Attractions and Places To See in Broward County - Top 20

Broward County offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, often called "Fort Lauderdale's Central Park," for activities like biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The region also boasts 23 miles of "Blue Wave-certified" beaches, including Las Olas Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach, which is great for snorkeling near its small reef. For a unique ecosystem experience, explore the Everglades through spots like Everglades Holiday Park or Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Absolutely. History enthusiasts can explore the Stranahan House Museum, the oldest house in Broward County, built in 1901. Another significant site is the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a 35-acre estate showcasing art and tropical foliage. The Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum offers a collection of historic buildings, including the New River Inn, one of the first structures in South Florida to use hollow concrete blocks.

Broward County is very family-friendly. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a popular pedestrian path with food, drinks, and coastal views. For interactive learning, the Museum of Discovery and Science offers over 200 hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater. Butterfly World, the largest butterfly park globally, is another enchanting option for all ages. Additionally, many parks like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park are ideal for family outings.

For stunning views, visit Hillsboro Inlet Park, home to the powerful Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. The Fisher Family Pier in Pompano Beach is excellent for strolling and enjoying ocean vistas. The Riverwalk North, Fort Lauderdale, provides continuous waterfront views along the New River, complete with artworks and yachts.

Yes, Broward County offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Hollywood Boardwalk and Wolf Lake Park Trail. For mountain biking, Markham Park features trails like the Warmup, Fishing Hole, and Bermuda Triangle Loop. Gravel biking routes are also available, such as the Everglades National Park loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Broward County and MTB Trails in Broward County guides.

Beyond traditional museums, Broward County offers rich cultural experiences. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale showcases contemporary and modern art, with a focus on Latin American and Cuban works. The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is one of only four such research libraries in the country, featuring the Hewitt Collection and exhibits on African American and Caribbean history. For performing arts, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway musicals, operas, and concerts.

For a quieter natural escape, consider the Anne Kolb Nature Center, one of the largest nature reserves with boardwalks through coastal mangroves. Fern Forest Nature Center protects remnants of the original Cypress Creek flood plain, showcasing over 30 fern species. Pine Island Ridge Natural Area, at 29 feet above sea level, is the highest natural elevation in Broward County and part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, offering unique wildlife viewing.

Fort Lauderdale is often called the "Venice of America" due to its extensive inland waterways. A fantastic way to explore these is by using the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxis. They offer a hop-on/hop-off service to many key spots, including Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Yes, for shopping, Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise is one of the largest outlet shopping malls. If you're looking for entertainment, Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale is South Florida's largest indoor entertainment complex, offering go-karts, bowling, arcades, and laser tag for all ages.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant atmosphere and food options along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk to the scenic beauty and continuous waterfront views of Riverwalk North, Fort Lauderdale. The historical insights offered by places like the Stranahan House Museum are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the accessibility to both bustling urban areas and tranquil natural preserves like the Everglades.

Broward County offers several excellent spots for wildlife viewing. The Everglades, accessible through places like Everglades Holiday Park or Sawgrass Recreation Park, is home to alligators, various bird species, and other unique wildlife. The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge protects a remnant of the northern Everglades, housing native wildlife, fish, and endangered species like the wood stork and Everglades snail kite. Flamingo Gardens also features a large aviary with over 45 species of birds.