What are the Must-See Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale, known as the "Venice of America," sits on the Atlantic coastline, midway between Miami and West Palm Beach. It is bisected by the Intercoastal Waterway, which provides a safe harbor for smaller vessels and plenty of fishing and watersports opportunities. The city is best known for its sparkling white sand beaches, relaxed lifestyle, a multitude of restaurants, and sunny, warm weather, not to mention the many luxury yachts that call this port home. More than 12 million people take in the tourist attractions in Fort Lauderdale each year.
01 Stroll the Beaches
The beautiful sand beaches in Fort Lauderdale are, arguably, the best reason for visiting the area. These Atlantic Ocean beaches are wide, generally uncrowded, and run alongside a myriad of amenities, from restaurants to watersport concessions. Some of the most popular Fort Lauderdale beaches are Las Olas beach, Central beach, Hillsboro Beach, and Sebastian Street beach.
02 Explore the Museum of Discovery and Science
Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery and Science is one of the largest in the state, featuring a 3D IMAX theater, simulators of an airplane ride and a tour through the Everglades, and a number of ecoscapes that depict the various plants and wildlife in Florida. Located right downtown, the museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
03 Shopping on Las Olas Boulevard
The most famous street in Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas Boulevard, a one-mile commercial strip with numerous courtyards home to some of the city's top restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, and retailers. You'll even find an IMAX theater, a museum, and an art movie house. No trip to the city is complete without a little window shopping on Las Olas.
04 Hiking in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Located between the Intercoastal Waterway and Highway A1A near downtown Fort Lauderdale, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the former property of a Standard Oil attorney. The park features his former mansion (now the visitor center), several hiking trails, a beach, and a canoe rental center. More than 200 species of birds call the park home.
05 Visit Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
This 32-acre historic estate was once the home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. The property features an Art Deco mansion, guest house, artist studio, music studio, and stunning, well-manicured gardens. The New York Times calls the property "an unrivaled time capsule."
06 Be amazed at Butterfly World
Located just north of Fort Lauderdale in Coconut Creek, Butterfly World has more than 20,000 butterflies and birds. The 10-acre park is the largest in the world. In addition to the aviary and outdoor botanical garden, Butterfly World features a museum with exhibits telling the story of how butterflies are raised.
07 Stroll along the RiverWalk
Fort Lauderdale's RiverWalk or RiverFront meanders along downtown's New River. The charming park and pathway feature several museums, art galleries, nightclubs, and restaurants and are also home to some of the most sought-after homes and condos in the area.
08 Go Fishing on the Intercoastal Waterway
The 3,000-mile Intercoastal Waterway runs from Boston, Massachusetts, to the southern tip of Florida. It is a major feature in Fort Lauderdale, providing safe harbor and easy ocean access for the thousands of vessels docked in the city. USA Today calls the waterway a fisherman's paradise, and you'll find both freshwater and saltwater species swimming in its waters.
09 Climb the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, constructed in 1907, is an icon of Fort Lauderdale. Located at the northern limit of the Florida Reef's massive coral formation, the octagonal iron lighthouse is accessible only by boat. The Hillsboro Club, which manages the lighthouse, offers periodic tours of the site.
10 Visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum houses the world's largest collection of antique cars. The 30,000-square foot museum is noted for its collection of Packard automobiles, a display of old gear shift knobs, car ashtrays, and hood ornaments, and the exhibit dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt and his cars.
11 Experience Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Technically speaking, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is an entirely separate town from Fort Lauderdale. This beautiful little community lies on a long, narrow-barrier island with some of the best beaches in all of Florida. One of the area's biggest attractions is the unbelievable coral reef that lies a mere 100 yards offshore. Scuba divers travel from all over the world just to experience the coral reefs hiding in the nearby waters. Even if diving doesn't appeal to you, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's old Florida charm and iconic ocean vistas will enthrall you.
12 Paddle or kayak the canals
Some people affectionately refer to Fort Lauderdale as the "Venice of America," and it's all thanks to the over 300 miles of canals that wind and curl through the greater metropolitan area. You'll find plenty of gondola and boating companies that are happy to take you on a guided tour through these awesome waters, and you can check out famous highlights like Port Everglades, Millionaires Row, and the Bahia Mar Marina.
13 Find the flamboyant Flamingo Gardens
A short drive west of Fort Lauderdale will have you entering the town of Davie, which is home to one of Florida's last hidden gems. A glance at the unassuming entrance of the Flamingo Gardens might have you wondering why you're there, but that feeling quickly passes once you head inside. The 60-acre tropical region houses native Florida wildlife and thousands of species of plants. You can experience exhibits and events featuring panthers, black bears, alligators, and—of course—the blindingly pink and crimson Caribbean flamingos.
14 Check out the Jungle Queen
If you want to see everything that Fort Lauderdale has to offer in a single venture, you need to stop by the Jungle Queen cruises. By hopping on these ships, you'll get a guided tour of the best sights on the city's canals. But that's far from everything. At the end of your tour, you'll arrive on a private isle and dine on some delectable barbecue, all while an unforgettable variety show keeps you laughing, dancing, and cheering. Plus, if you can spare a few minutes, the isle is full of lush foliage and tropical birds.
15 Stop by the Swap Shop
The "Swap Shop" has a bit of a misleading name, as it's far from a small shop. Instead, the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is one of the largest daily flea markets in the world. You'll find a massive variety of vendors, from jewelers to wig makers, as well as a food court that will soon have you rubbing your belly in satisfaction. However, the best parts of the Swap Shop are the 14 drive-in theater screens that are always showing something cool.
16 Discover the majestic Flamingo Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Fort Lauderdale lies the enchanting Flamingo Gardens, a verdant oasis that beckons nature lovers and families alike. This botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary offers visitors a serene escape with its 11 lush gardens of tropical and subtropical plants, including a breathtaking collection of over 3,000 species of orchids. The highlight, a flamingo pond, allows an up-close experience with these charismatic birds, making it a must-visit for an unforgettable slice of Florida's natural splendor.
17 Experience the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Each year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show transforms the city into a global stage for the nautical industry. Spanning seven locations with over 1,000 exhibitors, this event showcases everything from super-yachts to innovative marine technology. It's a spectacle that attracts enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the luxurious world of yachting and an exciting opportunity to step aboard some of the most magnificent vessels afloat.
18 Immerse yourself at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts stands as a beacon of cultural richness in Fort Lauderdale. With a lineup that ranges from gripping Broadway productions to classical music performances and modern dance, the center ensures a compelling cultural experience for all. Its elegant architecture and state-of-the-art acoustics make every visit memorable, providing a sophisticated backdrop to the vibrant arts scene thriving in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
19 Relax at Shooters Waterfront Café
Perched along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, Shooters Waterfront Café offers a dining experience that marries delicious cuisine with stunning views. Whether seated indoors or on the waterfront patio, guests can indulge in a variety of fresh seafood, steaks, and artisan cocktails, all while watching yachts glide by. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner, embodying the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of Fort Lauderdale.
20 Engage with science at the Museum of Discovery and Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science is a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale's educational landscape, offering hands-on exhibits and experiences that ignite curiosity across all ages. From exploring the mysteries of the Everglades in the EcoDiscovery Center to journeying through space in the state-of-the-art IMAX theater, the museum makes learning about science an adventure. It's a place where the wonders of the natural world and the marvels of human innovation come alive, inspiring a new generation of thinkers and doers.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article
