City Guide / Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Guide: Plantation

By Bri Hand | Aug 16, 2021
Palm trees in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you’re planning on moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale and which one would be the right fit for you.

Plantation, FL, is a fantastic family-friendly suburb that is chock full of beautiful parks and places to shop. While this area can be a little quiet, you are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from nearby Fort Lauderdale and Miami, if you want to kick things up a notch. 

Thinking about moving to Plantation, FL? Here’s our guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, outdoor attractions, gyms, nightlife, and transportation in the neighborhood. 

Where to go out to eat

First stop is Padrino’s Cuban Plantation, a Florida restaurant chain with Cuban favorites such as Cubanos, Pan con Bistec, and Churrasco. Looking for your new date night spot? Check out Mustard Street Bistro, which has an ever-evolving menu including Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Salad, Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, and Pistachio Crusted Salmon. 

Two Italian favorites in town include Brio Italian Grille and Vivace Gourmet Pizza and Pasta, which will satisfy your pasta and pizza cravings in no time at all. 

Plantation Diner will easily become your new go-to breakfast joint, with delicious egg dishes, Challah French toast, pancakes, and waffles. Yum! 

Where to get groceries

This Florida city has plenty of grocery options to choose from, whether you want to pick up some fresh produce or do your whole weekly run at once. Stop by Publix, Winn Dixie, ALDI, The Fresh Market, or Walmart, for any grocery item under the Florida sun. You can also hit up the Plantation Farmers Market for organic produce, locally produced honey, olive oils, cheeses, and plants, orchids, and other flowers. 

Where to get coffee

Plantation, FL, is home to coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’, as well as plenty of local options to choose from. Ella Cafe boasts a cozy, rustic vibe, along with a strong cold brew and pastries that are to die for. 

The aptly named Cafe Cafe is another must-try coffee shop, serving all your favorite espresso drinks, an array of teas, and delicious dishes like macarons, dulce de leche cheesecake, and blueberry muffins.

You can also fuel up for the day at 22 Bliss Cafe, which serves organic Columbian coffee that’s roasted onsite daily. Keep the numbers theme going at 660 Coffee House, a small, quiet coffee shop beloved by locals. Try the Caramel Macchiato and the Iced Bianca for a caffeine fix you won’t forget! 

Outdoor attractions

If you love spending an afternoon lounging or running around beautiful green space, then we have great news for you! Plantation is home to multiple parks. Head over to Plantation Central Park to play in a pickup basketball game, splash around in the swimming pool, or chat with friends as you walk along the park’s trail. There’s even a Happy Tails Dog Park where you can bring your furry friend for some exercise!

Broward County’s Plantation Heritage Park is a great spot to get a run in along the Anne Kolb Memorial Trail, or you can post up for the afternoon with a picnic beneath the park’s rare tropical fruit trees. In the mood for a little competition? Play a game of Disc Golf at the park’s course with friends! 

What Fig Tree Park lacks in size compared to the two above parks, it makes up for in fun! This brand-new playground was built after the original was destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, and the park also boasts baseball fields, basketball courses, and multiple pavilions. 

Local gyms

It’s easy enough to work up a sweat in the hot Florida sun, so take your workout inside at one of the many gyms in the area. There are several gym franchises to choose from, such as 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and Planet Fitness. You can also head over to Pure Muscle Fitness Center, which offers personal training and semi-private training for a more one-on-one experience. Another option is Burn Boot Camp in Jacaranda Square, where you’ll meet with a trainer to participate in a 45-minute boot camp workout. 

Nightlife

The New J Bar, called the “Best Little Secret in Plantation,” is a fun neighborhood bar that has two separate happy hours every day and is open until a whopping 4 a.m.! 

Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill’s Plantation location is the perfect place to catch a game, with open air seating and TVs all around. Be sure to try the Blueberry Mojito, or split a bucket of beers with your friends. 

In the mood for some dancing? Head over to nearby Davie, FL, to Round Up Night Club and Restaurant, which has line dancing and two-stepping with free dance instruction. 

Things to do

Want to learn a bit about your new home? Head over to the Plantation Historical Museum, which houses permanent exhibits on the region’s history, as well as a butterfly garden. If you have the kids in tow, they’ll love the Young at Art Museum, an interactive art museum geared toward children. 

Golfers will have plenty to do in this city, with the Jacaranda Golf Club and Plantation Preserve Golf Course nearby. 

If you’re willing to drive a bit, you can also take advantage of the nearby Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park in Lauderhill, FL, and the Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL. 

Transportation

The area is served by Broward County Transit, which links up to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties’ transit systems via the West Regional Terminal. You can take the 22 bus to get to Fort Lauderdale, or if you brought your own car, the city is only a 20-minute drive away. 

Land in a great apartment in Plantation, FL 

If you like the idea of moving to Plantation near Fort Lauderdale, Landing offers fully furnished and unfurnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in Plantation, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.

Still looking for the right Fort Lauderdale neighborhood for you? Browse our other Fort Lauderdale neighborhood guides, including:

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Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.