Sunrise, Florida isn’t loud.
It doesn’t shout across the Everglades or line up along the coast like its flashier neighbors. But that’s the whole point. Tucked in western Broward County, Sunrise is where South Florida slows down just enough to notice itself—a city of unexpected contrasts, where wild wetlands, NHL hockey, giant shopping plazas, and nature trails all coexist beneath the same pastel sky.
Founded in the 1960s as a master-planned “upside-down house” community (yes, really), Sunrise has grown into a modern, diverse, family-friendly city of over 90,000 people—but it still retains that unique suburban soul that invites you to linger.
Here’s what to explore when you land in Sunrise.
Panthers, Arenas, and Big-League Surprises
Let’s start where Sunrise gets loudest: at the Amerant Bank Arena (formerly FLA Live Arena), home to the Florida Panthers NHL team.
This is one of the best-kept secrets in South Florida sports—a massive, high-energy venue that somehow still feels intimate. Whether you’re here for hockey, a sold-out concert, or a Disney On Ice show with the kids, this place brings energy to a city that otherwise leans quiet.
Tip: Even if you’re not a Panthers fan, the arena is worth visiting for its world-class sound system, skyline views, and pre-game plazas full of food trucks and live music.
Across the street? One of the biggest draws in the state…
Sawgrass Mills: Where Shopping Becomes an Expedition
If there’s a capital of air-conditioned wanderlust in Florida, it’s Sawgrass Mills Mall—the largest outlet and value retail mall in the U.S., covering over 2.3 million square feet.
It’s not just a mall. It’s a small city of shopping, divided into themed zones with outlet stores from every imaginable brand: Nike, Gucci, Adidas, Coach, Levi’s, and dozens more. There’s an indoor rainforest vibe in parts. A movie theater. A food court that serves empanadas, sushi, and Philly cheesesteaks side-by-side.
Locals know to park near The Colonnade Outlets for a more upscale, open-air experience. Walkable, palm-lined, and packed with cafes, this is where you’ll find designer brands and shaded benches to regroup.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning for smaller crowds and easier parking. And bring walking shoes—you’ll need them.
Sawgrass and Stillness: Nature’s Quiet Reserves
Despite the shopping and stadium buzz, Sunrise has a wilder side—and it’s just a few minutes away.
Start with the Sawgrass Sanctuary Park, a 20-acre slice of peace with walking trails, boardwalks, and wetland observation decks. It’s not huge, but it offers surprising wildlife encounters—ibis, herons, turtles, and the occasional alligator in the distance. The shaded paths are ideal for a post-lunch stroll or a quiet morning run.
For something bigger, head west to the Everglades Conservation Levee Greenway, where paved and gravel trails extend for miles along the edge of the River of Grass. You’ll pass through a buffer zone between suburbia and swamp—complete with panoramic views, fishing spots, and spectacular sunsets.
Rent a bike. Bring binoculars. Or just walk a mile or two until the city disappears behind you.
Fishing, Paddling, and Family Parks
Sunrise is one of those cities where residential canals, freshwater lakes, and parks blend together in a kind of suburban nature mosaic.
Check out:
- Welleby Park – Newly renovated, with shaded walking paths, a large dog park, playgrounds, and a small lake for catch-and-release fishing
- Markham Park (just west in Sunrise-adjacent Weston) – Mountain biking trails, a shooting range, an RC airplane field, and boat ramps into the Everglades canals
- Sunset Strip – A local green corridor with fitness stations and picnic spots
In the cooler months, these places become neighborhood gathering zones—where food trucks set up, soccer games kick off, and local musicians play free concerts under palm trees.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Sunrise (and What Locals Love)
Sunrise doesn’t make a big fuss about food—but the flavors are there if you know where to look.
Try:
- Don Carlin Restaurant – No-frills Cuban food: ropa vieja, black beans, fried plantains, and buttery flan
- Rob’s BBQ – A Sunrise legend for pulled pork, ribs, and homemade sweet tea
- Pho Brandon – Quiet, flavorful Vietnamese with rich broth and generous portions
- Sky Thai Sushi – A local favorite for sushi rolls, curry bowls, and relaxed dining
- Mojo Donuts (nearby in Pembroke Pines) – Worth the short drive for maple bacon or Nutella crème rings
For dessert, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour in nearby Dania Beach is a classic—over-the-top sundaes, antique signs, and scoops the size of softballs.
Art, Culture, and Community
Sunrise isn’t an art capital—but it is a city that supports community culture.
Check the Sunrise Civic Center for rotating art exhibits, family events, and theatrical performances. The cultural calendar includes free concerts in the park, yoga classes, dance workshops, and movie nights under the stars.
For kids, the Sunrise library system is active and engaging, with story hours, maker events, and reading challenges that actually draw crowds.
And each spring, the city throws its Earth Day Festival—a blend of eco-booths, live music, craft vendors, and food trucks under the South Florida sun.
Where to Stay
Most visitors base themselves near the Sawgrass Mills/Sports Complex zone, where hotels are modern, clean, and well-located.
Good options include:
- AC Hotel by Marriott Sawgrass Mills – Stylish, walkable to shopping and games
- DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise – Reliable comfort with pool, parking, and spacious rooms
- Airbnb in Welleby or Sunrise Golf Village – Quiet neighborhoods, often with backyard canals or patios
For a more boutique stay, consider Plantation or Weston, just 10 minutes away—offering upscale hotels with golf courses, spas, and quiet walking trails.
Local Tips
- Sunrise is best explored with a car, but bike lanes are growing, especially near the Everglades trails
- Sunset views from the levee are some of the best in Broward County—bring a chair and linger
- Arrive early for arena events—traffic builds fast on game nights
- Weekday mornings are golden for Sawgrass Mills: less noise, more room to roam
- Winter is prime time: clear skies, cooler hikes, active wildlife
Sunrise isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try to steal the spotlight. What it offers instead is a kind of South Florida middle path—a balance between wild and walkable, suburban and scenic.
You can catch a hockey game, eat Cuban food, paddle a canal, and watch the sun go down over a sawgrass marsh—all in the same day.
And the best part? You’ll still make it home in time for ice cream.
