FORT LAUDERDALE TRAVEL GUIDE
25 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale—nicknamed Venice of America—is a city in southern Florida, just a few miles from Miami. The city is perfect for a beach holiday. There are so many things to do in Fort Lauderdale. English is the main language spoken and money used is US dollar.
May to October have average high temperatures of 85°F to 90°F (29℃ to 32℃). With July and August being the warmest months. November to April have average temperatures of 76°F to 83°F (24℃ to 28℃).
Places to See in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
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Las Olas Boulevard is that unique and authentic street in Fort Lauderdale that is architecturally colorful—shops, restaurants, hotels, and commercial buildings, are all a spectacle. This is mainly a dining and shopping district. You will find clothing stores, antique shops, as well as gifts and souvenir stores. Bear in mind though, this is quite a fancy and rich area, which means the boutiques and other shops are considered upscale. However, some shops and restaurants do have reasonably priced items.
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – NEW RIVER
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Intracoastal Waterway offers visitors that Venice vibe, as well as a glimpse into the playground of the rich—it is like a competition of super boats and super houses. You can take the Water Taxi or ferry and travel up and down the river. Las Olas Marina is one of the beautiful spots to see as you cruise down the river. Also, there are plenty of restaurants along the river for you to take a break and eat all sorts of food.
RIVERWALK FORT LAUDERDALE
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This scenic riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale offers more than just a stroll. You can indulge the coastal food in the restaurants, as well as go on a mini shopping spree. There is more to see and admire—vibrant water activities, and expensive boats and canoes.
STRANAHAN HOUSE MUSEUM
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Built by the man who founded Fort Lauderdale, Frank Stranahan, in 1901, Stranahan House boasts to be the oldest structure that has survived through the years. The house has served as a home to the Stranahan’s, town hall, community center, as well as a trading and post office. Now it is a museum showcasing the history of the house and city. It is open every day from 1 pm to 4 pm.
HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE MUSEUM
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History Fort Lauderdale is a museum that shares past experiences and facts of FORT Lauderdale. The 1905 New River Inn, 1907 Pioneer House Museum, and the 1899 Schoolhouse Museum are the main attractions on this campus. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 12 noon to 4 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Boat and walking tours are available.
FORT LAUDERDALE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM
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If you are a car enthusiast, head over to Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. Here, they have a showroom exhibiting classic cars from the early 1900s—from the 1920’s going up. They are open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday. On Friday, they are open from 10 am to 4 am.
HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
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If you are looking for some quiet time, picnicking, camping, and swimming, head over to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. This 180-acre park is gold for nature lovers right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. Close to Fort Lauderdale beaches, the parking lot for the park also caters for visitors of this side of the city regardless of whether they are visiting the park or not. Apparently, the fee is cheaper than parking spaces allocated for the main beaches. There is beach access from the park area, as well as other activities such as wildlife watching, boat riding, walking, and biking.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
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This modern looking church with beautiful architecture adds to a good background for a Fort Lauderdale postcard. As you drive through Broward Boulevard.
BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS
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Located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bonnet House used to belong to the Bartletts, who built in tin 1920. Now it is the magnet pulling visitors from around the world. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
LAS OLAS BEACH
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Las Olas Beach is a popular clean beach in Fort Lauderdale located right at the end of Las Olas Boulevard, along the A1A road. There is parking at the beach and even cheaper and more flexible parking in private parking lots near the beach. The street is filled with hotels, clubs, boutiques and good eateries. Beach activities include volleyball and other water activities.
FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH
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Fort Lauderdale Beach is a Blue Wave Beach that stretches for about four miles. The coastline is beautiful and the beach is now family friendly—before it used to be known as a students spring break zone. Vibrant shopping street, dining, entertainment, promenade with palm trees, and various water activities—this beach has it all.
SEBASTIAN BEACH
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Another clean and well-known spot in Fort Lauderdale. It is located at Sebastian Street and A1A. Plenty of cafes and bars.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN FORT LAUDERDALE
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- Take the Everglades Airboat Adventure at the Museum of Discovery and Science
- First Presbyterian Church offers intriguing architecture. It is located near Las Olas Boulevard.
- War Memorial Auditorium is a theater in Fort Lauderdale.
- Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.
- International Swimming Hall of Fame exhibits swimming legends and tells the history of swimming in Florida.
- Colee Hammock Park is close to Las Olas Boulevard.
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Where to Shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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GALLERIA
Galleria has upscale shops. The mall is open from 10 am to 9 pm and located on Sunrise Boulevard.
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
Las Olas Boulevard has plenty of bars, restaurants, and boutiques—it is an upmarket neighborhood. Good food, beautiful buildings, and a perfect atmosphere.
CORAL RIDGE MALL
Coral Ridge Mall is located on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. This is just your average mall with shops like Target and Ross.
WESTFIELD BROWARD
Westfield Broward is also another ordinary mall with many well-known shops like JCPenney.
Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
5 Star: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is the 5 Star hotel here. Of course with luxury, come the high price tag—a whopping $600 a night. It is located right near the water.
4 Star: Fort Lauderdale Marriott North is another comfy hotel perfect for a beach holiday. The room cost $199 and over.
3 Star: TRYP by Wyndham Maritime Fort Lauderdale is a clean hotel with a free airport shuttle. Daily rate is $129.
Restaurants Serving Traditional Food in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
RESTAURANTS SERVING LOCAL FOOD
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15TH STREET FISHERIES
Located in Lauderdale Marina at 1900 SE 15th Street, right at the waterfront, enjoy all sorts of seafood and Florida delights at 15th Street Fisheries. Monday to Thursday, the restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, while on Sunday, it is open from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. Price range: $$ – $$$
COCONUT
Coconuts is an American seafood bar located at 429 Seabreeze Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. One of the popular foods is Coconut Shrimp. Opening hours are 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sunday. Price range: $$ – $$$
LASPADA’S HOAGIES
If you are looking for something quick or to take on the go, head over to Laspada’s Hoagies for their subs and hoagies / po’ boys. Opening hours are 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sunday. It is located at 1495 SE 17th Street Ste Drive. Price range: $
LOCAL FOOD
CONCH FRITTERS
Originated from the Bahamas, Conch fritters have remained the locals’ favorite snack. It is made of small dices of conch, mixed with carrots, celery, lime juice, curry, and beer. The deep-fried fritters are served creamy sauce.
ROCK SHRIMP & GRITS
This dish is Florida’s staple made of rock hard shrimp mixed with tomatoes, corn, chives, and red pepper flakes. It is placed on top of grits. Rock Shrimp and Grits can be found in many restaurants.
JERK
Jerk originated from Jamaica. Spiced rice is served with roasted ham, peas, and sauces. Many restaurants attempt to cook jerk—find a Jamaican restaurant for the ultimate experience.
Transportation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Airport: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport serves the Fort Lauderdale area.
Buses: There are around 40 bus routes offered by Broward County. Bus stops are everywhere and will take you to all beaches.
Sun Trolley: Take the Sun Trolley to see Fort Lauderdale’s corners. It is free to take a ride to all places, except for the beach and Las Olas—for these two routes, you will pay $1 for a single ticket, and $3 for the all-day pass.
Taxis: You can take a taxi ride from the airport to Fort Lauderdale for around $17
Bicycles: You can rent a bike from different bike stations all over Fort Lauderdale’s coastline.
Water Taxi: If you want to see Fort Lauderdale from the water, take a Water Taxi Cruise along the New River. For an all-day fee of around $28, you can hop on and off at any of the 12 stops.