- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's story began at the 1901 Stranahan House on the New River, a former trading post with the Seminole people. Its development was defined by creating 165 miles of inland waterways, earning it the nickname "Venice of America". This history influences its blend of coastal and mid-century modern architecture.
Beyond the famous beaches, the area's unique three-tiered reef system is just offshore, making diving accessible. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an urban oasis between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic. These are some of the top attractions in Fort Lauderdale, especially during sea turtle nesting season (March-October).
The local cuisine is defined by fresh Atlantic seafood. Stone crabs, a delicacy available from October to May, are a must-try. The city's proximity to the Caribbean infuses many menus with Latin flavors. Waterfront dining along the Intracoastal is the quintessential local experience, from casual dockside bars to upscale restaurants.
- Fort LauderdaleUnited States
- Fort LauderdaleUnited States
- Fort LauderdaleUnited States
- Fort LauderdaleUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Dec-Aprmild, peak tourist season
- May-Jun & Sep-Novwarm, moderate crowds
- Jul-Aughot, busy tourist season
- #LightClothing
- #BeachGear
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Swimsuit
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #FortLauderdaleBeach
- #LasOlasBoulevard
- #BonnetHouseMuseum
- #HughTaylorBirchStatePark
- #NSUArtMuseum
- #WaterTaxi
- Visit the beach
- Take a boat tour
- Explore Las Olas shops
- Dine at waterfront restaurants
- Go kayaking in the canals
Recommended Hotels in Fort Lauderdale by Experience
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Discover
Exploring Fort Lauderdale reveals a city of canals and coastline. Discover landmarks like the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, stroll the upscale Las Olas Boulevard, and find natural solace in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park's urban oasis.
Experience
Navigate the 'Venice of America' via water taxi, enjoy outdoor concerts at Las Olas Oceanside Park, or catch the spectacular Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Art walks and gallery hopping are popular cultural pastimes year-round.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Famous sandy shore for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
Las Olas Boulevard
Upscale street with boutiques and unique art galleries.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Historic artist's estate with lush gardens and art.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Urban oasis with trails, a lagoon, and beach access.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Hop-on, hop-off boat tour through the city's canals.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Museum featuring modern and contemporary art collections.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Scenic park and promenade along the New River downtown.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). A quick taxi or Fort Lauderdale shuttle bus takes you from the airport to city center in 15 mins. The Brightline train to Fort Lauderdale offers high-speed service from Miami and Orlando.
Getting Around
Public transport in Fort Lauderdale includes Broward County Transit buses and the popular Water Taxi, which navigates the Intracoastal. The free, on-demand Circuit shuttle covers the beach area. Car rental in Fort Lauderdale provides freedom for day trips.
Local Essentials
When driving in Fort Lauderdale, be mindful of frequent drawbridge openings, especially during peak hours. A SunPass is useful for tolls. Book water activities in advance. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller beachside purchases.
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Fort Lauderdale's scene by tasting fresh stone crabs and zesty Key Lime Pie. The local cuisine revolves around waterfront dining where casual happy hours bleed into leisurely dinners with a view. It's all about the ocean.
Enjoy
Eat at Coconuts for a breezy waterfront vibe, expect waits. Grab a drink at the legendary Elbo Room, a lively spot, cash preferred. For a charming break, visit Ann's Florist and Coffee Bar, it is very photo ready.
Coconuts
Waterside spot with a casual vibe. Come by boat.
Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
Bustling Italian eatery with a lively piazza out back.
Steak 954
Luxe steakhouse with a jellyfish aquarium and ocean views.
Rustic Inn Crabhouse
Famous for garlic crabs served with wooden mallets.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Fort Lauderdale's heritage through must-see events. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade lights up the Intracoastal Waterway. The Florida Renaissance Festival recreates a 16th-century village with artisans and jousting.
Enjoy
Discover modern Fort Lauderdale attractions. This city offers a range of things to do, from the Tortuga Music Festival's country and rock acts on the beach to the avant-garde art of the MASS District Art Walk.
Looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale? The city's cultural activities include the Las Olas Art Fair, featuring works from national artists, and Pride Fort Lauderdale, the state's oldest Pride celebration with a parade and beach festival.
Fort Lauderdale Int'l Boat Show
World's largest in-water boat show each fall.
Tortuga Music Festival
April beachside festival with country, rock, and roots music.
Las Olas Art Fair
A top fine art fair in January, March, and October.
Winterfest Boat Parade
December holiday parade of decorated boats on the waterway.
Florida Renaissance Festival
Step back to the 16th century in February and March.
Fort Lauderdale Air Show
Aerial performances by military and civilian pilots in May.
Pride Fort Lauderdale
Florida's oldest Pride event with a parade and festival.
Great place to unwind
Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic spot with a relaxed feel. It's got beautiful beaches without the intense party scene of other Florida cities. Everything is super clean and feels very safe. It's just an easy place to be on vacation.
Absolutely beautiful beaches
The coastline here is stunning. We spent most of our time at Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the sand is so soft and white. It wasn't overly crowded, so there was plenty of space to relax. The water was warm and just perfect for swimming.
The Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale really lives up to its nickname with all the canals. Taking the water taxi was a great way to see the amazing houses and yachts. The city has a good energy at night, especially around the downtown area with all its bars.
Lovely shops and restaurants
I loved strolling down Las Olas Boulevard. It's filled with unique boutiques and galleries, much nicer than a standard mall. There are so many great places to eat, from casual cafes to fancier restaurants. The key lime pie is a must-try.
Perfect for a family trip
Such a nice, clean city for a family holiday. The Riverwalk is beautiful for a morning stroll, and it felt very safe. It's a much more relaxed place than other major tourist spots, which was exactly what we were looking for with the kids.
Great boating scene
If you love being on the water, this is the place. The Intracoastal Waterway is amazing, with so much to see. It's cool how boats are just a normal way of getting around for many people here. The whole place is just built around the water.