Things To Do
in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city in Florida known for its stunning beaches and boating canals. The city is a popular tourist destination with a lively waterfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Fort Lauderdale also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore.
The city's warm climate and sunny weather make it a popular year-round destination for visitors seeking outdoor activities and relaxation.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and grab breakfast at a beachside café.
Spend your afternoon lounging on the sand or swimming in the ocean. Consider renting a jet ski to explore the waters.
As the sun sets, have dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and maybe catch some live music.
Visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center to explore the lush mangroves. Take a leisurely hike on the trails or rent a kayak.
Head to the Flamingo Gardens to see exotic wildlife and beautiful botanical gardens. Enjoy a picnic lunch on-site amidst the stunning scenery.
Wrap up your day with a sunset walk at Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Dine at one of the beachfront restaurants for fresh seafood.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and warm climate year-round
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Diverse dining scene with a variety of cuisines
- Strong tourism and hospitality industry providing job opportunities
- Rich cultural offerings including art galleries, museums, and events
- Access to outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports
- Family-friendly attractions, including parks and festivals
- High cost of living, particularly in desirable neighborhoods
- Traffic congestion, especially during tourist season
- Hurricane risks and potential for severe weather
- Limited public transportation options
- Seasonal influx of tourists can lead to overcrowding in popular areas
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods
- Potential for loss of local culture due to rapid development
Best Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the sun, sand, and ocean at Fort Lauderdale Beach for activities like swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports.
Explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades on an airboat tour, where you can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife while gliding through the swamps and marshes.
Take a leisurely walk along Las Olas Boulevard, known for its charming shops, art galleries, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great way to experience the local culture and architecture.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, where you can enjoy calm waters and beautiful views of the city skyline and waterfront homes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Fort Lauderdale with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Fort Lauderdale
Visit one of these nice places.
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with a backdrop of high-rise buildings and palm trees. It's a popular spot for photography and relaxing by the sea.
This 180-acre park provides a natural oasis in the midst of the city. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and opportunities to capture the local wildlife and scenic landscapes.
A historic estate with lush gardens and waterfront views. The scenic surroundings offer numerous photo opportunities, including the picturesque courtyards, ponds, and tropical foliage.
Food in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Florida dessert made with tangy key lime juice, graham cracker crust, and topped with whipped cream. Must-try at The Floridian in Las Olas Boulevard.
Must-Try!
A Bahamian-inspired dish featuring tender conch meat mixed with flavorful spices and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Available at Coconuts on the Intracoastal.
A delicious sandwich with layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. Best enjoyed at Latin Bohemia, a hidden gem in the city.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Fort Lauderdale better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market featuring fresh produce, local delicacies, and food stalls offering diverse international street food options. Located on Las Olas Boulevard, open on Sundays.
Explore a variety of food trucks offering everything from seafood to gourmet desserts, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach. Open-air dining with ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Fort Lauderdale is a diverse city with people from various cultural backgrounds. It's important to respect and embrace this diversity, and be mindful of different cultural norms and customs.
Since Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, it's important to be mindful of beach etiquette, such as picking up trash, respecting other beachgoers' space, and following local regulations.
In the United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, hotels, and taxis. It's important to be aware of tipping norms and to show appreciation for good service.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Fort Lauderdale with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Fort Lauderdale
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fort Lauderdale, it is customary to tip around 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxis and hairdressers.
Most businesses in Fort Lauderdale, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit cards and mobile payment methods. Cash is also widely accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Fort Lauderdale.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for warm weather and lower humidity, with popular events like the Fort Lauderdale Air Show and Tortuga Music Festival.
Expect hot and humid weather, but the summer months offer lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Good time to visit as the weather is still warm, and there are events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Peak tourist season with mild, comfortable weather, and events like the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Boat Parade.
Fort Lauderdale at Night
Hiking in Fort Lauderdale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast wetland with unique ecosystems, offering trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. Popular for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
A coastal park featuring various trails through lush tropical hammocks and mangroves, with access to the beach and picnic areas.
A large park with a variety of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring nature areas and a beautiful lake.
A nature preserve with a network of trails that wind through mangroves and wetlands, offering opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural habitat.
This preserve offers scenic trails among natural wetlands and wildlife, providing a peaceful and serene hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Fort Lauderdale through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Fort Lauderdale by plane.
Located approximately 25 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, it is one of the busiest international airports in the United States, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
Situated about 40 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, this airport provides a wide range of domestic and some international flights.
Located in Fort Lauderdale itself, it is the primary airport for the region and offers extensive domestic and international flight options.
About 210 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale, this airport is a major hub in Florida and handles a large volume of domestic and international traffic.
Located approximately 90 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale, this airport serves the southwestern part of the state with both domestic and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Fort Lauderdale, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A diverse group that includes individuals from various Latin American countries, contributing to the cultural richness of the city.
This group has a strong historical presence in Fort Lauderdale and contributes to its vibrant community.
Includes various sub-groups from Asia, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
This category includes individuals from various other racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of Fort Lauderdale
Discover the essence of Fort Lauderdale through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and waterways, making water sports such as jet skiing, surfing, and paddleboarding extremely popular among residents and tourists.
American football enjoys a strong following, with local high school teams and college football games attracting significant crowds.
Spring training for Major League Baseball teams often takes place in Fort Lauderdale, and local leagues keep the sport popular year-round.
Soccer has grown in popularity, with local clubs and leagues catering to both children and adults, as well as the presence of the Fort Lauderdale CF team.
With numerous courts throughout the city, basketball remains a favorite pastime for many local residents, and there are various leagues and tournaments.
Fort Lauderdale has several golf courses that attract both locals and visitors, making golf a favored sport for recreation and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options ranging from plant-based burgers to creative salads. Notable choices include Green Bar & Kitchen and Sublime Restaurant.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore restaurants like Farmer's Table and Fresh First, known for their dedicated gluten-free menus and an array of delicious options for those with dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale with these cultural adventures.
