By Olivia Wilson Broward County is a lively South Florida destination known for Atlantic beaches, boating canals, cruise travel, shopping, international dining and access to the Everglades. Located between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, it offers coastal excitement without requiring visitors to stay in central Miami.
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat and its best-known city, but Broward County includes 31 municipalities. Hollywood attracts visitors with its beachfront Broadwalk, Pompano Beach offers fishing and water activities, and Sunrise is home to one of the country’s largest outlet-shopping destinations. Families can visit museums and wildlife attractions, while outdoor travellers can explore mangrove trails, county parks and the eastern edge of the Everglades.
Quick Overview of Broward County
| Category | Details |
| State | Florida |
| Region | Southeast Florida |
| County seat | Fort Lauderdale |
| Established | 1915 |
| Estimated population | About 2.01 million |
| Land area | Approximately 1,203 square miles |
| Number of municipalities | 31 |
| Main airport | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport |
| Major cities | Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach and Miramar |
| Major cruise port | Port Everglades |
| Popular attractions | Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Sawgrass Mills and Flamingo Gardens |
| Known for | Beaches, canals, cruises, shopping, boating and international food |
| Best time to visit | November through April |
Broward County’s population was estimated at 2,013,317 in 2025. The county covers approximately 1,203 square miles of land, although much of its western section forms part of the Everglades conservation area.
Where Is Broward County Located?
Broward County is situated along Florida’s southeastern Atlantic coast. Palm Beach County lies to the north, while Miami-Dade County borders it to the south.
Its location provides convenient access to:
- Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and waterways
- Miami and Miami Beach
- Palm Beach County
- The Florida Everglades
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
- Port Everglades
- Interstate 95
- Florida’s Turnpike
- Interstate 595
- The Brightline and Tri-Rail corridors
The county is divided into two very different landscapes. Most cities, beaches and visitor attractions are concentrated in the developed eastern section. The western area is largely wetland and protected Everglades land.
Best Cities and Areas to Visit
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the main tourism centre and the most convenient base for first-time visitors. The city is known for beaches, canals, museums, waterfront restaurants and boating.
Popular places include:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Stranahan House
- NSU Art Museum
- New River waterfront
Las Olas Boulevard is a popular area for shopping, cafés, galleries and evening dining. Visitors can also take sightseeing cruises or use water taxis to explore the city’s extensive canal network.
Hollywood
Hollywood offers a more relaxed beachfront atmosphere. Its best-known feature is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a paved oceanfront route lined with restaurants, hotels, cafés and bicycle-rental businesses.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Hollywood Beach
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
- ArtsPark at Young Circle
- Downtown Hollywood
- Anne Kolb Nature Center
- North Beach Park
- Yellow Green Farmers Market
Hollywood works well for families and travellers who want to stay close to both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach is known for its broad shoreline, fishing pier and growing beachfront district.
Popular activities include:
- Swimming
- Pier fishing
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Beachfront dining
- Boating
- Visiting Pompano Beach Fishing Village
Several reefs lie close enough to the coast to make the area popular with snorkellers and divers.
Sunrise
Sunrise is located inland and is best known for shopping and entertainment.
Major attractions include:
- Sawgrass Mills
- Amerant Bank Arena
- Markham Park
- Restaurants and hotels near the shopping district
Sawgrass Mills is a major destination for outlet stores, brand-name shopping and indoor activities during hot or rainy weather.
Top Attractions in Broward County
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach combines soft sand, a waterfront promenade, restaurants and nearby accommodation. Broward County has approximately 24 miles of Atlantic shoreline stretching through several coastal communities.
Visitors should:
- Check lifeguard and swimming conditions.
- Use designated pedestrian crossings.
- Arrive early for convenient parking.
- Carry sunscreen and drinking water.
- Avoid disturbing marked sea-turtle nests.
- Follow beach warning flags.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Museum of Discovery and Science is one of the county’s leading family attractions. It offers interactive exhibits involving science, aviation, Florida ecosystems and live animals.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens in Davie combines a botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary and historic home. Visitors can see native Florida animals, mature tropical trees and landscaped gardens.
Butterfly World
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek features large garden enclosures filled with butterflies, tropical plants and birds. It is especially suitable for families, photographers and garden enthusiasts.
Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Holiday Park provides airboat tours and wildlife experiences on the county’s western edge. It offers visitors a convenient way to experience the Everglades without travelling deep into South Florida’s national-park areas.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Broward County operates an extensive park system containing regional parks, nature centres, sports facilities and protected natural areas.
Popular outdoor destinations include:
- Anne Kolb Nature Center
- Quiet Waters Park
- Tree Tops Park
- B. Smith Park
- Markham Park
- Y. Park
- Secret Woods Nature Center
- Fern Forest Nature Center
- Vista View Park
- Deerfield Island Park
Available activities include:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Picnicking
- Mountain biking
- Wildlife photography
Anne Kolb Nature Center protects coastal mangrove wetlands near Hollywood. Visitors can explore walking routes, an observation tower and paddling waterways. Deerfield Island Park is accessible by boat and offers nature trails in a quieter island setting.
Shopping, Food and Local Culture
Broward County has a culturally diverse population. About 36.9% of residents were foreign-born, while 43.8% spoke a language other than English at home during the 2020–2024 reporting period.
Visitors can find:
- Caribbean food
- Cuban dishes
- Brazilian restaurants
- Colombian cuisine
- Haitian cooking
- Jewish delis
- Mediterranean food
- Fresh seafood
- American barbecue
- Vegan and health-focused cafés
Popular dining areas include Las Olas Boulevard, downtown Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pompano Beach.
Leading shopping destinations include:
- Sawgrass Mills
- The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Dania Pointe
- Coral Ridge Mall
- Downtown Hollywood
Getting to and Around Broward County
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the county’s main passenger airport. It has four terminals, 66 gates and service from domestic and international airlines. The airport is also close to Port Everglades and central Fort Lauderdale.
Transportation options include:
- Rental cars
- Broward County Transit buses
- Community shuttles
- Tri-Rail
- Brightline
- Water taxis
- Ride-hailing services
- Taxis
- Hotel and cruise shuttles
Broward County Transit operates fixed-route buses and community transportation services across the county. However, a rental car is generally more practical for travellers visiting several beaches, western suburbs and nature attractions.
Port Everglades is a major cruise, cargo and energy port located near Fort Lauderdale and the airport. Cruise passengers should confirm terminal details and arrive according to their cruise line’s instructions.
Best Time to Visit Broward County
Broward County can be visited throughout the year.
- November to February: Mild weather and comfortable beach conditions.
- March to April: Warm days, events and busy spring travel periods.
- May to September: Hot, humid and rainy, with frequent thunderstorms.
- October: Warm weather with gradually improving outdoor conditions.
- June to November: Atlantic hurricane season.
Winter is generally the most comfortable season, but hotel rates may be higher. Summer can offer better accommodation deals, although visitors should prepare for heat, rain and possible tropical weather.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Before visiting Broward County:
- Choose accommodation near your main beach or attraction.
- Allow extra time on Interstate 95.
- Check cruise-terminal instructions in advance.
- Confirm whether hotel parking has an additional charge.
- Carry sunscreen, water and rain protection.
- Monitor hurricane forecasts during storm season.
- Follow beach warning flags and lifeguard instructions.
- Avoid swimming in canals, lakes or unapproved areas.
- Keep a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife.
- Use water taxis for selected Fort Lauderdale waterfront trips.
- Check toll arrangements when renting a car.
- Keep valuables out of sight in parked vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days are enough to explore Broward County?
Three days are enough to visit Fort Lauderdale, one additional beach community and a major attraction. Four to five days are better for travellers who also want to explore Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Sawgrass Mills and the Everglades.
2. Where should first-time visitors stay?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is suitable for travellers who want ocean access and nearby restaurants. Downtown Fort Lauderdale is convenient for Las Olas Boulevard, museums and riverfront activities. Hollywood Beach is a good option for families and visitors seeking a more relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
3. Can Broward County be explored without renting a car?
Yes, when the trip is limited to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood or destinations near rail and bus routes. Water taxis, buses and ride-hailing services can cover selected areas. A car is more convenient for western Broward County, shopping centres and nature parks.
4. Is Broward County close to Miami?
Yes. Southern Broward County borders Miami-Dade County. Travel time to Miami depends on the starting point, traffic and chosen transport. Journeys can take considerably longer during weekday rush hours and busy weekends.
5. Which Broward County beach is best for families?
Hollywood Beach is popular with families because of its Broadwalk, restaurants and nearby facilities. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers a smaller-town setting, while Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach also provide family-friendly coastal areas. Visitors should always check current water and weather conditions.