Fort Lauderdale is a city on the South Florida coast, known for its beaches and boating canals.
It is 28 miles north of Miami and is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area.
The city is a popular tourist destination, with an average year-round temperature of 75.5 °F (24.2 °C), and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War.
The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale (1782–1838), younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale.
Today, Fort Lauderdale’s known as the “Venice of America” because of its expansive canal system.
The city is also a major yachting center, hosting some 50,000 resident yachts and 100 marinas.
Fort Lauderdale is a nice mix of stunning scenery, fun things to do, and kid-friendly activities, that will appeal to couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beaches are world-renowned for their beautiful white sand, crystal clear blue waters and year-round warm weather.
Situated on Florida’s south-eastern coast, Fort Lauderdale Beach is just a short drive from many of the state’s major attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando.
The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
There are outdoor showers on the beach to clean off sand etc, and chair and umbrella rentals are available.
There are several restaurants and cafes located along the beachfront that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the breath-taking views.
If you’re looking for a place to stay during your visit to Fort Lauderdale Beach, there are plenty of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals available.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious oceanfront property or a more budget-friendly option, you’ll be sure to find the perfect accommodations for your needs.
This beautiful beach is one of the greatest Fort Lauderdale attractions for all the family.
Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
2. Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is one of the most popular places to visit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The boulevard is a busy street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
It is also a popular place to people watch and enjoy the sunny weather.
There is always something going on at Las Olas Blvd. During the day, the sidewalk cafes are filled with people enjoying the warm weather.
The Las Olas Boulevard shops are busy with shoppers looking for souvenirs or unique items. At night, the bars and clubs are packed with people dancing and having a good time.
No matter what time of day it is, Las Olas Boulevard is always lively and exciting.
It is the perfect place to spend a day or night when visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Address: Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
3. Las Olas Beach
If you’re looking for one of the breath-taking Fort Lauderdale beaches, look no further than Las Olas Beach.
With its white sand beaches, crystal-clear water and stunning Atlantic Ocean views, Las Olas is a true paradise.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take part in some of the many activities available, there’s something for everyone at Las Olas beach.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and much more.
There are also a number of restaurants and bars located along the beach, so you can refuel after a day in the sun.
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale, be sure to add Las Olas Beach to your list of must-see destinations. You won’t be disappointed!
Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
4. Port Everglades
Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and a major gateway for tourism in Fort Lauderdale.
The port is home to many of the world’s top cruise lines and features a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.
Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the yachts and ships that call the Port home.
Address: 1800 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
5. Museum of Discovery and Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science is a must-see for anyone visiting Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The museum features over 200 hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater and a planetarium.
Exhibits include an Aquarium where visitors can see sharks, stingrays and other marine life; a Everglades airboat ride simulator and a chance to see real alligators.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is a great place to learn about science and have fun at the same time.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
6. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a historic house and museum located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The property includes a 35-acre tropical garden, a Butterfly Garden and a Chapel.
The Bonnet House Museum is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday.
Visitors can learn about the history of the house and see artefacts from the family that once lived there.
The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
7. Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the water and the scenery.
The waterway stretches from Florida to Texas and offers a variety of activities for tourists.
There are several ways to enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway. One popular way is to take a sightseeing cruise.
There are many different companies that offer cruises of the waterway, and each offers a different experience.
Another great way to enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway is to go fishing. The waterway is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and trout.
Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
8. Historic Stranahan House Museum
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the City’s oldest surviving structure.
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s founding father.
The house has served as a trading post, post office, community center, town hall and home to the Stranahans.
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday.
Visitors can learn about the history of the house and see artefacts from the family that once lived there.
The Stranahan House is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Fort Lauderdale.
It is seen as one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
9. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a large state park located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The park features a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, nature trails, a butterfly garden and a freshwater lagoon.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most popular attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
10. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a beautiful beach located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The park features a wide variety of amenities, including showers, restrooms, picnic tables and grills.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the sand.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
11. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk is a beautiful linear park that follows the New River through downtown.
The park stretches for over two miles, from Las Olas Boulevard to the 17th Street Causeway.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy plenty of green space, public art, and riverside dining.
There are also several points of interest, including the Stranahan House and Museum, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Huizenga Plaza.
Riverwalk is a great place to spend a few hours exploring on foot or by bike.
There are plenty of benches and shady spots to take a break, and the park is well-lit at night.
Visitors can also take a riverboat cruise or paddleboard tour for a different perspective on the park.
Address: Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
12. Sun Trolley
The Sun Trolley is a public transportation system in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The trolley system consists of eight different routes that cover major attractions in the city.
Riders can purchase tickets for a single ride or a day pass.
Sun Trolley also offers special event packages and group rates.
The trolley system is a great way to see the city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 330 Himmarshee St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
13. Broward Center for the Performing Arts
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts venue.
The center hosts a variety of events, including concerts, dance performances, and theatrical productions.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
14. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is a dynamic cultural hub located between Miami and Palm Beach on Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is one of the premier art museums in Florida.
The museum features a wide variety of artworks from around the world, as well as a robust schedule of exhibitions and educational programs.
The museum’s collection includes works by European masters such as Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt, as well as American artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
The museum also has an extensive collection of contemporary art, featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Anish Kapoor and Ai Weiwei.
In addition to its world-class art collection, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale offers a wide range of exhibitions and educational programs.
The museum’s exhibitions showcase both local and international talent, and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the art world.
The museum’s education programs offer something for everyone, from art classes for children to lectures and symposia for adults.
Address: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
15. Fort Lauderdale Boat Tour
One of the best ways to explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways is to sign up for a boat tour.
Fort Lauderdale boat operators offer a variety of ways to get out on the water, from a traditional sightseeing cruise, a water taxi, fishing charters, to a boat tour with a themed excursion.
Taking a water taxi is an easy way to explore the city or to just relax and enjoy the ride.
You can even take the water taxi from Fort Lauderdale to Miami for a fun day trip or nightlife adventure.
There is also the Jungle Queen riverboat that offers a fully narrated daily sightseeing cruise up the historic New River taking you past downtown Fort Lauderdale.
When it comes to a boat tour in Fort Lauderdale, you have a lot of choices.
Address: Various locations, Fort Lauderdale, FL
16. Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum
The Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum is a one-of-a-kind firehouse that dates back to 1927.
Amongst the displays are historic artifacts that tell the tales of major fires and emergencies in Fort Lauderdale’s history.
The museum also features photos, videos, and historic uniforms that tell the story of its 1920’s firefighters.
The historic fire engines, equipment, and alarms are among the visitor’s favourites.
There is also a special children’s area where younger visitors can get hands-on with some of the fire safety equipment.
Address: Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum, 1022 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
17. Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre, Tropical Botanic Garden and Florida Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, aviary and zoo, located just west of Fort Lauderdale.
Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attraction in South Florida.
Most guests spend about 3 hours but the weather has been so beautiful you could spend the whole day.
The narrated tram ride is 1/2 hour and the Wildlife Encounter show is 1/2 hour. These are both included in the price of admission.
At Flamingo Gardens, you can even feed the flamingos, be sure to buy a bag of flamingo food when you buy your tickets.
Address: Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
18. Fort Lauderdale Historical Society & Museum
Located on the New River, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society tells the story of the community’s history from the Pioneers of Fort Lauderdale to the present day through its historic structures.
The Society operates 3 museums (General South Florida History & Archaeology, a House Museum, and a Schoolhouse Museum) and a research library in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale’s historical museum experience begins with a self-guided tour through a southern plantation to gain a basic overview of the settlement through archaeological, railroad, and military exhibits.
The replica of the first school house gives you a peek into a late 19th century education, with wooden desks and old fashioned teaching implements.
One of the best Fort Lauderdale attractions for anyone interested in history.
Address: Fort Lauderdale Historical Society & Museum, Visitor Information Center. 219 SW 2 Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
FAQ
What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?
Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events.
Along Las Olas Boulevard, enjoy Fort Lauderdale shopping, dining, and the historic districts.
Fort Lauderdale has 165-miles of scenic inland waterways that wind through the city, highlighting what makes Fort Lauderdale unique.
What food is Fort Lauderdale known for?
You can be sure to find classic Floridian seafood dishes like fish tacos, shrimp, grouper, sea bass, and scallop risotto.
Some other imaginative items include the goat cheese-stuffed poblano, filet mignon served with fresh guacamole, and chicken fried steak.
Are there Fort Lauderdale spas?
For those seeking serenity, relaxation and revitalization, Fort Lauderdale offers an impressive choice of day spas and resort spas ranging from upscale, European style establishments to sites offering a more holistic approach.
Fort Lauderdale spas can be booked online.
Where can you go to discover some of the history of Fort Lauderdale?
Downtown is Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, offering three historic buildings dating from the early 20th century.
