Broward County packs a lot into a short drive: historic estates, wild state parks, a famous beachfront promenade and gardens full of butterflies. These are the places we send friends first.
1. Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale’s signature street runs from downtown toward the beach, lined with galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafés and live music. Go at sunset and stay for dinner.
2. Fort Lauderdale Beach and A1A
The wave wall, palm trees and wide sand make this one of Florida’s most recognizable beachfronts. Walk it in the morning before the heat, or cruise A1A with the windows down.
3. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
A landscaped walkway along the New River connecting downtown’s arts and entertainment district. Watch yachts glide by and catch events in Esplanade Park.
4. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
A historic oceanfront estate tucked between the beach and the Intracoastal, with art-filled rooms, orchids, mangroves and resident monkeys in the trees.
5. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A green oasis in the middle of the city with a freshwater lagoon, trails, kayaking and direct beach access — Old Florida right next to the high-rises.
6. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
A long, brick-paved oceanfront promenade with cafés, bike rentals and a laid-back, everybody-welcome vibe. Great for people-watching and sunrise walks.
7. Dania Beach Pier
A favorite for anglers and sunset photos, next to a quieter stretch of sand and close to the airport — an easy first or last stop on a trip.
8. Flamingo Gardens
In Davie, this botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary shelters native Florida animals, from alligators to birds of prey, among huge old trees.
9. Butterfly World
In Coconut Creek, walk-through aviaries put you face to face with thousands of butterflies — a hit with kids and photographers alike.
Tip: hours and admission change seasonally, so check each attraction’s website before you go.
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Featured photo: Infrogmation, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons