Renovation Room in Hallandale Beach
Once a tiny town that first incorporated 90 years ago, Hallandale Beach is still a growing, exciting South Florida community. The southeastern-most city in Broward County, hugged by Hollywood to the north and Aventura to the south, is perhaps best known for sprawling Gulfstream Park, with its modern horse track, casino, shops and restaurants. But Hallandale Beach’s attributes stretch far beyond that. Its local businesses, inspired architecture and passionate locals are just a few reasons to visit. Here, one of those locals gives us an insider’s look at her city.
Meet our Hallandale Beach guide
If anyone has witnessed Hallandale Beach’s growth, it’s Beth Geduld. A resident of the area for two decades, she opened her design showroom and staging business, Renovation Room, with business partner John Diaz in Hallandale Beach five years ago. Why? Because of how busy Hallandale Beach Boulevard is. She and her physician husband have found the beachfront city to be a perfect place to raise their family — including two teenage sons and a dog, Duke — and build her business. “Hallandale used to be very touristy, very seasonal,” she said. “There has been a lot of growth, and you still can’t get a prettier beach!”
Best wellness center in Hallandale
“Om’Echaye is an amazing wellness center that serves healthy foods, has pilates, spin, yoga and other classes. They have a delicious, all-natural juice bar and home kitchen. It’s a one-stop shop for wellness — and the best yoga in town!” Om’Echaye, 1100 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard; 954-456-6945; omechaye.com.
Best place for kids to play
“Trombetta Tennis at the Golden Isles Tennis Center. My son has been playing tennis since he was about 5. He started with Trombetta — they have great courts, playgrounds, picnic space and more.” Golden Isles Tennis Center, 500 Egret Drive; 954-457-1459; hallandalebeachfl.gov.
A place that inspires you?
“Golden Isles is a high-end community that has incredible architecture with newly renovated and new homes.”
Home and design top shop
“We make clients’ design visions come true. It’s boutique, so all of our pieces are unique; it’s not like big-box stores where everybody has it. We take a lot of time to pick and choose our accessories. I have specialty mixed candles from Beverly Hills, and they go right off the shelves.” Renovation Room, 500 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard; 888-928-0951; renovationroom.com.
Top salon in town
“I go to Le’Cut, a mom-and-pop hair salon and a terrific, affordable place to get a great blowout.” Le’Cut Hair Salon, 800 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Suite 25; 954-404-6250; lecuthair.com.
A day at the park
“Gulfstream Park is the center of entertainment in Hallandale for everyone, including children. The park has a large horse-racing track, casino, restaurants, everything. It really is the heart of Hallandale, and it’s been a destination for people for years.” Gulfstream Park, 901 South Federal Highway; 954-454-7000; gulfstreampark.com.
Sunny spot
“Joy Cooper, the mayor of Hallandale, has built a fantastic beach building, open to the public, at the famous Beach Ball Water Tower. Hallandale Beach has lots of sand and beautiful water with plenty of parking.” North City Beach Park, 111 South Surf Road; 954-457-1456; cohb.org/1130.
Must try deli
“In the same plaza as Le’Cut is Sage Deli, a classic. They’ve been open since 1972 and bake the bagels every morning so they are hot and delicious — just like in New York City. My favorite? The everything bagel with butter!”
Sage Bagel and Deli, 800 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard; 954-456-7499; sagebagelanddeli.com.
Best spa for body treatments
“Laser Therapy Spa is the only place to get CoolSculpting, laser hair removal and Botox. Kristan, the owner, is phenomenal and I have trusted her — and only her — to perform my beauty treatments for years.” Laser Therapy Spa, 800 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Suite 15; 954-455-8400; lasertherapyspa.com.
Best place for a dinner date in Hallandale
“We got to Matteo’s Trattoria for genuine Italian food. Service is always consistent, and the food is always delicious. My favorites are the huge family-style salad and the veal chop Matteo.” Matteo’s Trattoria, 1825 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard; 954-455-4050; hallandale.matteosristorante.com.