South Broward

Take a break from the city and enjoy a day in a quiet natural oasis.  Hugh Taylor Birch State Park lies between the intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean off Sunrise Blvd.  This small state park allows you to wander among the tropical hammocks, paddle your canoe or kayak into the moat within the park, and go for a swim at the guarded beach.  The park's access to the beach is via a pedestrian tunnel under A1A.  If you prefer a quieter more natural experience over the busier Ft.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, formerly, John U. Lloyd is a Florida state park open 365 days a year located in Dania Beach.  The park offers access to a beautiful beach front with over 2-miles of shoreline.  You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, surf fishing, or doing shore dives in your scuba gear.  There are about 300 picnic areas for free use if they are available.

Markham Park is located in western Broward in the area of Sunrise near the intersection of the Sawgrass Expressway and the Everglades Parkway.  This park has a per person entrance fee.  

Brian Picolo Park & Velodrome was named after a local Ft. Lauderdale kid who made pro with the NFL.  Brian Piccolo was a player for the Chicago Bears after getting his fundamentals playing in Ft. Lauderdale as a youth, this park is his local legacy.

Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, commonly referred to as "TY Park", is a 138+-acre park in Hollywood that means "gathering place" in the native Seminole language.   TY Park has many amenities including picnic shelters, a Fitness Zone, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball.  A two-mile loop of paved pathways around the park are perfect for walking, jogging, skating, and biking.

C.B. (Charlie Barney) Smith Park is one of the most popular public county parks in Broward.  It is located in the southwestern city of Pembroke Pines on a 299-acres plot of land.  C.B. Smith is chock full of wonderful recreation opportunities from the spacious Paradise Cove water park to golf and much more.