Top Things to Do in Broward County
Broward County blends sun-drenched beaches, lush parks, vibrant cultural districts, and a laid-back livability that draws in everyone from young professionals to retirees seeking a warmer, more vibrant chapter of life. Imagine waking up to the sight of boats drifting along Fort Lauderdale’s sparkling canals, spending your mornings kayaking through winding mangrove trails, exploring pioneering art enclaves in the afternoon, and capping your evenings with al fresco dinners under swaying palms while live music drifts in the background. Here, outdoor living isn’t a seasonal perk-it’s the default setting.
This isn’t just a weekend escape-it’s the everyday rhythm for those lucky enough to call Broward home. The county’s personality is a rare mix of cosmopolitan energy and coastal ease: you can dress up for a night out on Las Olas Boulevard, spend the next morning paddleboarding in Deerfield Beach, and be home in time to grill fresh seafood for dinner. Its neighborhoods range from bustling urban centers with world-class dining and shopping to quiet, family-friendly suburbs and gated waterfront estates.
Whether freshwater lagoons, artsy corridors, or the soothing pull of coastal tranquility speak to you, Broward offers an unmatched variety of experiences and lifestyles. In this guide, we’ll go beyond the surface to explore both the celebrated attractions and the hidden gems that make Broward County more than just a place to visit-it’s a place to thrive, invest, and truly feel at home.
Overview of Broward County
Where It’s Located in Florida
Broward County sits in the heart of South Florida’s Atlantic coast, bordered by Palm Beach County to the north, Miami-Dade County to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the vast Everglades to the west. This prime location offers residents quick access to two major metropolitan areas-Miami and West Palm Beach-while keeping its own distinct personality and charm. Covering roughly 1,200 square miles, Broward is a land of contrasts: oceanfront high-rises and laid-back beach towns to the east, suburban neighborhoods and golf communities in the middle, and untouched wilderness to the west. This geography makes it one of the few places in Florida where you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic and the sunset over the Everglades on the same day.
Major Cities & Towns
- Fort Lauderdale – Known as the “Venice of America” for its 165 miles of inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale is the cultural and economic hub of the county. It’s home to a thriving downtown, a world-class boating scene, and a calendar packed with events, from the International Boat Show to art festivals.
- Hollywood – Famous for its broad, brick-paved beachfront boardwalk, Hollywood blends retro Florida charm with a growing arts and dining scene. Its historic downtown and beachside hotels attract both visitors and residents seeking a slower pace with easy access to the ocean.
- Pompano Beach – Once a sleepy coastal town, Pompano is transforming with new restaurants, a revitalized fishing pier, and a reputation as a diving and snorkeling hotspot.
- Deerfield Beach – Known for its Blue Wave–certified beaches, fishing pier, and family-friendly vibe, Deerfield offers a quieter lifestyle with a strong community spirit.
- Coral Springs – A master-planned suburban community with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it a favorite among families.
- Weston – Tucked up against the edge of the Everglades, Weston is known for its lush landscaping, golf courses, and upscale gated communities.
- Wilton Manors – A vibrant, walkable city with a lively nightlife, diverse community, and strong cultural identity, often ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly small cities in the U.S.
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Vibe & Lifestyle
Broward County offers a lifestyle as flexible as you want it to be. For those who crave energy and excitement, there are bustling downtown districts, marina-lined boulevards, and a year-round schedule of concerts, art shows, and food festivals. For those who prefer peace and quiet, there are secluded beach neighborhoods, private golf communities, and family-friendly suburbs with shaded streets and top-rated schools. Water is everywhere-whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the countless canals and lakes that make boating, fishing, and paddleboarding part of everyday life.
This diversity in landscape and lifestyle means you can live in Broward and never feel boxed into one way of living. You can be 10 minutes from nightlife one day, and 10 minutes from total nature immersion the next. It’s the kind of place where you might bike to the farmer’s market in the morning, take a scenic boat ride in the afternoon, and end the day with a toes-in-the-sand dinner by the pier.
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Why It’s a Destination for Visitors and New Residents Alike
Visitors come to Broward for its beautiful beaches, boating culture, and vibrant events, but many end up staying because of its livability. The county offers a lower cost of living than Miami-Dade while still delivering high-quality amenities, making it a popular relocation destination for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking sunshine without sacrificing convenience. Its proximity to major airports (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Miami International), cruise ports, and interstate highways makes travel easy, while its growing business and tech sectors attract professionals year-round.
It’s also a place where investment potential meets lifestyle appeal. Waterfront properties, luxury condos, and established suburban homes all coexist here, offering options for every type of buyer. Whether you’re seeking a seasonal escape or a permanent move, Broward County provides the infrastructure, community, and quality of life to make it a smart choice for the long term.
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Top Things to Do in Broward County
1. Las Olas Boulevard – Fort Lauderdale
Las Olas Boulevard is the beating heart of Fort Lauderdale’s social and cultural scene. This palm-lined street stretches from downtown to the beach, packed with art galleries, sidewalk cafés, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. On weekends, it comes alive with live music, art fairs, and strolling crowds, while weekdays offer a quieter, more relaxed vibe. For residents, living near Las Olas means easy access to both nightlife and neighborhood charm-you can sip your morning coffee at a corner café, run errands, and be on the beach in minutes.
2. Anne Kolb Nature Center – Hollywood
This 1,500-acre coastal mangrove preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife and a playground for nature lovers. Elevated boardwalks wind through the wetlands, offering views of wading birds, crabs, and the occasional manatee. Kayaking and paddleboarding give visitors a water-level perspective, and the observation tower delivers sweeping views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. For locals, it’s an easy escape into nature without leaving the city limits, perfect for early morning exercise or quiet weekend exploration.
3. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – Fort Lauderdale
Step back in time at the Bonnet House, a historic estate that blends art, history, and lush tropical gardens on a 35-acre oceanfront site. Built in the 1920s, the property is filled with whimsical design details and vibrant plant life. It’s a popular venue for concerts, art workshops, and weddings. For residents, it’s a cultural gem that adds depth to the beachside lifestyle-a place to bring visiting friends and family to show them Broward’s history and charm.
4. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
This landscaped promenade along the New River links arts venues, parks, and dining spots in the heart of downtown. You can walk from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to waterfront cafés, take a water taxi to different stops, or attend one of the many open-air festivals. Living near the Riverwalk means having front-row access to everything from jazz concerts to farmers markets, plus some of the best sunset views in the city.
5. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this park feels like an island oasis in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. Shaded trails, picnic areas, and a calm lagoon make it ideal for everything from morning jogs to paddleboarding sessions. Residents love it as a quick nature break-some even call it “Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park.” Its location means you can go from office desk to kayak in under 15 minutes.
6. NSU Art Museum – Fort Lauderdale
Located in the city’s arts district, the NSU Art Museum showcases more than 7,000 works, with a strong emphasis on contemporary and Latin American art. Rotating exhibitions, lectures, and special events keep the experience fresh. For art-minded locals, this museum is a cultural anchor, bringing a world-class art scene to their own backyard and serving as a hub for the creative community.
7. Pompano Beach Fishing Pier & Redeveloped Waterfront
Pompano’s newly revitalized pier stretches 900 feet into the Atlantic, offering fishing, ocean views, and direct access to an upgraded beachfront lined with restaurants and shops. The area hosts regular live music and seasonal events. For residents, it’s a symbol of Broward’s growth, blending small-town charm with modern amenities and giving locals a reason to spend the whole day by the shore.
8. Flamingo Gardens – Davie
This 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,000 species of plants and native animals, including, including-you guessed it, flamingos. Families and nature lovers come for educational tours, seasonal festivals, and up-close encounters with Florida wildlife. For locals, it’s a tradition to bring guests here, and many make seasonal visits to see the gardens change throughout the year.
9. Wilton Drive – Wilton Manors
Known for its inclusive atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Wilton Drive is lined with eclectic restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Weekly events, from art walks to street festivals, give the area a constant buzz. For residents of Wilton Manors, this is their living room-whether they’re grabbing brunch with friends, attending a Pride event, or catching live music on a weeknight.
10. Deerfield Beach & Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
These neighboring beach towns offer a slower, more relaxed alternative to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Deerfield Beach boasts a fishing pier and Blue Wave-certified sand, while Lauderdale-by-the-Sea charms with its walkable town square and beachside cafés. Locals love the small-town atmosphere, where it’s easy to get to know your neighbors and spend afternoons snorkeling the nearby reef.
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Seasonal & Annual Events in Broward County
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – November
Known as the largest in-water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a spectacle of luxury yachts, marine technology, and high-end lifestyle brands. Over five days, it draws more than 100,000 visitors and industry professionals from around the globe. For residents, it’s not just an event-it’s a front-row view of the boating capital of the world. Many locals attend every year, not only to admire the vessels but to connect with the boating community, network, and dream about their next upgrade. If you love the water, living here means having this world-class event practically at your doorstep.
- Las Olas Art Fair – January & March
Twice a year, Las Olas Boulevard transforms into an open-air art gallery with hundreds of artists from around the country displaying their work. You’ll find everything from fine paintings to handmade jewelry, along with live music and local food vendors. For residents, it’s a perfect weekend to stroll, shop, and connect with local creatives. Many homeowners use the event to find unique pieces for their homes, knowing they’re buying directly from the artist.
- Hollywood Beach Mardi Gras – February
Hollywood’s beachfront boardwalk hosts a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration complete with live bands, parades, and Cajun-inspired food. The atmosphere is vibrant but relaxed, attracting both locals and visitors for a day of music and dancing by the ocean. For residents, it’s a reminder that Broward offers the joy and color of major cultural celebrations without the need to travel far or fight massive crowds.
- Pompano Beach Seafood Festival – April
This waterfront festival combines fresh Florida seafood, local artisans, and live music across multiple stages. It’s a favorite among food lovers who want to sample everything from stone crab claws to lobster rolls while enjoying an ocean breeze. For those living in Pompano or nearby communities, it’s a signature event that kicks off the warm-weather season in true coastal style.
- Holiday Parade on the New River – December
Also known as the Winterfest Boat Parade, this dazzling display of decorated yachts, sailboats, and party barges cruises along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. It’s often called the “Greatest Show on H2O,” drawing over a million spectators each year. For locals, the best views are often from private balconies or waterfront backyards, turning the evening into a festive gathering with friends and family. It’s one of those uniquely Broward traditions that turns the waterways into a holiday wonderland.
If this lifestyle resonates with the vision you have for your next move, Find Your Florida Now can connect you with a vetted, expert real estate agent who knows Broward County inside and out. Whether you’re drawn to canal-side comforts, cultural hubs, or relaxed beach vibes, we’ll match you with a trusted local pro who can guide you to the neighborhood and the home that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Fill out our quick Florida Lifestyle Match form today, and we’ll introduce you to the right agent for your goals.
Adam Miller | The 941 Lifestyle Group | Real Broker, LLC
Florida Real Estate Agent helping buyers and sellers across the state since 2013. Based in Lakewood Ranch with a trusted statewide network.