SoFla, So Good

Want a taste of unspoiled Florida? Take an airboat ride in Everglades National Park, for a chance to see alligators, manatees and rare birds. Closer to Emerald Seas, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park,  boasts hiking and biking trails, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, and picnic areas.

Looking for action? Check out Fort Lauderdale's Xtreme Action Park, which boasts go-kart racing, bowling, a ropes course, escape rooms, laser tag, trampolines, and minigolf. On the more relaxing side are the 60-acre Flamingo Gardens, Butterfly World, and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery and Science offers plenty of interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.  

The area calendar is chock-full of events. A few to put on your own calendar: IGNITE Broward, a display of art, light, and technology, is scheduled for February. The Tortuga Music Festival takes place on Fort Lauderdale Beach during the spring. The Fort Lauderdale Air Show is scheduled for May, and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show usually occurs around October/November.

South Florida is a mall lover's paradise. In Sunrise, Sawgrass Mills offers discounted outlet shopping. Just up the road, in nearby Boca Raton, Town Center is home to a Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. For high-end outdoor browsing, head south to Miami's Design District.

The Whale's Rib and JB's on the Beach are Deerfield Beach institutions within walking distance of Emerald Seas. Just up A1A from the resort, Boca Raton's Mizner Park and Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue offer an impressive range of eateries and bars. The area also offers several breweries, including the nationally known Funky Buddha Taproom in Fort Lauderdale. Cooking? There's a Publix a mile away.

The area is home to professional teams in all the major sports — the Marlins (MLB), the Heat (NBA), the Panthers (NHL), the Dolphins (NFL), and Inter Miami (MLS). At the college level, Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami both field Division 1 football, basketball, and baseball teams. No matter what season you travel, you're likely to be in town when there's a good game to catch.