Questioning what actions and sights you’ll be able to’t miss within the Venice of America? Our information to the very best issues to do in Fort Lauderdale is simply what you want!
Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale, Florida is legendary for its full of life nightlife, tropical seashores, contemporary seafood, Latin-inspired delicacies, historic districts, and upscale procuring.
Only a brief drive from Miami, Fort Lauderdale is wealthy in tradition, historical past, pure magnificence, and far more. One step into this full of life metropolis proves to be an expertise you’ll always remember.
From procuring at Las Olas Blvd and browsing on the close by seaside to trying out the distinctive museums, to exploring additional sights within the Fort Lauderdale space, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on this thriving Florida metropolis.
Our listing of the very best issues to do in Fort Lauderdale compiles all the very best vacationer sights within the space. We additionally clarify why these sights are so in style – and why you don’t wish to miss out on exploring the pure tropical paradise that’s Fort Lauderdale!
Take a look at our full information to the very best issues to do in Florida, for extra concepts within the Sunshine State!
The Finest Issues to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
These high Fort Lauderdale sights embody enjoyable issues to do for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers.
Take pleasure in a world-class efficiency on the Broward Heart For The Performing Arts, see uncommon species of butterflies and birds at Butterfly World, or take pleasure in a peaceable stroll down the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. There’s a lot in retailer for you whenever you go to Fort Lauderdale!
1) Spend A Household Day At Fort Lauderdale Seashore Park
Providing all of the fascinating lodging, Fort Lauderdale Seashore Park presents a scenic environment proper on the seaside. With public BBQs, picnic tables, out of doors showers, and extra, you’ve got all the pieces you want right here for a day of enjoyable.
Excellent for taking the household to play for the day, this park is the very best place to maximise the enjoyable for a trip well-spent. Convey meals to cook dinner out on the grills to re-energize for the day. From sizzling canine and burgers to grilled hen, kabobs, or pineapple – no matter fits everybody’s fancy!
Strive your hand at volleyball on the sand seaside courts for a pleasant volleyball sport. Or deliver a basketball to play H-O-R-S-E or a aggressive sport whereas the meals is cooking on the grill.
After everyone seems to be full, lay again and calm down on the seaside as the children play and the adults attempt to sustain!
- Deal with: 1100 Seabreeze Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
- Hours: 5 am – Midnight
- Value: $4 an hour for parking
2) Discover Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Intertwining a flashy but irresistible allure, downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is residence to lots of the greatest issues to do within the space.
The well-known Las Olas Blvd inside downtown is stuffed with prevalent procuring choices, stylish eating places, and eclectic artwork galleries. First, purchase a e book or newspaper at Bob’s Information and Books.
This newsstand has remained a survivor of the digital period and was based greater than 50 years in the past. Then, tour the Historic Stranahan Home Museum, holding the historical past of the town’s founding.
Get glammed as much as expertise Fort Lauderdale’s infamous nightlife downtown. Should you like to bop, Revolution has a number of the greatest music, although for those who’re extra into jazz, then Mango’s Restaurant is the ticket. Be part of this Celebration Bike Bar Crawl to find the very best bars and eating places within the metropolis on a pedal-powered social gathering bar crawl.
3) Take pleasure in Some A lot-Wanted Retail Remedy At Las Olas Boulevard
The place to go to for all issues retail remedy, Las Olas Boulevard, is settled completely within the coronary heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Take your time strolling alongside the boulevard, lined with tropical palm timber, name-brand shops, native boutique outlets, cute cafes, upscale eating places, and charming artwork galleries. There are many choices to select from.
It’s not exhausting to spend half a day at Las Olas Boulevard, the place luxurious and Florida’s tropical allure intertwine. Should you’re seeking to purchase some souvenirs, that is the highest place to go whereas visiting Fort Lauderdale.
4) Be taught The Affect Of Archaeological Discovery At The Bonnet Home Museum
Situated on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, the Bonnet Home Museum is devoted to preserving and educating others on South Florida’s founding historical past.
Historical past beforehand taught us that Ponce De Leon found Florida in 1513 on his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Nevertheless, compelling proof from authors Brian Schmitt and Todd Turrel revealed hefty proof that this was not the case.
As a substitute, European explorers reached Florida earlier than Ponce De Leon. This was additional proved when archaeological proof was found, pre-Ponce De Leon, in 1984 at Bonnet Home Museum.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff or nature fanatic, Bonnet Home Museum intrigues all with its pristine oceanfront setting and impactful nuggets of Fort Lauderdale’s historical past.
These searching for extra historical past and museums can head over to Previous Fort Lauderdale Village afterward, which is a historic neighborhood additionally on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
- Deal with: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Tuesdays – Fridays, 11 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays, Closed Mondays
- Value: $25
Searching for extra seaside cities in Florida? Take a look at our listing of the very best issues to do in Destin!
5) Reserve A Seat At The Broward Heart For The Performing Arts
A big multi-venue well-known for its excellent leisure, the Broward Heart For The Performing Arts is ranked among the many world’s high ten most visited theaters!
Internet hosting greater than 700 performances yearly, the Broward Heart presents a surprising setting in downtown Fort Lauderdale overlooking the New River.
The venue hosts numerous performances, together with ballet, opera, lectures, Broadway musicals, live shows, workshops, performs, and multicultural occasions. Devoted to the humanities, this venue additionally has one of many largest arts-in-education applications discovered within the nation.
The world-famous performing arts heart is assured to have you ever sitting on the sting of your seat and praising the top-notch leisure. It’s no surprise it’s on our listing of the highest issues to do in Fort Lauderdale!
- Deal with: 201 SW fifth Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
6) Step Again In Time At The Fort Lauderdale Historic Society
The Fort Lauderdale Historic Society, now named Historical past Fort Lauderdale, shares and preserves distinctive collections of artifacts detailing native historical past.
The campus of Historical past Fort Lauderdale contains historic buildings settled completely on the New River, providing a step again into the beginnings of Fort Lauderdale. The buildings embody the Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum, the King Cromartie Home Museum, and the Historical past Museum.
The Ivy Cromartie College Museum preserves an 1899 one-room schoolhouse with picket desks and McGuffey readers that date again to the college’s founding.
The Historical past Museum presents regularly altering visible arts reveals paired with pioneer historical past, Seminole, transportation, archaeology, and army reveals in a 1905 New River Inn.
Lastly, the King Cromartie Home Museum is a step again in time, preserved completely as if the household will in the future return, that includes vintage toy, doll, and furnishings show collections.
- Deal with: 219 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 3 pm
- Value: $10
7) Soak In The Solar At Las Olas Seashore
Proceed your journey from Las Olas Boulevard to Las Olas Seashore, a small but stylish seaside that tops the listing of greatest issues to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Exuding a quaint allure, Las Olas Seashore is infamous for its crystalline waters and effective, clear sand. Take pleasure in swimming within the Atlantic Ocean and sunbathing in that heartwarming Florida sunshine. That is simply the most effective Fort Lauderdale seashores!
Should you don’t have the gear, rental choices can be found for seaside chairs and water sports activities actions. Throughout the road are quite a few eating places and bars to satiate your urge for food and outlets to purchase souvenirs.
Do this guided snorkeling reef tour to find the colourful reefs and native marine life for a extra energetic and adventurous exercise to take advantage of your journey to Fort Lauderdale!
8) Step Into The Upbeat Ambiance Of Flagler Village
Dwelling to quite a few artwork studios and galleries, Flagler Village is a residential neighborhood in downtown Fort Lauderdale that was as soon as a uncared for industrial warehouse district.
Now the most effective issues to do in Fort Lauderdale after its rejuvenating rebirth within the 2000s, this space has remodeled into an upbeat and eclectic district that pulls in vacationers and locals looking for stylish outlets, nice meals, incredible sights, and an artsy vibe.
Take a look at Little Wynwood, just like Miami’s Wynwood, teeming with ornamental road artwork murals. Plus, the various completely different outlets and eateries to refill with, together with Infamous Creamer and The Poke Home.
Head to one of many many breweries, similar to Khoffner Brewery & Cidery or Invasive Species, for contemporary brews and a full of life environment.
Or, for those who’re extra inclined, step into one of many cocktail bars, like Roxanne’s Liquor Bar & Kitchen or Right here & Now Trendy Tapas Craft Cocktails, for a classy environment and revolutionary cocktails.
Be sure to cease in Miami whilst you’re down in Southern Florida! Right here is our listing of the very best issues to do whenever you get there!
9) Stroll By The Refreshing Flamingo Gardens
Stretching throughout 60 acres, the Flamingo Gardens is lower than half-hour from Fort Lauderdale in Davie, Florida.
This wildlife sanctuary and botanical backyard options greater than 3,000 species of unique and uncommon vegetation and timber. It is usually residence to one of many largest collections of Florida native wildlife, from flamingos and alligators to bobcats and eagles.
The Flamingo Gardens are one of many oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, initially established as an orange grove.
Throughout the gardens are 18 of the most important timber in Florida, and one of many largest of its species, the Champion tree. And a stroll via the Flamingo Gardens contains alternatives to see at specifically themed gardens, together with a butterfly and hummingbird backyard.
10) Escape The Hustle & Bustle Of The Metropolis At Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Named Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park,” Hugh Taylor Birch State Park presents an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
From sightings of gopher tortoises to straightforward boat entry to the Intracoastal waterway, the picturesque park exudes a wild but peaceable attract that pulls in locals and vacationers alike. Leases can be found for biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
So, whether or not you want to hitch a journey out on the water, calm down underneath the shade of palm timber, or hike on the paths, just like the Coastal Hammock Path, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the place to do it, including it to our listing of high issues to do in Fort Lauderdale!
- Deal with: 3109 E Dawn Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 6:30 pm
- Value: $4-$6 for autos, $2 for walk-ins
11) Take The Children To The Museum of Discovery and Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) incorporates lots of upon lots of of interactive reveals that interact the thoughts and encourage curiosity to be taught.
Take the children to discover the aviation-themed exhibit and maker house, The Hangar. Scour the physics Science Park and Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Studying Lab for interactive engagement.
Dig for fossils in the identical room as an enormous prehistoric megalodon and saber-toothed cat. Really feel the pressure of hurricane winds within the Storm Heart.
Head to the two-story indoor and out of doors habitat for North American river otters as they play and fluidly swim via the waters. Watch a movie within the AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater, the most important display screen in South Florida, stretching to 6 tales.
- Deal with: 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Opens at 12pm on Sundays)
- Value: $19
12) Stroll Amongst Unique Species Of Butterflies & Birds At Butterfly World
A brief thirty-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale, Butterfly World is the most important butterfly park on the planet.
Situated in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Florida, the indoor butterfly park has greater than 20,000 butterflies fluttering round and feeding from blooming flowers. These butterflies are sourced from all elements of the world.
And although Butterfly World is devoted to its butterflies, it additionally options different thrilling sights, such because the Bug Zoo, butterfly museum, and Free-Flight Aviaries, the place you’ll be able to marvel at lots of of unique birds as they flit about. There are additionally plenty of cool tropical and subtropical vegetation to admire.
Butterfly World is among the greatest issues to do in Fort Lauderdale. Its streaming waterfalls, refreshing botanical gardens, and shows of unique and vibrant-colored plant, animal, and bug species are a rewarding expertise.
- Deal with: 3600 W Pattern Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
- Value: $32.50
Take a look at our information to the very best issues to do in Key West, a preferred journey from Fort Lauderdale!
13) Expertise The Finest Of The Finest At The Seminole Laborious Rock Lodge & On line casino
Established in Hollywood, not removed from Fort Lauderdale, the Seminole Laborious Rock Lodge & On line casino is the place you could find all issues luxurious, inserting it on our listing of the very best issues to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Reserve a room on the Laborious Rock Lodge, that includes music-themed suites and rooms so you’ll be able to dwell like a rock star. Sink again and calm down with a refreshing drink in hand in a shaded cabana on the pool.
Check your luck on the on line casino, providing a choice of greater than 3,000 slots, a brand new 45-table poker site, and 200 desk video games, together with dwell sellers and in style video games similar to mini-baccarat, blackjack, and Final Texas Maintain’em.
Select from a choice of modern and fine-dining eating places throughout the resort. Bae Korean Grill presents a deluxe Korean barbecue eating expertise with top-notch Shinpo grill tables and genuine culinary choices.
Be part of the Laborious Rock Dwell crowd for a premier present of A-list superstar and entertainer performances, or expertise Fort Lauderdale’s touted nightlife at DAER Nightclub, boasting the very best dwell occasions and high producers.
- Deal with: 1 Seminole Means, Hollywood, FL 33314, United States
14) Go to Fort Lauderdale Hearth And Security Museum
A novel historic attraction in Fort Lauderdale is that this fascinating hearth and security museum.
Set in a 1927 firehouse that has been transformed into an academic heart, this non-profit museum serves to coach guests in regards to the historical past, service, dedication, and traditions of the town’s heroes.
Locals come right here to take lessons and study security, consciousness, and preparedness for pure disasters. That is vital in Florida, which is vulnerable to hurricanes!
So for those who’re searching for a novel and academic cease in your tour of the town, try the Fort Lauderdale Hearth and Security Museum!
- Deal with: 1022 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays
- Value: By donation
15) Catch A Thrill On An Airboat Experience Of Gator-Infested Waters At Everglades Nationwide Park
Simply exterior Fort Lauderdale is the magnificent Florida Everglades, residence to Everglades Vacation Park and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary.
At Everglades Vacation Park, you’ll be able to hop aboard for an exhilarating, professionally guided airboat journey throughout the wetlands and tour the alligator park to see Florida’s well-known reptiles. Airboat excursions final one hour, winding and hovering via the wetlands and native Florida landscapes.
The park’s world-famous Gator Pit hosts dwell alligator shows run by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Group. The shows supply informational tidbits about these deadly reptiles, paired with exhilarating stunts and tips to maintain it entertaining.
An Everglades airboat journey is among the greatest issues to do in Fort Lauderdale! You may as well e book an Everglades airboat tour in Get Your Information which features a guided nature stroll so you’ll be able to be taught in regards to the native wildlife.
- Deal with: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332, United States
- Hours: 7 am – 6:30 pm
- Value: Go to the web site for a full listing of costs, they fluctuate based mostly on the attraction
16) Peer At World-Famend Items At The NSU Artwork Museum
Situated within the arts and leisure district downtown, the NSU Artwork Museum is a world-class museum with a acknowledged and distinctive assortment of paintings.
Designed by reputed architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, the modernist constructing is an iconic landmark within the metropolis. It highlights the most important assortment of drawings and work by American realist William Glackens. And that’s not all!
The museum additionally options the most important assortment of post-WWII avant-garde Cobra artists from Amsterdam, Brussels, and Copenhagen in the USA. Plus, a major famend assortment of Cuban and Latin American artwork.
- Deal with: 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Monday
- Value: $12
17) Take Your Decide Of Quite a few Points of interest At Xtreme Motion Park
The most important leisure venue in Fort Lauderdale, Xtreme Motion Park welcomes all ages to have a blast!
Go up towards household, associates, and strangers to check your expertise at laser tag. Courageous the Ropes Course Journey. Intention to win by crossing the end line first at Go Kart Racing. Subsequent, take a look at your stability on the Curler Skating Rink whereas jamming to hip music. Lastly, check out Digital Actuality Video games and VR Escape Rooms for a refreshing new expertise.
Expertise an unlimited world of sights and enjoyable by visiting Xtreme Motion Park, Nationwide Household Leisure Heart Location of the yr!
For extra concepts, try our Final 2-Week Florida Highway Journey Itinerary!
18) Take pleasure in A Refreshing Stroll Alongside The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
The Downtown Riverwalk District is residence to the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, one of many metropolis’s most memorable and scenic walks alongside New River.
Thought-about “Florida’s Most Lovely Mile” by many, the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk’s picturesque waterfront traverses amongst stylish boutique outlets, cute cafes, and upscale eating places.
The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk extends from the Historic District to the Arts & Science District, displaying lots of the metropolis’s alluring attributes.
Alongside the trail are different interesting attributes, together with shaded picnic spots, a captivating butterfly backyard, intimate gazebos, and views of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
19) Bask In Florida’s Tropical Appeal Down The Hollywood Seashore Broadwalk
Exuding an “Previous Florida” allure, Hollywood Seashore is a neighborhood in Hollywood, Florida, not removed from Fort Lauderdale, that gives an plain charisma that draws folks from everywhere in the world.
The historic Broadwalk stretches lower than three miles alongside the sandy seaside, lined with 30 outlets, greater than 50 eating places, and three parks. The breathtaking coastal surroundings does wonders to rejuvenate and refresh from life’s stressors.
Take your time strolling down the newly renovated path or, for those who’re feeling extra energetic, go for a jog alongside the seaside or lease a motorcycle to journey down the bicycle lane.
20) Traverse The Venice of America On A Riverfront Gondola Tour
Expertise the Venice of America by gondola with Riverfront Gondola Excursions!
Providing personal and dinner excursions of Fort Lauderdale’s expansive assortment of canals and waterways, Riverfront Gondola Tour boasts top-designed, ultra-comfortable American gondolas to sit down again and calm down into.
The tour lasts 90 minutes, winding via the channels, the distinctive journey passing by upscale yachts and millionaire mansions for the final word sightseeing expertise of Fort Lauderdale.
The American gondolas are electrical, so there aren’t any distracting noises, smelly fumes, or buzzing vibrations, making these gondola excursions fully eco-friendly. The dinner cruise possibility entails a dinner choice from Casa Sensei restaurant.
The meal is served on the boat proper earlier than departure to exude an intimate and romantic expertise alongside the gondola tour!
- Tour firm tackle: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Learn subsequent: 24 Thrilling Issues To Do In Orlando, Florida
21) Experience The Jungle Queen Riverboat
Since 1935, Jungle Queen Riverboat has been thought-about the most effective issues to do in Fort Lauderdale for its exuberant environment, top-notch service, and fabulous leisure.
Jungle Queen Riverboat is the longest-running vacationer attraction in Fort Lauderdale, crusing the waterways for greater than 80 years!
A giant a part of the boat tour takes passengers down Millionaire’s Row to see these enigmatic and upscale architectural designs of a number of the costliest houses in Florida. On this row of ultra-rich individuals are large names similar to Michael Mann, creator of the hit present Miami Vice and inheritor of Kohl’s shops.
On the Jungle Queen Riverboat, professional guides will wow you with many years of expertise and information because the boat cruises down the Intercoastal Waterway. Mix this with a refreshing drink, and it’s the very best time ever!
The place to Keep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Now that you realize the very best issues to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, let’s try the very best locations to remain!
Finest Hostel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hollywood Seashore Hostel presents a fascinating location downtown for an inexpensive worth! This top-rated hostel presents beachy decor with an outside courtyard with solar lounges to calm down in, free WiFi, and day by day housekeeping service for a cushty keep in Fort Lauderdale.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
At Consolation Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale West Turnpike, you’re assured pleasant service and fascinating lodging! This resort is just ten miles from Fort Lauderdale Seashore and 16 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Worldwide Airport.
It has different nice options, similar to an outside pool and sizzling tub, spacious king suites, an accessible health heart, and Seize & Go breakfast.
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Presenting beachfront luxurious, the 4 Seasons Lodge and Residences Fort Lauderdale is luxurious on the seaside, the waves lulling you to sleep each night time. The fashionable type displays the yacht membership life-style that the encircling space is infamous for, paired with top-notch service and plain luxurious.
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