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Plantation, Florida: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do (Besides Watching Grass Grow)

Plantation is a base rather than a destination, and it works well as one. The parks here are better than the ones in the cities beside it. The beaches, the nightlife and the art all sit a short drive out. What you get here is parking, quiet and a bed near everything. Take it over Fort Lauderdale if you want the day to stay simple.

You’re in Plantation, Florida, and you want to know what is worth doing. You’re in luck, because Plantation carries enough to fill a long weekend and then some. Whether you came for the outdoor time, the culture or the eating, this city covers all three.

A Glimpse of Plantation’s History Plantation is a city with a history running back to the Seminole Wars. You can get into that past at the Plantation Historical Museum. The museum holds artifacts and exhibits covering how Plantation went from a small farming community to the city it is now.

Unleash Your Inner Art Critic If you follow art, take the Young At Art museum. The museum runs interactive exhibits and workshops built to get children and adults making things rather than just looking. You can also take the Plantation Art Guild Gallery, which shows the work of local artists.

Key Takeaways

• Plantation, Florida, has a rich history that you can explore at the Plantation Historical Museum.
• Art lovers can visit the Young At Art museum or the Plantation Art Guild Gallery.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s parks and recreation areas or play a round of golf at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course.

A Glimpse of Plantation’s History

So you want the history of Plantation, Florida? Hold on, because it covers more ground than the name suggests.

First, the Tequesta tribes who lived in this area for thousands of years. They were known for their fishing and their shell mound building, which still stands as serious engineering. The Seminole tribe later displaced them, which is the part of the story this page passes over quickly.

Move forward to the 1940s, and Plantation was farms and swampland. Then two families moved in and started developing the area. They were the Peters and the Vances, and between them they built the city from the ground up.

Now, if you want the history of Plantation properly, take the Plantation Historical Museum. They run exhibits covering everything from the Tequesta tribes to the city’s founding families. Plus it is air-conditioned, which in Florida is not a small thing.

This page next suggests a plantation tour of the kind you would find in the old cotton states, and there is no such thing here. The city takes its name from the drainage venture that opened this land up in the last century. The museum is the real version of that story, and it is the one to take.

Unleash Your Inner Art Critic

You might not think of Plantation, Florida as an art town, but there are places here worth an afternoon. Whether you follow art seriously or you just want somewhere to spend an hour or so, both are covered.

Start at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. This community resource is a short drive from Plantation and it runs year-round. The museum keeps rotating exhibits across painting, sculpture and photography. Plus it costs very little to get in, so an hour there is no commitment at all.

For something hands-on, this page names the Main Street Studios & Gallery in Elkhorn, which is a long way north of here rather than a local option. That studio space runs classes in painting, drawing and ceramics. Beginner or experienced, the classes are pitched to take either.

For something different again, this page names the John Philip Falter Museum in Falls City, which is also several states away from here. That museum covers the life and work of the artist it is named for, known for his illustrations in magazines like The Saturday Evening Post. It holds a collection of Falter’s original artwork along with exhibits on his life and career.

No matter where your own taste sits, something in and around Plantation, Florida will hold you. So take the paintbrushes, pencils or camera and go and use them.

Parks and Recreation

If you want to be outdoors, Plantation has the ground for it. From parks to picnic areas, playgrounds to trails, the range is genuinely wide. Here are the best parks and recreational areas in Plantation:

Plantation Heritage Park

Plantation Heritage Park is where a family day goes. You can picnic, fish, or walk one of the many trails. The park also runs a butterfly garden, which is worth the detour on its own. If you want to move more, there are basketball courts and table tennis tables.

Central Park

Central Park is the multi-purpose one. You can play tennis, basketball or volleyball, or just take the grass. The park also runs a playground and a picnic area for families. If you want to cool off, the Plantation Aquatic Complex sits inside the park.

Liberty Tree Park

Liberty Tree Park is where the history side of Plantation shows up outdoors. The park holds a Liberty Tree planted in 1976 to mark the bicentennial of the United States. There’s also a playground and a picnic area for families. If you want more, there are trails running through the wetlands.

Volunteer Park

Volunteer Park is the one for sports. The park runs baseball fields, soccer fields and a football field. There’s also a playground and a picnic area for families. And if you want to cool off, there is a splash pad in the park.

Botanical Gardens Park

Botanical Gardens Park is the one for plants. The park runs a butterfly garden, a rose garden and a tropical garden. There’s also a playground and a picnic area for families. If you want to walk it properly, there are trails running through the park.

So whether you want a picnic, a game or an afternoon doing nothing, Plantation has the ground for it. Get out there and use it.

Golfer’s Paradise

If you play golf, Plantation, Florida is set up for you. With the Plantation Preserve Golf Course and other courses within reach, you’ll get the rounds in and the weather to play them.

The Plantation Preserve Golf Course is the one to book. This 18-hole championship course was designed by the architect Michael Hurdzan and looks out over the Everglades, both claims worth confirming. With the greens and the fairways it runs, this course will find your weaknesses.

But that is not the whole of it. There are other courses in the area covering every level of player. Beginner or long-time golfer, one of them will fit.

If you want something more relaxed, take the Jacaranda Golf Club. This club runs two 18-hole championship courses along with a driving range and putting green. And for something different, head over to the Davie Golf & Country Club. This historic course dates to 1927 by this page’s account and runs oak trees and water hazards that will cost you a ball.

No matter which course you take, the round will hold up. So take the clubs and get out on it in Plantation, Florida.

Wildlife Encounters

Plantation, Florida is good ground for anybody who follows wildlife. You can see a real range of creatures where they actually live. Here are the best places for wildlife in and around Plantation:

Butterfly Garden

If you follow butterflies, then Plantation Butterfly Garden is where you go. You can stand among hundreds of them in a proper planted garden. It’s where you slow down and look at something small for a while.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden holding over 3,000 species of plants and animals. You can see alligators, panthers, bobcats and, as the name promises, flamingos. It’s where a family day out earns its keep.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is an ecosystem you will not see anywhere else, holding alligators, manatees and panthers. This page offers an airboat tour of the park, though airboats run outside the park boundary rather than within it. Wherever you board one, keep your arms and legs inside the boat throughout.

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park is the other place to see Florida wildlife. You can take an airboat tour of the Everglades and see alligators, turtles and exotic birds. You can also take the animal exhibit for panthers, bobcats and other native animals.

Plantation Preserve Linear Trail

If you would rather be on foot, then Plantation Preserve Linear Trail is the one. You can hike or bike through real habitat and see birds, turtles and rabbits along the way. Just take plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Whether you follow wildlife closely or you just want a day out, Plantation, Florida has it. So take the camera and go and find something worth photographing.

Culinary Adventures in Plantation

Plantation runs a range of kitchens that will keep you eating well. Whether you want cheese, coffee or something sweet, all three are covered here.

If you want a classic American diner, take the Plantation Diner. This retro-style diner runs the whole list, burgers and fries through to milkshakes and pie. The portions are generous and the prices are fair, which makes it the easy call for a meal with friends or family.

If you eat cheese properly, take Cheese Culture, a specialty shop carrying artisanal cheeses from around the world. From creamy brie to sharp goat cheese, the counter covers most tastes. They also build cheese boards and charcuterie platters, which is how a picnic or an evening in gets sorted.

For something sweet, head over to Honeybee Doughnuts for a counter of gourmet doughnuts in flavors like maple bacon, strawberry shortcake and Nutella. They also serve coffee and other baked goods, so it works for a morning start or an afternoon stop.

Speaking of coffee, if you take it seriously, do not miss Brew Urban Cafe. This small cafe runs specialty coffee drinks along with sandwiches, salads and pastries. The room is relaxed and welcoming, which makes it the place to sit and catch up with somebody.

These are a few of the kitchens waiting for you in Plantation. So go ahead, eat properly and work through what this city runs.

Retail Therapy

You’ve worked hard all week, and now you want to spend some of it. Lucky for you, Plantation, Florida has the shops for that.

If you want a mall, head over to Westfield Broward. This mall covers everything, from department stores like Macy’s to specialty shops like Bath and Body Works. Plus there are dining options for when you need to stop and eat.

But if you want something less predictable, Plantation runs local boutiques worth the walk. Take The Fountains Shoppes for clothing, accessories and home decor. Or head over to The Shops at Veranda for a mix of local and national retailers.

And don’t forget the Plantation Farmers Market. It is not shopping in the usual sense, but there is nothing quite like working the stalls of fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts. Plus the money goes straight to local businesses and farmers.

No matter how you like to shop, Plantation covers it. So go ahead and spend a morning on yourself. You’ve earned it.

Family Fun Activities

Plantation, Florida works well for a family trip. With this many activities pitched at children, the days fill themselves. Here are the best family activities in Plantation:

Playground Hopping

Children love playgrounds, and Plantation has plenty of them. Take the small ones on a playground hopping run and see how many you can get through in a day. Some of the better playgrounds in Plantation include Plantation Central Park and Volunteer Park.

Plantation Aquatic Complex

If your family swims, take the Plantation Aquatic Complex. This modern facility runs Olympic-size pools, water slides and lifeguards on duty. Give it the day and let everybody wear themselves out in the water.

Escape Rooms

For something harder, try an escape room. Plantation runs several, Lockbox Escape Room and The Great Escape Room among them. Work together as a family to solve the puzzles and get out before the clock runs down.

Paint Party

For the creative version, take a paint party. Plantation runs several studios doing them for families, RobyArtsy Studio among them. Give an afternoon to painting with people you like.

In conclusion, Plantation, Florida runs plenty for families. Hopping from playground to playground or solving puzzles in an escape room, the day will land either way.

Movie Time

You’ve had a long day working through Plantation and you want to sit down. There is no better way to do that than a movie, and Plantation has the screens.

First is RPX, which is the Regal Premium Experience rather than a separate theater. It means Hollywood movies with digital video and sound that puts you inside the film. Plus the seats are built for a long sitting, so you settle in properly.

If you want the traditional version, Broward Regal is where you go. They run the latest releases and the snacks to get you through them. And a movie without popcorn and candy is only half a movie.

This page next lists Digital Video as a third option, though that is a picture format rather than a venue you can drive to. As described it promises crystal-clear picture and sound along with indie films and foreign movies, which is worth chasing down at whichever screen actually runs them.

No matter which screen you take, the evening will land. So take some friends, take some snacks, and see what Hollywood has put out.

Winter is the real season here and everything outdoors runs on it entirely. The heat lifts from December through March and the parks fill right up. Summer means afternoon storms, so put the outdoor half into the early morning. The aquatic complex and the museums are the ones that carry wet hours. Butterflies peak in the warm months, which is the one argument for summer.

Relax and Rejuvenate

After a long day working through Plantation, Florida, you may want to stop moving. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to do exactly that.

If you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience, head to the Lifestream Spa & Boutique. This spa offers a variety of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. You’ll feel like royalty as you’re pampered from head to toe.

For a more affordable option, check out Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. They offer a range of massages, facials, and other spa treatments at reasonable prices. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your vacation.

If you prefer a more natural approach to relaxation, consider spending some time in nature. The Plantation Preserve Linear Trail is a great place to start. This scenic walking trail winds through a beautiful nature preserve, and is the perfect place to clear your mind and recharge your batteries.

No matter how you like to stop and do nothing, Plantation, Florida has a version of it. So sit down, stay there and let the day go.

Exploring Nearby Cities

So you’ve worked through Plantation, but what about the cities around it? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places worth the short drive.

First is Fort Lauderdale, a 15-minute drive from Plantation. Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale runs over 300 miles of waterways. Take a water taxi and see the city from the water, or head to Las Olas Boulevard for the shops and the restaurants.

If you follow Hollywood movies, then Hollywood, Florida earns the trip. A 20-minute drive from Plantation, Hollywood’s beach boardwalk has appeared in more films and TV shows than you would guess. It also holds the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, with over 100 table games and thousands of slot machines.

For the big city, head to Miami, a 40-minute drive from Plantation. Miami’s South Beach is known for its Art Deco architecture, white sand and the noise that runs all night. If you want the quieter version, take the Wynwood Walls, a collection of street art murals.

If you want outdoor time, Coral Springs is the option. A 20-minute drive from Plantation, Coral Springs holds the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital, where you can see native Florida animals up close. You can also hike or bike the Everglades trails nearby.

Deerfield Beach, a 25-minute drive from Plantation, is where you go for the beach. The beach is wide and clean, with room to spread out and stay put. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out to Deerfield Island Park.

For old Florida, head to Dania Beach. A 20-minute drive from Plantation, Dania Beach holds the historic Dania Beach Pier, which dates to 1924. You can also take the nearby Antique Row, a run of vintage shops and boutiques.

If you want the expensive shops, Boca Raton is where they are. A 30-minute drive from Plantation, Boca Raton’s Mizner Park holds luxury names like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. You can also take a show at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.

Last, do not stop at the city limits of South Florida. From the beaches of Palm Beach to the nightlife of South Beach, this region keeps turning up something you had not seen.

Community Services

In Plantation, the Police and Fire Departments are the reason the city feels as settled as it does. The Plantation Police Department serves and protects the community, and this page credits them with a “Bad Parking” program that leaves humorous notes on cars parked badly, which is worth confirming. Either way, park where you are supposed to.

The Plantation Fire Department is the other half of that. They run a team of highly trained firefighters ready to respond to emergencies. They also run a Fire Prevention Program that teaches children about fire safety. So if you have kids, take them to one of their events and let them learn it the enjoyable way.

Along with the Police and Fire Departments, Plantation runs other community services worth knowing about. The city has a Parks and Recreation Department putting on activities and events for residents. They run everything from sports leagues to fitness classes to community events.

The city also runs a Community Outreach Division that helps residents who need it. They run programs for seniors, veterans and low-income families. They also run a program providing emergency financial assistance to residents in crisis. So if you are ever in that position, contact them rather than going it alone.

Overall, Plantation has a real sense of community and the services show it. So use what the city runs, and thank the Police and Fire Departments while you are at it.

Local Events and Festivities

Plantation, Florida is a city that turns out for itself. Through the year you’ll find events and festivities worth timing a visit around. From music festivals to food fairs, the calendar is wide. Here are the local events and festivities not to miss.

May

If you are in Plantation in May, you’re in for a treat. The city runs the annual Plantation Art Festival, which is the one for anybody who follows art. You’ll find work across the range, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery. The festival also runs live music, food trucks and a beer garden. It’s how a day with family and friends goes here.

November

In November, Plantation runs the annual Plantation Historical Society Fall Festival. This event is the one if you read history and want the city’s past first hand. You’ll find live reenactments, historical exhibits and demonstrations of traditional crafts. There’s also food and music through the day. It’s a day out that leaves you knowing something you didn’t.

The other November event is the Plantation Thanksgiving Classic 5K. This is a fun run pitched at experienced runners and beginners alike. The course takes you through the streets of Plantation, and the spectators along it will carry you round. After the race there is a post-race party with food, drinks and music.

No matter when you come to Plantation, something will be running. Keep an eye on the city’s events calendar so you know what is on while you are here.

Stay Options in Plantation

Looking for somewhere to stay in Plantation, Florida? You’re in luck. The city runs plenty of options, from full hotels to the budget end. Here are the best of them for your stay:

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel

If you want the comfortable version, look at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel. This hotel runs large rooms, a good pool and a fitness center. Plus it sits near several of the city’s attractions, the Plantation Historical Museum and the Jacaranda Golf Club among them.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ft. Lauderdale Plantation

For the budget end, take the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ft. Lauderdale Plantation. This hotel runs comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. Plus it sits near the Westfield Broward Mall, which is where the shopping happens.

Staybridge Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation

Looking for something closer to a home? The Staybridge Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation may be it. This hotel runs large suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. Plus it sits near the Plantation Heritage Park, which is where the picnic or the walk goes.

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Plantation

If you want affordable and comfortable at once, take the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Plantation. This hotel runs good rooms, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Plus it sits near the Young At Art Museum, which is worth the hour.

No matter which hotel you take, the stay in Plantation, Florida will hold up. So pack the bags, book the room and get on with it.

Interesting Facts about Plantation

Plantation, Florida may read as an ordinary city, but there are things about it worth knowing. Here are a few facts about Plantation:

• Population: Did you know that the population of Plantation is just over 90,000 people? That’s a lot of people, but it’s not as crowded as some of the bigger cities in Florida. So, you won’t feel like you’re in a sardine can when you’re walking down the street.
• History: Plantation was originally named after the Everglades Plantation Company, which owned the land in the area. The company wanted to develop the land for agriculture, but the soil wasn’t fertile enough. So, the land was turned into a residential area instead.
• Weather: One of the best things about Plantation is the weather. With an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Just make sure to bring sunscreen, because the sun is always shining in Florida!
• Attractions: Plantation has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. From the Plantation Historical Museum to the Plantation Farmers Market, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for some outdoor fun, head to the Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club or the Central Park Multi-Purpose Center.
• Sports: If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love Plantation. The city is home to several sports teams, including the Plantation Stars and the Plantation Eagles. And if you’re more of a spectator, you can catch a game at the Plantation Athletic League or the Central Park Multi-Purpose Center.

So there it is, a few things worth knowing about Plantation, Florida. Living here or just visiting, this city keeps turning up something you had not noticed.

Literature in Plantation

You might think Plantation, Florida is all beaches, sunshine and palm trees, but there is a literary side to this city that rarely gets mentioned. If you read seriously, or you just want somewhere quiet to sit with a book, Plantation has the places for it.

The best of them is the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library Children’s Room. Do not let the name put you off, because this library is not only for children. With a long selection of books, magazines and newspapers, you’ll find your own thing. Plus the library runs comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a coffee shop, so an hour there turns into three.

If you want something specific, there are bookstores in and around Plantation carrying your next read. From new releases to the harder-to-find, they cover it. The named options include Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Half Price Books, the last of which does not trade in this state.

But literature in Plantation is not only about reading, it is about writing. If you write, there are groups and workshops in the area where you can sharpen the work and get honest feedback. The bigger ones include the Florida Writers Association and the Writers’ Network of South Florida.

So whether it is reading, writing or just sitting somewhere with a book, Plantation has the options. Do not miss the quieter literary side of this sunny city.

Plantation Farmer’s Market

Looking for something to do on a Saturday morning? Take the Plantation Farmer’s Market. Located at Volunteer Park on West Sunrise Boulevard, this market is where the fresh produce, handmade crafts and good food are.

At the Plantation Farmer’s Market you’ll find everything from locally grown fruit and vegetables to homemade salsa and jams. And if you arrive hungry, there are food vendors serving properly. From burgers to BBQ, you will not leave this market hungry.

But the Plantation Farmer’s Market is not only about food. You’ll also find handmade crafts and gifts from local makers. From jewelry to handmade soaps, plenty here is worth carrying home.

So take the reusable bags and head to the Plantation Farmer’s Market for a morning well spent. You won’t regret it.

Native American Groups

You may not know this, but Plantation, Florida sits on ground with several Native American groups behind it. Those groups carry a history and a culture worth your time if you get the chance.

The place to start with Native American culture near Plantation is the Plantation Historical Museum. The museum runs exhibits on the area’s Native American groups, the Seminole Tribe of Florida among them. You can follow their history, their traditions and how they lived.

If you want the hands-on version, take the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which sits on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and is a proper drive rather than a local trip. The museum runs exhibits on Seminole history and culture, along with a living village showing how the Seminole people lived.

The other way in is the annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow, held at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds over in the next town from Plantation. The festival runs traditional Native American music, dance and food, along with arts and crafts vendors.

Overall, if you want to understand the Native American groups connected to Plantation, there are several ways in. Whether you take a museum or a festival, you’ll come away knowing more than the page told you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun and unique activities to do in Plantation, Florida?

Plantation is not an ordinary city. You can start the day at the Young at Art Museum, where children get to make things rather than just look at them. If you want the adrenaline, head over to the Xtreme Action Park, which sits in the next city and runs go-karts, laser tag and indoor skydiving. And if you want to be outside, take the Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club, where the round comes with the country around it.

Where are the best places to grab lunch in Plantation, FL?

If you want to eat well in Plantation, you will not be disappointed. For something quick, head over to the Plantation Diner for American comfort cooking done properly. If you want something with more heat in it, take the Thai Spice restaurant, which does the best Thai food in the area. And if you eat pizza, you can’t go wrong with Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.

What makes Plantation, Florida stand out from other cities in Broward County?

Plantation stands apart from the rest of Broward County. The city carries a history and a culture that shows up in its architecture, its museums and its events. It also holds some of the best parks and nature preserves in the area, where the hiking, biking and the rest of it happen. And the food and the shopping close the case.

What are some nearby cities to visit for a day trip from Plantation, FL?

If you want a day trip from Plantation, there are plenty of cities within reach. You can head over to Fort Lauderdale for the best beaches in the area, or take Hollywood and walk the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. And if you want to shop, take the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, which is among the largest outlet malls in the country.

What are some hidden gems or underrated spots in Plantation, Florida?

Plantation has plenty of quieter corners worth finding. If you follow nature, take the Plantation Heritage Park, which holds some of the best trails and wildlife in the area. You can also take the Plantation Historical Museum for the city’s history and culture. And if you want live music, this page names the Bamboo Room, which trades up in the next county rather than here.

What is the craziest or most unexpected thing to do in Plantation, Florida?

If you want something out of the ordinary in Plantation, you’re in luck. You can try indoor skydiving at the iFLY Fort Lauderdale, which is over in the next city and unlike anything else on this page. You can also take the Escape the Quest room and find out how your group thinks under pressure. And if you want the strange version, there is the Ghosts, Legends, and Lore tour through the city’s haunted history.

Frequently asked questions about Plantation, Florida

Is Plantation Heritage Park or Central Park the better morning?

Heritage, without question. It runs trails, fishing, a butterfly garden and picnic ground across enough acreage that the rest of the visitors simply disappear behind the trees within minutes of arriving. Central is the sports one, with the courts and a pool beside it. Both of them have their own parking and neither one charges you. Go to Heritage in the morning, because the shade runs out around midday.

Is Flamingo Gardens worth the short drive out of Plantation?

Yes, comfortably. It holds a wildlife sanctuary and a botanical garden on one single site, with alligators, bobcats, panthers and the birds that give the whole place its name. Most of the site is shaded, which matters more here than you think. It takes a morning rather than the whole of a day out. Go early in the day, because the animals stop moving once the heat arrives.

Is the Plantation Aquatic Complex open to people just visiting?

Usually, yes. It sits inside Central Park with pools, water slides and lifeguards on duty, and it is the one place on this page built for a hot afternoon. Non-resident rates run higher, so take some identification and cash along with you. The opening hours change along with the school calendar around here. Call before you drive over there, because a municipal pool closes for swim training.

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