Things To Do
in Parkland
Parkland is a quiet, leafy suburban city in Broward County, Florida known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, well-maintained parks and equestrian areas. It sits inland from Fort Lauderdale and offers easy access to beaches, shopping and the Everglades while keeping a small-town feel. The community emphasizes outdoor living, good schools and a relaxed pace, with many residents commuting to nearby employment centers.
Visitors find Parkland a convenient base for exploring South Florida’s coastline, waterways and nature preserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at the beautiful Parkland Parks, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you sip your morning coffee from a nearby café. Take the time to appreciate the local wildlife that calls these parks home.
After lunch, engage in some recreational activities like cycling or playing frisbee in the open fields. Visit the nearby nature center to learn about the local ecosystem and participate in an interactive educational session. Wind down your afternoon at a serene picnic spot, enjoying the fresh air and your packed lunch.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner featuring farm-to-table dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll in the park under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of the evening. Finish your day with a visit to a nearby ice cream shop for a sweet treat.
Begin your morning by visiting the local art galleries that showcase the works of talented artists from the community. Spend time admiring the various art forms, from paintings to sculptures, and engage with the artists if they are present. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby cafe while discussing your favorite pieces.
In the afternoon, attend a workshop at one of the galleries where you can create your own artwork under the guidance of a local artist. Embrace your creativity and meet fellow art enthusiasts while working on your projects. Afterward, explore the nearby artisan shops for unique crafts and art pieces to take home.
As evening approaches, attend an art opening or performance event at one of the galleries to experience the vibrant local culture. Enjoy mingling with other attendees while sipping on complimentary refreshments. Conclude your day with a late dinner at a nearby bistro, discussing the art and culture you've experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-200 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, family-friendly community with well-maintained parks and schools
- Close to beaches, Fort Lauderdale amenities and the Everglades for nature access
- Plenty of green space, biking trails and outdoor recreation
- Lower congestion within the city compared to bigger South Florida hubs
- Car-dependent with limited public transit within Parkland itself
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions inside the city; must travel to nearby towns
- Hurricane season and summer heat/humidity
- Some tourist services and specialty dining are not located directly in Parkland
Places to Visit in Parkland
Visit one of these nice places.
Well-kept trails, lakes and recreational areas offering pleasant parkland shots, sunrise scenes and family-life photography.
Iconic wetlands with dramatic skies, wildlife (wading birds, alligators) and wide, reflective waterways — excellent for nature and landscape photography.
Classic Atlantic beaches with palm trees, piers and colorful sunsets; ideal for golden-hour photography and seascapes.
Parkland’s leafy neighborhoods and equestrian areas provide serene suburban and architectural shots, especially in soft morning or evening light.
Food in Parkland
Parkland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A South Florida staple — roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. You’ll find excellent versions at local Cuban cafés and bakeries in the area.
Must-Try!
Citrus-marinated local fish or shrimp—light and refreshing, commonly available at coastal restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and nearby beach towns.
A tangy, sweet dessert made with Florida key limes; widely available across Broward County and a must-try after a seaside meal.
A Florida specialty with a distinct sweet flavor — typically available in season (October to mid-May) at seafood restaurants around Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Larger weekend market with fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and local vendors—great for sampling regional ingredients and snacks.
Neighborhood farmers’ markets and rotating food trucks in Coral Springs and nearby communities are good places to try empanadas, arepas and other street-style foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally casual and friendly — say hello, be polite and keep conversations light. Business and social interactions are informal but polite.
Parkland is largely residential; respect homeowners’ privacy, signage and gated communities. Stay on public paths and park only in designated areas.
During hurricane season, following official guidance and preparedness norms (store supplies, heed evacuation orders) is expected and taken seriously by locals.
Driving is the main mode of transport — obey traffic rules, be patient in rush hours and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Safety
Tipping in Parkland
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S.: 15–20% at restaurants if service is not included, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valet/parking attendants, and 10–20% for other personal services. Tipping is expected for restaurant servers because wages often assume tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a little cash for small vendors, farmers’ markets or tipping. ATMs are readily available in nearby commercial areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and rainy—afternoon thunderstorms are common and temperatures are often in the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29–34°C). Summer is hurricane season (June–November), so monitor forecasts and be ready for high humidity and sudden storms.
Warm with decreasing humidity and continued hurricane risk into November. Temperatures gradually cool from summer highs; afternoon showers may still occur early in the season.
Mild and comfortable with lower humidity—daytime highs typically in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C). This is the driest, most popular time to visit for outdoor activities and beach time without oppressive heat.
Warm and pleasant with blooming landscapes and rising humidity toward late spring. Spring break season can bring more visitors to beaches and tourist areas.
Parkland at Night
Hiking in Parkland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local park trails suitable for walking, jogging and birdwatching through well-kept green spaces and around small lakes.
Iconic short trails and boardwalks near the eastern edge of the Everglades provide easy access to wildlife viewing, scenic marshes and dramatic skies — perfect for half-day trips.
A regional park with multi-use trails, mountain bike tracks and scenic areas for hiking and outdoor recreation within a reasonable drive.
Nearby preserves and coastal promenades in Broward and Palm Beach counties offer varied hiking, shoreline walks and birding opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Parkland by plane.
The closest major airport — roughly 20–35 minutes’ drive depending on traffic, offering many domestic and international flights and convenient access to Broward County and Fort Lauderdale beaches.
About 45–70 minutes by car (depending on traffic) — a major international hub with extensive flight options; useful for international arrivals or connections.
Located north of Parkland, typically a 40–60 minute drive — smaller than MIA but convenient for some domestic flights and travelers headed to northern Palm Beach County.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Parkland has a high proportion of families with children, attracted by strong schools, parks and safe neighborhoods.
Many residents commute to jobs throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as to Miami; professionals seeking suburban living are common.
There is a presence of retirees who favor the quieter residential environment, though Parkland skews younger and family-oriented overall.
South Florida’s multicultural population is reflected here, with many Spanish speakers and cultural influences from Caribbean and Latin American communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and youth football are popular locally; residents also avidly follow college and NFL teams across South Florida.
Given easy access to waterways and the Atlantic, recreational boating, inshore/offshore fishing and sportfishing are common pastimes.
Youth soccer and baseball leagues are active in the community and throughout Broward County.
Golf is widely enjoyed, with several courses in the region serving locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Parkland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available at cafés and many mainstream restaurants; salads, veggie burgers, grain bowls and international vegetarian dishes are common. Check menus online or ask staff — most places will accommodate substitutions.
Increasingly available — specialty cafés and many larger restaurants offer vegan and gluten-free menus or clearly marked options. Farmers’ markets are good for fresh produce and prepared vegan snacks.
Restaurants generally understand common allergies; always communicate clearly (written if necessary) and double-check cross-contamination policies at smaller kitchens.