Often overlooked by visitors to Miami, the city’s neighbor to the south, Fort Lauderdale, is the headquarters for mega-yachts and home to a number of professional athletes and millionaires. Port Everglades serves as the area’s cruise port. The city is named for the forts built during the Second Seminole War.
Today, it has a thriving tourism economy and is the gateway to the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. The climate remains fairly steady year-round, so it’s a great place to escape the cold elsewhere. The International Boat Show and the Las Olas Art Festival are among the yearly events that bring in visitors.
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What to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is called the “Venice of the Americas,” so, as you’d expect, many of the activities and attractions are water-based. The city has several underrated historic homes and museums to explore if you’re not up for a day on a boat.
Anne Kolb Nature Center– At this public park, you’ll learn more about the mangroves and ecosystem of Broward County. The nature center is also home to a variety of plants and animals. Activities include hiking, fishing, and geocaching. 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens– Owned by an artist, the Bonnet House was built in a Caribbean plantation style. Tour the rooms, each of which features artwork, like the studio, kitchen, dining room, and music room. Look for monkeys in the trees, as well as birds and reptiles. 900 North Birch Road
Flamingo Gardens– Wander the 60-acre wildlife sanctuary home to the iconic bird species often associated with Florida. There are also 80 other types of animals and thousands of plants. There’s also a historic home. 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park– Set in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park started as a plot of private land. The park features beach access, camping, trails, picnicking, and fishing. You can also rent bicycles, canoes, and kayaks. 3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
MAI-KAI Restaurant and Polynesian Show– Open since 1956, this classic Fort Lauderdale experience includes Asian fusion dishes, tropical drinks, and a dance show highlighting Polynesian cultures, including Hawaii, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Make a reservation before you go. 3599 North Federal Highway
Museum of Discovery and Science– Far more than a simple children’s museum, the MODS has over two floors of interactive exhibits on science as well as an IMAX Theater that plays action films. They regularly host family-focused events. 401 SW Second Street
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale– Nova Southeastern University’s art museum, located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard, features changing exhibits on modern art, photography, and Latin American artifacts. The permanent collection includes over 6,000 works, including some by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, and Pablo Picasso. 1 East Las Olas Boulevard
Sawgrass Recreation Park– While actually located outside of Fort Lauderdale, this park is a great day trip from the city if you want to do the Everglades without spending multiple days there. Sawgrass has airboat tours where you may even spot an alligator. They also have a small nature park with animals. You can even visit at night. 1006 North US Highway 27, Weston
Stranahan House– Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is another one of Fort Lauderdale’s historic homes. Owned by Frank and Ivy Stranahan, it has a tragic history, as Frank committed suicide after some financial troubles. Ivy, however, lived out her days here and became a philanthropist. They host ghost tours and educational talks. 335 SE 6th Avenue
Venice of America Fort Lauderdale Cruise– One of the longest-running activities, this tour takes you past some of the area’s most famous homes.
Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale
Not enough has been written about Fort Lauderdale’s incredible food scene, where you’ll find the expected, like upscale seafood, and the unexpected, like a Mediterranean restaurant in a historic home. You’ll find plenty of great options at Fort Lauderdale Beach, downtown, in Hollywood, and beyond.
Archibald’s Village Bakery– Start your day with a fresh-baked pastry from this charming bakery just a few blocks from the beach. The menu includes coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches to enjoy on the patio or take to-go. The blueberry lemon scone is fantastic. 608 Breakers Avenue, Suite 1, (754) 300-5926
Blue Moon Fish Co.– Unwind at this waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway that has been featured on the Food Network. Highlights include fresh fish ceviche and gumbo. 4405 West Tradewinds Avenue, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, (954) 267-9888
Casablanca Cafe– This 1927 residence is home to one of the area’s oldest restaurants, on the ruins of the former sea wall. It hosts live music, where patrons can actually sit at the piano. The Bazaar Bowl is a local favorite, with chickpeas, rice, eggplant, and tzatziki. 3049 Alhambra Street, (954) 764-3500
Calusso– Accessible by water taxi, this restaurant at Pier 66 takes inspiration from the French and Italian Riviera. The upscale menu features table-side martinis and Negronis, fresh crudos, and a five-course chef’s tasting menu. 2301 SE 17th Street, (754) 318-6997
Casa Sensei– Head to Las Olas to dine along the canal at this Latin-Asian fusion restaurant. Enjoy Japanese whiskey cocktails with shrimp bao and Korean barbecue bulgogi. 1200 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 101, (954) 530-4176
Florida Room– Located within a pickleball complex is one of the city’s most interesting restaurants. Helmed by Top Chef alumni and James Beard–nominated chefs Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis, the menu includes sourdough pizza and shareable plates. 891 SW 34th Street, Building B, (754) 295-4141
Kousine– The beachside Peruvian spot is known for its ceviche, anticuchos (skewers), and “chaufa,” or Chinese-Peruvian fusion dishes like barbecue pork fried rice. The restaurant also offers traditional breakfasts. 841 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, (954) 533-0908
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria– For a carb-aholic dinner, head to Louie Bossi’s, an Italian restaurant with a large outdoor space, including a bocce court. Enjoy classics like pizza, pasta, and risotto as well as wine and cocktails. 1032 East Las Olas Boulevard, (954) 356-6699
Stache– You’ll find this speakeasy-style bar behind a wall with a black mustache. It features moody lighting, walls of liquor bottles, and an upstairs lounge. Their cocktails are the main attraction, including old school and modern interpretations. They also have bites to share. 109 SW 2nd Avenue, (954) 449-1044
Takato– The upscale Japanese restaurant at the Conrad is the best place to celebrate in Fort Lauderdale, with house-made sushi and a separate omakase experience. Don’t skip the creative cocktails, with fresh flowers as garnishes. 551 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, (954) 414-5160
The Tipsy Boar– Head over to Hollywood to this gastropub, which has burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. They have an extensive beer menu as well as wine and cocktails. They have a large patio and their own free parking. 1906 Harrison Street, Hollywood, (954) 920-2627
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
It’s important where you stay, and Fort Lauderdale is home to several excellent hotels. You can choose from beachfront high-rises, marina-adjacent hotels, and even rentals.
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa– Located across the street from the beach, the hotel boasts AAA four-diamond status. Room options include studios, which include private balconies with views of the ocean. They have their own living areas with full kitchenettes. Read our review here. 601 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale– This restored 1956 hotel has hosted names like Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Robert DeNiro. They have stylish rooms and the world-famous Wreck Bar. 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
The Diplomat Beach Resort– Hollywood’s most famous hotel, now part of Signia by Hilton, has ocean views, eight celebrity chef restaurants, infinity pools with private cabanas, kids’ activities, and spacious rooms. It’s only 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale proper. 3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa– The sprawling beachfront hotel is great for groups and families, with several restaurants, pools, beach access, a Starbucks, a spa, and a fitness center. 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina– Located across from the convention center, this hotel has access to the marina, making it ideal for cruise passengers. They have a pool, walking track, fitness center, and balcony rooms. 1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Hollywood Beach Hostel– There’s a handful of hostels, but the majority are used as crash pads for yacht crews. Look for words like “crewhouse” in the description. But this property appeals to backpackers with surfboards and bikes for rent, an on-site restaurant, and both dorms and private rooms. 320 Arizona Street, Hollywood
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort– This neighboring hotel has family-friendly activities like a surfing simulator and pools. There are four restaurants and balcony suites. 1111 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood
Pelican Grand Beach Resort– The luxurious oceanfront resort has stunning views, a zero-entry pool, a private beach, and a lazy river. There are three restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a verandah for relaxing. 2000 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Pier Sixty-Six– This former Phillips 66 Marina has been transformed into a stylish Midcentury modern resort with several restaurants, pools, and a revolving bar. It’s attached to the Marina, so you can BYO boat, but you’ll certainly want to take advantage of the onsite spa and luxurious rooms. 2301 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Snooze– This hotel offers bare amenities for reasonable rates and also has dorm rooms. They have a rooftop terrace, free WiFi, and parking. Beach access is right across the street. 205 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Camping– You’ll also find campgrounds at the state parks and private facilities for both tents and RVs. There’s also a KOA nearby.
Rentals- Airbnb and other sites have rentals throughout Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood for larger groups.
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Research for this guide was made possible by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
How cool! The Bonnet house looks like it has a hint of Chinese influence to it, too! That is awesome!