Attractions in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s beaches attract holidaying families, honeymooners and just about anyone looking for white sands, blue skies and warm water. Travel here to appreciate why the community has developed into a popular destination over the last 100 years.
Greater Fort Lauderdale has more than 23 miles (37 kilometres) of beaches. From Deerfield Beach in the north to Hallandale Beach in the south, select your favourite stretch of sand to view an Atlantic sunrise, build sandcastles, observe nesting sea turtles, snorkel or dive, enjoy watersports, deep-sea fish or simply relax on the soft sand.
Take a gondola ride on the canals of the city or watch huge yachts navigating the Intracoastal Waterway. Shopping along Las Olas Boulevard will give you a chance to pamper yourself or buy souvenirs for friends back home.
Visit the Stranahan House to see how Frank and Ivy Stranahan lived in the early 1900s when they helped launch the development of Fort Lauderdale.
Stroll along the red bricks of the Riverwalk to enjoy water views and public art installations along the shaded walkway or participate in the day’s activities, including Segway tours, Pilates classes, kayak rentals, photography training or an ecoboat rental.
Enjoy the gourmet delights at food kiosks along the Tarpon River.
Stop at the NSU Art Museum for contemporary works as well as Latin American art. See shows from Broadway to symphony to popular stars at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts.
Let kids explore the Museum of Discovery and Science, where they can learn about reptiles, fossils, space and much more in a fun environment.
To appreciate the outdoors, walk the trails of the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, sandwiched between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Drive about 30 minutes west to the Everglades Wildlife Management Area for natural beauty.
Fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or drive from Miami in about 1 hour. Enjoy Florida’s warm sunshine and sparkling sands throughout the year.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is ideal for those wanting peace and quiet while they relax beneath the sun. Head to the patrolled area in the middle of the beach for security as you and your family swim. Experienced lifeguards are on patrol year-round and extra stations are added during peak periods.
Lay down your towel beneath windswept palm trees before diving into the calm, warm water.
After you’ve cooled off, wander along the promenade in the direction of the marina to find a spot for lunch. Choose from a variety of cuisines ranging from light sandwiches and snacks to a more formal lunch of fresh seafood.
You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities dotted along the promenade. Browse the latest collections of international fashion houses or hunt for a one-off item from local designers before returning to the beach.
From Miami, reach Fort Lauderdale Beach by car or bus. Use the metered car parking spots along the streets. Cycling along the boulevard is a pleasant way to find the best spot to set up on the beach. Rent a bike from one of the numerous vendors in the region. The beach can be visited year-round and has no fee.
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Fort Lauderdale Attractions
Sitting north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is to everglades tours and wildlife what Miami is to nightlife and trendy beach parties. Of course, Fort Lauderdale is no stranger to spring breakers and sun worshipers, either.
Fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale range from leisurely river boat cruises to invigorating jet ski adventures, and everything in between. Even land lubbers and foodies can find plenty to do. Whether you are headed to this south Florida city as a family or in the company of friends, you will find something to satisfy your travel appetite.
Port Everglades
Explore the waterfront of Port Everglades in Dania Beach, and enjoy activities such as boating. Wander the area’s beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.
Hollywood Beach
Ice cream parlors, a music stage and a water playground are among the highlights of the lively boulevard backing onto this picturesque beach.
Adorned with a range of cafés, restaurants and deluxe resorts, Hollywood Beach is the principal strand in the heart of the Florida town of Hollywood.
It runs alongside the busy Hollywood Broadwalk and offers all types of entertaining activities. Cycle along the promenade, taking in the sights of the sandy stretch and the Atlantic Ocean beyond it.
Sawgrass Mills
One of America’s largest malls, this massive shopping complex offers exceptional bargains on high-end merchandise.The Sawgrass Mills mall is home to more than 350 name-brand stores and outlets.
One of the largest shopping malls in Florida, Sawgrass is touted as the state’s second-most-popular attraction after Disney World. Encompassing 440 acres (180 hectares) of space, this alligator-shaped mall attracts more than 26 million shoppers every year.
Join locals and tourists in hunting for discounts and enjoy a meal at one of the complex’s two enormous food courts or dine-in restaurants.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
With seven miles of flawless beach, a team of dedicated lifeguards and luxury retailers and restaurants, this is the perfect Florida vacation destination.
Having shed its reputation as merely a spring break destination for college students, this stretch of coast is enjoying a renaissance and a very different audience.
Fort Lauderdale Beach has transformed itself over the past two decades, through efforts of the local town council, and is today one of Florida’s most stylish stretches of coast. Visit and experience today’s Fort Lauderdale.
This vibrant district packed with chic boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offers a welcome break from the beach.
Las Olas is Spanish for “The Waves,” a fitting name for this 2.5-mile (four-kilometer) boulevard that starts at the beach. It runs west beyond Federal Highway to S. Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
The commercial area of the boulevard covers about a mile (1.6 kilometers). Here small independent shops, restaurants and cafes line either side of the street. Striped awnings shelter outdoor tables and rows of shady trees provide respite from the sun.
A lively boulevard dotted with ritzy yachts and mansions runs alongside this glorious bay, known for its clear water and fun evening vibe.
Las Olas Beach is a narrow sandy stretch a short distance from the louder and more crowded beaches of central Fort Lauderdale.
The site provides a range of water sports gear and beach equipment to keep visitors entertained and relaxed all day. Stroll along the adjacent boardwalk to discover the range of shops, cafés and restaurants overlooking the beach.
Bahia Mar Marina
Explore the waterfront in Fort Lauderdale with a trip to Bahia Mar Marina. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this romantic area.
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
Place a bet on a thoroughbred horse, celebrate with a cocktail and move to the casino to continue your winning streak at Florida’s premier racetrack.
Deerfield Beach Pier
This peaceful location to fish, swim and sunbathe also caters to those who like to dine in a buzzing restaurant precinct.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Along with an enviable beach, this urban location has a pleasant mixture of glitz and charm. Walk straight through to be greeted by the ocean at the end.
Hollywood Lakes
If you’re spending some time in Hollywood Lakes, Hollywood Beach Golf Club and Hollywood North Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.
Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Fort Lauderdale. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area’s sunsets.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
See a slice of pristine Florida on an island where you can swim in the ocean on one side, fish on the other and canoe down the middle.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Stroll through the grounds and historic house at this beachfront estate.
What to do in Fort Lauderdale
Free Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Touring on a lean budget in Fort Lauderdale? Spend time, not your paycheck, on awesome experiences.
- Beaux Arts Galleries - Filled with displays and artifacts, this gallery is a paradise for minds that burn with curiosity.
- Easterlin Park - Spoil the kids with a good time or let your own inner child run free — this attraction simply screams fun.
- City of Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Marina - Discover why both locals and tourists are drawn to the unique vibe of this place.
- Broward County Library - Plan a visit and discover the significance of this place to the locals.
- First Presbyterian Church - No matter your religious leanings, this site will invoke a sense of reverence.
- Las Olas Beach - Inhale the fresh sea air and watch the waves roll in at this stunning coastal spot.
- English Park - Whether you know your geraniums from gerberas, it's not hard to find beauty in this attractive display.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale
Some neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale appeal to the water lover, while others will inspire those looking to try a new seafood dish or stay out late.
Whether you are in southern Florida with your entire family, on a couples trip, or getting away with friends, you can find Fort Lauderdale activities right up your alley.
Riverwalk — Riverwalk is easy to navigate thanks to the pedestrian walkway here. As you work your way along the New River, stop for dinner, spend some cash at a small boutique, and cap off your day with a theater show. This is a great place to see what the cultural side of Fort Lauderdale is bringing to the table.
Pompano Beach — Just north of Fort Lauderdale proper, Pompano Beach is a good destination for anyone who is a fishing aficionado or just likes to taste a fresh catch.
Aside from being a hotspot for boating and fishing and home to an impressive pier, Pompano Beach also has an off-shore coral reef that is appealing to divers and one of the best natural attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
Downtown — Much as you would expect from any downtown area, the hub of Fort Lauderdale is teeming with activity. From the nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard and in Historic Himmarshee Village to the outdoor dining, there is something new around every corner.
Things to See in Fort Lauderdale
Before you get your feet wet or even start to explore the Fort Lauderdale nightlife scene, there are several ways to sit back and be entertained.
When it comes to photo opportunities, the coast is riddled with spots to snap picturesque images of the sunrise or surfers out on the waves. If you’re most entertained by the arts, stop by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and catch a bit of Broadway in Fort Lauderdale.
Sightseeing in Fort Lauderdale
Once you’re ready to strap on some tennis shoes or swim fins, you’ll be excited to learn that there is a nearly endless list of land and water activities in Fort Lauderdale.
Go on a scuba diving tour, rent a kayak for the afternoon in Wilton Manors, or take advantage of paddleboard rentals from a number of local vendors. Of course, things to do in Fort Lauderdale also include land-based fun.
Rent a bicycle for one of the more athletic Fort Lauderdale tours, or try your hand at 18 holes of golf.
What should I not miss in Fort Lauderdale?
Don’t go home without crossing off the following sensational sights:
- Port Everglades
- Sawgrass Mills
- Aventura Mall
- Deerfield Beach Pier
