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Situated between Miami and Palm Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale sometimes gets short shrift when it comes to Florida vacation destinations compared to its glitzier neighbors. One of Florida’s largest cities, it spans 24 miles of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean and stretches inland over the Intracoastal Waterway.
But you don’t need to look very hard to find plenty of reasons to stick around. From sunny beaches to gondola rides on canals, and plenty of arts, culture, and shopping along the way, Fort Lauderdale has proven that it's a destination worthy of your time.
What To Do In Fort Lauderdale
Start At The Riverwalk
You could spend an entire weekend exploring the 22-block Arts and Entertainment District along the city's Riverwalk, which follows the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. In addition to many museums, this area has multiple parks and green spaces, restaurants, and is a lovely place to stroll.
Soak Up The Sun And Sand
With 24 miles of shoreline, you've got to include a little time on the beach while you're in the area. There's a beach here for every type of sun-seeker. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the most popular, and the most crowded. For a quieter experience, Vista Park has beach access with picnic tables and waterfront seating. Las Olas Oceanside Park has a splash pad and an amphitheater. There's even a dog-friendly stretch of sand called Canine Park.
Go Shopping On Las Olas Boulevard
Besides the scenic A1A Highway which runs north to south through the city, Las Olas Boulevard is a main thoroughfare through the heart of downtown, running east to west and offering boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining.
Check Out A Museum
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, head to the Museum of Discovery and Science or the NSU Art Museum, both located downtown.
Head To The Wharf
A popular stop for those headed out on the water for a little daytime cruise is The Wharf, an outdoor spot on Las Olas Boulevard that hosts rotating food trucks, as well as bars, and various pop-up events.
Where To Eat
Find Something For Everyone At A Food Hall
Dining in Fort Lauderdale is a fully multicultural experience that delights the palate. Head to Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, Fort Lauderdale’s first food hall that opened in 2020, to get a good sampling of some cuisine from around the globe, from sushi to sandwiches, bibimbap to empanadas, in addition to live music events.
sistrunkmarketplace.com; 115 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Sample Local Seafood
Most restaurants in Fort Lauderdale serve seafood in some form, but you can't go wrong at 15th Street Fisheries, located on the water at Lauderdale Marina. The restaurant has an upstairs dining room that's perfect for a romantic dinner, sunset views included. For a more casual meal, The Fisheries Dockside has an all-day menu, and Aqua Bar offers beer, wine, and cocktails.
15streetfisheries.com; 1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL; 954-763-2777
Enjoy Jamaican Food
Or go get a little taste of Jamaica at Island in the Pines, dishing out island favorites like brown stew chicken, oxtail, cow foot and beans (best enjoyed accompanied with a bottle of ice cold Ting).
facebook.com/islandsinthepines; 162 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024; 954-431-7600
Cool Off With A Cone
At Cleveland’s Old Fashion Ice Cream in Miramar, they’ve been churning out 50 flavors of fresh ice cream for 40 years. If you have a hungry crew with you, order up the Ice Cream Chaffer, which is delivered in a metal handled serving container with eight flavors and all the toppings you can hope for.
papacleve.com; 6933 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33023; 754-888-9152
Where To Stay
A Luxury Hotel For Pool Time And Pampering
The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale opened in March 2022 in an oceanfront location on North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. Unwind at the hotel spa, with treatments designed to mimic the waterways that surround Fort Lauderdale, and swim at the in your choice of two infinity pools. Dine at Evelyn’s Table serving a Eastern Mediterranean/coastal-influenced menu, plus a soon-to-be-opened boulevard-level restaurant.
fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale; 525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; 754-336-3100
A Retro-Inspired Stay That's Great For Families
Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort reopened in 2022 following a rebrand. Originally opened as the Escape Hotel in 1949, this property has long been prized by vacationers. With decor that celebrates its retro roots, guests can stretch their way through daily beach yoga classes, and use the Kimpton’s bikes, boogie boards, and children’s beach toys—all included in the daily resort fee.
shorebreakfortlauderdale.com; 2900 Riomar Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; 954-908-7301
A Fun Budget-Friendly Option For Adults
Plunge Beach Resort offers a great budget-friendly option in nearby Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and recently launched new adults-only bungalow accommodations. These exclusive environs include kitchenettes and dining rooms, welcome drinks, and access to a VIP lounge, as well as an adults-only pool and beach area.
plungebeachresort.com; 4660 El Mar Dr, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308; 754-312-5775
Getting To And Around Fort Lauderdale
A high-speed rail service, Brightline, operates a station in Fort Lauderdale, zipping passengers from Miami to West Palm Beach (with future expansions planned for Orlando and Tampa).
One of the best ways to explore the city is by water on the city’s 300 miles of navigable waterways. Take a Water Taxi for a guided tour through the town’s legendary mansions and mega yachts—hop on and off throughout the day for $35. Or plan a romantic electric gondola ride—you can bring your own picnic and enjoy watching the sights unfold through Fort Lauderdale’s canals. Airboats and jet skis are even more options for exploring these waterways.
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