South Florida is a humming metropolis of light, color and sound. While the beaches and vibrant nightlife provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all – to go somewhere quiet and reconnect with nature. There’s no better place than a park.
Many parks are protected areas designated to preserve significant ecosystems and wildlife populations. Broward County alone has over 15 natural reserve locations, making it the ideal destination to explore.
Here are the top five places in Broward to get a glimpse into Florida’s wilder side.
Anne Kolb Nature Center
751 Sheridan St.
Hollywood
(954) 357-5161
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Named after an award-winning journalist and the first woman elected to the Broward County Commission, Anne Kolb Nature Center is among the largest nature reserves in Broward County. Visitors can take a stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy over 1,500 acres of coastal mangroves or climb the observation tower for a scenic view. There’s also an interactive exhibit hall featuring an aquarium room, no entry fee required. The center hosts a variety of events year-round, including a Nature Tots program for young children, a concert series and Lunch and Learn for young adults.
“There’s something for everyone here,” says parks naturalist Christine McDade. She encourages anyone interested to visit the park calendar for the full list of upcoming events.
Fern Forest Nature Center
201 S. Lyons Road
Coconut Creek
(954) 357-5198
Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Trails close at 4:45 p.m.
True to its name, the Fern Forest Nature Center houses over 30 different fern species on its 247 acres, the last remnants of the original Cypress Creek flood plain. Park visitors can explore the gorgeous cypress trails and an exhibit hall for free, or watch a concert or speech in the amphitheater. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the park offers nighttime hikes for an entry fee of $5, giving you an opportunity to spot more elusive nocturnal animals like foxes and coyotes.
Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center
3501 SW 130th Ave.
Davie
(954) 357-8797
Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bobcats, birds and butterflies, oh my! All these and more can be found at Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center. First opened in 2008, the land has a long and curious history. It originally belonged to the Tequesta and Seminole tribes, then became a western theme park called Pioneer Land and later a restaurant known for its Roman-style architecture. Today it’s 147 acres of dry hammock forest, but you can still find remnants preserved from the previous landowners. Visitors can explore the trails onsite and the sprawling interactive exhibit for free. The park also offers a yoga class on fourth Saturdays of the month for $10, so be sure to bring a mat and a towel!
Marine Environmental Education Center at the Carpenter House
4414 Surf Road
Hollywood
(954) 357-5125
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nestled away in the sea grape lining Hollywood Beach, the Marine Environmental Education Center is one of Broward’s hidden gems. Originally a beautiful two-story beach house, the property was donated to the county, which then collaborated with Nova Southeastern University to create a sanctuary for one of South Florida’s most famous animals: the sea turtle. Visitors to the park can meet all the turtles living on the property, including their resident green sea turtle named Captain.
“She was in a boating accident that cracked her shell, and it made air bubbles form underneath,” says marine biologist Layla LaCelle, “so we attached a weight with straps to keep her from floating. Now it’s like a little backpack!”
The property also features interactive exhibits on the upper level of the main house. Admission is free, though most parking around the area is metered. Stop by around 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. for a daily sea turtle feeding and presentation!
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
6305 N. Ocean Drive
Dania Beach
(954) 923-2833
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Located south of Port Everglades, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is one of the last places to get a glimpse of undeveloped coastal habitat. Formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, the reserve was renamed after civil rights movement leaders who led the effort to desegregate South Florida beaches. Admission is $6 per vehicle, $4 if you’re traveling solo or by motorcycle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. The park offers 310 acres of natural beach where guests can bike, swim and boat, but the best spot for all park-related activities is Whiskey Creek Hideout. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for anyone who wants to explore the mangroves of Whiskey Creek, a protected manatee habitat. Visitors can also grab a bite to eat from the on-site restaurant, open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
