The best things to do in Fort Lauderdale are mostly on the water: a day on Fort Lauderdale Beach, a ride on the Water Taxi through the canals that earned the city its “Venice of America” nickname, and an evening on Las Olas Boulevard. Add Bonnet House, the NSU Art Museum and a reef snorkel off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, then take short drives south to Hollywood and Dania Beach or north to Pompano Beach for a different stretch of Broward County coast.
This guide covers the city and the beach towns around it, organized the way most people plan a trip: beaches, the water, Las Olas and downtown, museums, food and drink, and easy day trips. For local listings, browse the Fort Lauderdale directory or the wider Greater Fort Lauderdale area guide.
Fort Lauderdale at a glance
- Where it is: Broward County, on Florida’s southeast coast, about 30 miles north of downtown Miami and 45 miles south of West Palm Beach.
- Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) sits about 10 to 15 minutes from the beach and Las Olas without traffic.
- Waterways: roughly 300 miles of canals, rivers and Intracoastal Waterway run through the city.
- Getting around: a car helps for day trips, but the beach, Las Olas and downtown are linked by the Water Taxi, rideshare and the free-to-walk Riverwalk.
- Best season: November through April for dry, mild weather; December brings the Winterfest Boat Parade.
- Nearby towns covered here: Hollywood, Dania Beach, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.
What are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
If you only have a day or two, pick from this short list, then use the sections below for detail. Most of these sit within a 10-minute drive of the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and State Road A1A.
| Experience | Where | Time needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade | A1A from Las Olas north to Sunrise Blvd | Half day | Free (paid parking) |
| Water Taxi canal ride | Stops along the New River and Intracoastal | 2 to 4 hours | $38 adult day pass, $25 after 5pm |
| Bonnet House Museum and Gardens | 900 N Birch Rd | 2 hours | $30 adult self-guided |
| Hugh Taylor Birch State Park | 3109 E Sunrise Blvd | 1 to 3 hours | $6 per vehicle |
| Las Olas Boulevard shops and dinner | Las Olas, SE 6th to SE 15th Ave | An evening | Free to stroll |
| NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale | One E Las Olas Blvd | 1 to 2 hours | Free first Thursday of each month |
| Hollywood Beach Broadwalk | Hollywood, 20 minutes south | Half day | Free (paid parking) |
Which Fort Lauderdale beach is best?
Fort Lauderdale Beach, the stretch along A1A between Las Olas Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard, is the best choice for a first visit because it puts sand, restaurants and the Intracoastal within a few blocks. The white wave wall that runs along the promenade is the classic image of the city, and the beach is wide, lifeguarded and easy to reach from most hotels.
Fort Lauderdale Beach (Central Beach)
Park in one of the city garages near Las Olas and A1A, then walk north along the promenade. Mornings are quiet and good for a run or a swim before the sun gets strong; late afternoon brings the people-watching crowd. The beach faces east, so plan on sunrise here and sunset over the Intracoastal side.
The beach at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at 3109 E Sunrise Blvd is a pocket of old Florida greenery squeezed between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on A1A. Entry is $6 per vehicle (up to eight people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for walkers and cyclists, and the park is open from 8am to sundown every day. A crosswalk on A1A leads to the beach, and the park itself has Long Lake, trails for walking and biking, a canoe and kayak launch, picnic pavilions, a playground and a concession. It sits right next to Bonnet House, so the two pair well in one morning. Note that the park warns of temporary loop-road closures during very high tides.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Ten minutes north of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the small town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the easiest place in Broward County to snorkel a reef straight from the sand. The first reef line off this coast sits roughly 300 yards offshore in about 15 feet of water, which puts it within reach of strong swimmers on calm days. Go with a dive flag, watch the surf report, and skip it when the wind blows from the east.
Quieter sand to the south and north
Families who want space often head to John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach, just south of Port Everglades, or to Pompano Beach, which has about three miles of lifeguarded beach anchored by the Fisher Family Pier. Hollywood’s beach, covered below, is the busiest alternative and the best for a long walk.
How do you get around Fort Lauderdale by water?
The Water Taxi is the simplest way to see the canals, the mansions along the New River and the Intracoastal without booking a private boat. Boats run every day from 10am to 10pm, rain or shine, with a hop-on, hop-off pass that covers the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pompano Beach routes.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
- Price: $38 for adults and $18 for ages 5 to 11 (under 5 ride free); an evening pass after 5pm is $25 for adults. A Pompano Beach-only pass is $30 for adults.
- Frequency: about every 30 to 45 minutes on the Fort Lauderdale route.
- Loop time: about three hours to ride the full Fort Lauderdale loop back to your starting stop.
- Tip: board near the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas, ride east to the beach for lunch, then come back at sunset on the evening pass.
Check fares and the boat tracker on the Water Taxi website before you go, since prices can change.
Paddleboards, jet skis and charters
Bahia Mar Yachting Center on Seabreeze Boulevard is the hub for getting on the water yourself. Lauderdale Paddleboard works out of Bahia Mar for stand-up paddle sessions on the Intracoastal, and Fishing Headquarters books fishing charters from the same marina. For snorkel and dive trips to the reef, Sea Experience runs boats from Bahia Mar as well. North of Sunrise Boulevard, Jet Ski Rentals Fort Lauderdale handles jet ski outings.
A gondola ride on the canal
For something slower, Riverfront Gondola Tours docks on the Himmarshee Canal at 1200 E Las Olas Blvd, behind Casa Sensei. It is a popular pick for an anniversary or a quiet hour before dinner on Las Olas.
What is there to do on Las Olas Boulevard?
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale’s main street for shopping, dining and an evening walk, running from downtown east across the Isles to the beach. The busiest stretch for strolling sits between SE 6th Avenue and SE 15th Avenue, lined with boutiques, galleries, sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Shopping on Las Olas
Locally owned shops are the reason to walk this stretch rather than drive it. Pina Boutique carries women’s fashion at 1263 E Las Olas Blvd, and Candle Land Fort Lauderdale at 914 E Las Olas Blvd makes an easy stop for a gift. Head south off the boulevard to SE 17th Street and you’ll find LUXE by the Sea, another independent boutique.
Coffee, pastries and a canal-side dinner
Start the morning at Gran Forno Bakery on Las Olas or at Nanou Las Olas, a bakery farther east near the Intracoastal at 2915 E Las Olas Blvd. For dinner, Casa Sensei sits on the Himmarshee Canal at 1200 E Las Olas Blvd, and it’s the jumping-off point for the gondola rides.
Las Olas Art Fair
Twice each winter, juried artists line Las Olas Boulevard for the outdoor art fair. The Las Olas Art Fair Part I runs January 9 and 10, 2027, on Las Olas between SE 6th and SE 11th Avenues, and Las Olas Art Fair Part II follows later in the season. Arrive before 11am to browse before the crowds and to find street parking.
What is there to do in downtown Fort Lauderdale?
Downtown Fort Lauderdale centers on the New River and the Riverwalk, a paved promenade along both banks that links the city’s history museums, the performing arts center and the bar district on Himmarshee Street. It’s walkable, and it’s where most of the city’s culture sits.
The Riverwalk and Esplanade Park
Walk the Riverwalk at golden hour, when yachts slide past on their way to the Intracoastal and the downtown towers light up. The path connects Las Olas to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, with benches and shade along the way.
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Historic Stranahan House Museum at 335 SE 6th Ave is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, built in 1901 as a trading post on the New River by Frank Stranahan. Tours walk through the restored house and tell the story of the city’s founding years. Self-guided tickets start at $13, the last tour starts at 3:15pm, and the schedule changes weekly around field trips and private events, so book ahead. It also marks the starting point of the Winterfest Boat Parade each December.
History Fort Lauderdale
History Fort Lauderdale at 231 SW 2nd Ave runs the city’s history campus in Old Fort Lauderdale Village, a cluster of restored early 20th-century buildings along the river. Pair it with a ride from Segway Fort Lauderdale, which is based a block away on SW 2nd Avenue.
Live music, film and nightlife
Revolution Live at 100 SW 3rd Ave is downtown’s main room for touring bands. For independent and foreign film, Savor Cinema at 503 SE 6th St screens a curated lineup. Record collectors should make the short drive to Shellshock Records on NE 13th Street.
What museums are worth visiting in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale’s two essential museums are Bonnet House and the NSU Art Museum, and both can be done in one day with time for the beach.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a 1920s artists’ estate on 35 acres of barrier-island habitat at 900 N Birch Rd, with a plantation-style house, orchid collection, swans and resident monkeys in the trees. Self-guided admission is $30 for adults, $25 for Broward County residents with ID, $8 for ages 6 to 17 and free for 5 and under; gardens-only entry is $15. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm (last admission at 4pm, grounds close at 5pm), and it is closed Mondays. Guided house tours (90 minutes, pre-registration required) are offered Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am and 1pm. See the Bonnet House website for holiday closures.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale sits at the west end of Las Olas Boulevard at One E Las Olas Blvd. It is the city’s main art museum, home to a Glackens Study Center devoted to American painter William Glackens and a CoBrA Collection and Research Center, plus changing exhibitions. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm (closed Mondays), and admission is free on the first Thursday of every month, when hours run 11am to 7pm. Plan an hour or two, then walk east on Las Olas for lunch.
Arts groups worth knowing
ArtServe on East Sunrise Boulevard runs gallery shows and programs for local artists. Families should also know the Museum of Discovery and Science on the Riverwalk, a hands-on science museum that works well on a rainy afternoon.
Where should you eat and drink in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale’s independent food scene is strongest in three pockets: Las Olas, the FAT Village and Flagler Village arts district north of downtown, and the breweries tucked into warehouse streets south of the river.
Flagler Village and FAT Village
Circle House Coffee at 727 NE 3rd Ave is a neighborhood favorite for coffee and a pastry. A block away, Wine Watch at 837 NE 3rd Ave is a longtime wine shop. Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen at 433 NW 1st Ave rounds out the area with drinks and food.
Breweries
Fort Lauderdale has a strong local beer scene. Tarpon River Brewing at 280 SW 6th St sits a short walk from the Riverwalk, and LauderAle Brewery at 3305 SE 14th Ave is near Port Everglades and the airport, which makes it a good first or last stop of a trip.
Where to stay near the action
To stay on Las Olas itself, the Riverside Hotel at 620 E Las Olas Blvd is the classic choice, with the Water Taxi stopping at its garage. On the beach, Birch House on South Birch Road and Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club on South Ocean Lane are independent options at different price points.
What are the best day trips from Fort Lauderdale?
The best day trips from Fort Lauderdale are short: Hollywood and Dania Beach to the south, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach to the north, and the Everglades to the west. All are within 30 to 45 minutes by car.
Hollywood (20 minutes south)
Hollywood’s Broadwalk is a car-free promenade of a little over two miles along the ocean, lined with casual restaurants and bars, and patrolled by lifeguards in 28 towers year-round. Inland, downtown Hollywood has murals, live music and ArtsPark at Young Circle. Stop at Le Tub Saloon, a former gas station on North Ocean Drive known for its bathtub decor and big burgers, and browse the town on the Hollywood area page.
Dania Beach (15 minutes south)
Dania Beach is home to Broward County’s antique row, a cluster of shops along Federal Highway. Start at Maurice Antiques and Cameo Antiques on N Federal Hwy and work your way down the block. Finish with a pint at 3 Sons Brewing Co. on the same street.
Pompano Beach (25 minutes north)
Pompano Beach is the region’s fishing town, built around the nearly 900-foot Fisher Family Pier and the Hillsboro Inlet. Sightseeing on the pier is free and fishing costs $7 per person per day. Divers come for Shipwreck Park and the Lady Luck, a 324-foot tanker sunk in 2016 and dressed as an underwater casino. For a beachfront meal, Beach House Pompano sits on Pompano Beach Boulevard near the pier, and 26° Brewing Company on East Atlantic Boulevard is the town’s big local brewery. More on the Pompano Beach area page.
Deerfield Beach (35 minutes north)
Deerfield Beach has a classic small-town beachfront with a fishing pier and a lineup of independent inns. The Deerfield Beach Historical Society and Butler House Museum covers the town’s early days.
The Everglades (30 to 45 minutes west)
Western Broward County borders the Everglades, and several airboat operators work the sawgrass off US 27 and Griffin Road. Book a morning ride, when wildlife is more active and the heat is lower, and bring a hat and sunscreen.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is November through April, when days are mostly dry and highs sit in the 70s to low 80s. December through March is peak season, with the highest hotel rates and the busiest beaches. May and October are good shoulder months with warm water and fewer crowds, while June through September is hot, humid and stormy in the afternoons, with hurricane season running June 1 through November 30. For a statewide view, see the best time to visit Florida.
Fort Lauderdale in December
December is the city’s showpiece month. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade sails Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 6pm on the New River near Stranahan House and running 12 miles up the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Watching is free along the route, and the paid parade viewing area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park opens at 4pm. Details are on the Winterfest Boat Parade event page, and the rest of the month is covered in Florida in December.
Is Fort Lauderdale or Miami better for a beach trip?
Fort Lauderdale is usually the better pick for a relaxed beach trip, while Miami suits travelers who want nightlife, a dense restaurant scene and Art Deco architecture. Fort Lauderdale tends to have easier parking, a more spread-out beachfront and lower hotel rates for comparable locations. The two cities are only about 45 minutes apart, so it’s easy to base in one and visit the other. If you’re leaning toward Miami, The FL Guide’s Miami neighborhood guides cover where to stay and what to do in South Beach.
Tips for visiting Fort Lauderdale
- Parking: beach garages near Las Olas and A1A fill early on winter weekends. Arrive before 10am or use rideshare.
- Bridges: drawbridges on Las Olas, Sunrise and 17th Street open for boat traffic, so build in a few extra minutes.
- Sun and surf: swim near a lifeguard tower and check flag colors. Rip currents can form on breezy days.
- Cruise days: traffic around Port Everglades and the airport spikes on cruise departure mornings, especially weekends.
- Reef-safe habits: use mineral sunscreen and never stand on coral when snorkeling.
FAQ
What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?
Fort Lauderdale is best known for its beach, its roughly 300 miles of canals and waterways, and its boating culture, which gives it the nickname “Venice of America.” Las Olas Boulevard, the Winterfest Boat Parade in December and the cruise port at Port Everglades are also big draws.
How much does the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi cost?
An all-day pass costs $38 for adults and $18 for children ages 5 to 11, and children under 5 ride free. After 5pm, an adult evening pass is $25. Boats run daily from 10am to 10pm.
Is Fort Lauderdale Beach free?
Yes, the public beach is free to use. You will pay for parking in city garages, lots and meters along A1A. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park charges $6 per vehicle for park entry.
How many days do you need in Fort Lauderdale?
Three days is enough to cover the beach, a Water Taxi ride, Las Olas, Bonnet House and one day trip to Hollywood or Pompano Beach. Add a fourth day for a reef snorkel trip or the Everglades.
Can you snorkel from the beach in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. The first reef line sits about 300 yards offshore in roughly 15 feet of water, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the most popular spot to swim out to it. Go on calm days, use a dive flag and check conditions first. Boat trips from Bahia Mar reach deeper reefs and wrecks.
When is the Winterfest Boat Parade in 2026?
The 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 6pm on the New River. The 12-mile route runs north on the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, and viewing along the route is free.