Broward County often brings to mind glittering canals, beachside promenades, and cruise ships sliding toward the Atlantic. Yet just inland from the high rises and marinas is another side of the county entirely.
Within a short drive, travelers can step into cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and mangrove tunnels where herons stalk quietly in the shallows and ospreys circle overhead.
For visitors based in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, or the neighboring coastal cities, these natural spaces make for varied, easy-access day trips that focus less on nightlife and more on wetlands, wildlife, and walking trails.
Planning Nature-Focused Day Trips in Broward County
Broward County’s compact footprint and extensive park system make it unusually convenient for day trippers who want to trade urban bustle for birdsong without committing to a long drive.
Regional parks, state-designated natural areas, and county nature centers are scattered from the Everglades fringe in the west to the Intracoastal Waterway and mangrove estuaries in the east.
Many sites sit no more than 20 or 30 minutes from central Fort Lauderdale, which allows travelers to pair a morning hike with an afternoon at the beach or a canal-side lunch.
The county’s parks department manages a constellation of nature centers and preserves that cater to different interests. Birders gravitate toward Fern Forest Nature Center and Tree Tops Park for resident and migratory species.
Families with young children often prefer places with short, well-marked boardwalks and indoor exhibits, like Secret Woods Nature Center or Anne Kolb Nature Center.
Those looking for an Everglades experience without driving far west can head to Markham Park’s levee trail or to Everglades Holiday Park, where the river of grass begins just beyond the boat ramps.
Because these sites are in subtropical South Florida, timing and preparation matter. From May through October, heat and humidity are significant, especially in wetlands where breezes can be limited. Morning or late-afternoon walks are far more comfortable than midday excursions.
Travelers should pack closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sun protection, and plenty of water for any outing that involves trails or boardwalks.
In the drier months from November through April, temperatures are milder, mosquitoes are fewer, and wading birds concentrate in shrinking wetlands, making it prime season for wildlife viewing.
Public transit can reach a few urban-adjacent nature sites, but a car remains the most flexible way to explore multiple parks in one day. Entry fees are modest at most regional parks, while many natural areas and nature centers are free to enter.
Hours vary slightly, and some natural areas may close temporarily after heavy rain or for habitat management, so checking operating times and any advisories the morning of your visit is wise.
With that basic planning in place, visitors can easily structure a trip that moves from shaded hardwood hammocks to coastal mangroves and finally to a sunset over the Everglades.
Markham Park & Nature Trails: Gateway to the Everglades
On the county’s western edge in Sunrise, Markham Park spreads across more than 600 acres of open space, canals, and pine forest that back up directly to the Everglades levee.
Known locally for its extensive mountain bike network and shooting range, it is equally valuable to nature-focused travelers who want a taste of the river of grass without committing to a full-day backcountry tour.
The park’s layout provides easy transitions from lakeside paths shaded by slash pines to viewpoints over sawgrass marshes and distant tree islands.
For walkers and casual hikers, one of the most appealing routes is the Lakeside Mile, an easy loop that threads through pine forest and skirts the edge of one of Markham’s large interior lakes.
The path is mostly shaded, which makes it a practical choice in summer when mid-morning sun elsewhere in the county can be punishing. Along the way, keen observers may spot green herons in the shallows, red-bellied woodpeckers tapping at pines, and dragonflies patrolling the water’s edge.
Because the route avoids the more technical mountain bike trails, it suits visitors who prefer a leisurely walk over adrenaline-heavy riding.
Another highlight for nature-focused day trippers is the main nature trail that leads from the park interior out to the Everglades levee. Here the landscape opens dramatically, revealing long views across the “river of grass” that stretches west toward Big Cypress.
Wading birds such as great egrets, white ibises, and occasionally roseate spoonbills feed in the shallow waters below, especially in the dry season when fish are concentrated.
Sunset from this vantage can be striking, with the low sun illuminating bands of clouds over the flat horizon.
In recent years, Markham Park has introduced guided naturalist programs and night hikes led by county staff. These low-cost programs invite visitors of all ages to explore the park’s habitats on foot, often focusing on topics like nocturnal wildlife, pollinators, or wetland ecology.
Between these scheduled events, independent travelers can stroll through the park’s “Silent Wings” butterfly garden, where a curated collection of nectar and host plants attracts Gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings, and other common South Florida species.
Combined with picnic areas and playgrounds, Markham Park becomes an easy one-stop destination for mixed groups who want both nature immersion and family amenities.
Fern Forest Nature Center: Deep Shade and Birdsong
Where Broward’s suburban grid blends into remnant swamp forest, Fern Forest Nature Center offers a markedly different mood from the open marshes of the Everglades edge.
This 240-plus-acre preserve in Coconut Creek occupies part of the historic Cypress Creek floodplain and protects freshwater swamps, wet prairies, and hardwood hammocks. Its name is no marketing flourish.
Fern Forest is home to dozens of native fern species, from delicate maidenhairs to towering leather ferns unfurling beside slow-moving water.
Most visitors begin at the main nature center, which features exhibits interpreting the area’s geology, hydrology, and plant communities. From there, a network of trails and boardwalks extends into the preserve.
Short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk sections introduce wetlands where cypress knees poke through tea-colored water and air plants cling to overhead branches. Longer footpaths, some on natural surfaces, penetrate drier hammocks and transitional zones between swamp and upland forest.
The subtle changes in plant life from one community to another are evident even to nonspecialists, offering a quiet lesson in how slight elevation shifts dictate which species thrive.
Fern Forest is particularly prized by birdwatchers. More than 120 species have been recorded in the area, including colorful migrants that pass through during spring and fall. In cooler months, painted buntings sometimes winter in the thickets, bright flashes of green and blue among the undergrowth.
Wood warblers, flycatchers, and tanagers find refuge in the canopy, while barred owls may call from deeper in the swamp near dusk.
Even for visitors without binoculars, the soundscape here contrasts sharply with that of the nearby city, replacing traffic with the calls of red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and treefrogs.
For day trippers, Fern Forest works well as a half-day excursion paired with another site such as Butterfly World or the beach. Because the preserve’s shade makes conditions more manageable than in open, sun-exposed parks, it can be a good choice when the forecast calls for high temperatures.
The dense vegetation also heightens the importance of insect repellent, particularly after summer rains when mosquitoes are most active.
As with many Broward County nature centers, entry is free, and hours typically run from mid-morning to late afternoon, which makes arriving soon after opening a convenient strategy to enjoy cooler air and quieter trails.
Secret Woods Nature Center: Urban Wilderness on the New River
Tucked close to Interstate 95 and a stretch of marine-oriented businesses along State Road 84, Secret Woods Nature Center lives up to its name as an oasis of greenery in a heavily built-up corridor.
Designated as Broward County’s first urban wilderness area, the roughly 50-plus-acre site protects an intriguing mix of habitats influenced by the South Fork of the New River.
Visitors stepping onto its shaded trails may hear the muted thrum of nearby highways, yet visually and ecologically they are worlds away from the surrounding development.
Secret Woods features two main trail systems that showcase distinct plant communities. The Laurel Oak Trail, a mulched footpath, winds through a hardwood hammock dominated by laurel oaks, live oaks, cabbage palms, and an understory of wild coffee, beautyberry, and cocoplum.
As the trail approaches lower ground, small bridges span a tidal marsh where pond apple trees, white mangroves, and sprawling leather ferns mark the transition between upland forest and wetland. It is a short loop by distance, but frequent benches and interpretive signage encourage a slow, observant pace.
Complementing it is the New River Trail, a longer boardwalk largely constructed from recycled plastic lumber. The elevated walkway threads through hammock and marsh before reaching views of the river itself, where manatees sometimes graze in the cooler months and mullet leap in the brackish water below.
Red, black, and white mangroves anchor the riverbank, their distinctive root systems adapting to fluctuating tides. The boardwalk’s consistent surface and gentle grades make it accessible for visitors who may not be comfortable on uneven ground, and it is especially popular with families and older travelers.
Near the entrance, Secret Woods also offers a compact but engaging butterfly garden known as Butterfly Island and a small indoor nature center with live animal displays and educational exhibits.
The site frequently hosts school groups and weekend programs, and its manageable size suits those who want a nature fix without spending several hours on the trail.
As with most urban-adjacent preserves, wildlife here is acclimated to human presence. Raccoons, anoles, land crabs, herons, and various songbirds often appear along the paths, providing excellent opportunities for photography and close observation.
Anne Kolb Nature Center & West Lake: Mangroves and Coastal Trails
Along the Intracoastal Waterway in Hollywood, Anne Kolb Nature Center and the surrounding West Lake Park protect a large expanse of coastal mangrove wetlands that offer a different flavor of Broward’s natural heritage.
Instead of cypress or oak, red, black, and white mangroves dominate, their intertwined roots stabilizing shorelines and providing nurseries for fish, crabs, and shrimp.
For travelers more familiar with sandy beaches and open ocean views, this lattice of tidal creeks and islands reveals the quieter side of South Florida’s coastal ecology.
Within the nature center’s footprint, elevated boardwalks lead visitors through mangrove stands and out to observation points that open onto West Lake’s broad, shallow waters.
Along the way, interpretive panels describe how mangroves filter pollutants, buffer storm surge, and support a vast web of life. Birdlife is abundant, especially at lower tides when mudflats and oyster bars are exposed.
Egrets, herons, pelicans, and ospreys are frequent sightlines from the boardwalks and towers, and in winter, flocks of shorebirds probe the exposed bottom for invertebrates.
One of the most memorable features here is an observation tower that rises above the flat canopy of mangroves, delivering long views north and south along the Intracoastal and westward toward the Everglades.
On clear days, visitors can appreciate the juxtaposition of downtown skylines behind them and an intricate tapestry of green and blue to the west.
For many, this vantage reinforces just how narrow the developed barrier between coastal cities and wild wetlands really is.
Beyond the boardwalks, West Lake Park offers additional opportunities to explore by kayak or canoe, with marked water trails that meander through mangrove tunnels and open lagoons.
While paddling is not strictly necessary to enjoy a nature-focused day trip here, those who do venture onto the water often encounter schools of mullet, rays gliding just below the surface, and the occasional manatee in cooler months.
Pairing a short paddle with a stroll on the boardwalks and time in the air-conditioned exhibits makes Anne Kolb an appealing outing during the hotter parts of the year.
Tree Tops Park and Long Key: High Ground in a Flat County
Many visitors are surprised to learn that parts of central Broward County once consisted of elevated oak-covered islands rising above surrounding wetlands.
Two of the best places to experience this “high ground” heritage are Tree Tops Park in Davie and the nearby Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center.
Both sites preserve remnants of oak hammock ecosystems perched on subtle ridges, providing welcome shade and gentle elevation changes in an otherwise flat landscape.
Tree Tops Park originally gained fame for its towering Australian pines, but restoration efforts have refocused attention on native live oaks, sabal palms, and associated understory plants. Elevated boardwalks and equestrian-friendly trails circle cypress ponds and connect to higher hammock areas.
A popular observation tower delivers views over the surrounding wetlands and out toward the urban fringes of Davie and Plantation.
Families appreciate Tree Tops for its mix of picnic areas, ponds, paddling opportunities, and relatively easy walking routes that still feel immersed in nature.
Long Key Natural Area, just a short drive away, offers a somewhat quieter and more explicitly educational experience. Centered on one of the county’s remaining oak-laden ridgelines, the site features interpretive trails that explain how this higher ground provided refuge for wildlife and Indigenous peoples during seasonal floods.
The canopy here is dense, punctuated by the calls of owls and woodpeckers, while seasonal wetlands at lower elevations sustain amphibians, turtles, and wading birds. Inside the nature center, exhibits expand on the region’s cultural and natural history, making Long Key especially rewarding for travelers interested in context as well as scenery.
For a nature-focused day trip, combining Tree Tops Park and Long Key creates a satisfying itinerary. Visitors can begin with morning walks in the cooler hours, pause for a picnic or café lunch in nearby Davie, and then spend the afternoon exploring the indoor exhibits and shaded trails of Long Key.
Because both sites are close to major roads yet feel surprisingly secluded once you step onto the paths, they work well for travelers with limited time who still want a sense of Broward’s predevelopment landscapes.
Everglades Holiday Park & the Western Fringe: Edges of the River of Grass
At Broward County’s far western edge, urban development yields abruptly to the broader Everglades. Everglades Holiday Park, set at the terminus of Griffin Road, functions as a major public gateway to this vast wetland.
The site is known primarily for airboat tours that skim across the shallow marsh, but it also serves as a practical access point for independent explorers who want to experience the Everglades at their own pace by boat or simply by observing from levees and docks.
From a nature-focused perspective, the appeal of the western fringe lies in its expansive vistas and concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season from late fall through spring. As water levels drop, fish are forced into deeper sloughs and canals, drawing predators like great blue herons, anhingas, ospreys, and alligators.
Travelers who prefer to avoid high-speed airboats can still see much of this activity from the edges: walking along levee tops where permitted, scanning from fishing platforms, or lingering near boat ramps at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Because Everglades Holiday Park is a working recreation hub, with anglers launching boats, families boarding tours, and food concessions operating daily, it can feel busier than some of the county’s interior preserves.
The key for nature-focused visitors is to arrive early, before the main rush of late-morning tours, or to linger into the late afternoon.
Those windows often offer better light for photography and a calmer atmosphere, even as the marsh soundscape persists with the croaks of pig frogs and the rattling call of king rails in the distance.
Safety and environmental awareness are especially important in this environment. Alligators are common, and travelers should maintain a respectful distance, never feed wildlife, and supervise children closely near the water’s edge.
Weather also shifts quickly along the Everglades levees. Summer afternoons frequently bring thunderstorms, and lightning poses a serious risk in this exposed terrain. Packing rain gear, monitoring radar, and planning exits back to shelter are prudent steps for any day trip that extends into the wet season.
Responsible Wildlife Watching & Seasonal Tips
Broward County’s wetlands and woodlands support an impressive variety of wildlife, from charismatic species like manatees and alligators to understated but ecologically important songbirds, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Thoughtful behavior by visitors helps keep these animals wild and these spaces intact.
Across all of the county’s parks, nature centers, and natural areas, fundamental guidelines apply: stay on designated trails and boardwalks, observe animals from a distance, and never offer food or attempt to touch or move wildlife.
Photographers in particular should balance the desire for close images with the needs of their subjects. Using longer lenses, staying quiet, and avoiding sudden movements generally yield better results than crowding an animal or blocking its escape routes.
In nesting or denning seasons, rangers may place temporary barriers or advisory signs in sensitive areas. Respecting those boundaries protects both wildlife and visitors.
For those new to birding or wildlife watching, joining a scheduled naturalist-led walk can provide useful tips on fieldcraft and identification while ensuring that group activities do not disturb habitats.
Seasonality strongly shapes the experience of nature-focused day trips here. The cooler, drier months from roughly November through April generally offer the most comfortable conditions and the most concentrated birdlife in open wetlands.
During this period, waterbirds gather around shrinking pools, and mosquitoes are usually less problematic. In the hotter wet season, trails remain open but require more preparation.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and lightning alerts can cause temporary closures on exposed levees and observation towers. Morning outings that wrap up by early afternoon are the safest and most enjoyable choice.
Regardless of season, packing thoughtfully can transform a simple walk into a richer nature experience. Binoculars reveal details that would otherwise go unnoticed, while a small field guide or identification app helps travelers understand what they are seeing.
Reusable water bottles, sun-protective clothing, and insect repellent are nearly essential. Many parks provide picnic tables and shaded shelters near trailheads, making it easy to build in breaks between walks.
By planning for the climate and respecting the sensitivities of coastal and wetland ecosystems, visitors can enjoy Broward County’s natural side while helping to ensure that these habitats remain healthy for future travelers.
The Takeaway
Within a short drive of Fort Lauderdale’s cruise terminals and Hollywood’s beachfront hotels, Broward County’s parks, wetlands, and trails reveal a multilayered landscape where urban edges fade into cypress swamps, pine woods, and mangrove labyrinths.
Markham Park offers levee-top views toward the Everglades and shaded lakeside walks. Fern Forest immerses travelers in fern-cloaked swamps alive with birdsong.
Secret Woods demonstrates how an urban wilderness can thrive beside a busy interstate, while Anne Kolb Nature Center and West Lake showcase the importance of coastal mangroves in a climate-challenged region.
Tree Tops Park, Long Key, and the western gateway of Everglades Holiday Park round out a network of sites that lend themselves to half-day and full-day explorations.
For visitors willing to trade a few hours of beach time for boardwalks and bird calls, these destinations provide a deeper understanding of South Florida’s ecology and the quiet resilience of its remaining wild spaces.
With modest entry fees, accessible trails, and frequent educational programs, they are also remarkably inclusive, welcoming serious naturalists and casual strollers alike.
By traveling in the cooler hours, coming prepared for the subtropical climate, and following simple rules of respect for wildlife and habitats, day trippers can experience a side of Broward County that many beach-focused itineraries overlook, returning home with a richer sense of place and, perhaps, a newfound appreciation for wetlands at the edge of the city.
FAQ
Q1. What is the best time of year to plan nature-focused day trips in Broward County?
The most comfortable and wildlife-rich period is generally from November through April, when temperatures are lower, humidity is more manageable, and water levels in the wetlands are reduced, concentrating birds and other animals around remaining pools. Summer outings are still possible, but visitors should plan for early starts, higher heat, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Q2. Do I need a car to visit parks like Markham Park, Fern Forest, and Anne Kolb Nature Center?
While a few urban-adjacent sites can be reached by a combination of rideshare and local transit, having a car offers far more flexibility, especially if you want to combine multiple parks in one day or reach western locations near the Everglades. Parking is available at all the major nature centers and regional parks, sometimes with a modest vehicle entry fee.
Q3. Are the trails suitable for beginners and families with young children?
Yes. Many of Broward County’s nature sites feature short, well-marked, and mostly level trails. Boardwalks at places like Secret Woods and Anne Kolb provide accessible, stroller-friendly routes, while parks such as Markham and Tree Tops offer a mix of easy walks and slightly longer paths. Parents should still account for heat, sun, and insects by planning shorter outings and frequent breaks.
Q4. How should I prepare for insects and wildlife encounters on these day trips?
Insects are part of the subtropical environment, especially in the wet season and near standing water. Applying insect repellent, wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants, and avoiding strong fragrances can reduce mosquito and biting fly issues. For wildlife, the key is to observe from a distance, never feed animals, and stay on designated trails. Alligators, snakes, and other reptiles are common but rarely problematic when given space and respect.
Q5. Are guided tours or ranger-led programs available in Broward County parks?
Several parks and nature centers offer scheduled naturalist-led walks, evening programs, and special events. Markham Park, Fern Forest, Anne Kolb Nature Center, Secret Woods, and Long Key Natural Area often host talks, guided hikes, or children’s activities. Schedules and any required reservations change seasonally, so travelers should check for updated program information before visiting.
Q6. Can I see the Everglades without taking an airboat tour?
Yes. While airboats are a popular option at places like Everglades Holiday Park, visitors can also experience the Everglades from levees, boat ramps, and observation points along the western edge of Broward County. Walking on designated levee sections where permitted, visiting Markham Park’s Everglades overlook, or simply spending time at canals and marsh edges during early morning or late afternoon can offer meaningful glimpses of the river of grass and its wildlife.
Q7. Are these parks and nature centers accessible for travelers with limited mobility?
Many of Broward County’s nature sites incorporate accessibility into their design. Boardwalks at Secret Woods, Fern Forest, and Anne Kolb offer smooth surfaces and gentle slopes, and visitor centers are typically equipped with accessible restrooms and parking. That said, some natural-surface trails, levees, or longer loops may be challenging for those with mobility limitations, so checking specific accessibility information for each site is recommended.
Q8. What should I bring for a full day of nature-focused exploring?
Essentials include plenty of water in reusable bottles, sun protection such as a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. Binoculars and a small camera add to wildlife viewing, while a lightweight rain jacket can be useful in the wet season. Packing snacks or a picnic is practical because some natural areas have limited food concessions on-site.
Q9. Is it safe to hike in these areas during the wet season?
Hiking in the wet season is generally safe if visitors take precautions. Early starts help avoid peak heat and thunderstorms, and paying attention to weather forecasts is important. Many parks use lightning detection systems and will close exposed areas when storms approach. Trails can be muddy or temporarily flooded after heavy rain, so sturdy footwear and a flexible attitude about route changes are helpful.
Q10. How can I visit these parks responsibly and help protect the ecosystems?
Responsible visitation centers on a few simple principles: stay on marked trails and boardwalks, carry out all trash, never remove plants or animals, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and follow all posted regulations. Participating in volunteer cleanups or donating to local conservation groups can further support the long-term protection of Broward County’s wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats, ensuring that future travelers can enjoy the same natural beauty.