Plan your trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.
Top things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach & Beachfront Promenade. Seven miles of warm Atlantic shoreline anchored by a two-mile wave-wall promenade lined with restaurants, water-sport rentals, and swanky hotels. Jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and sunrise yoga all share the same stretch of sand.
Las Olas Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale's vibrant main corridor stretches from downtown to the Atlantic, packed with galleries, boutiques, al-fresco cafes, and bars on tree-shaded sidewalks. The boulevard is the social heartbeat of the city and easy to spend an entire afternoon and evening exploring on foot.
Water Taxi — The Venice of America Canals. Fort Lauderdale's 300-plus miles of inland waterways earned it the nickname 'Venice of America,' and the hop-on, hop-off Water Taxi is the most effortless way to see them. Thirty-plus stops connect Millionaires Row mansions, Las Olas, the beach, and waterfront dining from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Everglades Holiday Park — Airboat Tours. Just a short drive from downtown, this 50-year-old outfitter launches covered airboats into the River of Grass for 60-minute narrated rides through sawgrass prairies thick with alligators, wading birds, and native wildlife. A live Gator Boys alligator show caps each visit.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. A 35-acre art-filled estate tucked between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, built in 1920 by artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Guided tours reveal whimsical murals, sculpture gardens, a private beach, and a population of resident swans.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Reef Snorkeling. A laid-back beach village four miles north of the main strip where snorkelers and divers can swim 100 yards from shore to reach a three-tiered natural coral reef system. The SS Copenhagen shipwreck — Florida's most-visited underwater archaeological preserve — lies in just 16 to 31 feet of water.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Anchoring the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District on Las Olas, this 83,000-square-foot museum holds more than 6,000 works including the nation's largest collection of William Glackens paintings and a celebrated CoBrA collection. First-Thursday evenings (until 7 pm) are free admission.
Jungle Queen Riverboat. Fort Lauderdale's longest-running attraction since 1935 offers a narrated 90-minute sightseeing cruise down the New River or an evening dinner-and-show package on a private island featuring an all-you-can-eat BBQ feast and the Polynesian fire-and-hula 'Ignite the Night' show.
Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale
Late November through mid-April (sweet spot: February–March). Comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s°F, low humidity, minimal rainfall, and calm seas. WeatherSpark identifies 'the best time of year to visit Fort Lauderdale for warm-weather activities is from early November to early May,' with early March offering ideal outdoor conditions. Summers (June–September) are hot, oppressive, and very wet
Fort Lauderdale weather by month
Month
High (°F)
Low (°F)
Notes
Jan
74
63
warm & mostly dry
Feb
76
65
warm & changeable
Mar
78
66
warm & mostly dry
Apr
81
70
warm & changeable
May
83
73
warm & changeable
Jun
85
76
hot & wet
Jul
87
78
hot & wet
Aug
87
78
hot & wet
Sep
86
77
hot & wet
Oct
83
74
warm & wet
Nov
79
69
warm & changeable
Dec
76
66
warm & changeable
Getting to Fort Lauderdale
The free Sun Trolley covers seven routes through downtown and the beach area — it is the most cost-effective way to get between Las Olas, the Riverwalk, and A1A without parking stress. The Water Taxi (watertaxi.com) offers an all-day hop-on, hop-off pass valid 10 am–10 pm across 30-plus waterfront stops. Brightline train connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach in under 40 minutes. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) sits just 4 miles from downtown. A taxi or rideshare to the beach or Las Olas costs roughly $15–$30 and takes 10–15 minutes. Renting a car is useful for day trips to the Everglades or Sawgrass Mills outlets, but is unnecessary if you're staying clo
FLL Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport — 10 min drive
MIA Miami International Airport — 40 min drive
PBI Palm Beach International Airport — 45 min drive
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.
Fort Lauderdale Beach (A1A Corridor). The primary resort strip running along A1A offers direct sand access, walkable dining and watersport rentals, and a mix of luxury hotels and boutique properties including The Ritz-Carlton. Lively both day and night with ocean breezes and easy access to the… Good for: Beach lovers, couples, first-time visitors who want everything within walking distance.
Las Olas & Downtown. Staying in or near Las Olas puts you steps from the city's best restaurants, galleries, water-taxi stops, the NSU Art Museum, and the Riverwalk Arts District. The Four Seasons Hotel anchors the upper end; a full range of hotels and vacation rentals fills in… Good for: Culture seekers, foodies, business travelers, romantic getaways.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Four miles north of the main strip, this low-rise 1950s-era beach village has no skyscrapers and a slow-down ethos captured in its motto 'Relax, you're here.' Most lodgings are independently owned boutique resorts and inns with complimentary parking — many… Good for: Families, snorkelers and divers, travelers wanting a quieter, retro-Florida vibe.
Marina Mile / 17th Street Causeway (Harbordale). The marina district surrounding Port Everglades and SE 17th Street Causeway is convenient for cruise passengers pre- or post-voyage, and puts you near 15th Street Fisheries and the Water Taxi boarding point. A nautical, working-waterfront vibe with easy… Good for: Cruise passengers, water sports enthusiasts, travelers arriving or departing from Port Everglades.
Hollywood Beach. Ten miles south of downtown, Hollywood Beach blends retro Floridian architecture with a relaxed Broadwalk atmosphere that consistently earns national 'best boardwalk' recognition. More affordable than central Fort Lauderdale with a wide range of resort,… Good for: Budget-conscious visitors, families, those wanting a quieter beach-town feel without sacrificing amenities.
Flagler Village & Victoria Park. Fort Lauderdale's emerging arts and creative district just north of downtown — former warehouses now house craft breweries, street-art murals, the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Heritage, and a walkable cluster of bars and eateries. The Brightline station… Good for: Younger travelers, arts and nightlife seekers, those wanting a hip urban base away from the tourist strip.
Where to eat in Fort Lauderdale
A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
YOLO. Las Olas Boulevard · New American — A Las Olas Boulevard institution since 2008 with a lively bar, fire-pit outdoor lounge, and a contemporary American menu spanning wood-grilled proteins, fresh…
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar. Las Olas Boulevard · Mexican — A high-energy neighborhood staple on Las Olas with 425 varieties of tequila, tableside guacamole, and a long menu of handcrafted signature tacos. Famous for its…
Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale. 704 SE 1st St · 4.9★ (20,530 reviews)
Shooters Waterfront. 3033 NE 32nd Ave · 4.5★ (15,562 reviews)
Rooftop @1WLO. 1 W Las Olas Blvd #700 · 4.7★ (3,834 reviews)
Voodoo Bayou. 715 E Las Olas Blvd · 4.8★ (3,152 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
15th Street Fisheries. Marina Mile / 17th Street Causeway · Seafood — Open since 1979 inside historic Lauderdale Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, this split-level institution is famous for feeding giant tarpon from…
Bake Shack. 238 S Federal Hwy · 4.7★ (1,865 reviews)
Chef's Counter at MAASS. Fort Lauderdale Beach (Four Seasons Hotel) · Contemporary American tasting menu — Fort Lauderdale's only Michelin one-star restaurant (2025 and 2026). Just 14 seats face an open kitchen where Chef…
Heritage. Flagler Village · Italian (Neapolitan and Sicilian) — Michelin Bib Gourmand 2026. Chef-owner Rino Cerbone crafts highly creative Neapolitan-Sicilian pies — try the squash-blossom burrata pizza or…
Evelyn's. Fort Lauderdale Beach (Four Seasons Hotel) · Eastern Mediterranean — Michelin Recommended 2026. Oceanfront dining on the Four Seasons sun deck featuring mezze-style sharing plates, wood-grilled…
Daniel's, A Florida Steakhouse. Downtown Fort Lauderdale (South Federal Hwy) · American steakhouse — Michelin Recommended 2026. A moody, dark-wood dining room serving premium cuts sourced from Florida, Texas, and Australia…
Larb Thai-Isan. North Fort Lauderdale (North Federal Highway) · Authentic Thai (Isan/northeastern regional) — Michelin Recommended 2026. A festive no-reservations spot decorated with Thai posters and lanterns,…
Casa Sensei. Las Olas Boulevard · Pan-Asian Latin fusion — A sprawling waterfront restaurant on the Himmarshee Canal voted Fort Lauderdale Magazine's Best Asian Restaurant for multiple consecutive years. The…
Chima Steakhouse Fort Lauderdale. 2400 E Las Olas Blvd Ste A · 4.8★ (8,591 reviews)
Kaluz Restaurant. 3300 E Commercial Blvd · 4.6★ (7,377 reviews)
A 7-Day Fort Lauderdale Plan
Day 1 — Waves, Sand & Promenade. Start your Fort Lauderdale debut at Fort Lauderdale Beach, staking out a spot on the wide Atlantic shore before the crowds arrive. Walk the paved Beachfront Promenade north toward Sunrise Boulevard, soaking in the ocean views and salty air. Fuel up at Lulu's Bait Shack right on the…
Day 2 — Venice of America by Water. Board the Water Taxi at the Las Olas dock for a morning cruise through Fort Lauderdale's 165 miles of navigable canals, gliding past celebrity mansions, mega-yachts, and lush waterfront estates. The narrated route covers both the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Disembark…
Day 3 — Everglades Wilderness Adventure. Rise early and head 30 minutes west to Everglades Holiday Park on Griffin Road for an exhilarating airboat tour across the River of Grass. Expert guides spot alligators, wading birds, and native wildlife up close in the sawgrass marshes. Back in the park, catch the gator…
Day 4 — Art, Science & Discovery. Spend the morning at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas, home to one of the largest collections of CoBrA movement art in the world alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions. The intimate scale makes it easy to explore without fatigue. Walk or drive a few blocks to the…
Day 5 — Gardens, History & the Sea. Visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on the north end of Fort Lauderdale Beach — a 35-acre historic estate with a 1920s artist retreat surrounded by subtropical gardens, orchids, and roaming monkeys. Guided tours run through the morning. Drive or take the Water Taxi north to…
Day 6 — Hollywood Broadwalk & Coastal Charms. Drive 20 minutes south to Hollywood Beach and join the locals on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a wide pedestrian and cycling path lined with cafés, shops, and ocean views. Rent a surrey bike or rollerblades for a breezy morning glide along the Atlantic. Settle on…
Day 7 — Yachts, Bites & Farewell Sunset. Visit the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) site at the Bahia Mar Marina and surrounding waterways — even off-season the marina showcases spectacular super-yachts and working marine infrastructure. Walk the docks and browse the adjacent shops along the…
Events & festivals in Fort Lauderdale
Las Olas Art Fair (January (Part I: Jan 3–4, 2026) and March (Part II: Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026) and October (Part III: Oct 17–18, 2026)). Three-weekend annual outdoor art fair on Las Olas Boulevard. Rated among the top 100 art festivals in the country by ArtFestival.com. Presented by the Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale.
Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival (Early April (2026: April 10–12)). Annual three-day country, rock, and roots music festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Founded 2013. Ocean conservation focus; raised over $1.2 million for conservation through 2019.
Fort Lauderdale Air Show (May (2026: May 9–10)). Annual two-day beach air show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other aerobatic performers. Held on Fort Lauderdale Beach; one of the most attended annual events in the city. Listed on the official Visit…
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) (Late October – early November (2026: October 28 – November 1)). Billed as the largest in-water boat show in the world. 67th edition in 2026. Spans seven waterfront locations including Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Broward County Convention Center. Over 100,000 attendees; 1,300+…
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (December (2025: December 13; 2026: December 12)). Annual illuminated boat parade launched in 1981. Travels 12 miles along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway from Stranahan House north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Nationally televised; officially the…
Fort Lauderdale travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
Late November through mid-April (sweet spot: February–March).
What are the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
Top experiences include Fort Lauderdale Beach & Beachfront Promenade, Las Olas Boulevard, Water Taxi — The Venice of America Canals, Everglades Holiday Park — Airboat Tours, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
Which airport is closest to Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the nearest, about 10 minutes away.
Where should I stay in Fort Lauderdale?
Popular areas to base yourself include Fort Lauderdale Beach (A1A Corridor), Las Olas & Downtown, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Marina Mile / 17th Street Causeway (Harbordale).
How do I get around Fort Lauderdale?
The free Sun Trolley covers seven routes through downtown and the beach area — it is the most cost-effective way to get between Las Olas, the Riverwalk, and A1A without parking stress.