Free Things to Do
Stroll Hollywood's famed 2 ½ mile Broadwalk along the beach. Snorkel (no boat needed) from shore along Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's three-tiered reef system and discover the many underwater treasures. Meditate as you focus on the sunrise by the pier in Deerfield Beach. People watch along Fort Lauderdale's beachfront promenade. Hop on the trolley in downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District on Fridays and Saturdays to experience the lighthearted energy of Las Olas Boulevard. Sports fans can catch the free Dolphins Training Camp each August in Davie. Feel FREE to look below for a complete list of free things to do.
Print PageANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER
- 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood, 954-926-2480
- Open: Nature Center Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm. Trail Hours: 8am-7:30pm.
- 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.
ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE
- 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, 954-921-3500
- A great place to play as well as enjoy visual and performing arts programs that capture the diverse cultural life of South Florida.
GALLERY AT BEACH PLACE
- 17 S. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-764-3460
- An exclusive all-in-one entertainment destination on Fort Lauderdale beach offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, live musical performances and events all along the beachfront, two blocks north of Las Olas Blvd. You can get to Beach Place via water by either Water Taxi or River Taxi. Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight.
HOLLYWOOD OCEANFRONT BROADWALK
- A1A east to the ocean between Sheridan St. and Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 954-921-3404
- 2.2 mile long pedestrian promenade, combined with dramatic coastal views of Hollywood Beach. Newly reconstructed path for walkers, bicycle lane and jogging path. Outdoor cafes from organic farmers market and juice bar, to gourmet meals and ice cream cones.
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
- Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-937-7386
- Known as the shoppers' paradise. Where else can you find such a wide variety of quality stores? And the ambience of the boulevard makes shopping even more of a pleasure. Have a leisurely brunch at a sidewalk café, browse and shop at fabulous boutiques, galleries, specialty stores and fabulous fashion houses and then spend a romantic evening dining at one of Las Olas' many wonderful restaurants!
OLD DILLARD MUSEUM
- 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 754-322-8828
- Listed on National Historic Register. African and African American galleries of cultural artifacts in traditional settings.
RIVERWALK
- Along the New River, from SW 2nd Street to Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 954-463-4431
- Lush tropical landscaping and winding walkways link attractions, restaurants and shops on Florida's most beautiful mile in downtown Fort Lauderdale along the historic New River.
SWAP SHOP
- 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-4791
- A 180,000 sq ft air-conditioned shopping and entertainment complex featuring brand-name merchandise, international restaurants and 14-screen drive-in theater. Open daily.
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