Ultimate Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide: Top 10 Experiences You Can't Miss
What is Fort Lauderdale Most Famous For?
The list of best things to do in Fort Lauderdale is as impressive as any other city in Florida. From spring break central to a fantastic grown-up vacation break for all, Fort Lauderdale is a place that seamlessly blends coastal beauty, inland diversity, gleaming architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
Whether you’re dining at eclectic eateries, being whisked along the intercoastal waterways while treating yourself to a locally brewed beer, bagging yourselves a bargain in larger-than-life shopping malls, or basking in the coastal rays of one of the world’s best beaches, this city will showcase its most heady hidden treasures.
What are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
A sun-soaked escape to pure bliss
Good for: Budget, Photo
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a sunbathing heaven. Take a break from the buzz of inner-city life and enjoy a moment to feel the sand beneath your tuckered-out toes. Fort Lauderdale Beach is iconic and upon your first breath of Florida sea air, you’ll quickly see why.
Sitting pretty between Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevard, pure white sands stretch for miles around parks, lakes, and palm tree-lined boulevards. Paddle out in some of the clearest water you’ll ever see or sit under a shaded umbrella to take in this oh-so-famous beach.
Location: Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304,USA
Fort Lauderdale Beach
2. Museum of Discovery and Science
Learning, playing, and exploring a world of wonders
Good for: Families, History
From gators to prehistoric animals and airplane adventures, get hands-on with interactive discoveries at The Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday Fort Lauderdale life and encourage the whole family to explore, engage, and enjoy the beauty of discovery.
Make your way downtown to where the Sabre-toothed cats, Imperial Mammoths, and open-mouthed megalodons are waiting to tell the tale of a Prehistoric Florida, while skill-based experiments offer themselves up at the Science Park.
Location: 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm
Phone: +1 954-467-6637
Museum of Discovery and Science
3. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Kayaking through tranquil waterways and lush landscapes
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a serene oasis nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a lush escape just a short drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale. This verdant sanctuary offers a range of activities, including hiking and biking, under the canopy of tropical greenery. Kayakers can paddle along the serene waterways, while picnickers enjoy the shade of the magnificent oak trees.
Beyond its natural beauty, the park hosts cultural events and offers guided tours that provide insight into the area’s rich history. Rent a bike from the rental shop inside the park to easily navigate the park’s scenic loop.
Location: 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Phone: +1 954-564-4521
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
4. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
A 1920s home featuring beautiful gardens
Good for: History, Photo
Open the inviting yellow gates to the perfectly preserved Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a historic home that is Old Florida at its finest. There’s plenty to see as you tour the unspoilt hibiscus garden and artifacts that once belonged to the Birch and Bartlett families. You can buy a guided 90-minute tour to see both the gardens and the house or a self-guided audio tour for both or just the gardens.
Situated just south of Sunrise Boulevard, jump in a water taxi and get ready to explore the gems within the 35-acre (14-hectare) grounds. Make friends with the manatees bobbing in and out of the Boathouse Canal and see if you can spot the resident monkeys as they swing from branch to branch.
Location: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 954-563-5393
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
5. Las Olas Boulevard
Leisurely strolls and enchanting discoveries
Good for: Budget, Photo, Shoppers
Las Olas Boulevard is a great place to take a morning wander, featuring eclectic boutiques, bustling restaurants, and inviting cafés. From Sienna Fine Art to the Bellagio International Gallery, you can gaze at hidden treasures and feel the refreshing sea breeze as you browse antique shops.
This dream destination is also a dream to get to, connecting Downtown Fort Lauderdale with the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive early to witness a sublime sunrise over the beautiful boats lining this enchanting boulevard, making it an unforgettable start to your day.
Las Olas Boulevard
6. Sawgrass Mills Mall
Shopping and dining in outlet paradise
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Head to the suburb of Sunrise and the Sawgrass Mills Mall to fill your bags with designer bargains in this slice of outlet heaven. Boasting over 350 stores, including Nike, Gap, and Ralph Lauren, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of storefronts calling your name.
As one of the largest value retail shopping destinations in the whole country, it’s easy to spend the whole day here. The massive food court means you don’t have to leave when you get hungry, and there’s an 18-screen movie theater in the northeast corner for when you need a break from buying.
Location: 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 954-846-2350
Sawgrass Mills Mall
7. Everglades tours
Thrilling airboat rides amid lush mangroves
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Everglades tours offer an invigorating dive into the heart of Florida’s natural wonders. Located a short drive west of the city, these welcoming wetlands allow visitors to escape into a world of mangroves, alligators, and vibrant birdlife. Airboat rides skim the surface, offering thrilling vistas of sawgrass marshes and the chance to spot the elusive American crocodile. Each operator provides unique insights into the ecosystem, ensuring a memorable encounter with this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Beyond the exhilarating rides, some tours feature guided walks that delve deeper into the park’s rich biodiversity. As your tour guide fills your mind with education and enthusiasm, you’ll be filling your social media with once-in-a-lifetime snaps.
Everglades tours
8. Water taxi ride
A wonderful way to explore the city
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
There’s no better way to spot the sights of the south-eastern coast than with a water taxi ride. Breathe in the fresh Floridian air as you board your boat to take you from A to B, or more specifically from the majestic Banyan trees of Birch State Park to the tasty lobster rolls of the 15th Street Fisheries.
From the shaded park pier to the blissful marina deck, there’s a reason why so many travelers opt to bob along the intercoastal waves of Fort Lauderdale’s popularly nicknamed “Venice of America.” It’s an unforgettable way to see the beauty of this region.
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 954-467-6677
Water taxi ride
9. Downtown Fort Lauderdale
A trendy nightlife spot for party worshippers
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
As the sun sets, experience the vibrant nightlife of downtown Fort Lauderdale, where trendy nightspots welcome party enthusiasts of all tastes. Sip colorful cocktails and listen to the nighttime beat in Capone’s, YOLO, and Backyard, all expecting eager feet to hit their disco-loving dancefloors.
Cap off your evening by hosting your own private celebration in this bustling hub just north of the river. Follow the mellow grooves of jazz lounges, bust your most rhythmic moves in ocean-front bars and clubs, and enjoy a nightcap in true downtown style.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
10. South Florida Distillers
South Florida’s favorite rum
Good for: Couples, Food
If you enjoy a rum punch, you’re in luck, as Fort Lauderdale’s South Florida Distillers holds the key to the best spirits in Florida. Their rum product, FWAYGO, has become a real South Florida favorite.
You can find boozy beverages all around town but for the best rum and gin around, head to the source and get ready to raise your glass to cocktails galore. In their Tasting Room, you’ll find house-made rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, and specialty spirits, which you can combine with over 50 mixers to create your own cocktail concoctions.
Location: 1110 NE 8th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Open: Saturday–Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed on Monday–Friday)
Phone: +1 954-541-2868
South Florida Distillers
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.