Sawgrass Recreation Park offers all kinds of nature-oriented and historic activities. Take an airboat tour of the Everglades, see a replica of an Indian village or visit the wild animal exhibit. RV camping facilities are available on the grounds. The half an hour airboat ride will take you on an insightful tour of the flora and fauna in the Everglades.
Comprising serene 60 acres (24.28 hectares), the Flamingo Gardens have an impressive collection of rare tropical plants, massive oaks, native birds and other tropical critters. The gardens are one of the region's few remaining citrus groves and are home to a large collection of wading birds. You can chug around the grounds on a narrated tram tour or explore the Wray Botanical Collection and historic Wray Home.
Located to the southwest of Fort Lauderdale, on Broward College campus in Davie, this modern, state-of-the-art facility teaches about the universe amid academic surroundings. The Buehler Planetarium & Observatory provides matinee and evening shows for adults and children, as well as science classes and lectures. After evening shows, guests can personally view the heavens through the telescopes located in the observatory. See their website for prices and further information.
The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum has an amazing collection of cars from the first half of the 20th Century. Parked here are Packard automobiles, the oldest of which is the Packard Model 18 Speedster from 1909. Although the last Packard model was produced in 1958, a chance to marvel at these legends of luxury makes a trip to this museum worth every dime.
The Link Trainer Building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida became the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. It is of great importance, having served as one of the 257 air stations in World War II. It aims at the preservation of national as well as international naval air artifacts in a way that educates the public. The museum was dismantled in 1998 and relocated to its current location in 1999. The research library offers a great deal of knowledge via more than 3000 volumes touching various aspects of history.
Dating back to 1921, this historic two-story, 35.4 acres (14.16 hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, which is what makes the land so special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named for a waterlily that once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.
Located approximately seven miles west of Fort Lauderdale, Markham Park attracts avid boaters and fishers alike. The 26-acre lake features ramps for launching boats into the New River Canals. A popular feature is the park's outdoor target range, which includes rifle, pistol and skeet shooting. The park also rents canoes, paddleboats, and johnboats for use in the park. Fishing is permitted from the shores of both the lake and the canals. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Call for rental rates and additional information.
Airboats and alligators are the primary diversions at this campground, which is located on the edge of the Everglades marsh. Get up-close and personal with the alligators here; if you are lucky enough you will get to see filming of Gator Boys, a show aired on Animal Planet. The airboat tours take you through the dense marshland and combine adventure and safety. You can also fish in this area and avail the boat rentals specially reserved for fishing enthusiasts. One can also enjoy camping here and tent and RV camping feature both full and partial hookups. Campground amenities include gas, showers, laundry facilities, restrooms and a grocery store. For more details, check website.