A small yet bustling city in Broward County, Florida, Tamarac is sandwiched between the sprawling Everglades in the west and the famous beach cities in the east.
Named after the country club in neighboring Oakland Park in the southeast, Tamarac was incorporated as a city in 1963.
The city was founded by a young real estate developer Kenneth E. Behring in the early 1960s, who envisioned the transformation of the parcel of wetlands into an oasis for American retirees.
The community promised to provide a suburbia’s coziness, private community’s perks, and convenience of city amenities without the bustle and noise of a traditional urban jungle.
The concept quickly gained popularity, attracting more residents and leading to the city’s expansion and establishment of newer neighborhoods.
Today, Tamarac is no longer just a destination for retirees but a vibrant and thriving community of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
More importantly, it maintains its original charm as a highly livable city with attractions and activities.
Here are the best things to do in Tamarac, Florida:
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If you’re looking for a place to play and relax, Tamarac Sports Complex is the perfect spot.
Situated along Northwest 77th Street, the fully-featured complex houses numerous sports facilities to suit everyone’s active lifestyle.
Along with basketball and tennis courts, the complex contains football, soccer, and baseball playing fields.
There’s also a hockey rink and a skate park, with ramps and rails to show off your grinding skills.
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Kids can also enjoy playing comfortably at the covered playground, which has various swings, slides, and other play features.
On top of sports facilities, the complex also boasts neat features like a fishing pier and a spacious lawn lined with lush trees.
After a tiring yet fun round of playing, you can enjoy a delicious snack and a refreshing drink while taking a break at the picnic area.
As an all-in-one place for sports and recreation, Tamarac Sports Complex is the perfect destination for fun while burning calories.
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One of Tamarac’s most beautiful recreation spaces is Caporella Park along Prospect Road on the city’s southeastern edge.
The entire park is built around the beautiful lake, which guarantees scenic views of its tranquil waters no matter where you are.
It’s also an excellent place for bird-watching, thanks to flocks of ducks, egrets, and other water birds wading peacefully along the lakeside.
Moreover, the lake features a fishing pier that doubles as a nice view deck.
On the other hand, you can take brisk walks while enjoying the sights on the paved, half-mile trail which loops around the lake.
Kids will have plenty of fun at the well-equipped playground, which also comes with an excellent shade cover.
Of course, you can also relax at one of its picnic shelters while waiting for your barbecue to get done on the grills.
Caporella Park’s fascinating sights alone make it one of Tamarac’s best places to enjoy a nice breather from the bustle of the urban jungle.
One of Tamarac’s most popular public spaces is the six-acre Waters Edge Park along Northwest 61st Street.
Its family-friendly features include a splash pad where you can enjoy getting soaked from water shooting out of its fountains and sprinklers.
The park’s splash pad and playground also come equipped with shade covers so you can avoid those nasty sunburns.
On the other hand, you can also play at the basketball and volleyball courts within the park’s premises.
You can also hike along the park’s so-called Story Trail and join the fun activities each post provides.
If you want to relax, you can stay at the picnic areas or go to the fishing and viewing deck to enjoy soothing river views.
Waters Edge Park is Tamarac’s go-to spot for outdoor recreation and boasts fun and relaxing features.
Tamarac may be a modern city, but a sub-tropical paradise called Woodmont Natural Area is at its heart.
Spanning 22 acres, it is the largest remaining natural area in the city.
As such, the nature preserve is replete with lush cypress, red maple, and pine flatwood trees towering its landscapes.
A paradise for wildlife-watching, the area is home to many birds, insects, and small animals.
With paved walkways and boardwalks under the cool forest canopy, the area’s trails provide great comfort and convenience for nature sightseeing.
Designed exclusively for walking, interpretive signs are posted along the trails, providing information on the flora and fauna of the terrain.
A pristine piece of nature conveniently located right at the city’s heart, Woodmont Natural Area is a must-visit for nature lovers and everyone.
Tephford Park is a narrow strip of green space located along Southgate Boulevard on the northwestern edge of the Tamarac.
Spanning 16 acres, the linear park was named after Officer Brian Tephford, a Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy, who tragically died in the line of duty in 2006.
A fitting tribute to the fallen officer, the park features beautiful landscaping and soothing views of the Stranahan River stretching its entire length.
Moreover, thanks to the built-in fishing pier, you can enjoy fishing along the river.
The park also has a network of paved pathways spanning 1.5 miles, making it an excellent place for walking and biking.
Kids will also have fun climbing rocks and other nifty play features in the park’s playground.
Of course, the park also has picnic areas where you can relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Tephford Park may not be packed with features, but its simple beauty makes it one of the best places in the city for relaxing strolls.
Tamarac’s go-to place for swimming is Caporella Aquatic Center alongNorthwest 58th Street in the southern part of the city.
The aquatic center houses a large, 25-meter-long swimming pool with zero-depth entry, making it accessible to those who prefer to dip in the shallower parts of the pool.
If you’re seeking a little thrill, you can take on the spiraling water slide that plunges directly into the pool.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy tons of fun splashing around at the aptly named Sprayground, which comes with various slides, sprinklers, and fountains.
Another neat feature of the aquatic center is its fully-equipped fitness room, where you can have your workout routine before diving at the pool.
The park has picnic facilities where you can relax and enjoy snacks before returning to the pool.
Its vast swimming pool and family-friendly features make Caporella Aquatic Center the perfect spot to cool off during a sweltering day.
If you’re craving some tee time, then there’s no better golf course in Tamarac than Woodmont Country Club.
Located at the city’s heart, the beautiful golf course contains 27 holes and guarantees an exceptional playing experience with its premium amenities.
The golf course features immaculate greens, manicured to perfection to ensure smooth rolls with every play, while its fairways are just as well-kept.
Moreover, multiple lakes and bunkers dot its sprawling landscape, offering severe challenges even to the most seasoned players.
However, the country club also has dedicated practice facilities, specifically putting and chipping areas, where you can further hone your skills.
After an enjoyable afternoon of playing, treat yourself to a delicious steak and other tasty meals at the clubhouse or chill at the outdoor patio and bar.
With its beautiful golf course and first-rate amenities, Woodmont Country Club is a must-play for avid and casual golfers alike.
One of Tamarac’s hidden gems is The Tropic Plants, a plant nursery located along North University Drive in the northeastern part of the city.
Boasting a wide variety of rare and native plants, you can find vivid flowers like orchids and fruit trees like mango right at this nursery.
They also have beautiful bonsai and cute succulents, making excellent conversation pieces.
The nursery also grows jalapeno peppers and basil for those who want their herbs fresh off the garden.
On the other hand, you can also buy a few gardening items, flower pots, and an assortment of home décor and knickknacks in their gift shop.
The nursery also hosts a gorgeous garden and mini-zoo with resident parrots and tortoises.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or are looking for an excellent houseplant to add life to your living room, the Tropic Plants is the perfect destination.
RS Subs and More is Tamarac’s homegrown sandwich joint located at West McNab Road in the western part of the city.
The local favorite boasts an impressive menu, with its selection of deli cold and hot sandwiches, subs, and wraps alone in 40 delicious options.
From flavorful roast beef, chicken, or tuna salad, to steak and cheese sub and lamb gyro, you’ll find something satisfying your palate.
On top of their signature sandwiches, they also have equally tasty burgers, hotdogs, baked ziti, and salads.
You can also try their specialty pizza, where you can choose from classic American to guilt-free Veggie Lovers Pizza.
While waiting for the main course, you might as well nibble on delicious sides like wings, chicken tenders, and fries.
Moreover, they also serve breakfast staples like omelets, pancakes, and French toast on weekdays.
You can pair all of these delicious meals with a refreshing glass of ice-cold juice or hot chocolate milk.
True to their name, RS Subs and More’s exhaustive menu of mouthwatering food choices makes for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Tamarac’s one-stop shop for family entertainment is Sawgrass Lanes, located along North University Drive in the northeastern part of the city.
For starters, it offers plenty of playing space for everyone with its 56 bowling lanes, each containing features like LCD computer monitors and an underground ball return system.
Moreover, the bowling center also has massive HD video walls which can play anything, from live sporting events to classic family movies.
On the other hand, there’s an arcade where you can take a nostalgia trip playing classic games and other familiar fun machines.
There are also several pool tables where you can take on a couple of racks with family and friends.
After a few hours of bowling and playing, you can chill in the lounge area and enjoy a refreshing mug of craft beer paired with delicious snacks like pizza and fries.
With many features for everyone, Sawgrass Lanes are Tamarac’s top destination for indoor amusement.
The peaceful and serene Tamarac Veterans Park sits along the corner of North University Drive and Stranahan River at the northeastern tip of the city.
As its name suggests, the passive park houses the Tamarac Veterans Memorial and its notable Eternal Flame statue.
Created by local artist Beth Ravitz, the statue lights up beautifully at night with its distinct purple, blue, and yellow hues.
The memorial also contains glass panels bearing the names of service members, which also light up during the night for a mesmerizing holograph-like effect.
Thanks to its location, the park’s solemn landscapes are also complemented by soothing river views.
There’s also a small fishing pier and a boat ramp where you can embark on a quick kayaking trip on the tranquil river waters.
If you want to relax, you can rest in the gazebo or lie down on the clean, well-maintained lawn and enjoy the scenery.
With its simple beauty and calming atmosphere, Tamarac Veterans Park offers more than enough for a pleasant and relaxing breather.
One of the most famous cafés in Tamarac is Milanos Bakery, which specializes in Argentine pastry and other delectable cuisines.
Located at North University Drive in the central part of the city, the café prides itself on using only fresh ingredients in its menu, with all of its pastries baked fresh daily.
Their mouthwatering pastries include empanadas, available in 14 delicious choices, ranging from spicy beef to four kinds of cheese.
You can also try their sandwiches which come in three main options: calientes (hot), frios (cold), and de miga (crustless).
Of course, the Argentine gourmet experience won’t be complete without trying their tender and flavorful steaks.
Moreover, their menu also includes salads, breakfast meals, and daily lunch specials.
You can pair these delicious food offerings with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and desserts like facturas (Argentine croissants) and masas finas.
Complementing the café’s delicious menu options are its simple yet neat dining area and cozy patio seats.
With great food selections and a pleasant atmosphere, Milanos Bakery is a must-try in Tamarac.
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For the best Everglades experience, there’s no better place than Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida, 22 minutes from Tamarac.
The recreation park is located 19 miles west of Tamarac and offers many enjoyable activities across the iconic wetlands.
Headlining the experience are their thrilling airboat rides, where you can feel the gush of air as you hover above water at blazing speeds.
While at it, you might as well enjoy the sights of alligators, birds, and other wildlife in the thriving swamplands.
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They also provide boat rentals for fishing, although you’ll have to secure a state fishing license first.
On the other hand, you can try primitive tent camping for the ultimate outdoor experience.
For added convenience, the in-park store also carries all the essential supplies for your camping needs.
Sawgrass Recreation Park’s thrilling airboat adventures and other fun activities in the Everglades make it a must-visit in the region and Florida.
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Just across the border of Tamarac with the city of Sunrise, Florida, in the southwest lies the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars, ten minutes from Tamarac.
As a haven for car enthusiasts, the museum evokes a proudly American car heritage with its 55 vintage and classic automobiles collection.
Each car is also beautifully restored to the finest details, from a glossy exterior finish to plush leather interiors.
Consisting mainly of coupes plus a handful of trucks and muscle cars, most of the museum’s collection comes from the 1930s and 1970s.
However, you can also find a few older ones, such as the 1906 Cadillac Model M with its unmistakable early 20th-century design.
The museum also has a few European models, like the luxurious Rolls-Royce sedan and a 2001 BMW Z1 Roadster.
Still, arguably the most eye-catching vehicle in the museum’s collection is the classic military jeep with a high-caliber machine gun mounted on its back.
On the other hand, the museum also houses replicas of a 1960’s-Hollywood TV studio, a Texaco gas station, and plenty of other vintage memorabilia.
Boasting an impressive collection of automobiles spanning more than a century, the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars is a must-visit for car history buffs and everyone.
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Located in Coconut Creek, Florida, is an oasis called Butterfly World, 19 minutes from Tamarac.
Located within Tradewinds Park & Stables, the botanical garden is one of the most beautiful places in Broward County.
As its name suggests, the garden is famous for its hundreds of lovely butterflies coming in vibrant colors.
The garden is filled with gorgeous flowers and lush tropical plants.
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You can even find colorful birds like macaws and parrots hopping and frolicking on tree branches.
The garden also features a clean pond, fountain, and walkable hanging bridge.
During your guided tour around the garden, you are provided with information about its flora and fauna and nature in general.
Moreover, there’s also a dedicated insect museum where you can find a collection of different bugs of all shapes and sizes.
A beautiful environment with great learning opportunities, visiting Butterfly World is a must-experience for everybody.
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Tamarac is a tiny city that packs a lot of punch thanks to its fair share of attractions.
From indoor and outdoor recreation spaces to relaxing parks and exceptional restaurants, this beautiful community has plenty of places to enjoy.
Moreover, you can just hop across its neighbors to experience the Everglades on one side and the beautiful beaches north of Miami on the other.
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