Welcome to Tamarac, a friendly pocket of Broward County tucked just fifteen miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale and forty or so from the bright lights of Miami.
Blink and you might cruise past it on your way to the beach, yet locals know this laid‑back South Florida city is full of easygoing charm, green space, and weekend fun.
Whether you’ve set up shop here, you’re scouting to buy a house, or you’re planning a quick trip to see family, consider this your insider’s guide to the best things to do in Tamarac and around town.
What Outdoor Adventures Are There to Enjoy in Tamarac?
Whether you’re looking to lace up your sneakers for a shaded trail, paddle through peaceful waters, or tee off under a canopy of palms, Tamarac offers the kind of outdoor escapes that blend natural beauty with small-town charm.
This city may be tucked into suburbia, but its parks, preserves, and recreation spots make it easy to feel a world away, if only for an afternoon.
Explore the Beauty of Tamarac’s Parks
If your idea of bliss is a shady walk under live oaks followed by a lazy picnic, start at Waters Edge Park, six leafy acres with a colorful splash pad, a 6,000-square-foot covered playground, and meandering paths that skirt a tranquil lake.
Hop over to the Tamarac Sports Complex for more action; you’ll find a hockey rink, tennis courts, soccer fields, and plenty of green real estate to toss a frisbee or stretch out beneath a palm tree.
Both spots hit the spot on a cooler morning when the ocean breeze drifts inland and everyone’s itching to get outdoors.
Enjoy a Day on the Water at Woodmont Natural Area
Need a breather from suburban bustle?
Slip into the 22‑acre Woodmont Natural Area and let the chorus of hawks and wood warblers drown out any traffic hum.
The shaded boardwalk skirts a canal, and the short loop trail invites casual photographers, couples scouting engagement‑photo backdrops, and anyone keen on spotting wildlife like owls or egrets.
It’s a great place to explore when you crave fresh air, but a full‑day Everglades adventure feels like too much effort.
Golf at the Woodmont Country Club
Golfers rave about the laid‑back vibe at Woodmont Country Club, a twenty-seven-hole course wrapped in royal palms, plus a range, tennis center, and pool for post‑round cooldowns.
Tee times are open to the public during off‑peak windows, so you don’t need a platinum membership to squeeze in nine before brunch. Fair warning: that back nine threads past water hazards that love to gobble rookie drives.
What Are Some Activities for All Ages?
Tamarac makes it easy for everyone to stay entertained, active, and connected, no matter your age or energy level.
From splashing around on a hot afternoon to joining community-led classes and clubs, there’s always something going on that brings neighbors together and keeps all generations engaged.
Visit the Caporella Aquatic Complex
When the midsummer humidity cranks up, everyone from toddlers to retirees drifts to the Caporella Aquatic Complex for zero‑entry pools, twisting water slides, and a tot‑sized sprayground.
The onsite facility also runs swim lessons and aqua‑fit classes, making it a friendly hub for multi‑gen families looking to stay active without roasting in the sun.
Enroll in Activities at the Tamarac Community Center
From kids’ karate to watercolor workshops, the Tamarac Community Center packs its calendar with upcoming events, youth leagues, senior socials, and seasonal festivals.
Drop in for a Saturday morning yoga class or register your teen for the fall basketball league; either way, you’ll plug straight into Tamarac’s tight‑knit social scene.
Where Can You Eat and Drink in Tamarac?
Whether you’re fueling up for a day of adventure or winding down with something sweet, Tamarac’s local dining scene serves up bold flavors and comforting favorites in equal measure.
Local Dining Favorites
Island vibes? Point your GPS toward Aruba Beach Cafe in nearby Lauderdale‑by‑the‑Sea for conch fritters and calypso tunes that drift right over the Atlantic.
Craving heat? Aunt I’s Jamaican Restaurant ladles out oxtail gravy thick enough to tempt even disciplined eaters.
For dim‑sum Sundays or a late‑night roast‑duck fix, locals swear by Hong Kong City BBQ, the unofficial “Chinatown Tamarac” restaurant where crispy pork gets a five‑star review from just about every foodie you meet.
Cafes and Sweet Treats
If your sweet tooth taps you on the shoulder, swing by Milanos Bakery for flaky empanadas and dulce de leche churros that practically melt in the bag on the ride home.
Need a caffeine jolt before a shopping run at nearby retail plazas? Lady Baker in Pembroke Pines roasts beans to pair with guava‑and‑cheese croissants that genuinely hits the spot.
What Arts, Culture, and Events Can You Find in Tamarac?
Whether you’re catching live music at a local festival or spotting public art on a morning walk, the city offers plenty of ways to connect with its growing arts scene and celebrate local talent.
Attend a City of Tamarac Event or Festival
Keep an eye on the city’s special events page.
From Food Truck Fridays at the Sports Complex to movies on the lawn and the annual Tamarac Arts & Crafts Festival, there’s always a venue buzzing with live music, craft vendors, and bounce houses for the kids.
Most gatherings are free, parking is convenient, and lawn chairs are heartily encouraged.
Discover Local Art and Public Installations
While Tamarac is still growing its gallery game, you’ll spot bright murals splashed across utility boxes and pocket parks off Commercial Boulevard.
The city recently launched a rotating outdoor sculpture program, so every walk might reveal a new steel heron or abstract seahorse glinting in the sun, proof that creativity thrives even in quiet suburbs.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Tamarac?
When you’re ready to venture beyond Tamarac, a world of adventure is just minutes away. Whether it’s sandy beach mornings, boutique shopping in neighboring cities, or gliding through the Everglades on an airboat, the area offers easy escapes that feel like mini vacations without the hassle of long travel days.
Explore Neighboring Fort Lauderdale or Coral Springs
Need salt in your hair?
Fort Lauderdale’s sandy shoreline is a twenty‑minute cruise south, perfect for an impromptu sunrise beach session or an evening club crawl along Las Olas.
Coral Springs sits just west and tempts weekend wanderers with open‑air malls and live theater, all within a short Lyft.
Visit the Everglades for a Nature Escape
Drive west beyond the last gated subdivision, and the horizon suddenly widens into sawgrass prairie.
Outfitters like Everglades Airboat Excursions launch from the edge of Tamarac, guiding private airboat safaris where gators sunbathe and roseate spoonbills glide overhead.
It’s the sort of bucket‑list adventure that convinces skeptics that Florida is more than condos and cruise ships.
Final Thoughts
Take your time around Tamarac. Linger over Cuban espresso at a neighborhood store, cheer on a little‑league sport at sunset, or paddle a rental kayak down the C‑14 canal while egrets patrol the banks.
Whether you’re planning a short holiday, plotting a permanent move, or just looking for an easygoing weekend option, Tamarac offers the kind of low‑key outdoor recreation and casual dining that makes life feel refreshingly simple.
So pack sunscreen, lace up comfy sneakers, and start exploring. This green corner of Florida might surprise you.
FAQ’s About Things to Do in Tamarac
Tamarac sits roughly fifteen miles from Fort Lauderdale Beach, an easy twenty‑minute drive outside of rush hour.
Yes. City parks like Waters Edge and the Tamarac Sports Complex are free to enter, and many city‑sponsored events such as movies, concerts, upcoming events such as Food Truck Fridays, cost nothing.
Absolutely. Between shaded trails, playgrounds, an aquatic facility, and quick access to the Everglades for wildlife spotting, it’s an outdoor playground year‑round.
Locals favor October through April when humidity dips and afternoon storms ease, yet the Caporella Aquatic Complex helps summer travelers stay cool.
Most airboat operators supply life vests, ear protection, and binoculars; all you need is a hat, a water bottle, and a sense of adventure.
