Things to Do in Broward County, Florida

Nestled between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, Broward County, Florida offers an incredible balance of sun-soaked beaches, rich cultural attractions, family entertainment, and natural beauty. Known as the “Venice of America” for its hundreds of scenic canals, this vibrant destination attracts millions of visitors every year seeking fun, relaxation, and discovery. From luxury shopping and fine dining to thrilling outdoor adventures, Broward County truly has it all.

🌴 Popular Attractions

🏖️ Hollywood Beach Broadwalk – Stretching 2.5 miles along the ocean, this palm-lined promenade features charming cafés, surf shops, bike rentals, and live music stages. It’s one of the most family-friendly beach areas in South Florida, where you can enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, and oceanfront dining while watching a colorful parade of rollerbladers and cyclists.
🛍️ Las Olas Boulevard – Known as the heart of Fort Lauderdale, this lively street blends luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can explore local boutiques, grab a coffee at a sidewalk café, or take a romantic gondola ride along the New River before ending the evening with waterfront dining.
🏠 Stranahan House Museum – A piece of Fort Lauderdale’s pioneer history preserved since 1901. Guided tours showcase antique furnishings, local artifacts, and the story of Frank and Ivy Stranahan, two of the city’s founding figures.
🔬 Museum of Discovery & Science – Ideal for curious minds of all ages, this museum features interactive science exhibits, space exploration zones, a hurricane simulator, and an IMAX theater showing nature documentaries and blockbuster films.
🦋 Butterfly World – Step into a magical oasis filled with over 20,000 butterflies fluttering freely in lush tropical gardens. Located in Coconut Creek, it also features exotic bird aviaries, botanical gardens, and a butterfly breeding laboratory.
🌺 Flamingo Gardens – A 60-acre sanctuary combining botanical gardens, wildlife exhibits, and a historic 1930s mansion. Visitors can encounter flamingos, panthers, bobcats, and owls while strolling among century-old trees and tropical flowers.
🏡 Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – A hidden gem on the beachfront, this 1920s plantation-style estate blends art, architecture, and history. Tour its orchid garden, artist studios, and elegant courtyards filled with wildlife and tropical blooms.
🏄 Fort Lauderdale Beach Park – A favorite for locals and tourists alike, offering volleyball courts, grills, playgrounds, and stunning ocean views. Ideal for both relaxation and recreation.

🌞 Outdoor Activities

🐊 Everglades Airboat Tours – Venture into the wild Everglades for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Glide over marshlands on an airboat, spot alligators, herons, turtles, and even rare roseate spoonbills, and learn about the region’s unique ecosystem from expert guides. Tours often include photo opportunities and educational talks about conservation. Some operators offer sunset or night rides where visitors can experience the Everglades under the stars, hearing the calls of nocturnal wildlife echoing through the wetlands.
🚤 Water Sports & Boating – Broward County’s waterways are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers some of the best shore dives in Florida, while deep-sea fishing charters depart daily from Fort Lauderdale marinas. Visitors can also rent yachts for private cruises or join eco-boat tours exploring mangrove tunnels. For adventure seekers, parasailing and kite surfing provide thrilling bird’s-eye views of the coastline, while calm canals and lagoons are ideal for beginners looking for a relaxing paddle.
🚴 Quiet Waters Park – This 430-acre park in Deerfield Beach is known for its cable water-skiing system, mountain biking trails, and picnic areas. Families can rent paddleboats, camp overnight, or simply relax by the lake. In addition to the popular Ski Rixen USA wakeboard park, the park also features disc golf courses, dog-friendly zones, and weekend festivals celebrating outdoor recreation. The campgrounds are equipped with modern amenities, offering a peaceful retreat for those who prefer nature close to urban convenience.
🌳 Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – A tropical oasis between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy shaded nature trails, kayaking on the lagoon, or a leisurely picnic under towering oak trees. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including gopher tortoises and migratory birds. Visitors can rent bikes, join ranger-led tours, or explore the park’s rich history at the Terramar Visitor Center. It’s a favorite local spot for sunrise yoga, photography, and weekend nature walks.
🛶 Deerfield Island Park – Accessible only by a free boat shuttle, this 53-acre nature preserve features hiking trails, wildlife lookouts, and serene mangrove ecosystems. The park’s elevated boardwalks allow visitors to observe turtles, iguanas, and nesting birds up close without disturbing their habitats. Interpretive signs along the trails educate guests about mangrove ecology, making it an outdoor classroom for nature lovers. Canoeing and paddleboarding around the island are also popular activities for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
🌅 Fishing Piers & Reefs – Dania Beach and Pompano Beach piers are ideal for anglers of all skill levels, while offshore artificial reefs attract snorkelers and divers year-round. Charter boats offer half-day or full-day excursions for deep-sea fishing, targeting mahi-mahi, snapper, and sailfish. Beneath the surface, coral reefs teem with marine life, providing incredible underwater photography opportunities. The area’s reef network is part of the Florida Coral Reef Tract, one of the most biodiverse marine systems in the continental United States.

🎭 Arts and Culture

🎟️ Broward Center for the Performing Arts – Ranked among the top ten most-visited theaters in the world, it hosts Broadway productions, orchestras, ballets, and major touring concerts in a riverside setting. Visitors can enjoy pre-show dinners at nearby restaurants or take part in guided backstage tours that highlight the theater’s architecture and community impact. The center also supports local art programs and youth workshops, making it not only an entertainment hub but also a cornerstone for cultural education.
🖼️ NSU Art Museum – Home to more than 6,000 works, this museum highlights Latin American, contemporary, and European art. Special exhibitions and rotating collections make it a must-see for art enthusiasts. The museum also offers lectures, workshops, and family-friendly events that connect the public with artistic expression. Visitors can browse its stylish gift shop featuring locally inspired art pieces or relax at the museum café after exploring thought-provoking exhibits from renowned artists.
🎨 Downtown Hollywood Mural Project – Transforming city streets into open-air galleries, this project showcases stunning large-scale murals by international and local artists. Explore it on foot during the monthly art walk or join a guided street art tour to learn about the stories and techniques behind each mural. The colorful murals change frequently as new artists contribute, making each visit a fresh experience and a photographer’s dream. Many murals reflect Broward’s multicultural identity, celebrating diversity through vibrant visual storytelling.
🕺 Art Walks – Every month, neighborhoods like MASS District and FATVillage in Fort Lauderdale come alive with music, food trucks, and pop-up art installations. These events create a vibrant community atmosphere where creativity thrives. Attendees can enjoy live mural painting, artisan markets, and interactive workshops where local creators display their crafts. Food vendors serve everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream, turning these walks into lively social events that blend culinary and visual arts.
📜 Historical Museums – Visit the Old Davie School Historical Museum and the African-American Research Library to learn about Broward’s diverse heritage and cultural evolution. The Old Davie School Museum features restored classrooms from the early 1900s, vintage artifacts, and community exhibits that tell the story of Broward’s early settlers. Meanwhile, the African-American Research Library offers exhibits on literature, music, and civil rights history, hosting lectures and cultural festivals that honor the contributions of the Black community in South Florida. Together, these institutions preserve Broward’s layered history and inspire a deeper appreciation of its cultural roots.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

🧠 Museum of Discovery & Science – Kids can experience spaceflight simulators, touch live animals, and experiment with hands-on exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and learning. The museum’s EcoDiscovery Center allows families to explore the Everglades through immersive displays, while younger children can play in the Discovery Center designed just for toddlers. Seasonal exhibits and educational workshops provide new experiences every visit, making it both fun and educational for kids of all ages.
🦩 Butterfly World & Flamingo Gardens – Families can spend an entire day exploring wildlife habitats, feeding birds, and photographing flamingos and butterflies up close. At Butterfly World, children marvel at thousands of colorful butterflies and learn about the life cycle of these delicate creatures through guided tours. Flamingo Gardens, meanwhile, offers daily wildlife shows, tram tours through botanical gardens, and hands-on learning opportunities about native Florida species like panthers and alligators.
💦 Paradise Cove Water Park – Located in Pembroke Pines, this aquatic playground features giant slides, splash zones, and lazy rivers, perfect for cooling off on hot Florida afternoons. Parents can relax in shaded cabanas while kids enjoy play structures and shallow pools. The park also hosts seasonal events such as family movie nights and themed splash days, adding extra excitement to summer vacations.
🏎️ Xtreme Action Park – The largest indoor entertainment complex in Florida offers go-kart racing, bowling lanes, arcade games, a ropes course, and laser tag—all under one roof. Families can also find a roller rink, escape rooms, and virtual reality attractions. There’s even a sports bar for adults and a full restaurant, making it a full-day destination where both kids and parents can have a blast.
🌲 Tree Tops Park – A local favorite in Davie with horseback riding trails, paddleboats, picnic pavilions, and a 28-foot observation tower with panoramic views of wetlands and wildlife. The park frequently organizes nature walks and environmental workshops that help children learn about conservation and native ecosystems. Families can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and weekend barbecues under the shade of ancient oaks.
🎢 Boomers! Fort Lauderdale – An amusement center with mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games—ideal for birthday parties and group fun. In addition to its classic attractions, Boomers features laser tag arenas, climbing walls, and an indoor play zone for younger kids. The park’s party packages and group discounts make it a popular choice for family celebrations, ensuring endless excitement for children and adults alike.

🌃 Nightlife and Entertainment

🍸 Las Olas & Riverwalk District – As night falls, Fort Lauderdale transforms into a lively hub of rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and waterfront eateries. Live bands perform nightly, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach. Visitors can enjoy sunset views from rooftop terraces, sample creative cocktails mixed by award-winning bartenders, and stroll along the Riverwalk for a romantic evening by the water. The area is also known for weekend street festivals, open-air art displays, and casual riverside cafés that stay open late into the night.
🌈 Wilton Manors – Famous for its inclusive energy and LGBTQ+ scene, Wilton Manors features bars, cabaret shows, drag performances, and themed nightclubs. The area hosts events year-round, culminating in the colorful Stonewall Pride Parade each June. Beyond the nightlife, Wilton Drive’s artsy vibe extends into boutique shops, international restaurants, and art galleries that stay open late, creating a walkable entertainment district. Expect dance parties, karaoke nights, and lively brunches with live DJs that keep the fun going all weekend.
🎰 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – A world-class entertainment complex featuring gaming, luxury dining, Hard Rock Live concerts, and a massive guitar-shaped hotel that lights up the skyline. Inside, guests can explore a range of restaurants—from fine dining steakhouses to global fusion eateries—and high-end shopping. The Hard Rock Live venue hosts top-tier performers, comedy acts, and major sporting events. Night owls can dance the night away at the on-site clubs or relax at upscale lounges with signature cocktails and live music until dawn.
🎶 Hollywood Beach Bars – From tiki lounges to beachfront grills, Hollywood’s bar scene delivers ocean breezes, live reggae music, and tropical cocktails under the stars. Many venues feature open-air patios where you can sip mojitos as waves crash in the background. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, for instance, offers nightly entertainment, fire pits, and laid-back island vibes. Smaller bars along the Broadwalk serve local craft beers, seafood bites, and Caribbean rum drinks, attracting both tourists and locals for relaxed seaside evenings.
🎭 Comedy & Jazz Clubs – Local favorites like Improv Comedy Club and Blue Jean Blues Lounge showcase up-and-coming comedians and soulful musicians. The Broward Center and nearby jazz lounges often host tribute nights, open-mic sessions, and dinner shows, adding a cultural edge to the nightlife. Visitors can enjoy cozy, dimly lit venues with a retro ambiance, pairing smooth jazz performances with fine wines and charcuterie boards. Comedy nights often feature national headliners as well as local talent, giving audiences a blend of laughter and music that captures Broward’s laid-back yet sophisticated energy.

🍽️ Dining and Culinary Experiences

🦞 Seafood Highlights – Broward’s coastline offers endless opportunities for fresh seafood dining. Try stone crabs, mahi-mahi, or grouper tacos at seaside restaurants like 15th Street Fisheries, Sea Watch on the Ocean, or Blue Moon Fish Co. Many of these establishments feature dockside seating where you can watch boats glide by as you enjoy your meal. The region’s fishing heritage ensures that menus are filled with fresh catches daily, and some restaurants even let guests watch as their fish is prepared. Don’t miss the chance to try conch fritters, shrimp ceviche, or local fish sandwiches paired with a tropical drink.
🍜 International Cuisine – Experience the county’s multicultural food scene with Cuban sandwiches, Peruvian ceviche, Asian fusion dishes, and authentic Italian trattorias. Each neighborhood—from Weston to Pompano—has its own culinary gems. In Fort Lauderdale, upscale sushi lounges and Latin fusion bistros coexist with family-run Caribbean and Indian eateries. Davie and Plantation feature vibrant kosher and Mediterranean spots, while Hollywood’s Young Circle hosts Brazilian steakhouses, Venezuelan arepa cafés, and Thai noodle bars. This diversity makes Broward one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Florida.
🍦 Local Favorites – Stop by Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach for nostalgic desserts, or visit Café Bastille in Fort Lauderdale for brunch with French flair. Don’t miss small bakeries and coffeehouses tucked into hidden corners of the city. For breakfast lovers, mom-and-pop diners like Lester’s Diner have been serving locals for decades. Enjoy artisan donuts in Wilton Manors, fresh croissants in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or beachside gelato shops after a long day in the sun. Each café tells its own story, offering visitors a taste of Broward’s hometown warmth.
🍷 Food Festivals – Food lovers flock to the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival each January and the Dine Out Lauderdale event series every fall. Both showcase top chefs, mixology competitions, and tasting experiences. The county also hosts seafood festivals, BBQ competitions, and Latin food fairs that highlight local chefs and restaurateurs. The annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival transforms Fort Lauderdale’s main boulevard into an open-air feast with dozens of culinary booths, while the Hollywood Garlic Festival and Pompano Beach Seafood Fest provide family-friendly atmospheres filled with live music and cooking demos.
🥗 Farmers Markets & Street Eats – Explore weekend markets in Wilton Manors, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, offering local produce, handmade goods, and gourmet street food. The Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood is one of the largest in South Florida, featuring hundreds of vendors selling organic fruits, exotic spices, and international snacks. Food trucks gather at local parks offering tacos, barbecue, poke bowls, and vegan fare, while night markets introduce live entertainment and artisanal crafts. These markets not only support local businesses but also offer travelers an authentic taste of Broward’s creative and community-driven spirit.

🎉 Seasonal Events and Festivals

🚤 Winterfest Boat Parade – Known as the “Best Show on H2O,” this December parade features illuminated yachts, music, and fireworks along the Intracoastal Waterway. Each year, over a hundred vessels participate, ranging from small private boats to massive luxury yachts, all decorated with dazzling lights and holiday themes. Spectators line up along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways or book special viewing cruises to experience this iconic winter spectacle firsthand.
⚓ Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – Held annually in late October, FLIBS is the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition, drawing marine enthusiasts and luxury yacht buyers from around the globe. The event spans multiple marinas and exhibition halls, showcasing over 1,300 vessels and thousands of marine accessories. In addition to luxury yachts, the show features seminars, live entertainment, and fine dining options along the docks, creating a festive atmosphere for families and professionals alike.
🎸 Tortuga Music Festival – Every spring, Fort Lauderdale Beach transforms into a massive oceanfront concert venue that celebrates music, sun, and marine conservation. This multi-day festival hosts some of the biggest names in country, rock, and pop music, while also promoting environmental awareness through educational exhibits and cleanup initiatives. Festivalgoers enjoy beachfront stages, local food trucks, and sunset performances that make this one of South Florida’s most beloved annual events.
🏳️‍🌈 Stonewall Pride Parade (Wilton Manors) – A lively and inclusive celebration of love, equality, and community spirit, held every June. The streets of Wilton Manors come alive with rainbow floats, music, food vendors, and thousands of participants dancing and cheering through the night. The event also includes an arts village, drag performances, and family-friendly spaces, reflecting the county’s diverse and welcoming culture.
🏰 Florida Renaissance Festival – Transport yourself to medieval times each spring at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Spanning several weekends, the festival features live jousting tournaments, costumed performers, artisan markets, and themed weekends such as Viking Invasion and Pirate Adventure. Visitors can enjoy turkey legs, mead, and hand-crafted goods while watching blacksmithing demonstrations and theatrical shows.
🏄 Fourth of July Beach Celebrations – Fireworks and family festivities light up beaches from Hollywood to Deerfield every Independence Day. Many cities organize parades, concerts, and kids’ activities throughout the day, culminating in spectacular pyrotechnic displays over the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Oceanside Park is especially popular, offering live bands and oceanfront picnic areas perfect for families.
🎆 New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown – Fort Lauderdale’s signature year-end celebration with live bands, food vendors, and a midnight ball drop. The event takes place along SW 2nd Street and draws thousands of revelers who enjoy a street-party atmosphere with fireworks, DJs, and family zones. The evening culminates in a giant illuminated anchor drop, symbolizing the city’s maritime spirit and welcoming the new year with vibrant energy.** – Fort Lauderdale’s signature year-end celebration with live bands, food vendors, and a midnight ball drop.

🌿 Hidden Gems

🦎 Secret Woods Nature Center – A tranquil escape in Dania Beach with winding nature trails, shaded boardwalks, and vibrant butterfly gardens. The park also includes an educational visitor center where guests can learn about South Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. Families often come here for photography, birdwatching, and quiet picnics by the riverbank. The small gift shop sells local honey and nature-inspired souvenirs.
🐦 Snake Warrior Island Park – This off-the-beaten-path preserve, named after a Native American village, is a hidden paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy miles of trails that weave through wetlands and hammocks, offering scenic views of wading birds, turtles, and the occasional iguana sunbathing along the water’s edge. Informational plaques tell stories of the area’s historical importance and environmental restoration projects. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place for meditation, nature journaling, or a quiet morning stroll.
🛥️ Deerfield Island Park – Accessible only by boat, this 53-acre island sanctuary feels worlds away from city life. Surrounded by mangroves and calm waterways, the park features hiking paths, shaded rest areas, and observation decks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Kayakers and paddleboarders often launch from nearby marinas to explore its serene environment. It’s also an excellent location for wildlife spotting, including manatees, herons, and raccoons.
☕ Local Cafés and Tiki Bars – Beyond the bustling nightlife districts, Broward is dotted with cozy neighborhood spots that locals cherish. Hidden coffee shops offer artisan brews and pastries baked in-house, while rustic tiki bars set along canals or tucked in beachside corners provide handcrafted cocktails and acoustic live music. Some of these venues even host open-mic nights, trivia contests, or sunset happy hours, giving visitors a true taste of Broward’s laid-back charm.
🌾 Tree Tops Observation Tower – Located in Davie’s Tree Tops Park, this 28-foot wooden tower offers panoramic views of wetlands, cypress domes, and distant city skylines. Visitors can climb at sunrise or sunset for spectacular photo opportunities. Around the tower, nature trails lead through pine forests and restored marshes rich with native flora and fauna. Bird enthusiasts can spot ospreys and red-shouldered hawks, while the park’s equestrian trails and picnic areas make it a favorite weekend retreat for locals seeking peace and scenery.

🌅 Final Thoughts

From sunrise paddleboarding on calm ocean waters to sunset cocktails along Las Olas Boulevard, Broward County captures the spirit of South Florida. It’s a place where art, nature, and entertainment blend effortlessly—inviting visitors to slow down, explore, and enjoy. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Broward’s mix of beaches, parks, nightlife, and culture guarantees unforgettable memories in every season.