About Sunrise
Sunrise is a city of about 97,000 people in western Broward County, on the edge of the Everglades about 20 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale. It was founded in 1961 as a planned community originally called Sunrise Golf Village, and it grew quickly into a busy suburb of canals, lakes and shopping centers.
The city is best known for Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the United States, which draws shoppers from around the world, and for Amerant Bank Arena, home of the NHL's Florida Panthers and a major concert venue. The Sunrise Civic Center hosts shows, classes and community events.
On the city's western edge, Markham Park offers lakes, trails and mountain biking, plus the Fox Observatory, where local astronomers hold public stargazing nights. Airboat rides into the Everglades start just west of town, and Fort Lauderdale's beaches, Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk are a short drive east.
Best seasonNovember to April for dry, mild weather; October to April for hockey games.
Ideal stayOne day for shopping and a game or concert, plus a half day for the Everglades.
ArrivingFort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about 25 minutes away via I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway.