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The South Florida city of Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination renowned for its golden beaches, extensive inland waterways, and vibrant natural beauty. If you’re looking for a vacation destination with sun, sand, and palm trees but you want more to do than simply lounge on the beach, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. The city has a massive variety of fun activities to suit the whole family.
This travel guide highlights 20 of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale to help you make the most of your getaway and see the top sights of this vibrant coastal city.
1. Hit the Beach to Surf, Snorkel and Scuba Dive
The Atlantic Ocean waters surrounding Fort Lauderdale remain warm all year round thanks to the Gulf Stream, so it’s the perfect place to catch some waves and try watersports. For scuba diving and snorkeling, head to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Hollywood Beach, which have beautiful coral reefs just off the shore.
Lauderdale Beach and Pompano Beach are two of Broward County’s most popular spots for surfers. These areas don’t see huge waves, which means they’re ideal for first-timers and inexperienced surfers. There are many opportunities to book lessons, with some surf shops offering group sessions for the whole family.
2. Explore the Wild Everglades on an Airboat Tour
Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by wildlife, and one of the best ways to see it is by taking an airboat ride to Sawgrass Recreation Park. During your trip, you’ll learn about the Florida Everglades’ subtropical ecosystem, and you can spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds along the way.
Everglades Holiday Park is another popular destination for taking in the region’s flora and fauna. You can take airboat rides or rent your own motorboat to explore or go fishing. The park offers animal experiences to give you the chance to meet gators and other native species.
3. Watch Live Music and Sport at FLA Live Arena
The FLA Live Arena is a world-class sports venue and home of the Florida Panthers hockey team. In 2001 and 2015, it hosted the NHL Entry Draft, and in 2003 the NHL All-Star Game. FLA is also one of Florida’s most notable entertainment venues. In the past, it has welcomed Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, and Garth Brooks. Look out for an event during your Fort Lauderdale visit to experience this impressive venue.
4. Get Creative with the Kids at Young at Art Museum
Child Magazine considers Young at Art Museum the Best Children’s Art Museum in the nation. It has more than 150 interactive exhibits to inspire the imaginations of people of all ages, but especially children. There’s a huge variety of fun things to do: from screen painting to cave drawing and puppet-making classes to selfie-snapping sessions, there’s something to get everyone creating.
5. Explore the Hiking Trails at Anne Kolb Nature Center
Anne Kolb Nature Center, named after the first female commissioner of Broward County, is a 1,500-acre natural area. This zone is predominantly covered in wetlands and with extensive boardwalk trails and shale paths for exploring, and an observation tower offers panoramic views of the wild marshland.
The Nature Center’s main complex is home to a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium and several exhibits and displays where you can learn more about the landscape and wildlife. There’s also a fishing pier with attractive views of West Lake and the Intracoastal Waterways.
6. Fly by Seaplane to See Fort Lauderdale from Above
By seaplane is an excellent way to see Fort Lauderdale from a unique perspective. From the sky, you can appreciate the city’s long, golden beaches, lush mangroves, wild nature preserves, and unique patterns of canals.
If you want to travel to neighboring areas during your visit to Fort Lauderdale, a seaplane is also an excellent means of transport because Miami, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas are all easily accessible this way.
7. Bet on Horses or Hit The Casino at Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is one of the United States’ most famous horseracing tracks. The atmosphere at racing events is electric, but a visit here also gives you the opportunity to check out the on-site casino and play some table games or slots.
If casinos are your thing, you should also check out Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. It boasts more than 3,000 slot machines, almost 200 table games, and one of South Florida’s best cocktail lounges.
8. Check Out Downtown Hollywood’s Street Art Murals
Hollywood, just south of Fort Lauderdale, is known for its popular and picture-perfect beach boardwalk. It also has a great art scene and boasts some of the most impressive outdoor murals in Florida.
The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project includes 44 original artworks from local, national, and international artists. The display centers around Hollywood Boulevard, Harrison Street, 19th Avenue, 20th Avenue, and several side streets in this area.
9. Try Watersports at the Tigertail Lake Recreational Center
Tigertail Lake Recreational Center on the Broward College campus is the perfect place to blow off some steam. You can try a variety of watersports here, including windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing.
The two unique obstacle course challenges are perfect for adrenaline junkies. The Aerial Challenge features three 46-foot tall towers, 10 rope challenges, two climbing walls, and a freefall. The Aqua Challenge features an inflatable lilypad-style obstacle course with eight tricky elements, including tunnels, swings, and slides.
10. Tour Fort Lauderdale on a Budget on the Sun Trolley
One of the best ways to get around Fort Lauderdale on a budget is to use the Sun Trolley. All routes are free except for Las Olas Link and Beach Link, and these two cost just $1.00 per ride or $3.00 for a day pass at the time of publication.
The Sun Trolleys start their rounds around 6 am and finish around 7 pm. They can get very busy, with around 40,000 monthly passengers using the service. Do note that luggage is not permitted on Sun Trolleys, despite the fact they run to and from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
11. Run, Climb, and Go-Kart at Xtreme Action Park
Xtreme Action Park covers 200,000 square feet, offering plenty of space for various family-friendly activities. You can try go-karting, rollerskating, freerunning, bowling, laser tag, and a vast range of arcade games here. A 7D theater experience, an escape room, and virtual reality gaming are also available. With a cafe, an ice cream shop, and a sports bar on-site, spending an entire rainy day here with the kids is easy.
12. Shop, Dine, and Catch a Show on Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard runs parallel to the New River from NSU Art Museum in Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Las Olas Beach. It’s packed with a diverse range of bars, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues. The nightlife here is fantastic, and during the day the area has a friendly, lively atmosphere that makes it a pleasure to stroll around.
13. Join a Themed Segway Tour for a Unique Look at the City
By Segway is a fun way to explore Fort Lauderdale if the weather’s too hot to head out on foot. Zipping around on a Segway creates a refreshing breeze to cool you down as your guide highlights the city’s most fascinating key sights. There are several themed guided tours to choose from, including history, nature and parks, food, beaches, and yachts and mansions.
14. Lose Yourself in Nature at Butterfly World
Butterfly World is in Coconut Creek, a 30-minute drive from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. It’s home to around 5,000 colorful butterflies, with over 80 species represented. You can also check out the bug zoo, which houses the likes of beetles, scorpions, and black widow spiders. Butterfly World is open between 9 am and 4 pm daily, but it gets very busy and crowded on weekends.
15. Take In the Pretty Banks of New River on the Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a series of parks and plazas set beside the New River, and it’s the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll. You’ll find some tasty waterfront eateries if you’re looking for lunch or dinner, and many water taxi stops provide convenient access to different parts of the city.
The Riverwalk is a hub for a variety of cultural and artistic events. In September each year, the Riverwalk Fall Festival takes place, where visitors enjoy live music, carnival games, competitions, and delicious dishes from food trucks. On the first Sunday of each month is Riverwalk’s Jazz Brunch, where people gather with blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy live music.
In addition, many of the city’s popular attractions are situated along the Riverwalk, such as:
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- History Fort Lauderdale
- Historic Stranahan House Museum
16. Explore the City’s Extensive Waterways by Boat
Fort Lauderdale is considered ‘the Venice of America’ thanks to its extensive network of inland waterways. One of the best ways to see the city is by boat, and there are several different ways to do so.
Yacht Cruises
Yacht rentals are a great choice for those who want a luxurious experience and the ability to fully curate their trip, but it’s very expensive to charter a yacht and crew. A more affordable alternative is to book a spot on a yacht cruise. Opt for a champagne sunset cruise to see the beautiful views over Millionaires Row as the golden setting sun reflects on the Atlantic Ocean.
Riverboat Cruises
The cheapest way to enjoy a sightseeing cruise is to book a spot on a spacious riverboat such as the Carrie B, which provides 90-minute tours of the New River and Port Everglades coastline for up to 300 passengers. The Jungle Queen Riverboat is another great option. This boat is famed for its tour guide’s witty commentary, and it has an extensive drinks menu to choose from. Boat tours with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures are perfect for families. Children can learn how to become a pirate and earn a bag of loot to take home with them.
Gondola Tours
Gondola tours offer the Venitian experience, and they’re an excellent option for eco-conscious travelers. The gondolas typically seat up to six people, so they give you a private and quiet way to take in the sights.
Floating Bars
PaddlePub is a fun cruise in which you enjoy a few cold drinks while paddling the ship along its route. Cruisin’ Tikis are a unique fleet of floating tiki bars that let you get into the party spirit while cruising along the New River.
Self-Captained Rentals
If you fancy being captain of your own boat tour, you can rent a boat and take a route that suits you. Alternatively, rent jet skis to zip around the city’s waterways. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are great ways to explore the canals for a couple of hours at a slower and quieter pace.
17. Take a Day Trip to West Palm Beach
It takes around 45 minutes to drive to West Palm Beach and there are plenty of things to do in this charming beach town. Snorkel at Blue Heron Bridge to spot seahorses and manta rays, and check out local wildlife at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Or, indulge in some shopping in The Square, and enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music on Clematis Street.
18. Relax and Unwind in Colee Hammock Park
Colee Hammock Park is lined with thick trees that lend themselves perfectly to supporting hammocks for restful mornings and afternoon naps. This peaceful oasis is also ideal for quiet picnics or for taking a break from the busy city to read a book and relax in the shade.
19. Enjoy a Mini Break at Orlando’s Famed Theme Parks
Orlando is 212 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, but the drive is worthwhile if you want to see the city’s famous theme parks. Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are three of the biggest attractions in Orlando, and while you might be hard-pressed to see all of them in a single day, you could spend a night or two in one of Orlando’s resorts before returning to the beachy vibes of Fort Lauderdale.
20. Witness Native Wildlife at Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens are South Florida’s oldest botanical gardens. Spanning 60 acres, they showcase over 3,000 species of plants and trees. There are also plenty of animal exhibits, including flamingos, panthers, bobcats, alligators, black bears, otters, eagles, and many other native species.
Plan Your Ft. Lauderdale Sightseeing Itinerary
Now that you’ve got to know Fort Laudersale’s best attractions, you can get started planning your itinerary and look forward to a fun visit to this vibrant city.
