GREAT THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Miami and Fort Lauderdale is on your radar, definitely check out this guide on great things to do in Fort Lauderdale!

Whenever we visited Miami, we usually did day trips heading south (Key West primarily!). This time, we decided to explore north and that’s how we ended up in Fort Lauderdale. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and beautiful boating canals, which is why people often call it the “Venice of America.”

Honestly, the name fits perfectly and we loved it. It feels like a modern, relaxed version of Venice, with a classic beach-city vibe and plenty of great places to eat, drink, and enjoy your day. It really has a lot to offer, so keep reading to find out the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale!

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WHERE IS FORT LAUDERDALE

Fort Lauderdale is a gorgeous city on Florida’s Atlantic coast, and it’s actually really close to Miami. Because of that, it’s perfect for a day trip or even for a few days if you want to escape the Miami crowds!

HOW TO REACH FORT LAUDERDALE FROM MIAMI

Traveling from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is super easy and quick. You’ve got a few different options depending on your time and budget. You can drive straight up I-95 North and reach the city in about 30–45 minutes. That’s what we did since we had a rental car. We parked in the Las Olas Parking Garage and it was actually really affordable.

If you don’t feel like driving, you can take the Brightline train. It will get you there comfortably in around 30 minutes. The round-trip ticket is $30-50. And if you’re on a tighter budget, Tri-Rail or the bus are also great options. They take a bit longer, but they’re reliable and cheap. No matter which way you choose, the trip is super simple because Fort Lauderdale is really close to Miami.

IS FORT LAUDERDALE WORTH VISITING?

Fort Lauderdale is definitely worth visiting. It’s a great place to go if you enjoy sunny beaches, calm waters (both the ocean and the canals), and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s much quieter than Miami, and when we visited it was actually surprisingly peaceful.

The beaches are wide and beautiful, and the waterfront at Las Olas Beach and the Las Olas Boulevard are really lively, full of fun bars and restaurants. It’s a perfect spot whether you’re looking for a calm beach day or a more energetic day with good food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Relax and enjoy your day at Las Olas Beach

Las Olas Beach is the perfect place to spend your day if you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape. You can really slow down here and enjoy the sunshine. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the atmosphere is great. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, or simply put down your towel and relax.

The beachfront promenade is just a few steps away and it’s super easy to explore. You’ll find plenty of spots to grab a drink or a snack when you need a break from the sun or swimming. Even if you don’t plan to stay all day, make sure you at least stop by for a couple of hours. Or just take a walk along the beach and enjoy the beautiful views!

Explore Las Olas Boulevard

Every city has that one really popular street, and in Fort Lauderdale, that’s Las Olas Boulevard. It’s one of the most lively and interesting places in the city, and you really can’t skip it. The street is full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and so many cute shops, so it’s a fun place to walk around and explore.

You can have an outdoor lunch, do some shopping, or just enjoy the atmosphere. In the evening, the area gets even more energetic with music, lights, and plenty of great spots to grab a drink and relax. It’s the perfect place to experience the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Take a Boat Tour on the Canals

Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” because it has canals running right through the center of the city. Taking a boat tour is an absolute must, as it’s one of the best ways to see Fort Lauderdale. The canals are calm and incredibly scenic, and you’ll get close-up views of beautiful waterfront homes, yachts, and hidden corners you’d never see by car.

There are a few ways to experience the canals, but two options are the most popular. First, there’s the free water taxi. That’s a small boat that takes you from one stop to another so you can explore without walking everywhere, while still enjoying the water views. The second option is the paid water taxi. It is a larger hop-on hop-off boat with over 30 stops around Fort Lauderdale, including the beach. It costs $38 and the ride is narrated, so you’ll learn interesting facts about the city along the way.

Choose the option that suits you best, whether you just want quick transport or a full sightseeing experience. And if you’re visiting later in the day, consider booking a sunset cruise. These are also really popular and offer gorgeous views!

Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

If you have the time (we didn’t, unfortunately), definitely try to visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Florida’s state parks are always beautiful, and this one is no exception. It’s right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, yet it seems really peaceful. It’s got loads of shady trees, quiet walking trails, and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy nature.

If you want something a bit more active, you can rent a kayak and paddle along the calm lagoon, or even go for a bike ride. If you just want to relax, bring a picnic and enjoy the shade. There’s also a good chance you’ll spot some wildlife like turtles, birds, and even the occasional raccoon, which makes it even more fun. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle or $2 per person if you’re walking or cycling, so it’s definitely worth checking out!

Check Out the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is one of the most relaxing places to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront, and it’s absolutely beautiful. This path runs along the New River and gives you amazing views of boats, bridges, and the downtown skyline.

It’s really lovely to see the tall buildings, palm trees, and river all together. The Riverwalk is the perfect spot for a slow stroll, and you can stop at one of the cafés or restaurants along the way. The whole area feels safe and welcoming, and our morning walk here ended up being one of the calmest, most enjoyable parts of our Fort Lauderdale visit!

Explore the Museum of Discovery and Science

If you’re travelling as a family, or you just enjoy museums, don’t skip this one! The Museum of Discovery and Science is a fun and educational spot filled with hands-on exhibits, live animals, and interactive displays that make learning exciting for both kids and adults.

Children can explore science through play, while adults can enjoy fascinating exhibits about nature, technology, and the environment. There’s also a huge IMAX theater that shows incredible nature films on a giant screen. Tickets are around $30–35, and it’s definitely a great stop if you have the time!

Go Shopping at Sawgrass Mills

If you like shopping, this is a place you just can’t miss. Sawgrass Mills is one of the best shopping destinations near Fort Lauderdale, and it’s only about 30 minutes away. This huge outlet mall has hundreds of stores, from popular brands to high-end designer outlets.

You’ll find amazing deals on clothes, shoes, accessories, and so much more. Many people make an entire day trip just to shop here. We visit Sawgrass every time we’re in Miami, and we even drive an hour to get there because it’s 100% worth it. This time we visited from Fort Lauderdale, and it was such an easy trip. If you love shopping, definitely don’t skip it!

CONCLUSION: BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Fort Lauderdale has a great mix of beaches, nature, shopping, and fun activities, so it’s an easy city to enjoy. I’d highly recommend spending some time at the beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, taking the water taxi, and definitely going shopping at Sawgrass Mills. We really enjoyed this day trip, and I think you will too!