I have visited Fort Lauderdale twice, my most recent visit to Fort Lauderdale was during a press trip with Visit Lauderdale and Air CanadaAll thoughts, tips and opinions are, as usual, my own.
Less than 50 kilometers north of the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings in Miami lies the nearly equally glamorous beach city of Fort Lauderdale. A perfect vacation spot if you want a few days of sun and beach, while also enjoying relaxation, culinary experiences, and adventure. The city revolves around the ocean, the perfect beaches, and the winding canals, which have earned Fort Lauderdale the nickname "Florida's Venice." Although the resemblance to the Italian cityโs charm ends at the waterways, these canals are an essential part of Fort Lauderdaleโs unique character.
During the winter months, Florida becomes a sanctuary for โsnow birdsโโvisitors who, like migrating birds, escape the frigid winters of the United States and Canada in search of warmer climes. Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit if youโre craving a pleasant climate and inviting, warm seas. Summer and early autumn, on the other hand, bring high humidity and intense heat, with a heightened risk of hurricanes between August and November. On my own visit in November, a hurricane passed through the Gulf of Mexico, affecting the weather in Fort Lauderdale as well. But as the locals say: โIf you donโt like the weather, just wait a minute.โ The sun always finds its way back in Florida, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception.
But what is there to see and do in Fort Lauderdale? Access to a rental car is an advantage for being able to discover everything at your own pace, but most attractions are within easy taxi distance.
1. 40 kilometers of pristine beaches
Fort Lauderdale has an impressive coastline of over 40 miles, with seven unique beach areas waiting to be explored. From Hallandale beach in the south to Deerfield Beach At Boca Raton, the beaches spread out with white, soft, fine-grained sand. The choice of beach depends mainly on what price range you are looking for in a hotel and the range of entertainment.
During my recent trip, I stayed at Fort Lauderdale Beach, the cityโs primary beachfront. The sand here is pristine and welcoming, and despite the perfect weather, the beach remained pleasantly uncrowded. Lifeguards are stationed along the entire stretch, and it's safest to swim near them. As with all Atlantic beaches, be mindful of the currents โ always heed the lifeguards' flag warnings.
Sea temperatures in Fort Lauderdale range from 22ยฐC to 30ยฐC throughout the year, with August being the warmest month and January the coolest. When I visited in March a few years ago, I found the sea to be a little brisk, but then again, Iโm not the most adventurous swimmer.
2. Bonnet House
Fort Lauderdale may be a relatively young city, but in this tropical haven, youโll find Bonnet House โ a unique historic estate brimming with art and collectibles. Built by Frederic Clay Bartlett as a winter retreat for him and his wife Helen a century ago, the house remains a time capsule, preserving its original character from the period after his second wife, Evelyn, passed away.
Stroll through the eccentric rooms and marvel at Helen and Frederic's sense of design, beautiful paintings and details. A perfect place to visit on a rainy day.
Read more about Bonnet House in my article: Bonnet House - Fort Lauderdale's best kept secret
While you're here, don't miss visiting Hugh Taylor Birch State Park which is located right next door, a unique city park with mangrove forest and tropical greenery. You can also Paddle out on a guided kayak tour and experience the wild mangroves around Bonnet House.
3. Everglades and Sawgrass Recreation Park
The Everglades is Florida's most remarkable natural wonder and the worldโs largest tropical wetland. Stretching from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico, this expansive ecosystem is home to fascinating wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and dolphins. While you can explore the Everglades beyond the national park, to truly immerse yourself in this extraordinary environment, I highly recommend experiencing both.
Everglades National Park offers a variety of ways to discover its diverse flora and fauna, from kayaking and guided boat tours to scenic hiking trails. Shark Valley is especially renowned for its abundant wildlife, including numerous bird species and alligators, while the parkโs visitor centers each provide a unique perspective on this vibrant ecosystem.
Located just outside the national park, Sawgrass Recreation Park is the closest spot to Fort Lauderdale where you can explore the areaโs wildlife aboard an exhilarating airboat (fast boats powered by aircraft engines). The park also features a small zoo where children can learn about local animals, with a special emphasis on alligators.
Read more about the Everglades and Sawgrass Recreation Park in my article: Everglades - Florida's wildest natural experience
4. Las Olas Boulevard
In the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, you'll find the vibrant Las Olas Boulevardโa lively street brimming with charming shops, stylish restaurants, and art galleries.
During the day, visitors flock to cafes, galleries, and breakfast spots, but in the evenings, the energy shifts to the bustling restaurants. One standout is the popular Italian eatery, Louis Bossi, which serves great pizza and pasta and where the noise level is as loud as the atmosphere. For a breakfast or brunch that's as beautiful as it is delicious, I highly recommend Ol' days.
5. Go sightseeing by boat
In a city built on canals, getting around by boat is often faster than by car. A delightful way to combine sightseeing and transport is by taking the yellow the water taxi boats which runs on a fixed schedule. You hop on and off whenever you want along the stops and during the journey a guide tells you everything you want to know about the places and luxurious villas and boats that you pass by.
Another option is to take a 90-minute guided tour on the classic boat jungle Queen A little less flexible than the water taxi, but here you have the option of having a drink at the bar instead.
6. NSU Art Museum
In an iconic building in the middle of Fort Lauderdale you will find NSU Art Museum, a small museum with a lot of contemporary and modern art. The exhibitions vary and whether you are a die-hard art lover or just think art is a bit of fun, it is an interesting museum.
There is also a fun museum shop with designer gadgets and jewelry and a small cafรฉ.
7. Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha is not just any brewery, but is all about creativity and innovation, combining beer brewing to new dimensions with a tropical feel. With unique flavors like Maple Bacon Coffee Porter and No Crusts Porter (inspired by peanut butter and jam), the brewery attracts visitors from all over the United States.
Book a tour of the brewery and finish with a lunch with a tasting tray of the brewery's most popular beers.
Read more about Funky Buddha in my article Funky Buddha Brewery in Fort Lauderdale โ Where a beer can taste like bacon and banana
8. Cycle or walk along the canals
You don't have to explore Fort Lauderdale's canals from a sightseeing boat โ cycling or walking along them is just as fascinating. Many hotels offer free bike rentals, and during the winter months, the mild temperatures make for perfect conditions for a leisurely stroll.
Cruise or stroll under the swaying palm trees on the promenade, marvel at the glamorous villas and all the gigantic yachts and stop at a small restaurant for lunch. Make sure to bring a detailed map or Google maps, because the streets can feel like a maze in some areas.
9. Go to an NHL game
First, a clarification โ you do NOT have to be a hockey fan to go to an NHL game in Florida. You donโt even have to know the rules of hockey to have fun at an NHL game.
The Pride of Fort Lauderdale โ Florida Panthers recently won the Stanley Cup, making their games a true spectacle. Beyond exciting hockey, the atmosphere is a lively celebration, blending food, entertainment, and a warm, family-friendly vibe. And when they score, the cheers are deafening! Experiencing a hockey game in the tropical heat is a unique experienceโand itโs surprisingly affordable.
10. Sawgrass Mills Shopping
For those who like shopping, one of the largest designer outlets in the United States is located in Fort Lauderdale. Sawgrass millsis not only massive, with over 350+ stores, but itโs also one of Floridaโs top tourist attractions. With more than 21 million visitors each yearโcompared to just 1 million at Everglades National Parkโit's clear why this is a must-see. Plan your shopping spree in advance, as this is truly a day-long adventure.
What are your favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale? Iโd love to hear your thoughtsโfeel free to share in the comments!
