With its mix of parks, golf courses, and outdoor sports facilities, there’s plenty of things to enjoy if you’re looking to get out and about in the Florida sunshine in Plantation. This city of 85,000 people, which sits just a few kilometres to the west of Fort Lauderdale and whose name derives from earlier efforts to establish a rice plantation in the area, only dates back to the 1930s - but experienced a huge growth spurt in the 1950s, ‘60s and '70s and today is a thriving and diverse community in its own right. It is also well-placed for those looking to explore Florida’s famous Everglades landscape, with the Everglades & Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area lying to the west - complete with trails and boat tours offering glimpses of the area’s alligators and other wildlife. But when not out exploring the wider area, there are plenty of things to do in Plantation itself, from shopping and museums, to sports and eateries. Read on for just some of the best things to do in Plantation, Florida.
1. Catch the popular food trucks at Plantation Heritage Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This popular park, which is just opposite the Plantation Reserve Golf Course, attracts an array of picnickners and runners who are drawn to its popular walking and biking path, picnic area, playground, and marina. Nature fans will also likely enjoy the rare tropical fruit trees that can be found in the park grounds. Naturally this popularity means there are also food trucks nearby - perfect for tucking into a tasty and filling snack while enjoying the surroundings.
Plantation Heritage Park
Address: 1100 South Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Heritage Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: 1.50 USD (gate fee on weekends and evenings); free (children 5 an under)
2. Stroll among flowering trees and fruit groves at the Plantation Botanical Garden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nature lovers who enjoyed the grove of fruit trees at the Heritage Park will likely want to take in the Plantation Arboretum and Botanical Garden at some point, too. It is home to more than 50 different species of native Florida palms and trees. These are dotted around several groves, all linked by well-defined paths that will make a nice place for a stroll. And the ‘Windharp’ artwork - which makes harmonious sounds in the wind - will also make for a pleasant spot to take a moment and unwind.
Plantation Botanical Garden
Address: 501 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Botanical Garden
Price: Free
3. Sample locally produced honey and spreads at the Plantation Farmers' Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re a fan of locally sourced produce, homemade food, and organic gourmet delights, then you’ll likely want to head for the Plantation Farmers’ Market in Volunteer Park. Taking place from 8am to 2pm on the last Saturday of every month, it operates year round and boasts everything from cheeses and breads, to plants and freshly cut flowers. And, if you’ve a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to note there is also locally made honey and a range of spreads and dips, too. Organisers also hope to ultimately become a weekly event, as its popularity grows.
Plantation Farmers' Market
Address: Volunteer Park, 12050 West Sunrise Boulevard, Plantation, FL
Website: Plantation Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am – 2pm
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4. Have a picnic by the lake at Plantation Central Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You’ll have likely noticed that Plantation boasts a range of parkland to explore. Several of these - such as the aforementioned Heritage Park - also boast charming lakes, and Plantation Central Park is no different. This park, which is one of Plantation’s largest, would make for a pleasant place in to unwind with a tasty picnic. Indeed, the lake even boasts a fountain - adding the gentle cascade of falling water to the background noise. And, after your picnic, the park is also home to a multi-purpose sports centre featuring two Olympic-size pools, hydro play area, and sports courts.
Plantation Central Park
Address: Central Park Drive, Plantation, FL 33324,
Website: Central Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - dusk; Holidays: 7am - dusk (hours are for open spaces and ball fields)
5. Learn about local heritage at the quaint Plantation Historical Museum
History fans looking to learn a little more about their holiday base’s past will likely want to make a beeline for this free museum, which is open four days a week and is based close to the Botanical Gardens. Those who visit will learn more about the town’s birth in the 1930s, and its growth from a population of 500 in the early ‘50s to today’s population of 85,000. The museum also plays host to temporary exhibitions, the latest of which focuses on America in the 1960s and has been accompanied by special events such as trivia, karaoke, and flea markets.
Plantation Historical Museum
Address: 511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Historical Museum
Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sun, Mon, & Wed)
Price: Free
6. Play golf on the championship courses of the Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This 18-hole championship course, which boasts top-notch practice facilities and driving range, opened in 2006 and is available to the public. Golfers will enjoy some of the challenges, including an island green on the 9th and a split fairway on the 14th. Nature fans will also enjoy the setting, with the front and back nines separated by a wetlands preserve that includes a popular 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail and parkland - so even if you’re not hitting the greens you may wish to pay the area a visit. The clubhouse - which enjoys panoramic views - also serves meals, too.
Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club
Address: 7050 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club
Opening hours: 6.30am - 6.30pm (daily)
Price: 40 USD - 109 USD (depending on residency, time of day and time of year - see website)
7. Frolic in the woodland-themed playgrounds of Plantation Woods
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Young families looking for outdoor fun will likely make a beeline for Plantation Woods and its charming playgrounds. Its 2.5 acre (1 hectare) parkland is home to no fewer than 3 woodland-theme playground areas featuring everything from ‘tree houses’ to swings. Those looking to cool off in the hot Florida sun will also enjoy the park’s water splash pad. The park also boasts a range of paths for those looking to take a relaxing stroll, while groups looking to make a day of it may wish to rent one of the two picnic pavilions as a base.
Plantation Woods
Address: 5555 Palm Tree Road, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Woods
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 8am - dusk; Wed: 12pm - dusk
8. Admire ethnic-inspired art in the Multicultural Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Plantation is home to no fewer than 55 different cultures, and this diversity is celebrated at one of the city’s many charming parks. The Multicultural Park is home to a “global garden” and boasts a number of colourful mosaics and artwork - which was created by school children and a local artist - to reflect some of this community’s diverse backgrounds. Also featuring a pleasant picnic spot, with plenty of tables, the park’s colourful features will likely also prove appealing to photographers.
Multicultural Park
Address: 460 North-west 43rd Avenue, Plantation, FL
Website: Multicultural Park
9. Ride a pony at the picturesque Plantation Equestrian Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking to do something a little different, then why not give pony riding a go? The Plantation Equestrian Center, which, as well as being home to a thriving equestrian community, also offers group riding lessons. What’s more there are 85 acres (34.4 hectares) of boardwalks and bridle paths to explore. And, if you’d rather leave the horse and pony riding to the pros, the site’s bleachers - which offer space for up to 300 spectators - will provide a vantage point from which to enjoy any action taking place in the three rings.
Plantation Equestrian Center
Address: 1451 North-west 118th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33323
Website: Plantation Equestrian Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
Price: Varies depending on activity/session
10. Play soccer on Pine Island Park's spacious fields
If you fancy a little football action with your family or friends, then why not book one of Pine Island Park’s seven flood-lit soccer fields for a kick-about? Located close to the Westfield Broward Mall - for a little shopping before or after your sporting endeavours - it is open from early morning to late evening (or dusk), seven days a week, giving you plenty of opportunities to slot a soccer session in. There’s also a playground and concession stand for onlookers.
Pine Island Park
Address: 320 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
Website: Pine Island Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 9pm; Fri: 7am - dusk; Sat - Sun: 8am - dusk (closed on holidays)
11. Get moving with water aerobics classes at the Plantation Aquatic Complex
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Looking to cool off in the hot Florida sun? Then the Central Park Aquatic Complex will be the perfect place for some watery fun or exercise in the sun. It boasts two Olympic size open air pools, as well as a 500 sq ft (46.5 sq m) water playground for your toddlers. Open year-round, the pools also feature lifeguards - for added peace of mind - and, if you’re looking to burn off some calories after over-indulging in the city’s eateries, then the pools are also host to water aerobics classes.
Plantation Aquatic Complex
Address: 9151 NW 2nd Street, Plantation, FL 33324
Website: Plantation Aquatic Complex
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 4:30pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
Price: 7 USD (adults); 4 USD (children)
12. Dig into authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Meal
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
And, speaking of over-indulging at the local eateries, Plantation’s size means there are plenty of tempting restaurant options, covering a range of cuisine styles and cultures. These include Thai Meal on West Sunrise Boulevard, which serves everything from curries to stir-fry, noodles and a sizeable vegan selection. Enjoying a glowing reputation among diners, its customers have hailed it as the “best, best, best” Thai food in the south of the state, and praised its very reasonable prices and great service. You can even order ahead online for added convenience.
Thai Meal
Address: 8257 West Sunrise Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33322
Website: Thai Meal
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
13. Shop your heart out at The Fountains in Plantation
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One for shopaholics eager to splash the cash, The Fountains retail park features 15 different top retailers selling everything from mobile phones to jewellery, and from clothes and shoes to sporting goods. There are also almost 20 different food outlets, offering plenty of choice when seeking to take a short break from your shopping exploits to fuel up on tasty meals. Many outlets are also open well into the evening for added flexibility.
The Fountains
Address: 801 South University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
Website: The Fountains
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
14. Enjoy classic Southern breakfasts at the Plantation Diner
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Start your day the right way with a slap-up meal at one of Plantation’s more popular eateries. The Plantation Diner serves tasty American food from breakfast to mid-afternoon. A classic diner, complete with retro stylings, it enjoys a very strong reputation for its good food and plentiful portions - and is regarded as one of the best breakfast places in town. Menu options range from classic sausage, bacon and egg breakfasts, to burgers, hot dogs, fish & chips, wraps and more.
Plantation Diner
Address: 6903 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33317
Website: Plantation Diner
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 3pm; Sun: 6:30am - 2pm
15. Down a cocktail at the cosy New J Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Serving patrons for years, the Jacaranda Bar & Grill has since been affectionately dubbed the J Bar and serves a range of drinks and snacks every day from afternoon until the wee small hours of the morning. Offering a full bar, you’ll find plenty of cocktail options amid the drink list. The bar also hosts two separate happy hour sessions every day, which will appeal to those seeking a bargain drink or two. And, if you get peckish, it also serves late night snacks like pizza and mozzarella sticks until 4am.
The New J Bar
Address: 8283 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33324
Website: The New J Bar
Opening hours: 4pm - 4am (daily)
Time to hit the streets in Plantation
Whether it’s charming parkland, relaxing lake-side picnics and family-friendly playgrounds, or popular nightspots, sports venues and swimming pools, there’s plenty to do during a visit to the city of Plantation. Where will you head to first?
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