I always go in this inlet and head straight for the lighthouse :). Amazing. I sometimes bring my…read moredog hahah

This little park is so serene. With views of the intracoastal, the inlet, the ocean, lighthouse and…read morenature it's wonderful. You can see lots of fish in the water. I even saw a nurse shark and a sea turtle. There's benches to sit on and a playground for the kids or kids at heart. Many people enjoy this as a walking destination with or without dogs. People are friendly and say hello. You may even strike up a conversation while there. Fishing is not allowed here.

Joseph Dewey Hawkins Landing is a boat ramp and small surrounding park named in honor of a city…read morepioneer. J Dewey Hawkins was born on December 17, 1899 in Suwannee County, Florida. In 1922, he moved to Oakland Park with his wife Ruby and daughter Jo Mildred. At the time there were only six families living in the city. Hawkins was first elected as mayor of Oakland Park in 1926 and he went on to serve as mayor for 28 years. Hawkins was the founder and director of the Wilton Manors National Bank. He was also a successful cattle rancher in Florida who at one time owned nearly 3,000 cattle and he was the first rancher in the area to raise Brahma cattle. He often did the cooking for political barbecues at his packing house. Hawkins was beloved by the community for his his charitable deeds. During the Great Depression he paid McCarty's Grocery Store to provide food to the needy and during the holidays he dressed ad Santa and handed out silver dollars to children in the park. As part of his last wishes, he instructed his family to burn the stack of IOU's be had been holding because he felts the folks needed the money more than he did. Joseph Dewey Hawkins passed away on November 15, 1958. There is also a nearby masonic lodge named in his honor. J. Dewey Hawkins Landing is a public motorized boat launch on the north fork of the Middle River, a 7-mile loop that begins at the intracoastal waterway. The river meanders behind homes in Wilton Manors, Ft. Lauderdale, and Oakland Park. The park also includes a launch for kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboards. There is also a dock, picnic area with tables and a parking area for trailers. The park is tucked behind warehouses and is somewhat hidden at the end of a street but obviously well known to the boating community as a steady stream of trailers with boats came by during my visit. What is especially nice is that parking is free and does not require a permit unlike a lot of other launch areas. Even if you are not boating this is a lovely spot to catch a view of the river and bird watch. One thing to note is that the north and south dock is closed temporarily but the boat ramp remains open.

This area just knocked my socks off…read more I couldn't believe that I was so close to an industrial area just east of busy Dixie Highway, yet it felt like being in a whole other world. A quiet secluded place where you could hear your heart beat. It made me think that this is what many areas of old Florida used to look like. Kind of scruffy vegetation, almost desert like it was so dry and sandy in spots. You have to come here. Even if you don't do the short-ish walk, it's on paved pathways --and you are urged to stay on the paths and not wander off thereby endangering the endangered species of plants, etc. Occasionally, there are shelters for shade. There were no other people or cars when we stopped by. We got to explore a bit -- we didn't walk the entire path as it was in the 80's and quite hot (and we weren't dressed properly), but we did get to see cactus, and some pretty flowers, and moss, and various palms, etc. etc. And we read about the history of this type of landscape and how there are very few places like this still left in the state. I think if I worked or lived nearby, I'd come here often. Just to escape the buzz of civilization. But, it does feel a bit isolated so you might want to visit with a friend. I'm so glad we got to see this....

Interesting Florida landscape. We are visiting and wanted to explore. This may be as foresty as…read moreFL gets. Easy to find, mostly paved 1/4 to 1/2 mile short trail. There were very few people there and numerous parking spots. We enjoyed the signage, the history of FL land, indigenous plants wildlife... well kept park

I have visited Deerfield Island Park twice since it reopened earlier this summer. It is a Broward…read morecounty park and free to visit. There were a lot of upgrades made. The paths are well marked and wide. There are benches along the paths. There are picnic tables and water fountains on the island. The trails are appropriate for most abilities. The island is well shaded. There are a few butterfly statues which make for a nice photo op. You catch the shuttle boat at Sullivan Park, it runs on the hour between 10 and three Friday through Sunday. Parking is convenient ( and free) in the large lot. If you have children you could also visit Sullivan Park. Local lore has it that Al Capone buried some treasure here although it has never been found. You can see all the island in about an hour but could make a day of it with a picnic lunch.

Great! I was meditating when I walked on the wooden walkway thru the mangrove forest! It put me in…read moresuch a peaceful place-I'm definitely coming back real soon! Keep doing what you're doing! Thanks

This is a great little park! There's parking right in front, lots of benches, plenty of shade with…read morethe trees, and a waterfront view to watch all the boats go by. I also love that they have a free little library stand for you to give and take books. The park hours are from 6 AM to 9 PM.

This is one of my favorite little pockets of Fort Lauderdale. I like coming here because the…read moreriverfront view of the beautiful houses alongside the lushly vegetated and historic neighborhood is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll with my dog. While it's not a huge area, it is perfectly sized and quaint with well-lit waterfront sections that even has a few benches and some ornate statues with historical importance all throughout. It's only a block or so away from the strip with all the dining and shopping options you'd like yet it's tucked away in the corner where there's plenty of parking across the park. It's a nice stroll. My favorite part is the corner of Tarpon & Tarpon just a few steps away from the park with the beautiful tree-lined bend proving that Broward ain't so vanilla after all. It's a nice escape from the Miami bustle & the breeze is always blowing even in the peak of summer so switching up your dog walking routine and coming here is certainly a sight for sore eyes.

Peace, tranquility, nature and wildlife, dirt roads, sweat, and amazing sunsets! One stop shop with…read moreSawgrass Trailhead at Atlantic Blvd. Mainly known likely for the best sunsets in Broward as it gets jammed packed for sunset lovers. Love the upgraded parking and road to accommodate more cars compared to the past. But you must come for the sunset, and stay for the peaceful long walks and all that nature has to offer. Great spot to also go for a hike/walk, bike the dirt roads, and enjoy nature with occasional croc sitings and evens Everglades deers. Enjoy a boat passing by or even an airboat. Nice outdoor trail that you must experience and hike at least once. Easily assessable, peaceful, picturesque views, amazing sunsets, and an abundance of nature all sure won't disappoint.

The Sawgrass Trail off Atlantic Blvd is where you go to view some of the most beautiful…read moremesmerizing sunsets in the area. People bring their chairs and wait to view the sky and watch the sunset in silence. This Trail is quiet and also perfect for bikers and runners. People also bring their dogs for a nice walk. Trail is home to many species of birds and you can spot alligators and snakes if you get lucky. Wide open area where fishing is allowed. You can see people fishing from their boats as well as near the canal. I enjoy coming here whenever I want to enjoy nature and do my meditation walk. It provides me with a sense of calmness and tranquility. There is parking but try to get there early before Sunset time as it can get crowded and parking is limited. Bring bug spray as there may be mosquitos in the area.

Today's view of the beach. If you decide to still go to the beach make sure not to lay next to the…read moreseaweeds. There's these little microscopic mosquitoes called sand flies which you will not be able to see with the naked eye. But later at home you will think you have the measles wondering where all the itching and semi red rash on your body came from. It actually sucks. So be careful.

North Ocean Park is a 2 acre beach park that was dedicated in 1983. It is away from the main beach…read morearea near the pier and is closer to the Hillsboro Lighthouse so you don't have the crowds you get down by the Fishing Village . I didn't see a pay meter, it looked like free parking at the park. North Ocean Park has beach access, a shower, pavilion shelters, picnic areas, grills, benches, and even a restroom. Everything you need is here so that you can have a great beach day. On the day I visited the Living Water Surf School was set up on the beach with their surf boards and kiteboards. It was a really windy day so it was fun to watch the kiteboarders zip past. Some of them were getting yanked up high in the air. The beach has a great view of the lighthouse, a wide soft sandy beach, and gently waves. When you want a more secluded beach experience, this is the park to turn to.

This is a quaint and pretty park with high trees and lots of pine cones under foot. It is nestled…read morealong the scenic waterfront, and offerins tunning views of the river and the charming boat traffic that graces its shores.

This park is 2.6 acres on the New River. Coontie Hatchee is the Seminole Indian name for the New…read moreRiver. They used to live in the area until they were driven out by the U. S. army during the Second Seminole War. Coontie Hatchee Landings has a small parking lot. Park amenities include a gazebo next to the river, benches, a fitness path with exercises stations, picnic tables, and a playground. This well maintained park is the perfect place to take the kids to play, get some exercise in, have a picnic, or just take in the lovely water view as the boats sail by.