwood Lakes

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As you can tell from its photos on the internet, Westwood Lakes isn't a culinary destination in the traditional sense. 

There are no restaurant rows, no walk-to-dinner corners, and no hidden gems tucked in its core. 

What it does have, though, is daily, "I could maybe walk there" access to food along SW 40th Street (Bird Road), where most residents get their takeouts, delivery choices, and eat on family-first weekends.

Yes, Bird Road is where your dining options lie, which are mostly casual, Latin, and built for regulars. 

Cuban food anchors the corridor, supported by Nicaraguan and Dominican comfort dishes, counter-service spots, bakeries, and no-frills cafés that prioritize speed, flavor, and authenticity. 

So, what locals do is drive a few minutes, order without looking at the menu (because they already know what to order from where, of course), and leave with bags heavy enough to justify leftovers, whether it's pan con bistec, arroz con pollo, or something grilled and garlicky.

Not in the mood for the usual cuisines? Since you're already along Bird Road, might as well make it a road trip — Kendall, Olympia Heights, and Westchester are already waiting with even more options and international flavors for you to try!

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When it's time to swap quiet streets for parking lots and receipts, Westwood Lakes makes shopping with proximity to local shopping centers and top Miami retail escapes, which is a win for your daily errands and occasional splurges (is it really 'occasional' though?).

All you need to do is take a painless commute to your next-door neighbors and take your pick from Kendallgate Shopping Center and Kendall Village Center, both offering your essentials, casual dining, and quick in-and-out needs without much planning.

Then, there's The Palms at Town & Country, which draws you in with national brands, sit-down restaurants, and a variety of shops enough for a half-day outing.

And when you want everything under one roof — department stores, specialty shops, food courts, the works — Dadeland Mall is the default answer.

We're pretty certain those options more than make up for Westwood Lakes' residential-only policy.

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When your schedule becomes too chaotic to handle, and fresh air sounds like the only remedy, Westwood Lakes ensures your moments of relaxation are always close to home.

Here, you'll find Westwood Park, the neighborhood's everyday outdoor space, with a playground for kids, open grassy areas, and plenty of room for casual activities.

Meanwhile, Tropical Estates Park offers a quieter setup, with walking paths, benches, and shaded spots that make it well-suited for mindless strolls at almost any time of day.

Together, these parks cover your need to move, take a breath, and step away from screens without the hassles of commuting.

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New to Westwood Lakes or looking to visit soon? Lucky for you, this lakeside slice is set up for easy driving, which is how most residents get around daily.

For one, SW 40th Street (Bird Road) runs along the neighborhood, acting as the main route for shopping, dining, and quick trips to Kendall and Westchester.

For longer drives, SR-826 (Palmetto Expressway) is nearby and connects residents to areas like Doral, Miami Springs, and Hialeah, while SR-836 (Dolphin Expressway) makes trips to Downtown Miami and Miami International Airport more direct.

Heading south or deeper into Kendall is effortless via SW 87th Avenue and the surrounding north-south roads, which locals rely on for schools, parks, and daily errands.

Yes, there's an adventure waiting for you in every direction, whether the plan is a beach day, a mall run, or a work commute, sans the complicated routes or long detours.

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While Westwood Lakes is NOT a traditional suburb, it's deeply suburban in character, as it's a residential, car-dependent community with zero commercial spaces in its core, or anywhere really, except for its northern edges, along Bird Road.

That said, coming up with weekend plans is like second nature to Westwood Lakes, as it stays connected to the rest of Miami, including some of the best indoor, outdoor, and after-hours activities Magic City offers!

Head to Kendall Indian Hammocks Park for an adventure across wide open green spaces and trails, or spend the night camping with the crew — this gorgeous oasis also offers an artificial lake that adds to the park's relaxed, open feel, perfect on a hot Florida day!

Can't live without the cold blast of the AC? Spend your fun indoors at Bird Bowl, a decades-old leisure spot with bowling lanes, arcade games, food counters, and a bar in a laid-back, old-school setting.

Still haven't gotten enough? Let someone else handle the cooking and just sit back and relax with a mug of beer in hand at Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill!

Mind you, these are just the tip of the iceberg!

There's so much more to uncover around Westwood Lakes — all you need is access to Google Maps, GPS for your car, and a guide like us who knows the ins and outs of Miami!