Florida is packed with charming neighborhoods, but Pembroke Pines is considered one of the best places to live in the entire Sunshine State. With over 40 lush parks (including the 299-acre C.B. Smith Park), a warm tropical climate, and a safe yet diverse community, this beautiful city provides a welcoming environment for longtime residents and newcomers alike.
As an added bonus, the city also has a lot to offer in terms of culture, nature preservation, and entertainment. Pembroke Pines features its own water park, along with many unforgettable shopping experiences and places to enjoy a tasty meal. It’s also home to a burgeoning art scene, with art galleries such as the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, which aims to spotlight local and regional contemporary artists across a series of exhibitions and interactive experiences.
All of this can be found in southern Broward County. The closest airport to Pembroke Pines is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — which admittedly boasts some of the worst winter flight delays in the country — located less than 15 miles away. Another nearby airport is the Miami International Airport, approximately 25 miles from the city. If you want to visit by road, major highways such as Interstate 75 journey through South Florida’s important ecosystems en route to Pembroke Pines. Meanwhile, the Florida Turnpike connects the city to the likes of Hallandale Beach, considered one of Florida’s best-kept secret getaways.
Exploring the parks and outdoor recreation in Pembroke Pines
The parks and natural landscape of Pembroke Pines provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation activities. Take the 450-acre Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve — a place filled with lovely wetland ecosystems — as a prime example. At the preserve, visitors can engage in watersports such as canoeing (although rentals are suspended until further notice at the time of writing). Its main attraction, however, is the various wildlife species such as alligators, birds, turtles, and marsh rabbits that can be spotted around the area. You can also just enjoy a leisurely walk along the preserve’s 1,650-foot boardwalk.
As previously mentioned, C.B. Smith Park is another must for those craving a taste of the outdoors in Pembroke Pines. Here, you’ll find various sports facilities, such as tennis courts, with the Pembroke Lakes Golf & Racquet Club also located nearby. There’s also the Paradise Cove Water Park, which is perfect for swimming and other fun water-related activities. C.B. Smith Park is pet-friendly but charges an entry fee just for vehicles on weekends and holidays, ranging between $3 and $20 depending on the number of people. Those who walk or cycle to the park can enter free of charge.
Some other Pembroke Pines parks worth exploring include SilverLakes Park, Rose Price Park, and Flamingo Park. All of them offer great opportunities for engaging in outdoor sports, picnicking, or just relaxing in Florida’s natural beauty. They are also surrounded by some charming neighborhoods and stellar schools, just in case you’re considering the move to Pembroke Pines.
Best places to eat, shop, and stay while in Pembroke Pines
