Things to Do in Pembroke Pines: Outdoor Fun, Dining & Culture

Pembroke Pines has a lot to offer besides its suburban streets. This South Florida city blends nature trails, shopping centers, art galleries, and Mediterranean dining. From a morning hike to an evening meal, simple things here seem so much fun.

Outdoor & Recreation

C.B. Smith Park

C.B. Smith Park spans 299 acres, making it one of Broward County's largest green spaces. Paved trails wind through the park, passing lakes, picnic areas, and open lawns. These shaded paths work well for a morning jog, a relaxed walk, or a family bike ride. You do not need reservation beyond the regular park admission.

Playgrounds are present near picnic shelters throughout the park. Thus, families can have a joyful time playing with kids as well as cooking with all the necessary amenities available. The park is also home to Safety Town. It’s a mini roadway where kids practice bike safety basics like reading stop signs. Birdwatchers have something here for them as well. A part of the park protects habitat for the endangered burrowing owl.

For visitors with disabilities, C.B. Smith Park offers wheelchair-accessible fitness equipment. There’s also an accessible water playground at Paradise Cove. It's a park built for every kind of visitor, from casual walkers to serious cyclists.

Chapel Trail Nature Preserve

Chapel Trail Nature Preserve gives visitors a close-up look at Everglades scenery without leaving the city. This 450-acre preserve sits right on the edge of Pembroke Pines. It gives an easy, accessible sample of the wider Everglades ecosystem.

A boardwalk trail, about 0.8 miles round-trip, winds through tropical hammock and open marsh. The park has interpretive signs. So, it’s a great stop for families and first-time visitors to Florida wetlands. Along the way, watch for herons, egrets, turtles, and native wading birds.

Canoe rentals are available on Saturdays, giving visitors a chance to paddle through the marsh and not just walk beside it. The preserve is free to enter. It opens daily from 8am to 6pm. Strollers are welcome. However, bikes and pets aren't permitted on the boardwalk.

Shopping & Dining

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens brings together retail, dining, and entertainment in one open-air setting. This shopping center features tree-lined walkways and fountains. There’s a good mix of national brands and boutique stores. Shoppers can browse well-known names like Lululemon, Sephora, and Banana Republic. Besides, there are various smaller specialty shops.

Dining options here run just as deep as the retail lineup. Visitors can grab sushi, cocktails, or a casual pub meal. All are situated nearby each other. The center also hosts regular events. You can catch live music nights and participate in family activities. The vibrant community feel it offers is way different from a usual mall shopping experience.

Mediterranean Dining at Sufrat Grill

For a true taste of Mediterranean cooking, Sufrat Grill's Pembroke Pines location is worth the visit. Founded in 2020 right here in Pembroke Pines, Sufrat began with a simple idea. Bring authentic Mediterranean flavors and family-style hospitality to South Florida. That single restaurant has since grown into three locations across the region.

The name Sufrat means "dining table" in Arabic. It reflects the restaurant's focus on shared, generous meals. At the Pembroke Pines location, located at 10430 Pines Boulevard, guests can order everything from sizzling kebabs to fresh Mediterranean salads. A star attraction is the Grilled Chicken Brown Rice Bowl. the delicacy pairs seasoned grilled chicken with brown rice for a wholesome meal.

Whether you're stopping in for lunch or a full family dinner, Sufrat brings genuine Mediterranean hospitality to the heart of Pembroke Pines.

Arts & Culture

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery

The gallery’s name comes from Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis. It serves as a hub for contemporary art in the city. Known simply as The Frank, it's a two-story venue featuring multiple exhibition spaces. This includes The Project Room and the Third Space.

The gallery hosts an evolving lineup of regional and national artists. It covers everything from visual art to performance and new media. Programs here are free and open to all ages. Thus, it’s an easy stop for those curious about contemporary art. Frank sits inside the Charles F. Dodge City Center. It provides cultural depth to an already active civic space.

Studio 18 in the Pines

Studio 18 Art Complex offers working studio space for emerging and mid-career artists. Resident artists here get access to well-lit studios with sinks, plus 24-hour secure building access for their creative work.

Throughout the year, Studio 18 hosts exhibitions that showcase resident artists' work. Every year it welcomes steady crowds of visitors. The complex also runs workshops and lectures open to the public. In this way, non-artists have a chance to learn new skills too. Artists interested in renting studio space need to undergo a juried application process. This keeps the complex's creative standard high.

A City Worth Slowing Down For

Pembroke Pines loves those who take their time exploring it. Trails wind through wetlands just minutes from busy shopping centers. Art galleries sit close to family parks and playgrounds. After a day of hiking, shopping, or gallery hopping, a warm plate of grilled kebabs or fresh salad at Sufrat Grill makes a fitting way to close things out. This city proves that outdoor adventure, culture, and good food can all exist within a few short miles of each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Pembroke Pines, FL known for?

Pembroke Pines is known for its family-friendly parks, growing arts scene, and diverse dining options. The city blends suburban comfort with easy access to Everglades-adjacent nature preserves. It's also home to a strong sense of community, reflected in its local galleries and civic spaces like the Charles F. Dodge City Center.

2. What are some fun things to do in Pembroke Pines?

Visitors can hike the boardwalk at Chapel Trail Nature Preserve or bike the trails at C.B. Smith Park. Shopping and dining at Pembroke Gardens fills an afternoon easily. For a memorable meal, Sufrat Grill offers Mediterranean dishes made with fresh, house-prepared ingredients.

3. What are the main attractions in Pembroke Pines?

Main attractions include C.B. Smith Park, Chapel Trail Nature Preserve, and The Shops at Pembroke Gardens. The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Studio 18 Art Complex round out the city's cultural offerings. Together, these spots cover outdoor recreation, shopping, and the arts.

4. What are the best things to do in Pembroke Pines?

The best experiences mix nature and culture. Start with a walk at Chapel Trail, then browse Pembroke Gardens for shopping and lunch. End the day with dinner at Sufrat Grill, followed by an evening stroll through The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery if it's open.

5. What are some fun indoor activities in Pembroke Pines?

Indoor options include browsing retail stores at Pembroke Gardens or visiting The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery for rotating exhibitions. Studio 18 Art Complex also hosts indoor workshops and lectures throughout the year, giving visitors a hands-on way to engage with local artists.