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Located about 28 miles north of Miami on Florida’s southeastern coast, you’ll find the beautiful, vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale. While the area’s history began centuries ago with the Tequesta people, the Ft. Lauderdale we know today began to take shape during the land boom of the 1920s. During this time, the city earned the nickname “Venice of America” because of the network of artificial canals and waterways developed to make waterfront living more accessible.
As the city grew, these creations became a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale. Today, the city boasts over 300 miles of beautiful navigable waterways for boating, contributing to its development as a hub for yachting and luxury living. Later (largely due to the popular 1960 movie “Where the Boys Are“), Ft. Lauderdale earned a reputation as the place to be for beach enthusiasts and spring break revelers.
Thanks to a hip downtown, plentiful job opportunities, and diverse cultural amenities, Ft. Lauderdale has mellowed and become a destination for young professionals and families alike. Key neighborhoods include Victoria Park, with its Mediterranean Revival style homes, and Sailboat Bend, known for its eclectic, artsy vibe.
Visitors to Ft. Lauderdale are greeted by people as warm as its sunny beaches! The locals are proud to show off their gorgeous city to new residents and tourists alike, so we had no problem gathering suggestions for some fun things to check out. Here’s a list of some of the city’s best things to see and do, as recommended by the locals!
1. First, the beach
“When visiting Fort Lauderdale, there’s plenty of things to do and see for everyone – all within just a few square miles,” says South Florida native and local realtor Jason Taub. “This makes it incredibly easy to walk, take an Uber, or Water Taxi among many of the destinations.”
“Perhaps the liveliest and most vibrant destination is Fort Lauderdale Beach,” he says, “where you can enjoy people watching, fine dining, or taking in the atmosphere of some legendary beach bars.” The beach’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and its offshore coral reefs are a must-see for snorkelers and divers. Several charter companies offer diving excursions and glass-bottom boat tours if you want a more guided experience as you commune with the city’s marine inhabitants.
2. Then, Las Olas Blvd
“Then, there’s Las Olas Boulevard, which is the city’s bustling hub for daytime and nighttime dining, shopping, entertainment, and more,” says Taub. It’s just steps away from the beach, making it super easy to throw on a cover-up and settle in for a daiquiri and some people-watching. But Las Olas isn’t just a fantastic place to grab a cocktail and a great meal. It’s also home to several cultural attractions, including Savor Cinema 5-10 minutes away, which hosts the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival.
3. Relax on the Riverwalk
“You’ll also want to stroll along the Riverwalk. The lushly landscaped pedestrian-friendly artery that meanders through the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Located along the north and south sides of the New River, it’s an incredible place to watch the never-ending boat traffic (many of which are jaw-dropping mega yachts),” says Taub. “Also, the Riverwalk connects all of the high rises to Las Olas Boulevard, waterfront restaurants, and everything else in the walkable neighborhood!”
4. Eat, drink, and be merry with the locals
“Whether you’re a young family or retired adult, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a wide array of outdoor entertainment, including free concerts, food and wine festivals, art walks with food trucks, and pop-up craft vendor markets,” says Rob Adler (aka, The Weekend Concierge). As founder of WeekendBroward.com, Adler is an expert on all things entertainment in Ft. Lauderdale. In addition to the regular happenings, you might also look out for some of the annual seasonal activities the county hosts. For example, visitors are treated to the South Florida Fair every January, one of the state’s oldest and most elaborate community events. The fair offers concerts, stage shows, rides, unique shopping, and, of course, world-famous fair food.
Good to know: “WeekendBroward makes it easy to discover all of these events ranging from the cities of Hollywood to West Palm Beach, all within an hour’s drive from Fort Lauderdale,” says Adler. “Calendars are updated daily to show locations for live music, comedy shows, karaoke, and food truck markets.”
5. Learn a thing or two at Stonewall National Museum
Fort Lauderdale has embraced historic preservation by incorporating diverse historical narratives into its tourist destinations and education sectors. The Stonewall National Museum is one such destination! “After you’ve been to the beach and relaxed at a bar, visit the one and only national LGBTQ+ museum, library, and archives in Florida. (Yes, in Florida!)” says executive director Robert Kesten.
“We have Ricky Martin’s leather pants, Nancy Pelosi’s gavel, 30,000 books, and the stories of people from our community who have changed the world. Join us for a public program, sit and hang out, take a tour of the archives, or read a book. Visiting Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library will open your eyes to the Florida you would have missed and a world you will want to see.”
“We are home to the only live reenactment of the Stonewall Uprising (June 28th), an immersive PRIDE exhibit (June 1st), movie nights, donuts & conversation mornings, exhibits, galas, parties, music, and more.”
Good to know: The Stonewall Museum is located at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd.—on your way to or from the beach! They are open 7 days a week.
6. Immerse yourself in the arts scene
Laura Glassman and the membership team at the NSU Art Museum compiled a short list of local art spaces and museums they recommend for visiting art enthusiasts, including their own! “The NSU Art Museum has been the heart of the local art community since 1958,” says Glassman. “Currently, the museum features eight diverse exhibitions as well as dozens of educational programs. We were also recently designated as the permanent home for the Surrounded Islands documentation exhibition by the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, which is an exciting addition to our permanent collection. The first exhibition of this work will open in February 2025.”
Other recommended attractions include the Girls Club Collection, “an alternative art space featuring the collection of local artists Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz,” and Sarah Glass Ceramics, “a woman-owned pottery studio a short drive from the museum.” The Museum of Discovery and Science and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens are also great options for satisfying your creative curiosity.
Good to know: If you are interested in attending the NSU Art Museum’s events, you can find them here. For a more comprehensive calendar of cultural events in Ft. Lauderdale, check out the Broward Arts Calendar here.
7. See the city by water taxi
“Greater Fort Lauderdale is a treasure trove of sun-soaked adventures, cultural gems, and culinary delights. Whether you’re here for relaxation or exploration, there’s something for everyone,” says Ebony Tyre, public relations manager of tourism agency Visit Lauderdale. “Start by exploring the ‘Venice of America’ by hopping on a water taxi to navigate the 300 miles of scenic waterways lined with stunning mansions and yachts!” The taxis operate sort of like buses on water, allowing you to hop on and off at designated stops. It’s part tour and part transit, as the drivers often narrate about the history, celebrity mansions, and yachts visible along the route.
Good to know: The water taxis run daily, typically from 10 am to 10 pm, with extended weekend hours. Certain times might vary depending on the season and route.
8. Explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Average temperatures in Ft. Lauderdale range from the mid-60s° F in winter to the mid-80s° F in summer, so there’s no shortage of fantastic outdoor activities for people of all ages. “Nature lovers can escape to the Everglades for thrilling airboat rides and wildlife spotting,” says Tyre. “Or enjoy the tranquility of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park! Nestled between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, the park protects a rare “tropical coastal hammock” home to various plants, including gumbo limbo trees, mangroves, and sea grapes. It’s also a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife unique to the climate, such as gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, and over 200 bird species.
9. Get lost in the Museum of Discovery and Science
Gal Cohen, business development leader and field area manager for JDM Sliding Doors, gave us the last (but certainly not least) two suggestions on our list. “I’ve been a Fort Lauderdale local since birth, and I’ve always loved sharing the hidden gems that make this city so special,” she says. “I have a lot of must-visits, but two spots I always recommend are the Museum of Discovery and Science and Everglades Holiday Park. They’re not just great places to visit-they’re part of what makes Fort Lauderdale unique!”
“The Museum of Discovery and Science is a favorite of mine because it’s such a dynamic place, whether you’re a kid or an adult. I’ve been going there since I was little, and it’s always been a mix of fun and learning. The IMAX theater is incredible; it’s not your regular movie experience, and the 3D documentaries really pull you in. The hands-on exhibits, like the Everglades airboat simulator, are a cool way to explore what makes South Florida’s environment so fascinating. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours and still want to come back.”
Good to know: Museum hours are from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5.
10. Everglades Holiday Park
“Everglades Holiday Park is a must-visit as well, especially if you want to experience something a bit more wild,” says Cohen. “There is a unique rush when taking an airboat ride; you feel like you’re gliding over the water, surrounded by miles of untouched wetlands. And yes, you’ll see alligators up close, but it’s the whole ecosystem that’s amazing. I always recommend going with friends or family who’ve never been because watching their reactions makes it even better. It’s a reminder of how connected Fort Lauderdale is to nature, even with all the development in the city.” The park offers picnic areas to enjoy a little lunch outside, as well as boat rentals for those who want a more self-guided experience.
Good to know: The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
From its idyllic beaches to its bustling cityscape, Ft. Lauderdale is the place to be for folks who want to slow down but stay active. If you’ve never been, we highly recommend you stop in for a visit. Hopefully, our locals-recommended list of things to do will give you some inspiration for where to begin. Just be warned! Once you’ve settled on the beach with a good book and frosty beverage, you may not want to leave.
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Mihaela Buzec is a senior writer and online content developer for RentCafe. She covers topics about everything related to the renting lifestyle, from decorating and interior design to finding the right apartment, frugal living, money saving advice, and more. She dives deep into topics of interest, writing well-researched comprehensive guides on subjects such as renting with pets, saving on utilities, or avoiding rental scams to help renters stay informed and live smart.
Mihaela holds a BA in English and German Language and Literature, an MA in Current Linguistics, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in neurolinguistics.
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