Aventura, Florida: An Upscale City Between Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Home to the largest shopping mall in Florida and a family-friendly waterpark resort

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Aventura, Florida is a luxurious city located halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It is known for the massive Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the country, as well as the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa, which features the expansive Tidal Cove waterpark. The city offers a range of upscale shopping, dining, golf, and family-friendly activities.

Why it matters

As a destination between two of Florida's most popular cities, Aventura provides an alternative for travelers looking to experience high-end shopping, resort amenities, and family-friendly attractions without the crowds of Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The city's mix of luxury and entertainment caters to a variety of visitors.

The details

Aventura was developed in the late 1960s by real estate tycoon Donald Soffer and is home to the 2.7 million-square-foot Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States. The mall features hundreds of stores, multiple restaurants, an AMC movie theater, and numerous art installations. Just minutes from the mall is the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa, known for its Mediterranean-style design, luxurious accommodations, two 18-hole golf courses, and the Tidal Cove waterpark.

  • Aventura was first developed in the late 1960s.
  • The JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa is a long-standing landmark in Aventura.

The players

Donald Soffer

The legendary Florida real estate tycoon who developed the city of Aventura and named it after the Spanish word for "adventure".

JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa

A luxury resort in Aventura featuring Mediterranean-style architecture, luxurious accommodations, two 18-hole golf courses, and the expansive Tidal Cove waterpark.

Aventura Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in the United States, spanning 2.7 million square feet and featuring hundreds of stores, multiple restaurants, an AMC movie theater, and numerous art installations.

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The takeaway

Aventura offers a unique blend of luxury, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment, making it an appealing destination for travelers looking to experience the best of what Florida has to offer without the crowds of more well-known cities.