Living here
Where locals actually eat, shop, take the kids and spend a Saturday — from Miami-Dade to Martin County. Filter by who is coming with you, what day it is and what you feel like spending.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Hands-on science floors, an otter habitat and a giant-screen theater. Toddler zone downstairs, flight and physics exhibits upstairs.
Davie · Broward
Botanical gardens and a Florida wildlife sanctuary with flamingos, alligators and a shaded tram tour. Easy stroller loop.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Walk-through aviaries with thousands of butterflies and hummingbirds. Short visit, great for little ones.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Modern and contemporary shows downtown, a block from Las Olas. Quiet weekday mornings.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Touring Broadway, symphony and comedy on the New River. Valet or park at the Riverwalk garage and walk.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Outdoor juried art shows take over Las Olas Boulevard several weekends between November and March.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Working artist studios and galleries in converted warehouses just north of downtown — gallery walk nights and open studios monthly.
Boca Raton · Broward
A strong permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions at Mizner Park — free first Sundays of the month.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Las Olas gallery with major names — from pop and street art to established contemporary masters.
Pompano Beach · Broward
City-run gallery celebrating Black art and history in the historic Ali building on Hammondville Road.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
Affordable artist studios and monthly exhibitions run by the city — a good west-Broward art stop.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Sidewalk tables, steakhouses, sushi and Italian along a walkable mile between downtown and the beach.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Casual seafood and pizza steps from the sand in a low-rise beach town. Easy parking on weekdays.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown bar strip beside the Riverwalk — busiest Thursday through Saturday.
Oakland Park · Broward
Big taproom with food trucks and trivia nights midweek — one of the original South Florida craft breweries.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Open-air riverfront bar with food stalls and DJs. Dog-friendly and family-friendly until evening.
Sunrise · Broward
One of the largest outlet centers in the US, plus the Colonnade luxury wing. Plan three hours minimum.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Two miles of lifeguarded sand with the wave wall, bike lanes and hotel bars across the street.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
180 acres of hammock, a lagoon for kayaks and a tunnel under A1A to the beach. Shade on hot days.
Dania Beach · Broward
Quiet beach and the Intracoastal on the other side — kayak rentals, picnic pavilions and ship-watching at Port Everglades.
Weston / Everglades Holiday Park · Broward
Hour-long airboat rides and gator shows at the edge of the sawgrass, 30 minutes from the coast.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Walk the New River park, then ride the water taxi between downtown, Las Olas and the beach — day passes are cheap.
Davie · Broward
Make-and-play art studios built for children — messy, indoor and air conditioned. Strongest for ages 2 to 10.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Indoor go-karts, roller rink, bowling, ropes course and arcade under one roof — the teenage birthday default.
County-wide · Broward
Broward and Palm Beach libraries run free weekday story times for babies and toddlers; most city parks have free splash pads.
Sunrise · Broward
NHL hockey at Amerant Bank Arena — indoors, cold and loud, and an easy family night out.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
The largest in-water boat show in the world, every autumn across seven sites. Book hotels months ahead.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Chef Angelo Elia's upscale Tuscan restaurant known for handmade pasta and white truffle dishes.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Supper-club style Italian steakhouse with live entertainment on weekend nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian classics on a lively Las Olas patio.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Long-running Las Olas restaurant and lounge with New American fare and a popular bar scene.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
W Hotel steakhouse overlooking the Intracoastal with a striking jellyfish tank at the bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Seafood-forward New American menu inside the Marriott Harbor Beach with ocean views.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Dockside seafood shack on the Intracoastal — arrive by boat or car for grouper sandwiches at sunset.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Nautical-themed waterfront restaurant with New Orleans-inflected seafood and a big dock bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale steak-and-seafood chain outpost with live jazz most nights near Galleria Mall.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Farm-to-table American comfort food and craft cocktails in a converted 1930s cottage.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Classic Las Olas sidewalk-cafe spot for steaks, seafood and people-watching.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
High-energy Mexican cantina on Las Olas with tableside guacamole and an enormous tequila list.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood seafood grill on Las Olas known for fresh fish sandwiches and raw bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Oceanfront seafood institution north of the city with a private beach boardwalk.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Cozy Northern Italian trattoria off Las Olas favored by locals for handmade pasta.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Beachfront Caribbean-American restaurant steps from the sand with live music most evenings.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Elegant Intracoastal-front seafood dining room with its own boat dock.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Casual American beach-town grill popular for breakfast and burgers a block from the ocean.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Sushi and Pan-Asian small plates in a relaxed beach-town setting.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Marina-front seafood restaurant at Hillsboro Inlet with docking for boaters.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Rooftop waterfront restaurant at the Pompano Beach fishing pier with sunset views.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Old-school 24-hour Florida diner serving oversized portions since 1967.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Family-run Italian restaurant with classic red-sauce dishes and fresh seafood pasta.
Hollywood · Broward
Quirky Intracoastal burger joint decorated with bathtubs, famously ranked among the best burgers in America.
Hollywood · Broward
Caribbean-inspired seafood restaurant right on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.
Hollywood · Broward
Laid-back beachfront taco and margarita spot along the Broadwalk.
Hollywood · Broward
Mediterranean and seafood restaurant on the Broadwalk known for its rooftop bar and belly dancers.
Weston · Broward
Family favorite coal-fired pizza chain that got its start in South Florida.
Weston · Broward
Neighborhood Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta near Weston Town Center.
Weston · Broward
Upscale seafood and steak chain restaurant with live stone crab in season.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale Italian-American chain restaurant inside the W Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Rock 'n' roll themed sushi restaurant on Los Olas known for its creative rolls.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Longstanding fine-dining restaurant serving French-American cuisine since 1978.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Cozy Southwestern restaurant near Wilton Manors known for its creative game dishes.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Iconic 1938 beachfront dive bar at the foot of Las Olas, a Spring Break legend still slinging drinks.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Retro-neon cocktail lounge with pinball and a jukebox in the Flagler Village arts district.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
1920s-themed speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a rooftop deck in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Craft-cocktail gastropub on Las Olas Boulevard known for its extensive bourbon and whiskey list.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Rooftop lounge atop the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach with ocean views and DJ nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront sports bar and grill co-owned by former Dolphins players, with patio seating on A1A.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Craft brewery and taproom in the Tarpon River neighborhood with a large outdoor beer garden.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood craft brewery near the Sistrunk corridor with rotating taps and food trucks.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Riverfront gastropub and bar on the New River with a large craft-beer list and weekend DJs.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Country-western bar with line dancing, mechanical bull and karaoke nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wilton Manors sports bar and neighborhood hangout with pool tables and game-day crowds.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront tiki bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach with tropical drinks and live cover bands.
Hollywood · Broward
Beachfront tiki bar right on the Hollywood Broadwalk with frozen drinks and ocean views.
Hollywood · Broward
Sushi restaurant with a live-music stage hosting blues and jazz acts nightly downtown.
Hollywood · Broward
Sleek W Hotel lounge with DJ sets and Diplo-related nightlife energy on Hollywood Beach.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Warehouse-district brewery and taproom with rotating craft beers and food-truck nights.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Long-running South Florida sports bar chain flagship with big-screen TVs and a full menu.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Small-batch craft brewery taproom known for experimental sours and IPAs.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Casual wine and cocktail lounge near the beach with live acoustic sets on weekends.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale enclosed mall with Neiman Marcus, Saks and Macy's near the beach and Sunrise Boulevard.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Tree-lined boutique and boutique-jewelry strip through downtown Fort Lauderdale with sidewalk cafés.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Sunday riverfront market along the New River with produce, crafts and local vendors.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
One of the world's largest flea markets, with a drive-in theater and carnival rides on site.
Coral Springs · Broward
Enclosed suburban mall with JCPenney, Macy's and a food court in central Broward.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
Enclosed South Broward mall anchored by JCPenney, Dillard's and Macy's.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
Open-air lifestyle center with retail, restaurants and a splash pad for kids.
Sunrise · Broward
Luxury designer outlet wing attached to Sawgrass Mills with Gucci, Burberry and Prada.
Hollywood · Broward
Beachside stands and boutiques along the 2.5-mile Hollywood Broadwalk promenade.
Hollywood · Broward
Monthly evening art walk through Hollywood's Young Circle-area shops, galleries and boutiques.
Davie · Broward
Weekend indoor-outdoor flea market with hundreds of vendors near the Davie rodeo grounds.
Dania Beach · Broward
Open-air waterfront lifestyle center with shops, dining, hotels and a marina, minutes from the pier.
Dania Beach · Broward
Long-running stretch of antique shops and design showrooms along Federal Highway.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Flagship boating and marine supply superstore near the marine industry hub of the Yachting Capital.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
New and used marine gear, sails and boating equipment consignment warehouse near the 17th Street Causeway.
Hollywood · Broward
Retail power center off I-95 with big-box stores and outlet-style pricing.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Design and antique showroom corridor along Federal Highway south of downtown.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood Sunday market with local vendors, produce and coffee in Flagler Village.
Weston · Broward
Open-air lifestyle center serving western Broward with retail, dining and a movie theater.
Davie · Broward
Open-air power center in Davie with big-box and mid-range retailers along I-595.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Historic waterfront estate with lush gardens, swans and a whimsical plantation-style house.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Fort Lauderdale's oldest surviving structure, a riverfront trading post turned house museum.
Hollywood · Broward
Massive casino, guitar-shaped tower, live entertainment and shops on the Seminole reservation.
Weston · Broward
Airboat rides deep into the Everglades plus an alligator and wildlife exhibit.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Classic sightseeing riverboat tour along the New River past mansions and mangroves.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Airboat rides and live gator wrestling shows on the edge of the Everglades.
Clewiston · Broward
Seminole-run eco attraction with swamp buggy rides, airboats and native wildlife shows.
Davie · Broward
Restored 1918 schoolhouse showcasing early pioneer life in the Everglades frontier.
Dania Beach · Broward
Small natural history museum with fossils, artifacts and dinosaur exhibits.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Museum celebrating aquatic sports history alongside Fort Lauderdale's iconic pool.
Hollywood · Broward
Observation tower, boat tours and trails through mangrove estuary at West Lake Park.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Casino gaming floor with slots, table games and live entertainment.
Hollywood · Broward
Lakeside park with paddle boats, water play area and shaded picnic groves.
Davie · Broward
Open-air pioneer village of relocated historic buildings depicting early settler life.
Dania Beach · Broward
Interactive exhibits, giant aquariums and record-breaking mounts celebrating game fishing.
Davie · Broward
Interactive art-based museum with galleries and hands-on creative studios for kids.
Davie · Broward
Botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with flamingos, panthers, and a tram tour.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Historic fishing pier offering ocean views, fishing and a small waterfront village.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
The Broward Center's intimate second stage for cabaret, comedy and chamber music on the New River.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Renovated mid-century theater in Holiday Park hosting touring plays, comedy and concerts.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Broward Center's main hall for Broadway tours, ballet and the Symphony of the Americas.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Broward's resident orchestra performing classical and pops programs at the Broward Center.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Ballet performances staged at the Broward Center as part of Miami City Ballet's touring season.
Coral Springs · Broward
Suburban Broward's performing arts hall for concerts, comedy and community theater.
Miramar · Broward
Modern performing arts venue and gallery space anchoring Miramar's civic town center.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Waterfront civic theater and gallery hosting concerts and community exhibitions.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Restored historic building with artist studios, galleries and monthly art walks in downtown Pompano.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
LGBTQ history and art museum and archive on the Broward College campus, with rotating exhibitions.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown science museum that hosts rotating art-meets-science installations and family exhibits.
Hollywood · Broward
Monthly evening art walk through downtown Hollywood's galleries, studios and Young Circle.
Hollywood · Broward
Contemporary art museum and black-box theater near Young Circle with rotating exhibitions and film series.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront plaza and promenade at the foot of Las Olas Boulevard with easy beach access.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Quiet reef-front beach town beach with a fishing pier and easy shore snorkeling.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Broward
Classic wooden fishing pier stretching into the Atlantic, open around the clock.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Wide sandy beach with a fishing pier and calm swimming near the Pompano Beach Pavilion.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Popular fishing pier with a snack bar and bait shop right on the beach.
Hollywood · Broward
2.5-mile paved beachfront path lined with cafes, bike rentals and street performers.
Dania Beach · Broward
Laid-back beach with a long fishing pier and a beachside dog-friendly park nearby.
Dania Beach · Broward
One of Broward's longest piers, popular for sunrise fishing and views of passing ships.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Boat-access-only island park with nature trails and a free passenger ferry from the mainland.
Davie · Broward
Shaded canopy trails, a lake and a treehouse playground in the heart of Davie.
Sunrise · Broward
Large park with a lake beach, bike trails, an archery range and campground.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
Water park, lake and picnic pavilions spread across a large West Broward county park.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Cable-ski lake, a splash park and mountain bike trails on the edge of the Everglades.
Dania Beach · Broward
Boardwalk trail through a hardwood hammock along the New River.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Boardwalks through a rare cypress and fern forest with a butterfly garden.
Davie · Broward
Nature trails, ballfields and a butterfly garden in central Davie.
Hollywood · Broward
Mangrove estuary park with kayak rentals and a butterfly garden inside Anne Kolb.
Hillsboro Beach · Broward
Scenic inlet with a historic lighthouse, great for boat-watching and shore fishing.
Davie · Broward
Rolling hills made from a former landfill, with lakes, biking and fishing.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Lakeside city park with a dive lake, trails and shaded picnic groves.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Pedestrian tunnel connects the park's lagoon and trails directly to the beach.
Dania Beach · Broward
Undeveloped barrier-island stretch with a mangrove kayak trail and calm surf.
Hollywood · Broward
Undeveloped natural beach and dune area popular for surfing and quiet walks.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Lakeside park with a fishing dock and paved walking loop near the beach.
Wilton Manors · Broward
Small riverside park with a kayak launch onto the Middle River.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown riverfront green space along the New River with fountains and boat views.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball courts under one roof.
Hallandale Beach · Broward
Carousel, splash pad and playground tucked into the shopping village at Gulfstream Park.
Dania Beach · Broward
Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and an arcade minutes from Fort Lauderdale airport.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Five-story IMAX screen inside the Museum of Discovery and Science showing science documentaries and blockbusters.
Wilton Manors · Broward
Tropical-themed mini golf course with waterfalls and caves, lit for evening play.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Jungle-themed mini golf with waterfalls, gemstone mining and an arcade on US-1.
Cooper City · Broward
Themed 18-hole mini golf with waterfalls and gator statues, family-owned and lit at night.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Indoor electric go-kart racing with junior karts for younger racers, air-conditioned track.
Coral Springs · Broward
Public skate sessions on the Florida Panthers' practice rink, plus learn-to-skate programs.
Coral Springs · Broward
Twin-rink facility with public skate sessions and youth hockey right by City Hall.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
Trampoline courts, warrior obstacle course and an indoor climbing wall.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts and a toddler jump area.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Bouldering and roped climbing gym with youth programs and beginner-friendly walls.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Top-rope and bouldering gym for all ages with beginner classes on weekends.
Pembroke Pines · Broward
County park with a small water slide complex, lake, mini golf and paddle boats.
Sunrise · Broward
Sprawling county park with a splash pad, mini golf, mountain bike trails and a model airplane field.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Free-roaming county park with a small petting farm, pony rides and a splash pad.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Cable-ski lake, splash pad and campground cabins spread across a shaded county park.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Weekend pony and hayride rentals at a family-friendly county park with picnic pavilions.
Sunrise · Broward
Low-key 18-hole mini golf course tucked inside a large county park.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Riverfront promenade with periodic free family movie nights and a nearby splash pad at Esplanade Park.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Shaded park with mountain-bike trails, a lake for catch-and-release fishing and a big playground.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Historic hand-carved carousel with rides for young children in a downtown park.
Hollywood · Broward
Arcade games, sports bar screens and prize counter inside the Seminole Hard Rock complex.
Hollywood · Broward
Modern glow-lane bowling with bumper rails for kids and a full arcade.
Davie · Broward
University library with a dedicated children's floor, weekend crafts and reading programs open to the public.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown library with a dedicated children's floor, weekly storytime and a rooftop terrace.
Coconut Creek · Broward
Boardwalk trails through cypress swamp with a small nature center and family programs.
Weston · Broward
Indoor play café with padded playscapes, a toddler zone and coffee for parents.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Padded indoor jungle gym, ball pits and a toddler section for rainy or scorching afternoons.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Short airboat rides and a gator-wrestling show geared toward families with young kids.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Kid-friendly touring shows and puppet performances staged on weekend mornings downtown.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
MLS matches featuring Lionel Messi at the waterfront Lockhart Stadium site.
Sunrise · Broward
Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers' home ice, plus concerts and family shows.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale daily-fee course on a former country club site, near the airport.
Hollywood · Broward
Championship 18 designed by Robert von Hagge with elevation changes rare for South Florida.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Public hard courts and clinics on the site of former pro tournaments, near the beach.
Sunrise · Broward
Dozens of outdoor pickleball courts inside a large county park with lakes and trails.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Additional yacht and superyacht displays spread through Bahia Mar in late October.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Marina hosting recurring billfish and sailfish tournaments through the winter season.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront country-music festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach every April.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Contemporary art fair with galleries and installations along the New River each winter.
Pompano Beach · Broward
Family-friendly beachside seafood festival with cooking demos and live bands.
Hallandale Beach · Broward
Carnival rides, fair food and livestock exhibits at Gulfstream Park each November.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Illuminated yacht procession down the Intracoastal, a signature Fort Lauderdale holiday tradition.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Oceanfront marathon and half-marathon along State Road A1A every February.
Hallandale Beach · Broward
Thoroughbred horse racing track hosting the Pegasus World Cup, plus a casino and shops.
Hallandale Beach · Broward
One of horse racing's richest races, run at Gulfstream Park every January.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Military and civilian aerobatic display over Fort Lauderdale Beach each spring.
Hollywood · Broward
Festive holiday-themed 5K along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk each December.
Deerfield Beach · Broward
Beachside winter road race and family fun run along the Deerfield Beach pier.
Beaches and parks are nearly empty before noon, museums are quiet, and restaurants that need a month's notice on Saturday will seat you at 6pm on a Tuesday. Libraries run free story times for little ones, and breweries do trivia midweek.
Green markets and art fairs on Saturday mornings, boats out by ten, dinner on Las Olas or Atlantic Avenue, and live music downtown. Book attractions online the night before — walk-up lines are the only real hassle.
Everything doubles: polo in Wellington, the Kravis and Broward Center seasons, street art fairs, the boat show in autumn and Art Basel in early December. Traffic and reservations get tighter, so plan ahead.
Storms usually pass in an hour. Keep an indoor backup on the list — a science museum, an indoor mall, a go-kart park — and swim in the morning, not at three in the afternoon.
Choosing between neighborhoods? Where you land decides how much of this you actually do on a weeknight. Compare the areas, look up schools or ask me what a normal week looks like in the area you're considering.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change — check the venue before you drive. Tell me if a favorite spot is missing and I'll add it.
