Amidst the cocktail of travel restrictions, social distancing, personal grief, and our undiagnosed anxiety regarding Covid-19, the past year has put a serious strain on our lives. The “new normal” has undoubtedly disrupted our routine and reprogrammed many of our interests. Finding safe places to go with friends and family has been a daunting exercise. It’s particularly taxing if you have picky kids who would rather retreat to their rooms and curl up with a computer, than set foot outdoors during a pandemic. Nontheless, as challenging as the past year has been, I’m reminded that tragedy and adversity can oftentimes unlock untried opportunities and bring about new discoveries. The prolonged isolation has personally rekindled my tree hugging, nature loving desire to get out and explore local parks, buzzing with native wildlife, exotic plants, and trees.
There is nothing like basking in the orange hypnotic glow of a toasty Florida sunset. As soon as many local parks re-opened, my family and I began venturing out on monthly excursions to explore many local trails, creeks and parks in the Ft. Lauderdale Metro Area. What we discovered was sheer rustic beauty, adventure and a soul filling peace that’s often found in the quiet solitude of nature. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite park discoveries to serve as an inspirational travel guide for others seeking safe enjoyable things to see and do in nature throughout South Florida:
There is nothing like basking in the orange hypnotic glow of a toasty Florida sunset. As soon as many local parks re-opened, my family and I began venturing out on monthly excursions to explore many local trails, creeks and parks in the Ft. Lauderdale Metro Area. What we discovered was sheer rustic beauty, adventure and a soul filling peace that’s often found in the quiet solitude of nature. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite park discoveries to serve as an inspirational travel guide for others seeking safe enjoyable things to see and do in nature throughout South Florida:
Note: these are NOT in any particular priority order so consider this your bucket list and feel free to visit based on your interests:
Trailhead is hands down one of my favorite trails to visit. It’s a 27 mile long elevated levee that buffers the Everglades on the far west end of Broward County from the bustling development residing east of the expressway. Open to pedestrians and cyclists, the trail overlooks the protected Everglades Wildlife Management Area and offers one of the most spectacular sunset views you will ever witness. Get your folding chair and snacks ready when you visit. Prepare for a heart warming heavenly sunset production.
No. 2 -Tree Tops Park, Davie, FL
This large community park has something for every nature lover with its meandering trails, picnic and barbeque areas, horseback riding, paddle boats, fishing areas and a very cool 30 ft high observation tower. A stair climb to the top allows you to catch a breathtaking view of the entire park while you’re elevated above a dense cluster of tree canopy.
No. 3 -Tall Cypress Nature Park, Coral Springs, FL
Photo Credit, Tanya The Mango Lady
Beautiful park with an elevated boardwalk that meanders through a 66 acre dense wetland well designed with an abundance of educational signs describing the plants and wildlife found in the park. Get ready for the sound of nature’s orchestra when you visit this park. You hear the vibrant buzzing, chirping and humming of all its inhabitants as you stroll through the park.
