10 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

You can explore Fort Lauderdale’s 24 miles of stunning coastline, stroll the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard with its 100+ shops and restaurants, and cruise the waterways on an affordable $38-45 water taxi pass. Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s nature trails, discover art at the NSU Art Museum, experience hands-on science exhibits, or venture into the Everglades on an airboat tour. The Broward Center hosts world-class Broadway shows year-round. These highlights only scratch the surface of what awaits.

Stroll Fort Lauderdale Beach and Its 24-Mile Coastline

While Greater Fort Lauderdale spans an impressive 24 miles of Atlantic coastline across eight beachside cities, you’ll find Fort Lauderdale’s main stretch offers about seven miles of easily walkable beachfront that won’t cost you a dime to explore.

You’ll love the wide sandy shores and turquoise waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Take advantage of the paved A1A promenade with its bike-friendly paths and iconic palm-lined scenery.

The beachfront’s white wave-wall makes for great photo ops too. Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park for free amenities like restrooms, showers, and volleyball courts.

With 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and 75°F average temperatures, you can enjoy this golden sand paradise year-round without breaking the bank. These beaches are among the busiest nesting sites globally for sea turtles, making your visit even more special if you’re lucky enough to witness these magnificent creatures.

Explore Las Olas Boulevard From Downtown to the Shore

When you’re ready to plunge into Fort Lauderdale’s most vibrant street scene, Las Olas Boulevard delivers a perfect 1.5-mile stretch connecting downtown’s historic New River area straight to the Atlantic shore.

You’ll find over 100 shops, cafés, and restaurants along this pedestrian-friendly corridor that’s been Fort Lauderdale’s premier commercial district since World War II.

Browse independent boutiques and art galleries during the day, then stick around for the nightlife scene with 30+ al fresco dining options and live music venues.

The wide sidewalks make window-shopping easy as you work your way from Bubier Park toward Las Olas Beach.

You’ll discover dining options across all price points, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, making it perfect for any budget. This historic street originally served as a strategic route through the area’s wetlands before becoming the bustling commercial destination it is today.

Take a Water Taxi Through the “Venice of America”

Fort Lauderdale’s 300 miles of navigable waterways have earned it the nickname “Venice of America,” and there’s no better way to experience this aquatic network than aboard the city’s extensive water taxi system.

You’ll get an all-day pass for around $38-45 that covers three interconnected routes connecting Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach with 30+ stops.

The main Fort Lauderdale circuit takes about three hours if you stay aboard, but you’ll want to hop off at waterfront restaurants and attractions.

Captains provide live narration about local history while you cruise past Millionaire’s Row mansions and mega-yachts.

Use the online tracker to time your transfers between routes, and remember that some stops close at sunset while core stops run most of the day. Your ticket also unlocks Cruise & Save discounts at over 80 local partners including restaurants, attractions, and retail stores.

Wander Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s Trails and Lagoon

Just two miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers 180 acres of surprising wilderness tucked between the beach and Intracoastal Waterway.

You’ll find an easy 2-mile paved loop perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading, plus shorter nature trails winding through coastal hammock and tropical hardwoods.

The park’s freshwater lagoon system provides budget-friendly paddling opportunities with canoe and kayak rentals available.

You can explore sheltered waters while spotting over 180 bird species, including rare warblers and Anhingas.

The quarter-mile interpretive trail showcases native maritime hammock, while the half-mile Exotic Trail displays nearly 200 plant species through historic gardens.

Don’t miss the giant banyan trees with their massive 173-foot crown spreads. The park also features a butterfly garden with a boardwalk trail that attracts butterflies and dragonflies throughout the year.

Discover Art and History at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Step into Florida’s largest single private donation to historic preservation at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, where 35 beachfront acres showcase a rare intact example of early 20th-century oceanfront luxury.

You’ll explore plantation-style buildings designed by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, featuring whimsical interiors with hand-painted ceilings, trompe-l’oeil murals, and eclectic collections from global travels.

The estate’s diverse ecosystems include coastal dunes, maritime forest, freshwater sloughs, and mangrove wetlands—perfect for spotting wading birds and native wildlife.

Named after the bonnet lily water plants that once flourished here, this National Register property offers both guided and self-guided tours.

You’ll discover art, architecture, and natural history together while supporting ongoing preservation efforts at this unique cultural gem. The property’s remarkable history began when Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the oceanfront land for just $1 per acre in 1895.

Walk or Bike the Riverwalk Along the New River

After exploring Fort Lauderdale’s cultural treasures, you’ll want to experience the city’s vibrant waterfront by walking or biking the renowned Riverwalk along the New River. This tropical pedestrian walkway stretches 2.5 miles through downtown, offering continuous views of meandering waters, luxury yachts, and drawbridge activity that showcases the city’s yachting capital status.

You’ll pass historic Stranahan House, multiple parks like Esplanade and Huizenga Plaza, and connect directly to Las Olas Boulevard’s shops and restaurants. The paved path takes under 30 minutes to walk without stops, with shaded areas providing relief from Florida heat. The Riverwalk regularly hosts festivals and events in its waterfront park areas, adding cultural activities to your scenic stroll. Visit early morning or sunset for cooler temperatures and ideal lighting.

Pedestrian bridges let you create loop routes, while Water Taxi stops offer convenient return transportation.

Experience Interactive Science at the Museum of Discovery and Science

Explore hands-on learning at the Museum of Discovery and Science, where over 200 interactive exhibits make complex STEM concepts accessible and entertaining for all ages. You’ll discover the Great Gravity Clock, one of Florida’s largest kinetic energy sculptures, and experiment with physics concepts in the outdoor Science Park using ball ranges, bottle rockets, and pulleys.

Don’t miss the AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater, featuring South Florida’s largest movie screen, or the HoloTheater’s immersive holographic experiences. Kids love the two-story North American river otter habitat and daily Animal Encounters.

The Minerals Rock! exhibit lets you touch real lava and explore 60+ geological specimens. Daily STEM demonstrations like KaBoom! chemistry shows bring scientific concepts to life through engaging, interactive presentations. Young families can explore the Discovery Spot, specifically designed for children ages 0-6 to learn about Florida ecosystems through age-appropriate interactive activities.

Venture Into the Everglades on an Airboat Tour

Just thirty minutes west of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find yourself gliding through the legendary “River of Grass” on an airboat that skims across shallow water at speeds up to 45 mph. Licensed captains guide you through 1.5 million acres of unique wetlands, spotting alligators, herons, egrets, and other wildlife while sharing ecological insights about this endangered ecosystem.

Standard tours last 30-60 minutes and operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. until late afternoon. Visit November through April for the best experience—cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and concentrated wildlife due to lower water levels.

Major operators like Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass Recreation Park offer convenient access, with some providing transportation from Fort Lauderdale. These flat-bottomed vessels use aircraft-type propellers to navigate through areas where traditional boats cannot reach. Tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately.

Browse Contemporary Art at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

With over 7,500 works spanning two centuries, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale houses one of South Florida’s most impressive contemporary art collections in an 83,000-square-foot modernist building on Las Olas Boulevard.

You’ll discover the largest U.S. collection of postwar European CoBrA art and extensive works by American impressionist William J. Glackens in the dedicated wing.

The museum prioritizes multicultural and women artists, featuring pieces by Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Barbara Kruger alongside Latin American masters like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Don’t miss Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands documentation.

The museum regularly showcases major exhibitions featuring post-World War II artists who address complex themes of identity, history, and mythology through their compelling works.

The 25,000 square feet of exhibition space includes a sculpture terrace, and you can explore the Glackens Study Center with interactive QR codes and digital resources.

Catch a Show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

After enjoying Fort Lauderdale’s visual arts scene, you’ll find the city’s performing arts offerings equally enthralling at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This downtown venue ranks among the world’s top 10 most-visited theaters, presenting 700+ annual performances to over 600,000 patrons.

You can catch Broadway blockbusters like The Lion King and Wicked in the 2,650-seat Au-Rene Theater, or enjoy intimate jazz and comedy shows in the smaller Amaturo Theater.

The center partners with Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet, offering everything from symphonic concerts to multicultural performances.

Located along the scenic New River at 201 SW 5th Avenue, it anchors the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, making it easy to combine your theater experience with nearby attractions. The venue features state-of-the-art production facilities and spacious backstage areas that support its diverse range of performances.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Fort Lauderdale offers something for every budget and interest. Whether you’re soaking up free sunshine on the beach, exploring affordable state parks, or splurging on an Everglades adventure, you won’t break the bank having fun. Mix free activities like strolling Las Olas Boulevard with budget-friendly museum visits. Don’t forget to take advantage of happy hour specials and free outdoor concerts. You’ll create lasting memories without emptying your wallet in this vibrant coastal city.