Fort Lauderdale swells and pulses with sights, sounds, and smells. From sunny beaches, to luxury shopping and some of the southeast’s prime dining. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Florida, and all of the United States.
There’s so much to see and do here, it’s difficult to narrow things down! That’s where we come in. We’ve nominated a list of 13 activities, eateries, and attractions that are must-dos next time you’re in Fort Lauderdale. Some you’ve clearly heard of, others are more hidden gems, but all of them are worth your time.
So read on and start planning your next trip — and if you need lodging, book a Fort Lauderdale vacation rental to save money and gain so much more space & privacy over a traditional hotel.
Top 13 Fort Lauderdale Activities
Jungle Queen River Boats
Jungle Queen has a wealth of experience with sailing and the local waters, they have been around for over 80 years! Their tours are an unforgettable experience with a multilevel boat, live entertainment (music and comedy options) on the dinner cruise or check out the tour of Millionaires Row. This is sightseeing at its best – it’s an excursion, an experience and entertainment all wrapped in one.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Museum and Gardens will bring you back to a simpler time – the beginning of the 20th century. Visiting the estate is like stepping into a really cool time shuttle. There is so much to see from the beautiful gardens to the beachfront views with a natural and well maintained ecosystem, to getting a historical education in the museum. This is a must see on your next trip to Ft. Lauderdale!
Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha is a unique brewery that pushes the boundaries and has a policy of “good vibes” only. They brew their own beer and create unorthodox ales that are truly delicious. They only use the best ingredients to create these rich full flavored concoctions. This is a great place to stop in for a cold one after a long day in the Florida sun.
Water Taxi
Water Taxi offers a great way to see Ft. Lauderdale from a different perspective. They have informative and interesting narratives to tell, while you enjoy the views and some beverages. They have created not just a water tour, but an entire experience. You will see beautiful homes and many historic sights, along with getting many recommendations along the way.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is such a magical place to visit. They have a Botanical Garden, wildlife sanctuary and museum to explore. You will see over 3000 rare types of plants and trees, as well as so much local wildlife like flamingos, alligators, panthers … the list goes on and on! The experience is priceless and not only will you learn a lot visiting, but you will also be supporting this great cause to preserve wildlife and the environment.
Historic Stranahan House & Museum
The Stranahan House offers guided tours to explore one of the most historical and oldest buildings in Ft. Lauderdale. It is a unique experience to see this perfectly restored house and hear all the stories that go along with it.
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Sawgrass offers a one of a kind adventure in the Everglades. This is an airboat tour that will let you experience the beauty of nature on the water. The tour includes information about the ecosystem, along with spotting some of the local wildlife.
Museum of Discovery & Science
This well known museum is a place to learn and discover with both exhibits to look at and ones that you can actually touch! They also have a 3D theater and live animals to see. MODS is one of the largest museums in Florida and is unique with the extent of programs it offers. There is so much to see here, you will most likely need to come back more than once to see it all!
Louie Bossi’s
Delicious Italian food with everything made from scratch daily. Louie Bossi’s is a must try when visiting Fort Lauderdale. It is centrally located and the food is outstanding. They offer a fun happy hour, along with lunch, brunch and dinner.
Shooters Waterfront
Shooters is an iconic waterfront restaurant that has been around for generations. They offer great views, along with delicious local fresh seafood and are known for their great brunch and fun events.
Padrino’s
When visiting Florida a great Cuban meal is a must and Padrino’s delivers with traditional homemade recipes and a relaxed inviting atmosphere. This is a family run chain of restaurants and everything here is authentic.
Caffe Europa
After a day at the beach enjoy a delicious homemade meal at Caffe Europa. They only serve the freshest ingredients, many imported, with recipes that have been passed down. They also have an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
The Wilder
“Great place, good vibes, good drinks! Love this little spot. Went two nights over a holiday weekend – one night they had live music (a very low-key feel) and then the next they had a DJ. Two different vibes, both a lot of fun!” – Google Review
Comments are closed.