Fort Lauderdale, known as the "Venice of America," is a vibrant city located in Broward County, Florida. With its stunning beaches, picturesque canals, and diverse attractions, Fort Lauderdale offers an array of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, this captivating city has something to offer everyone.
From basking in the sun on pristine beaches to exploring lush gardens and museums, Fort Lauderdale provides a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment. Discover the city's rich history, indulge in delectable culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Get ready to embark on a journey through Fort Lauderdale's top attractions and create unforgettable memories.
With its idyllic beaches, lush parks, and vibrant cultural scene, Fort Lauderdale offers a plethora of activities and attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, this captivating city has something to offer everyone. Explore the city's top attractions, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Explore this vibrant city's top attractions and hidden gems.
- Relax on pristine beaches
- Cruise along scenic canals
- Visit lush gardens and parks
- Discover art and culture
- Indulge in culinary delights
- Enjoy outdoor activities
- Explore historic sites
- Shop till you drop
- Party the night away
- Immerse in nature
From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant cultural attractions, Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Relax on pristine beaches
Fort Lauderdale's beaches are renowned for their soft, white sand, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
- Las Olas Beach:
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Beach offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby. It's also a great spot for people-watching and enjoying live music.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Park:
This popular beach park stretches for over a mile and offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. It's also a great place to catch a sunrise or sunset.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park:
This beautiful state park is home to a secluded beach, as well as mangroves, a butterfly garden, and a hiking trail. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and tranquility.
- Dania Beach:
Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is known for its long pier, which offers stunning views of the ocean. It's also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and surfing.
No matter which beach you choose, you're sure to find a spot to relax and soak up the sun in Fort Lauderdale.
Cruise along scenic canals
Fort Lauderdale's intricate network of canals has earned it the nickname "Venice of America." Take a leisurely boat tour to explore these scenic waterways and admire the beautiful homes, lush gardens, and extravagant yachts that line the canals.
Several companies offer boat tours, ranging from simple narrated tours to luxurious dinner cruises. Choose a tour that suits your interests and budget. Some popular options include:
Water Taxi:
Hop on the water taxi and enjoy a narrated tour of the canals, stopping at various points of interest along the way. It's a great way to get an overview of Fort Lauderdale and see some of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise:
This classic riverboat cruise takes you through the Everglades, where you can see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife. It's a great option for families with children.
Fort Lauderdale Water Tours:
This company offers a variety of boat tours, including a narrated sightseeing cruise, a sunset cruise, and a romantic dinner cruise. It's a great way to experience the canals in style.
No matter which boat tour you choose, you're sure to enjoy a relaxing and scenic journey through Fort Lauderdale's canals.
Visit lush gardens and parks
Fort Lauderdale is home to a variety of beautiful gardens and parks, perfect for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or a day of exploration. Some of the most popular green spaces include:
Las Olas Riverfront Promenade:
This scenic riverwalk stretches for over a mile along the New River and offers stunning views of the city skyline. It's a great place to walk, jog, or bike, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the way.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park:
This beautiful state park is located just north of Fort Lauderdale and features a variety of habitats, including mangroves, hardwood forests, and coastal dunes. There are also several hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a beach.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens:
This historic estate is home to a beautiful garden with over 300 species of plants. There is also a museum on the property that tells the story of the Bonnet family and their contributions to Fort Lauderdale.
Flamingo Gardens:
This 60-acre botanical garden is home to a wide variety of tropical plants, as well as a wildlife sanctuary. There are also several walking trails and a butterfly garden.
No matter which garden or park you choose to visit, you're sure to find a beautiful and peaceful oasis in Fort Lauderdale.
Discover art and culture
Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant art and culture scene, with something to offer everyone. Visit the following attractions to get a taste of the city's creative side:
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale:
This museum features a wide variety of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. There is also a sculpture garden on the property.
Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art:
This museum is home to a collection of over 6,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings. There are also several educational programs and events offered throughout the year.
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale:
This upscale shopping mall is home to over 100 stores, as well as several art galleries and a movie theater. It's a great place to browse for unique gifts and souvenirs.
FATVillage Arts District:
This trendy neighborhood is home to a variety of art galleries, studios, and shops. There are also several live music venues and restaurants in the area.
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale's art and culture scene.
Indulge in culinary delights
Fort Lauderdale's diverse culinary scene offers something for every palate. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are a few of the city's most popular culinary destinations:
- Seafood:
Fort Lauderdale is known for its fresh seafood, and there are many restaurants that serve up delicious dishes made with local catches. Some popular seafood restaurants include:
- Coconuts: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and serves up a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled lobster, shrimp scampi, and fish tacos.
- Ocean 2000: This upscale seafood restaurant is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish. - International Cuisine:
Fort Lauderdale is home to a large international community, and there are many restaurants that serve cuisine from all over the world. Some popular international restaurants include:
- Casablanca Cafe: This Moroccan restaurant serves up traditional dishes such as tagine and couscous.
- La Vecchia Osteria: This Italian restaurant is known for its authentic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. - Fine Dining:
For a special occasion or a romantic night out, Fort Lauderdale has several fine dining restaurants to choose from. Some popular fine dining restaurants include:
- The Capital Grille: This steakhouse is known for its prime cuts of meat and extensive wine list.
- YOLO: This upscale restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes seasonally. - Casual Dining:
For a more casual meal, Fort Lauderdale has many great options to choose from. Some popular casual dining restaurants include:
- The Cheesecake Factory: This popular chain restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including burgers, pasta, and seafood.
- P.F. Chang's: This Chinese restaurant is known for its delicious dim sum and entrees.
No matter what your taste buds are craving, you're sure to find something to satisfy your appetite in Fort Lauderdale.
Enjoy outdoor activities
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, with its beautiful beaches, parks, and waterways. Here are a few of the most popular outdoor activities to try:
- Beach Activities:
Fort Lauderdale's beaches offer a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, or play beach volleyball. There are also several beach parks that offer amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and lifeguards.
- Water Sports:
Fort Lauderdale's waterways are perfect for a variety of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. You can also take a boat tour to explore the canals and see the city from a different perspective.
- Hiking and Biking:
There are several parks in Fort Lauderdale that offer hiking and biking trails. Some popular trails include the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Trail and the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. You can also bike along the beach or on the many bike paths throughout the city.
- Fishing:
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to go fishing, both in the ocean and in the canals. You can fish from a boat, from a pier, or even from the beach. There are several fishing charters available if you want to try your luck at deep-sea fishing.
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find an outdoor activity to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale.
Explore historic sites
Fort Lauderdale has a rich history, and there are many historic sites to explore. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Stranahan House:
This historic home was built in 1901 and is the oldest surviving building in Fort Lauderdale. It is now a museum that tells the story of the city's early history.
- Fort Lauderdale Historical Society Museum:
This museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Fort Lauderdale. It features exhibits on the city's Native American heritage, early settlers, and development.
- Old Fort Lauderdale Village:
This charming area is home to many historic buildings, including the Old Fort Lauderdale Schoolhouse and the King-Cromartie House. It's a great place to stroll around and learn about the city's past.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park:
This beautiful state park is home to the Birch House, a historic mansion that was built in the early 1900s. The park also features hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a beach.
These are just a few of the many historic sites that you can explore in Fort Lauderdale. Take some time to learn about the city's past and appreciate its rich heritage.
Shop till you drop
Fort Lauderdale is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of stores to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular shopping destinations:
- Las Olas Boulevard:
This upscale shopping district is home to a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. You can find everything from designer clothes to unique souvenirs on Las Olas Boulevard.
- Sawgrass Mills:
This massive outlet mall is home to over 350 stores, including many popular brands. You can find great deals on clothes, shoes, and home goods at Sawgrass Mills.
- The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale:
This upscale shopping mall is home to over 100 stores, including many luxury brands. You can also find a variety of restaurants and a movie theater at The Galleria.
- Flagler Village:
This charming shopping district is home to a variety of unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. You can also find several restaurants and bars in Flagler Village.
No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Fort Lauderdale. So put on your shopping shoes and get ready to drop!
Party the night away
Fort Lauderdale is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with something to offer everyone. Here are a few of the most popular places to party the night away:
- The Wharf Fort Lauderdale:
This outdoor entertainment complex is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. It's a great place to see a show, dance the night away, or just relax and people-watch.
- Himmarshee Village:
This charming area is home to a variety of bars and nightclubs, as well as restaurants and shops. It's a great place to bar hop and experience Fort Lauderdale's nightlife.
- FATVillage Arts District:
This trendy neighborhood is home to a variety of art galleries, studios, and shops. It's also home to several bars and nightclubs, making it a great place to enjoy a night out on the town.
- Las Olas Boulevard:
This upscale shopping district is also home to a variety of bars and nightclubs. You can find everything from trendy cocktail bars to lively dance clubs on Las Olas Boulevard.
No matter what your taste in music or atmosphere, you're sure to find a place to party the night away in Fort Lauderdale.
Immerse in nature
Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in it. Here are a few of the most popular ways to enjoy the outdoors in Fort Lauderdale:
Visit the Everglades:
Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale is the Everglades National Park, a vast and unique ecosystem home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and birds. You can take a boat tour through the Everglades, hike or bike through the trails, or even camp overnight.
Explore the Beaches:
Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also several beach parks that offer amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and lifeguards.
Go for a Bike Ride:
Fort Lauderdale has an extensive network of bike trails, making it a great place to explore on two wheels. You can bike along the beach, through the parks, or even along the riverfront. There are bike rental shops throughout the city, so you can easily rent a bike and start exploring.
Visit the Butterfly World:
This tropical butterfly garden is home to over 20,000 butterflies from all over the world. You can walk through the aviary and see butterflies flying all around you. There is also a museum on the property that tells the story of butterflies and their importance to the ecosystem.
No matter how you choose to immerse yourself in nature, you're sure to find something to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Question 1: What are the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale?
Answer: Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Las Olas Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
Question 2: How can I explore Fort Lauderdale's canals?
Answer: One of the best ways to explore Fort Lauderdale's canals is by taking a boat tour. There are several companies that offer boat tours, ranging from simple sightseeing tours to luxurious dinner cruises.
Question 3: Where can I find art and culture in Fort Lauderdale?
Answer: Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant art and culture scene. You can visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, or the FATVillage Arts District to explore the city's creative side.
Question 4: What are the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale?
Answer: Fort Lauderdale has a diverse culinary scene, with something to offer everyone. Some of the most popular restaurants include Coconuts, Ocean 2000, Casablanca Cafe, and La Vecchia Osteria.
Question 5: What are the best outdoor activities in Fort Lauderdale?
Answer: Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. You can also enjoy hiking and biking through the city's many parks and trails.
Question 6: Where can I go shopping in Fort Lauderdale?
Answer: Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping destinations, from upscale shopping malls to charming boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas include Las Olas Boulevard, Sawgrass Mills, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, and Flagler Village.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
Whether you're looking for beaches, canals, art, culture, or shopping, Fort Lauderdale has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant nightlife, and diverse attractions, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Now that you know what to do in Fort Lauderdale, here are a few tips to make your trip even better:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to make your trip to Fort Lauderdale even better:
Tip 1: Purchase a Go Fort Lauderdale Card.
This card gives you access to many of Fort Lauderdale's top attractions at a discounted price. You can purchase the card online or at the Fort Lauderdale Welcome Center.
Tip 2: Take advantage of the free Sun Trolley.
This trolley service operates along A1A and Las Olas Boulevard, making it easy to get around the city without a car. The trolley runs every 15 minutes during the day and is free to use.
Tip 3: Visit the beach early in the morning or late afternoon.
This is the best time to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beach at its best. You'll also be able to avoid the harsh midday sun.
Tip 4: Take a day trip to the Everglades.
This unique ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and birds. You can take a boat tour through the Everglades, hike or bike through the trails, or even camp overnight.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Fort Lauderdale and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Now that you know what to do and how to make the most of your trip, it's time to start planning your vacation to Fort Lauderdale. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and endless attractions, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination for your next trip.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, exciting water activities, lush gardens, or a vibrant art and culture scene, Fort Lauderdale has it all. With its delicious cuisine, outdoor activities, historic sites, and endless shopping opportunities, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Closing Message:
So come and experience all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the canals, from discovering art and culture to indulging in culinary delights, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone. With its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and endless attractions, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to create lasting memories.