40 Best Things to do in Fort Lauderdale!

Fort Lauderdale, known as the “Venice of America” due to its expansive canal system, is a vibrant city located on the southeastern coast of Florida. Renowned for its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and thriving nightlife, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from around the globe seeking sun, sand, and entertainment. In this comprehensive guide, we showcase the top attractions and best things to do in Fort Lauderdale during your visit to Florida.

Best Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

1. Historic Attractions

Historic Stranahan House Museum

Historic Stranahan House Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the oldest surviving building in the city, constructed in 1901 by Frank Stranahan as a trading post before becoming his family home. The house played a key role in Fort Lauderdale’s early development, serving as a post office, town hall, and bank over the years. Guided tours highlight Frank Stranahan’s work in trade and transportation and Ivy Stranahan’s contributions to education and women’s rights, showcasing their lasting impact on the community. The museum also hosts events and ghost tours, drawing both history enthusiasts and curious guests.

History Fort Lauderdale

History Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The History Fort Lauderdale is a museum and cultural center that preserves the city’s past through exhibits, tours, and educational programs. It is housed in three historic buildings, including the New River Inn, a structure dating back to 1905 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits highlight Native American history, early settlers, and Fort Lauderdale’s growth as a coastal city, offering visitors insight into how the region developed over time. Guided tours along the New River, allowing guests to learn about Fort Lauderdale’s maritime industry and its key role in World War II.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Richard Mc Neil, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a scenic waterfront district along the New River, offering a blend of parks, walking trails and cultural attractions. Stretching over a mile, the area includes ten parks, such as Esplanade Park, which hosts events like the Sunday Jazz Brunch and seasonal festivals. Visitors can enjoy many activities, as the Riverwalk is lined with shops, dining spots and museums, making it a lively destination. Riverwalk plays a major role in keeping the area vibrant, hosting popular events like the Stone Crab and Seafood Festival, Chili Cookoff and Burger Battle™, which attract large crowds.

Old Dillard Museum

Old Dillard Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jrozwado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1924, Old Dillard Museum was once served as the first public school for Black students in the area, named in honor of James H. Dillard, a respected educator who advocated for equal learning opportunities. The building was later transformed into a museum, highlighting civil rights history, the Harlem Renaissance, and local African American leaders. Visitors can explore art exhibits and historical artifacts, learning about the struggles and successes that shaped the region. Exhibits showcase the experiences of early students, evolution of education, and the impact of African American pioneers.

2. Outdoor Activities

Boating Tours

Water taxi in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In Fort Lauderdale, boating tours offer a great way to explore the city’s waterways, often called the Venice of America, with over 300 miles of canals. Visitors can choose from sightseeing cruises, adventure excursions, and themed experiences, depending on their preference. For a relaxed outing, Intimate Waterway Tours provides small-group electric boat rides, allowing passengers to enjoy a peaceful trip through scenic areas. For those looking for a fun and energetic outing, Paddle Pub offers a bring-your-own-drinks party boat, cruising along the waterfront homes and yachts. Families can experience BlueFoot Pirate Adventures, a kid-friendly pirate-themed boat tour featuring costumes and interactive activities.

LauderGO! Water Trolley

The LauderGO! Water Trolley is a free water transportation service in Fort Lauderdale, providing a scenic way to explore the area. The City of Fort Lauderdale, along with Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale and Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, manages the daily trolley service, offering stops at eight locations, such as New River Yacht Club, Esplanade Park and Riverwalk Laura Ward Park. The LauderGO! Water Trolley is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option for enjoying Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront. This service lets visitors to explore parks and attractions without worrying about transportation costs.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba Diving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale’s waters feature over 80 artificial reefs, including sunken freighters and tugboats, creating a fascinating diving experience. Sea Experience offers glass-bottom snorkeling trips and scuba diving excursions, while American Dream Dive Charters specializes in wreck diving, leading tours to artificial reefs and sunken ships teeming with marine creatures. Aquatic Ventures provides scuba certification classes and personalized dive experiences, ensuring a safe outing. Guided snorkeling adventures also offer night diving experiences, allowing divers to see nocturnal sea creatures in a different light.

Everglades Airboat Tours

Everglades Airboat Tours near Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Everglades airboat tours provide an exciting way to explore the vast Florida Everglades, often called the River of Grass, where visitors can glide across the waters, and spot alligators with other native wildlife. Everglades Swamp Tours offer one-hour and two-hour tours, giving visitors time to learn about the area’s unique ecosystem. Everglades Holiday Park combines airboat rides with an alligator show, featuring handlers from the popular Gator Boys series. For a personal experience, Airboat Tours Fort Lauderdale provides small-group narrated trips, explaining the history and wildlife of the Everglades.

Markham Park & Target Range

Markham Park & Target Range in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Markham Park & Target Range offering a mix of camping, biking, fishing, and shooting sports. The park is one of the top public shooting ranges in South Florida, featuring skeet and trap fields, a pistol and rifle range, a sporting clays course, and an archery range. The shooting range includes 66 lanes for pistols and rifles, with targets positioned at distances of 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards. The sporting clays course runs through wooded areas, offering a more natural shooting experience. The park also has mountain bike trails, and a model airplane field, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.

Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fishing charters provide anglers with access to deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, where they can catch large species. Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing focuses on offshore fishing trips, where anglers can reel in king mackerel, swordfish and amberjack, while Fishing Headquarters and Lady Helen Fishing Charters offers deep-sea fishing tours every day, including both sportfishing and drift fishing adventures. Those looking for a customized trip can book with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters, which has been serving anglers since 1975, offering outings on a 52-foot Hatteras fishing boat.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kayaking and canoeing provides a great way to explore the city’s canals and coastal waters, offering an adventurous experiences. Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures offers guided eco-tours and full moon paddles, allowing paddlers to enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings. Las Olas Paddle Boards, Boats & Kayaks provides rentals near Middle River, where guests can glide past luxury homes and tropical landscapes. Visitors looking for a nature-filled adventure can explore Whiskey Creek Hideout at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, where they can paddle through mangroves and coastal areas.

Biking Trails

Fort Lauderdale has bike trails for all skill levels, offering routes that pass through beachfront areas and several parks. The Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade is a popular cycling path with ocean views and easy access to restaurants and shops. Another great option is the New River Greenway, running along State Road 84, blending natural landscapes with urban surroundings. Those looking for a more challenging ride can explore the Cypress Creek Greenway, featuring bridges, shaded areas, and a longer route for endurance cycling.

Biking Trails in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a 2 miles paved loop, perfect for a relaxed ride through lush greenery and quiet surroundings. The Hiatus Road Greenway, stretching between Plantation and Sunrise, follows the C-42 Canal, providing peaceful waterfront views. Cyclists can also head to Quiet Waters Park, which has trails surrounding the lakes, providing a relaxing ride with picnic areas perfect for a rest stop. Many of these trails connect to larger cycling networks, allowing riders to explore more of Greater Fort Lauderdale on extended rides.

Golfing Courses

Golfing Courses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In Fort Lauderdale, nearby the beach, Coral Ridge Country Club is a private club that offers a championship-level golf course in a relaxed atmosphere. Fort Lauderdale Country Club, established in 1926, is the oldest private golf club in South Florida, offering two distinct courses for members. Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club is one of the top public courses, featuring an 18-hole championship layout with picturesque views. The Club at Emerald Hills, located between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, is a semi-private course well-known for its demanding design and excellent playing conditions.

Water Sports

Water Sports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for water sports, offering activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding and parasailing, with several rental shops and guided tours available. Sea Rocket Parasailing specializes in jet ski rentals and parasailing, giving guests a chance to see the coastline from the water or the sky. Prime Watersports offers kayak rentals, boat tours, and jet ski adventures, suitable for riders of all skill levels. Doctor Jet Ski provides stand-up paddleboarding and beachside rentals, while Aqua Flight offers a mix of flyboarding and sandbar parties, creating a fun experience for groups.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science is a popular destination for visitors interested in interactive exhibits, science education, and hands-on experiences. It features an engaging mix of exhibits focused on space exploration, aviation, marine life and physics, giving visitors a chance to explore different scientific fields. One of its highlights is the AutoNation IMAX Theater, which shows educational documentaries and Hollywood films on a giant screen. The museum also has a Florida-themed Makerspace, where guests can engage in STEM activities and creative projects.

Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visitors can explore the EcoDiscovery Center, which includes exhibits like Everglades Airboat Adventure, Prehistoric Florida, and Otters at Play, offering insights into Florida’s natural environment. The museum hosts live science demonstrations, animal encounters, and interactive displays, making it a great place for families and school groups. A standout attraction at the entrance is the Great Gravity Clock, one of only three in exist till date. Visitors can also interact with a Mars rover exhibit, test flight simulators and experience a hurricane simulation, making their visit even more thrilling.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1920, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens was the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. Covers 35 acres and have five ecosystems, including mangrove wetlands, maritime forests, and freshwater sloughs. Visitors can explore the main house, art studio, and gardens, which has a large orchid collection, reflecting Evelyn’s passion for orchids. Guided tours provide insight into the Bartletts’ lives, their artistic contributions, and the estate’s transformation over the years. Events like art workshops, orchid festivals, and holiday celebrations, bring the home to life.

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 1958, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale serves as a key center for culture, showcasing a mix of contemporary and modern art from various artists, housed in a modern building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Its collection holds over 6,000 pieces, including works by American artist William Glackens, Latin American artists and post-war avant-garde European Cobra painters. It also holds North America’s largest collection of Cobra movement artworks, showcasing bold and expressive pieces. Visitors can explore exhibits, art collections, and programs, making it a great place for art lovers.

Dania Beach Pier

Nearby Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach Pier is a popular spot, offering visitors a chance to enjoy fishing, ocean views, and waterfront dining. Stretching 964 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier provides space for both anglers and sightseers. Fishing is allowed for a $4 fee, with catches including snapper and bluefish, while visitors can walk the pier to enjoy the coastal scenery. A bait and tackle shop nearby provides supplies and rentals for those looking to fish. For dining, Quarterdeck Restaurant sits directly on the pier, serving seafood, sushi, burgers, and BBQ ribs, along with craft beer and cocktails.

ArtServe

The ArtServe is a creative space that supports local artists through exhibits, workshops, performances, and business programs. The center features exhibits, showcasing visual and performing arts across different styles and mediums. Visitors can explore art galleries, live performances, and interactive installations, making it a hub for creativity. ArtServe provides studio spaces, event venues, and educational programs, ensuring artists have resources to develop their work. The center often hosts special events, artist talks, and creative workshops, offering unique opportunities for artistic engagement.

Mad Arts

The Mad Arts is an interactive museum showcasing a mix of art, technology, and creative installations. It features over 20 exhibits, designed by artists from around the world, focusing on digital art, sound, and immersive experiences. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibits, making it a hands-on space rather than a traditional gallery. One highlight is Mad Arts Cinema, which hosts screenings of cult films and live performances, adding a fun experience for visitors. The museum has an outdoor space called Mad Yard, where guests can enjoy live music, restaurants, and interactive art pieces.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 1991, Broward Center for the Performing Arts has become a major cultural hub, hosting a variety of Broadway shows, live concerts, and theater productions. The center features multiple performance spaces, including the Au-Rene Theater, which seats over 2,600 guests, the Amaturo Theater, designed for smaller productions, and the Abdo New River Room, used for special events. Partnerships with Broadway Across America, Florida Grand Opera, and Miami City Ballet bring high-quality performances. The venue hosts events and programs, making it a fantastic place for live entertainment.

Broward County Convention Center

The Broward County Convention Center is a large event venue hosting trade shows, conferences, and events throughout the year. Opened in 1991, the center has grown to offer over 600,000 square feet of space, including a waterfront ballroom, exhibit hall, and multiple meeting rooms, with an ongoing expansion increasing the total to 1.2 million square feet. The upgrades include a 65,000 square-foot ballroom, an outdoor plaza, and a new Omni hotel, with modern amenities. The venue is close to hotels, restaurants, and Fort Lauderdale Beach, letting visitors to explore the city while attending events.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Jungle Queen Riverboat

Jungle Queen Riverboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
PC: Jared from Flickr

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been a well-loved attraction in Fort Lauderdale since 1935, known as one of the city’s longest-running tours, it provides a mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and dining experiences. Guests can choose between a 90 minutes sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise, which includes a stop at a private island for an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner and live entertainment. The boat ride takes visitors past Millionaire’s Row, showcasing luxury homes, mega yachts, and waterfront estates. The narrated tour shares interesting facts about the area, making the trip both fun and informative.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Fort Lauderdale

iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Fort Lauderdale offers a thrilling experience for visitors looking to try skydiving without jumping from a plane. This facility features a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel that simulates the feeling of freefall. The experience begins with a brief training session, where instructors explain body positioning, hand signals, and safety guidelines. The powerful airflow allowing participants to rise and move in the air while an instructor provides direction. iFLY offers a STEM education program, where students learn about aerodynamics and physics before experiencing flight firsthand.

Everglades Safari Park

Everglades Safari Park near Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Everglades Safari Park provides an airboat tours, wildlife encounters, and exhibits that showcase the ecosystem of the Florida Everglades. Visitors can take a 30 to 45 minutes airboat ride, guided by experts who explain the area’s plants and animals while searching for alligators and tropical birds. After the ride, guests can watch an alligator show, where handlers demonstrate safe interactions with these reptiles. For a full-day adventure, guests can join an eco-tour, which includes a mangrove wilderness boat ride, a guided nature walk, and a wildlife drive through different Everglades environments.

Butterfly World

Butterfly World in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Located in Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is the world’s largest butterfly park, featuring six free-flight aviaries filled with 20,000 live butterflies from different regions. Visitors can walk through lush gardens, waterfalls, and tropical landscapes, where butterflies flutter freely among passion vines, roses, and native plants. The park also includes a Bug Zoo, showcasing unique insects for an educational experience, and the Lorikeet Encounter, where guests can hand-feed colorful parrots. The park’s botanical gardens displaying a variety of tropical flowers and exotic plants that support butterfly habitats.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
By Dtobias – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Flamingo Gardens is a 60 acres of botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with a rich history dating back to 1927. It features a mix of native and exotic plants, along with wildlife and historic trees. The gardens has over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plant species, including towering 200 year old Southern live oaks and more than 300 types of palms. A narrated tram ride takes guests through the tropical rainforest, native hammock, and wetland areas, providing a relaxing way to see the gardens. Events like orchid festivals and wildlife conservation programs, let visitors learn environmental education.

Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing

Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing provides an interactive mix of puzzle-solving escape rooms and axe-throwing challenges, making it a great spot for groups looking for a fun experience. The escape rooms are private, ensuring visitors won’t be paired with strangers, and has themed adventures like Dueling Wizards, Cursed City, and horror-inspired mysteries, where players work together to solve clues and escape within 60 minutes. The venue has axe-throwing lanes with interactive projected targets, offering games like Zombie Hunters and Tic-Tac-Toe on the axe-throwing experience.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park featuring trampolines, climbing activities, and interactive games. Visitors can jump across wall-to-wall trampolines, try the Sky Rider Indoor Zipline, or test their balance on the ropes course. The Battle Beam and Dodgeball zones add a competitive game, while the Leap of Faith and Stairway to Heaven encourage visitors to build confidence. The Drop Zone provides a cushioned landing for high jumps, and Pro Zone Performance Trampolines allow jumpers to practice tricks. The park also has virtual reality experiences, offering a digital game to the adventure.

Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood

Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Near Fort Lauderdale, Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood is a 24-hour gaming destination, offering a mix of slot machines, table games, and bingo. Opened in 1979, it has over 1,000 slot machines, including classic reels, video poker, and digital games, alongside live blackjack, Spanish 21, and Three Card Poker with real dealers. The casino runs promotions and giveaways, allowing guests to win prizes and bonus play. Visitors can choose from Flying Cow, Slice and Soygood for delicious meals, including Asian-inspired dishes, pizza and burgers, while Stage Bar provides entertainment with live music.

Casino @ Dania Beach

Casino @ Dania Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Rob Olivera, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Casino @ Dania Beach is a gaming and entertainment venue, offering slot machines, poker, simulcast betting, and live events. It has over 750 slot machines, featuring classic reels, video poker, and digital games, along with more than 20 live poker tables where guests can play Texas Hold’em and popular card games. Seasonal Jai-Alai matches provide a unique sports element, attracting both regulars and new visitors. The venue includes Stage 954, which hosts live music, comedy shows, and entertainment, while dining range from Luxe Buffet, Pizzelato, and The Grill, serving a mix of food options.

5. Natural Attractions

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a 180 acres of urban oasis, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The land was donated by Hugh Taylor Birch, who wanted to protect it for future generations, to enjoy its waterways and trails systems. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. The Terramar Visitor Center, housed in Birch’s former home, features exhibits on local history and ecology. The park has nature trails, including a 2 miles loop road and also hosts guided tours, helping visitors learn about the local ecosystem.

Anne Kolb Nature Center

Anne Kolb Nature Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Covering 1,500 acres, Anne Kolb Nature Center features walking trails, a boardwalk, and an observation tower, offering visitors to explore Florida’s natural beauty. The EcoRoom exhibit hall includes a 3,500 gallon aquarium, show casing local marine life and interactive displays about the mangrove ecosystem. Guests can enjoy kayaking and canoeing, by exploring the waterways and mangrove forests. The park has a fishing pier, picnic areas, and an outdoor amphitheater for events. The nature center hosts educational programs and guided tours, helping visitors learn about conservation efforts.

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park near Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jonathan Palombo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sawgrass Recreation Park is a popular spot for exploring the Everglades through airboat tours and wildlife encounters. The park offers guided airboat rides, allowing visitors to glide across the shallow waters while spotting alligators. Guests can also visit the animal sanctuary, which houses rescued reptiles and exotic species, providing an up-close look at Florida’s wildlife. The park provides camping facilities, fishing areas and picnic spots, making it an ideal location for enjoying outdoor activities. Nighttime tours are also available to provide visitors a chance to see the Everglades in a different light.

Secret Woods Nature Center

Secret Woods Nature Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Korall, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Recognized in 1978 as Florida’s first urban wilderness preserve, Secret Woods Nature Center covers 56 acres of tropical forest, mangrove wetlands and cypress groves. Visitors can explore three scenic trails, including the New River Trail, which runs along the South Fork of the New River, while Laurel Oak Trail passes through a forest area with towering laurel oaks, strangler figs, and cabbage palms. The Butterfly Island Trail is designed with a special garden that attracts native butterflies. The nature center has exhibits about local ecosystems, helping visitors learn about conservation efforts and wildlife.

Fort Lauderdale Beaches

The Fort Lauderdale Beach remains one of the city’s most visited coastal spots, offering 4 miles of shoreline with clear waters and sandy beaches. The Beachfront Promenade runs along the shore, providing a great place for walking, biking, and enjoying ocean views. Las Olas Beach is another favorite, located near Las Olas Boulevard, where visitors can find restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Fort Lauderdale Beaches in Florida

Hollywood Beach is known for its boardwalk, where people can walk, bike, or stop at cafes along the way. Pompano Beach is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with coral reefs and shipwrecks just offshore. Hillsboro Beach is home to a historic lighthouse and has one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests along Florida’s coast. Close to downtown, Sebastian Street Beach provides a space for all visitors, offering a laid-back vibe ideal for enjoying the ocean breeze.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

The Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a coastal nature preserve known for its undeveloped shoreline, outdoor activities, and historical significance. Originally designated as a segregated beach, it was later renamed to honor civil rights leaders Von Mizell and Eula Johnson, who fought for beach desegregation in the 1960s. The park features 2.5 miles of sandy beach, offering space for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Whiskey Creek, a scenic waterway within the park, is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, providing a quiet escape for visitors, surrounded by mangroves.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Key West

Day trip to Key West from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Planning a day trip to Key West takes about 4 hours drive from Fort Lauderdale, offers a chance to explore the southernmost city in the continental U.S., known for its beaches and lively atmosphere. The Key West Bus Tour takes guests on a scenic ride along the Overseas Highway, crossing the Seven Mile Bridge and passing through the Florida Keys. Once in Key West, visitors can explore the Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway House, the Southernmost Point and even more. Water activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and glass-bottom boat tours are available for those looking to enjoy the ocean.

Naples

Day trip to Naples from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

From Fort Lauderdale, a day trip to Naples takes about 2 hours drive, making it an easy getaway for visitors to experience a different side of the state. Many travelers start their day at Naples Pier, a historic landmark offering ocean views, fishing spots, and a place to walk along the shore. The city is home to white-sand beaches, including Vanderbilt Beach and Clam Pass Park, where visitors can relax or take part in water activities like kayaking and canoeing. Downtown offers shopping, dining, and art galleries, with Fifth Avenue South being a popular spot for exploring local boutiques and restaurants.

Palm Beach

Day trip to Palm Beach from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Start a day trip from Fort Lauderdale and drive about an hour to reach Palm Beach, offering a mix of beaches, shopping, and cultural attractions. Many visitors start at Worth Avenue, a well-known shopping district with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The Flagler Museum provides insight into Florida’s early development and the life of Henry Flagler, a key figure in the state’s history. For those who enjoy nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is filled with beautifully designed themed gardens and tropical plants. The area also has several waterfront restaurants, serving fresh seafood and local specialties.

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Day trip to John F. Kennedy Space Center from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Gzzz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located about 4 hours from Fort Lauderdale, a day trip to John F. Kennedy Space Center, making it an easy trip for those interested in space exploration. Visitors can start at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which features exhibits on NASA’s missions, astronaut experiences, and space technology. The Heroes & Legends exhibit highlights the history of space travel, while the Space Shuttle Atlantis display offers an up-close look at a retired shuttle. Guests can take a bus tour to restricted areas, including launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building, where rockets are prepared for missions.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Day trip to Big Cypress National Preserve from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Located 1.5 hours from Fort Lauderdale, Big Cypress National Preserve is known for its swamps, cypress forests, and freshwater marshes. Visitors can start at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, providing information about the area and has exhibits on local wildlife. Several boardwalk trails, like the Kirby Storter Boardwalk, allow visitors to walk through the wetlands and observe wildlife up close. The Loop Road Scenic Drive is a 27 miles route, providing scenic views through the preserve. Most visitors take guided swamp buggy tours, which provide a deep look into the preserve’s remote areas.

How to Reach Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the main airport, serving both domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, visitors can take taxis, rideshares, or public transportation to reach their destination. Tri-Rail and Amtrak provide train services connecting Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities, offering a relaxed way to travel. Greyhound and Megabus operate bus routes, making it affordable for travelers coming from nearby states.

Those driving can use Interstate 95 and Interstate 75, which connect Fort Lauderdale to major cities across Florida and beyond. The city is also accessible by cruise ships, with Port Everglades serving as a major hub for Caribbean cruises. Visitors arriving by boat can explore the Intracoastal Waterway, which connects Fort Lauderdale to other coastal areas. Public transportation includes Broward County Transit buses, offering routes throughout the city and nearby areas.

Local Transportation

In Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Transit (BCT) operates bus services throughout the area, connecting neighborhoods, shopping centers, and attractions. The LauderGO, provides free shuttle services on fixed routes, making it a convenient way to get around downtown. Tri-Rail connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach, offering a reliable train service for commuters and travelers. Brightline, a high-speed rail service, provides a faster way to travel between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with modern amenities.

Water taxis are a unique way to explore the city, offering scenic rides along the Intracoastal Waterway, stopping at restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Taxis and private shuttles operate throughout the city, offering direct rides to airports, cruise ports, and hotels. Bike rentals and docked bike-sharing programs allow visitors to explore the beachfront and parks at their own pace. Car rentals are available at the airport and throughout the city, giving travelers the freedom to drive to nearby destinations.


FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is an optimal time to visit Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is from December to April, when the weather is warm but not too hot. During these months, temperatures range from the high 50s to mid-80s, making it perfect for outdoor activities. This is also the peak season, so expect more visitors and higher prices. If you prefer fewer crowds, May to November is quieter, but it’s also the rainy season, with a chance of hurricanes.

2. What are best outdoor activities in Fort Lauderdale?

You can relax at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, go kayaking or paddleboarding at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, or explore the mangroves at Anne Kolb Nature Center. Las Olas Marina is a popular spot for boating, meanwhile, John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is a great place to enjoy fishing, swimming and relaxing on the sandy shore. If you love wildlife, take an airboat tour in the Everglades or visit West Lake Park for birdwatching.

3. What are unique family-friendly activities to do in Fort Lauderdale?

The Museum of Discovery and Science has interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. At Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, visitors can explore its historic home and gardens. BlueFoot Pirate Adventures is a fun boat tour where kids can dress up as pirates. Xtreme Action Park has go-kart racing, bowling, and arcade games. For outdoor fun, visit John U. Lloyd Beach State Park or take a water taxi ride along the canals.

4. Are there any historical sites in Fort Lauderdale?

The Stranahan House Museum, built in 1901, is the oldest surviving structure in the city. The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society preserves local history with exhibits and guided tours. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens showcases early Florida architecture and artistic influences, surrounded by nature. Old Fort Lauderdale Village features restored historic buildings, allowing visitors to experience the city’s past through well-preserved exhibits.

5. What are some of the top attractions to see in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place to relax, with soft sandy beached and ocean waves. Las Olas Boulevard is a lively destination where visitors can explore a variety of shops and entertainment spots. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers nature trails and kayaking. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offering a glimpse into Florida’s past through exhibits and architecture. Museum of Discovery and Science has interactive exhibits for all ages. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale provides a waterfront area, filled with parks and many dining options.

6. Are there any special events or festivals to attend in Fort Lauderdale?

In Fort Lauderdale, the Winterfest Boat Parade held in December is a holiday favorite, featuring decorated boats. The Tortuga Music Festival in spring brings live music to the beach. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October showcases luxury yachts. Las Olas Wine & Food Festival is perfect for food lovers. Other events include Pride Fort Lauderdale, the Air Show, and art fairs.


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