The best thing about living in Fort Lauderdale is that there is a lot to do. If you’re a tourist or just visiting for the weekend, this little beach city has something to offer everyone. There are many things to see and do in Fort Lauderdale and it all depends on what you’re looking for. From historical treasures, cultural attractions, and natural beauty spots that are absolutely breathtaking – not to mention the multitude of dining options – it’s easy to find your niche in this gorgeous Florida city.
Here are Roomi’s suggestions on the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale!
Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Fort Lauderdale
Outdoors in Fort Lauderdale
1. The Everglade Park
Teeming with local wildlife including alligators, turtles, panthers, pythons, and also storks (just to name a few), the Floridian Everglades is an essential destination for any nature lover. The most exciting way to soak it all in is definitely with an informative, professionally guided airboat ride through the wilderness. You can also the traditional airboat tour to the next level with a nighttime adventure or a VIP experience.
On some tours, those brave enough also get the opportunity to hold a baby alligator!
Hours: Park grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Costs:
- Vehicle / Vessel Entrance: $30 (7-day pass)
- Pedestrian / Cyclist / Human Powered Paddle-craft: $15 (7-day pass)
2. Hop on a canal sightseeing cruise!
Unlike most waterfront cities, Fort Lauderdale is emersed (pun intended) with waterways between the beach strips and the mainland — think of it as Florida’s sunny answer to Venice.
Depending on your budget and appetite for adventure, choose from kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, private yachts, as well as a large-group booze cruise. No matter your vessel, you’ll be zipping past enormous mansions, ultra-expensive yachts, and endless bridges, all while your professional guide points out intriguing landmarks.
Costs: Vary across providers
Hours: Depend on your reservations
3. Hop on a seaplane tour of Fort Lauderdale!
Seatbelts on for this unforgettable chance to view the city from above! You can onboard an amphibious seaplane to basically discover an entirely new perspective on the expansive shoreline. Soar over the crowded beaches, admire the complex patterns of the waterways, and, of course, snap a few selfies in front of the skyline.
If time and budget permit, you can charter the seaplane to transport you to and from nearby islands. This includes the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, as well as the Florida Keys.
Costs: $200/30 mins on average.
Hours: Adjustable.
Sports in Fort Lauderdale
1. Catch up with the Florida Panthers
Did you think hockey was just for the snowy states? Think again! The Florida Panthers are South Florida’s go-to team for those craving the physical, fast-paced thrill of hockey. Tickets are available from October through April, so grab your spot and head to the rink to watch the rubber pucks fly.
Costs: Upwards of $90
Hours: Vary according to games and seasons.
2. America’s Got Soccer!
Consider America’s Got Soccer as the perfect indoor soccer arena ideal for bonding over goals, cheering for the World Cup, and also competing for bragging rights. After a match, guests can order a beer from the impressive selection at the Pumas Sports Tavern, and watch a live match on the field—or on the 14-foot screen!—along with all their teammates. Reserve a party room and enjoy an entire section of the bar dedicated to your group with professional catering, optional bubble soccer, and even a free beer tower.
Cost: $675 per team
Hours: Friday Nights: 7:00 – 10:00 PM
3. Hard Rock Stadium
For the ultimate sports venue, Hard Rock Stadium is the ideal place for meetings, banquets, corporate hospitality, and trade shows. Buy tickets to watch the Miami Dolphins score, or host an event in one of the private rooms to really make an impression.
Cost: Vary according to games and seasons
Hours: Gates open two hours prior to every playoff.
Museums in Fort Lauderdale
1. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
A picturesque 35-acre historic estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens combines art with over 100 years of history of the Bonnet estate. It’s no wonder that this infamous landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The home’s plantation-style exterior has been perfectly preserved in its 1930’s and 40’s essence. The interior is equally impressive – dotted with delightful artworks, animal sculptures, and plenty more surprises.
Cost:
Self Guided Tours
- Adult: $20.00
- Ages 6 – 17: $8.00 (No other discount applies)
- Children (5 and under): FREE
- Bonnet House Members: FREE
Guided Tours
- Adult: $25.00
- Ages 6-17: $10 (No other discount applies)
- Not recommended for children under 6
Hours: 9:00AM to Sunset. Different when booking tours.
2. Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is a remarkable display of historical automobiles, effectively replicating a Packard showroom from the 1920s. In addition to the nation’s largest collection of Packard cars, visitors will have the chance to marvel at the collections of unique hood ornaments, gas station signs, horns, vintage car magazines, and an entire separate exhibit dedicated to none other than Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Costs:
- $10/person
- Children 5-12: $5.00
- Children under 5: FREE
Hours:
- Mon – Thu 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Fri – Fri 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.
3. NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale
Situated at the western end of Las Olas Blvd, the NSU Art Museum is a celebrated indoor venue for tourists and locals alike.
The 85,000-square-foot building is jam-packed with artifacts and artwork, spanning everything from the post-war era to avant-garde European Cobra, Latin American artwork, and even the nation’s largest collection of realist works by William Glackens. On summer days that are just too hot to bear, air-conditioned museums like this one are welcomed relief for all of us.
Costs:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors and Military: $8
- Students (13-17) and college students (with a valid ID): $5
- FREE for NSU Art Museum Members, NSU students, faculty and staff, and children 12 and under.
Hours:
- SUNDAY: NOON – 5 PM
- FREE FIRST THURSDAY ‘SUNNY DAYS’: 11 AM – 5 PM
- TUESDAY – SATURDAY: 11 AM – 5 PM
- MONDAY: CLOSED
Culture in Fort Lauderdale
1. The Sun Trolley!
We recommend signing up your entire family for Sun Trolley that makes up for a fun mid-Saturday deal. All five of the Sun Trolley’s routes are free to ride, making exploring the city cheap and easy for anyone on a budget!
For some of the more notable tourist areas, hop on the Beach Link down to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Check out the shops, restaurants, and museums along the city’s most vibrant boulevard via the Las Olas Link, or climb aboard the Riverwalk Water Trolley for a ride along the picturesque New River.
Cost: All trolley routes are free except for the beach and Las Olas route which costs $1 a ride or $3 for an all day pass.
Hours: Daily, Monday to Sunday, 10:30AM to 5:00PM
2. Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In Theater
Proudly boasting its status at the largest daily flea market in the world, the Swap Shop brings together hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of hidden treasures, as well as plenty of local fruits and nibblies worth sampling.
Besides the obvious Swap Shop experience, the venue also showcases a surprising collection of seriously impressive cars — namely modern and vintage Ferraris — and, impressively, a 14-screen drive-in movie theater that plays a selection of new releases and classics.
Cost: $10-$15
Hours: Opens 9AM runs till last show of the day.
3. Floating Tiki Bar Tours!
Arguably the most enjoyable way to experience Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful waterways — or, at the very least, the most unique — a floating tiki bar tour presents as the perfect warm-day activity.
As the Captains entertain and pump out the toe-tappin’ tunes, visitors can sit back, relax, and sip on a cocktail (or five) as the boat-bar traverses through the picturesque canals.
Keep in mind that these bars have a maximum capacity of six guests.
Cost: Two-hour cruises cost $75 per person when booked individually. That price decreases to $66 per person when you book the entire boat ($400) for six guests.
Hours: 9AM to Sunset
Restaurants and Shopping in Fort Lauderdale
1. Las Olas Boulevard
Widely considered as the city’s premier destination for shopping, restaurants, and land-based entertainment (thanks to its 10 international art exhibitions and regular live concerts), Las Olas Boulevard is a must for any Fort Lauderdale visitor.
Even if you’re not in the mood for a bite or a new wardrobe, Las Olas is a great place for a simple stretch of the legs — you’ll likely come across some street performers along the way too. Shopaholic or not, Las Olas should headline your list of things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Costs: Vary on personal expenditure
Hours: Open 24/7
2. 15th Street Fisheries
Hidden inside the Fort Lauderdale’s most famous nautical landmark, Lauderdale Marina, 15th Street Fisheries has been serving tantalizing dishes to hungry guests since 1978. It’s well worthy of its legendary reputation as one of South Florida’s premium waterfront eateries.
The recently remodeled upper level offers fine dining with an array of freshly caught fish (and other unique dishes, like kangaroo steak), while the downstairs hosts regular live music and cocktails at its Fisheries Dockside spin-off.
Hours: 11:30AM to 9:30PM
Costs: US$25 – US$50
3. The Mai Kai Restaurant
Home of the longest consecutively running Polynesian show in the country, the internationally renowned Mai-Kai Restaurant combines mouth-watering Cantonese and American meals with first-class entertainment.
With an atmosphere resembling the classic tiki bar, plus jovial song and dance (not to mention the strong, tasty drinks), this is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Cost: Upwards of $50
Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:30PM
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find things to do in Fort Lauderdale? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!
