Parkland

It’s Easy Being Green

While oceanfront Fort Lauderdale is a city of blue, its neighbor, Parkland, shines as a city of green. West of Coconut Creek and sharing the east border with the Everglades, Parkland is a place dedicated to protecting its park areas. Nine parks span the city’s landscape, each providing recreation and relaxation opportunities for families within the community.

Go Park Hopping

As if the name did not sufficiently convey it, you can get your fair share of the great outdoors in Parkland. One of the nine parks’ standouts is Pine Trails Park, which rests in the heart of the city and is one of Broward County’s premiere recreation and sports facilities. It is home to an amphitheater that hosts concerts every month, especially a resident favorite: Eats ‘n’ Beats, an event with two performances, 20 food trucks and a can’t-miss family environment.

Make your way to Liberty Park for seven acres of fun. Discover an elaborate playground for the kiddos, pavilions for picnics and, you guessed it, Parkland’s very own Statue of Liberty for snapping photos.

Across town, from November through April, you can walk through the Parkland Farmers Market — the largest outdoor farmers market in the county. Two Sundays each month, people from the tri-county area flock to the Equestrian Center at Temple Park in central Parkland to buy organic and conventional produce, baked goods, unique gourmet items, cooking supplies, arts and crafts and more. Purchase some sweet farmer finds, then meander over to the Equestrian Center for a horseback riding lesson or a Sunday stroll. 

Get Ready for Family Fine Dining

The folks in Parkland know how to cook a good meal. Angelo Elia Pizza brings good old fashioned Italian family dining to the table with award-winning pizzas, tapas and paninis.

The elegant Déjà Blue Restaurant is great for special occasions. While it serves a melting pot of authentic, freshly prepared European, North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, Chef Yozo Natsui at Bluefin Sushi serves up Japanese and Thai delicacies. You can’t go wrong with either of these cultural, upscale dining experiences.

If you want an afternoon pick-me up, go to Carmela Coffee Company for a delicious cup o’ joe and some avocado toast, or travel to Glyk Gelato for an artisanal gelato pop that’s been the talk of the town.

You'll want tacos more than just on Tuesdays at Los Bocados. Lauded for having the best tacos in South Florida, the restaurant started out inside a Parkland gas station and now has its own space near the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Hillsboro Boulevard. Featured by Guy Fieri on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, chefs Robby Bushman and Anthony Hoff's menu is inspired by authentic Mexican street food and is flavored with its house-crafted tangy sauce and savory crema. Don't miss the brisket taco and tostadas. 

Stay in the Bay

The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center is on the border of Coral Springs and Parkland, near the Sawgrass Expressway, offering visitors access to all the area’s top attractions. Walk into the beautiful atrium, swim in the outdoor pool and take in the views of the rolling greens. This hotel is a prime spot to stay and play.

It’s All About the Green

From the impressive Parkland Golf & Country Club to the ever-so charming “Barkland” dog park, any family can find somewhere green to go in Parkland. Days out and about make for an adventure worth taking -- and a time to remember.