How Dolphins Win Pinball Tournaments: Flipping in Miami’s Best Arcades 

The Magic City really needs no introduction. Miami’s glitz and glamor is world-renowned, with powdery beaches, luxury shopping, and swanky nightclubs. People flock to Miami to see and be seen, but if the pinball designs of Keith Elwin and George Gomez interest you more than Dolce and Gabbana’s, consider this guide to retro arcades and Miami pinball parlors your haute couture. 

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Once you’ve done the quintessential Miami experience of Ocean Drive’s tourist traps and Big Bus tours, head deeper into the city to experience the Cuban influence of Little Havana or wander the mom-and-pop shops in Coconut grove. Want a beer without dressing to impress? In the heart of Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, J. Wakefield Brewing is covered in fan art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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Gamers and fanatics looking to shop in south Florida will love the selection at Korka Comics in Pembroke Pines, which includes everything from DC and Marvel Comics to independent titles from Image Comics, IDW Publishing, and Valiant Comics. Stop into KnoWhere Toys Comics & Gaming in Hialeah for even more collectibles, comics, and gaming items from Magic the Gathering to YuGiOh to Pokemon and a decent selection of collectibles like Funko Pop vinyls.

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Whether you’re out with the family or looking for kid-free entertainment, you’ll find unique arcade experiences to fit your appetite in southern Florida.

Silverball Retro Arcade

• Address: 19 NE 3rd Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33483
• Pinball machines on location: 75

No trip to southern Florida would be complete without a visit to Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach, Florida. This large arcade and pinball museum has over 70 active pinball machines on location, making it the perfect place for pinball enthusiasts of all ages. Silverball Retro Arcade also has a selection of classic arcade and video games and redemption-style games like arcade hoops and skee ball. If you get hungry while you're playing, Silverball Retro Arcade has a full bar and food menu with sandwiches, wings, and fries. Best of all, Silverball Retro Arcade is family and kid-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a day of gaming fun. Plus, the games at Silverball are set to free play with your admission fee, so play to your heart's content!

Arcade Odyssey

• Address: 12045 SW 117th Ave, Miami, FL 33186
• Pinball machines on location: 20

Arcade Odyssey is a top-rated Miami pinball and arcade experience with recognizable classics like Pac-Man and Asteroids, modern titles like Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution, extremely rare games like Meltdown and Aarr Technologies’ Jet-Ball, and unique imported Japanese arcade games. A whole row of Candy cabinets keeps the games fresh, and in the back of the arcade is a Lan Center PC setup where regular gaming tournaments take place. Pinball machines here range from 90s classics to the latest popular themes. Odyssey also serves craft beer, ciders, and imported beers, Japanese sodas, and sakes. Everything at Odyssey but the bar runs on tokens. 

Dezerland Action Park

• Address: 14599 NE 19th Ave, North Miami, FL 33181
• Pinball machines on location: 15

Buckle up, kids! It’s time for southern Florida’s largest indoor adventure at Dezerland Action Park in Miami. Adults will love these state-of-the-art go-karts, and the kids can drive a track, too. Take a whirl around the roller skating rink, bounce off the walls in the trampoline park, or challenge your ninja skills on a ropes course. Even the youngest kids will enjoy the bumper cars, soft play area, plus bowling for the whole family. Get your game on with virtual reality experiences and a state-of-the-art arcade with foosball, air hockey, racing games, and pinball. Grab some pizza in the 50s-style diner, where you’ll want to take selfies with Elvis and a Delorian. Time to party and make some memories!

Glitch Bar

• Address: 905 NE 5th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
• Pinball machines on location: 8

Glitch Bar in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a paradise for children of the ’80s with old-school arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and skee ball, plus modern pinball machines like Rush, James Bond, and Godzilla. Live DJs spin favorites from the ’80s and 90’s to get you out on the dance floor. Choose game-themed cocktails, craft beer, or choose a sandwich from the menu. Once you buy a drink, your wristband gives you access to play arcade games you’ve been missing since you were a kid.

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Lost Weekend

• Address: 526 Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
• Pinball machines on location: 5

Come get lost playing vintage games like Galaga, Centipede, or the classic Ms. Pac-Man at Lost Weekend in West Palm Beach, FL. This pool hall also features darts, skee ball, pinball, shuffle bowling, and shuffleboard games. Lost Weekend has an amazing modern Mexican taco menu with killer elote and a full bar with classic cocktails. Lost Weekend is kid-friendly during the daytime and becomes a hip and popular spot for adults only at night. 

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Miami pinball players - did we miss anything good? Drop us a line and let us know!