Natural Wonders
A gateway to the Everglades and much more.
Greater Fort Lauderdale is the gateway to the Everglades, where wild beauty makes up almost two-thirds of the destination's total area. Take an airboat ride and witness exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife from alligators to Florida panthers. The Everglades also is home to the Seminole Indians, who invite visitors to learn about their proud, ancient culture.
Butterfly World features the largest indoor butterfly aviary in North America, as well as an impelling insectarium and a "buzz-worthy" hummingbird environment. Flamingo Gardens & Wray Botanical Collection offers 60 acres of diverse native plants and trees, a Bird of Prey Center with a free-flight aviary, and the chance to view alligators, flamingos, bobcats and Florida panthers. At Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, kayak through narrow canals where mangrove trees create a tangled canopy. Other adventures include a day at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach. The park offers fishing, canoeing and other boating, and one of the area's most important turtle nesting beaches. Did you know that Greater Fort Lauderdale has 69 miles of natural coral reef just offshore? Snorkel or scuba dive for an up-close and personal look at the amazing underwater world.
For a list of Natural Areas in Broward County click here.
ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER
- 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, 954-926-2480
- Open: 9am-5pm
- The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park's 1,500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands -- one of the largest urban parks in Florida -- is rich in native vegetation and wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species. The Anne Kolb Nature Center complex, situated on about 20 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, includes an exhibit hall with simulated mangroves, a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a hands-on EcoRoom; an outdoor amphitheater; the Mangrove Hall rental facility (reservations required); a 68-foot observation tower; an Intracoastal fishing pier; and nature, biking, and boating trails.
ATLANTIC COAST KAYAK COMPANY
- 1937 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 954-781-0073
- Guided kayak tours and rentals in natural and urban settings, tidal creeks, wetlands, meandering rivers, mild surf, and the Intracoastal waterway. View historical sites, wildlife and mega yachts. Daily 9am-6pm.
BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI
- Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida Everglades, Off of I75 (Alligator Alley) 30000 Gator Tail Trail Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 863-983-6101
- Learn about the Unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation located in the Florida Everglades. Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours and Airboat Adventure Tours depart daily through 2200 acres of untamed Everglades with abundant native and exotic wildlife. Enjoy a Reptile Show, Swamp Critter Show, dine in the Swamp Water Café, explore our boardwalk nature trail, see animal & reptile exhibits and shop for souvenirs. A rustic camping village includes native-style chickees for overnight stays. Day/Overnight Packages and Exclusive Tours available. Bring the whole family and experience the heart of the Florida Everglades like a native…at Billie Swamp Safari. Swamp Safari Day Package $49.95 adults, $45.95 seniors and $35.95 kids. Open daily 9am-6pm.
BLUE MOON OUTDOOR CENTER
- John U Lloyd State Park, 6503 N Ocean Dr Hollywood, 954-923-6711
- A great way to get close to nature. Plan a 2 hour guided tour and enjoy the calm waters on a single or tandem kayak. Open 7 days a week. Day or night time trips. Large groups welcome. Self-guided trips and kayak classes available. Ask about monthly Full Moon kayak tour dates.
BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
- 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-5393
- A historic house museum built on 35 acres of a pristine barrier island on Fort Lauderdale Beach. One of the few complete homes and studios with original furnishings of two American artists open to the public.
BROWARD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
- 950 NW 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-357-8100
- More than half a million people a year use picnic shelters or other meeting facilities in Broward County parks. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, shower, wedding reception, holiday gathering, family reunion, church event, or large corporate or association function, there’s a park to accommodate your needs. 18 regional parks and nature centers offer more than 90 shelters, with capacities ranging from 20 to 400, as well as a variety of other facilities, including gazebos, outdoor amphitheaters, and conference and meeting rooms. Neighborhood parks also have community centers available for rental. All shelters have picnic tables; most include grills. Amenities at indoor facilities vary.
BUTTERFLY WORLD
- 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, 954-977-4400
- Thousands of live, exotic, rainbow-hued butterflies dwell in acres of waterfalls, orchids, roses, tropical gardens, hummingbirds, lorikeet, insectarium, butterfly farm and outdoor cafes. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm (Admission closes at 4pm). Adults $24.95, children 3-11 $19.95, under 3 free.
CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK
- 3700 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill, 954-321-1170
- 110-acre multipurpose facility, with four soccer/football fields, two cricket fields, netball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts and water playground. 8:00am-7:30pm. Free weekdays. $1.50 per person.
EVERGLADES DAY SAFARI
- 3750 S.Flamingo Road, Davie, 800-472-3069
- Full day eco-tour into the majestic Everglades. Safari includes an airboat ride across the "River of Grass," nature walk into the majestic cypress swamps, wildlife drive through the Big Cypress National Preserve, delicious lunch and a scenic boat cruise into the mangroves of the 10,000 Islands. Call for reservations. Adults $145; Kids under 12 $125.
EVERGLADES HOLIDAY PARK/AIRBOAT TOURS
- 21940 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-434-8111
- Journey on an airboat through the "River of Grass." Expert fishing guide tours, fishing facilities, boat rentals, 24-hr. general store. 9am-5pm, departing every 20 minutes or less.
FERN FOREST NATURE CENTER
- 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198
- Offering a beautiful and serene setting for a wide variety of special events or just a calm place to relax away from the urban hustle and bustle. With a picnic shelter, amphitheater, and the Royal Fern Hall. Fern Forest's facilities are a perfect choice for weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings.
FLAMINGO GARDENS, WRAY BOTANICAL COLLECTION
- 3750 Flamingo Rd, Davie, 954-473-2955
- Spend the day in a 60-acre, not-for-profit botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, enjoy thousands of rare, exotic and native plants among Florida’s largest collection of champion trees and a tour of historic 1930's Wray Home. More than 70 species of Florida native birds may be seen in the free-flight aviary. Visit alligators, otters, panthers, bob cats, and of course, flamingos. Open 9:30am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Mondays from June 1 to November 30 (open Labor Day).
HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
- 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-4521
- Nature trail, shaded picnic areas, beach access. In-line skating, volleyball, canoes, fishing. $6 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, passengers, under 6 free. Terramar Visitor Center open Saturdays and Sundays. Segway tours and bicycle rentals by the park's Visitor Service Provider, MCruz, 954-235-5082.
LONG KEY NATURAL AREA & NATURE CENTER
- 3501 S.W. 130th Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797
- At 157 acres, this site is one of the largest of the natural areas currently managed by the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division.
MCRUZ RENTALS
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at Sunrise Blvd. & A1A, Fort Lauderdale, 954-235-5082
- Segway tours, bicycle rentals, canoe, kayak rentals, rollerblades, electric bicycles, beach chairs with umbrellas and snack bar available. Daily 9am-5pm.
SAWGRASS NATURE CENTER
- 3000 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs, 954-752-9453
- Explore nature, interact with live animals, create crafts and get "down & dirty" in the gardens.
SECRET WOODS NATURE CENTER
- 2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-8884
- Find peace of mind and a quiet restfulness just a few hundred yards from the general rush of urban life. This area is a mature forest with large laurel oaks, strangler fig trees, cabbage palms, and red bay. Beneath the taller trees grow smaller shrubs such as cocoplum, ardisia, and eugenia. Surrounding the dry oak forest is a swamp-forest composed of bald cypress, red maple, pond apple, white mangrove, and a host of other wetland plants.
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
- Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida, Hollywood, 954-797-5551
- Explore the history and culture of the Seminole Indians featuring an authentic Seminole Village with Tribal members demonstrating their world famous arts and crafts. Surrounded by native animal exhibits including; the endangered Florida panther, alligators, river otters, fox, birds, and more. Over 30 different species of animals on exhibit. Wildlife shows, alligator presentations, and animal feedings on the weekends. Open Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
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