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Fort Lauderdale is sometimes known as the ‘Venice of America,’ thanks to the 300 miles of inland waterways running through the Greater Ft Lauderdale area. These waterways combine stunning beaches, cultural sites, and exciting activities to make Fort Lauderdale an unforgettable vacation destination.
This comprehensive travel guide delves into the city’s top ten must-see Fort Lauderdale attractions to help you plan a South Florida trip to remember.
1. Fort Lauderdale Beaches
You simply cannot visit Fort Lauderdale without checking out one of the many world-class beaches in the heart of the tourist area. There are over seven miles of sandy shores to explore, and Fort Lauderdale beaches are much-loved hotspots for watersports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
One of the best access points for the area’s beaches is Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, located just south of where Las Olas Boulevard intersects with Florida State Road A1A. There is extensive parking here and excellent amenities, including restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, basketball courts, BBQ grills, and picnic tables.
Other popular beaches include Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, Las Olas Beach, and the area north of here, known simply as Fort Lauderdale Beach. These beaches are all backed by a pedestrian walkway that runs for miles and is popular with walkers taking an evening stroll, as well as joggers and cyclists. Restaurants, shops, and condos are all just across the street, making this a perfect base for a beachfront vacation.
2. Las Olas Boulevard
For a taste of Fort Lauderdale’s sophistication and charm, head to Las Olas Boulevard. This vibrant Mediterranean-designed boulevard stretches from downtown Fort Lauderdale all the way to the ocean and is a great place to splurge (or window shop, depending on your budget). The businesses here are among Fort Lauderdale locals’ favorites and include high-end clothing boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry stores.
Las Olas Boulevard is also a fantastic place to visit for dining, and the cafés and bistros offer diverse culinary experiences — from casual daytime eateries to candlelit dinners under the fairy-lit palm trees. Las Olas Boulevard’s nightlife is lively and diverse, and there is usually plenty of live music to enjoy.
3. Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a scenic promenade that winds its way along the New River for around 2.5 miles. Slightly off the traditional tourist route, it’s often overlooked by visitors, but visitors in the know love admiring the luxurious yachts and quaint sailboats gliding along the water.
If you are traveling with children, there are no less than 10 parks along the Riverwalk. Some have beautiful gardens and workout stations, and others boast exciting playground structures. The Riverwalk is also home to various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, so check local event guides to see what’s on during your trip. Access the Riverwalk from one of the cross streets, such as SE 3rd Avenue or South Andrews Avenue.
4. Sawgrass Mills
If shopping is your thing, look no further than Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States. There are more than 350 air-conditioned and climate-controlled stores, boutiques, and eateries here, selling everything from fashion and jewelry to electronics and sporting equipment.
If luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo are more your thing, head to The Colonnade Outlets instead.
5. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a stunning 36-acre estate hidden among a coastal wilderness oasis. This spot is a true oasis of tranquility amid the commercial development of Fort Lauderdale and makes a relaxing and fun day out for visitors of all ages.
This historic house was built in 1920 and offers a glimpse into Florida’s past via displays of designer Frederic Clay Bartlett’s art and personal treasures. The gardens are extraordinarily lush and contain five ecosystems, including delicate mangrove wetlands. You might encounter swans, monkeys, and even a hidden lily pond here, so keep an eye out as you wander.
6. Museum of Discovery and Science
The Museum of Discovery and Science is an interactive museum offering a multitude of exhibits and hands-on activities. Kids will love Harry the Heap, the eco-conscious singing robot who teaches about recycling, and the Wall of Wind, an interactive hurricane exhibit.
Guests can also explore the depths of the Everglades in an immersive airboat ride and meet dinosaurs at the Prehistoric Florida exhibit. The on-site IMAX theater shows awe-inspiring documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters and is a can’t-miss experience.
7. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson and Hugh Taylor Birch State Parks
For fans of the great outdoors, the picturesque Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park offers a tranquil escape from bustling Fort Lauderdale. The park is Broward County’s last undeveloped coastal ecosystem, spanning over 310 acres with a 2.5-mile stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean. With mangrove wetlands, coastal dunes, and colorful coral reefs in clear waters, this is one of the best places for nature lovers to visit while in Ft Lauderdale.
There are fantastic opportunities for kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling here, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the occasional dolphin or manatee. There are three reef systems offshore, and one of them is just 300 yards out and reachable by swimming.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is also a local birding hotspot, and there are hiking trails through the park’s lush vegetation where you can spot various species of birds, including warblers, sparrows, and pelicans. So don’t forget your binoculars!
A little further North is the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, named after the man that gifted his former 180-acre estate to the residents of Florida. This park sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean and is another great spot for escaping to nature. Canoes are available for rent, or you can bring your own paddleboard and head out onto the freshwater lagoon to view the wildlife. This is also a bird-watching haven and has 200 species of birds, including spectacular hawks. There are BBQ facilities here and the Park & Ocean restaurant, which has stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Fort Lauderdale’s Canals
There is no better way to explore Fort Lauderdale than via the Intracoastal Waterway, Middle River, and the New River canal systems. Rent a jet ski and explore the area at your own pace, or join a jet ski tour that takes you to areas like the Venice of America Canals and Millionaires Row. If you would prefer to explore with a kayak or paddleboard, there are plenty of tour companies offering rentals and tours through the canals of Las Olas Isles.
For a truly relaxing way to see Fort Lauderdale’s canals, consider renting a gondola. Las Olas gondola rides and tours offer romantic cruises for couples and kid-friendly options for families. Drift down the New River and appreciate the views of the most luxurious homes and gardens in Ft. Lauderdale.
If you want total flexibility, Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi offers an all-day pass where you can hop on and off wherever you choose. There are 12 pickup stops dotted along the waterways, and this is a great way to explore the area’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. The water taxis even go to nearby cities like Miami if you want to take a full-day trip.
For an unforgettable Fort Lauderdale experience, explore the water on a Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise. These boats have been taking tourists out for more than 80 years and offer different tours, including the Tropical Isle Dinner and Show and a 90-Minute Sightseeing Cruise. Once the tours are completed, the boats dock at a purpose-built island for an all-you-can-eat buffet and hilarious live entertainment.
If you are looking for family-friendly fun on the water, try Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, a swashbuckling boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway, filled with action and adventure. Kids will love playing dress-up, face painting, and sparring with water cannons, while the adults can soak in the views with a rum cocktail in hand.
9. Everglades National Park
The magnificent Florida Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. The park is home to some of Florida’s most iconic flora and fauna, including the endangered Florida panther, Indian manatees, and leatherback turtles. This vast expanse of wetlands also is home to mangroves, pine flatwoods, and stunning birdlife.
For an iconic Everglades experience, embark on a guided airboat tour. Glide across the landscape, keeping your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees, and dolphins. The Everglades National Park is also a place of cultural significance and offers a great opportunity to learn about Miccosukee and Seminole Native American tribes, who have a deep connection to this land.
10. Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary
This 60-acre botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of native Florida wildlife. The botanical garden is home to over 3,000 plants, plus a stunning arboretum that houses some of Florida’s largest trees. Visitors can also explore the vibrant orchids and exotic bromeliads and lounge in a live oak hammock.
The wildlife sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens is home to a diverse range of native animals that have been rescued or cannot be released back into the wild. See bobcats, eagles, alligators, and bears up close, and learn more about their importance within Flordia’s ecosystem. The Flamingo Pond is one of the highlights here, and watching these colorful birds go about their daily lives is a real treat.
Experience the Best of Ft Lauderdale
There are so many fantastic attractions in Fort Lauderdale it’s impossible to list them all here! Getting an honorable mention are the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a Florida institution for live entertainment, the historic Stranahan House Museum, and the NSU Art Museum, which features more than 7,000 works of art.
Whether you are seeking relaxation on the beach, adventure on the water, or exploring the arts scene, the ‘Venice of America’ guarantees not to disappoint.
