What to do in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Activities, attractions and tours

Deerfield Beach which includes skyline, landscape views and tropical scenes
Deerfield Beach which includes skyline, landscape views and tropical scenes
Fort Lauderdale featuring a pond, a garden and tropical scenes
Streets of Las Olas Boulevard vibrate with energy and life during evening hours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbour

Fort Lauderdale Attractions

Sitting north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is to everglades tours and wildlife what Miami is to nightlife and trendy beach parties. Of course, Fort Lauderdale is no stranger to spring breakers and sun worshipers, either. Fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale range from leisurely river boat cruises to invigorating jet ski adventures, and everything in between. Even land lubbers and foodies can find plenty to do. Whether you are headed to this south Florida city as a family or in the company of friends, you will find something to satisfy your travel appetite.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Some neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale appeal to the water lover, while others will inspire those looking to try a new seafood dish or stay out late. Whether you are in southern Florida with your entire family, on a couples trip, or getting away with friends, you can find Fort Lauderdale activities right up your alley.

Riverwalk — Riverwalk is easy to navigate thanks to the pedestrian walkway here. As you work your way along the New River, stop for dinner, spend some cash at a small boutique, and cap off your day with a theater show. This is a great place to see what the cultural side of Fort Lauderdale is bringing to the table.

Pompano Beach — Just north of Fort Lauderdale proper, Pompano Beach is a good destination for anyone who is a fishing aficionado or just likes to taste a fresh catch. Aside from being a hotspot for boating and fishing and home to an impressive pier, Pompano Beach also has an off-shore coral reef that is appealing to divers and one of the best natural attractions in Fort Lauderdale.

Downtown — Much as you would expect from any downtown area, the hub of Fort Lauderdale is teeming with activity. From the nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard and in Historic Himmarshee Village to the outdoor dining, there is something new around every corner.

Things to See in Fort Lauderdale

Before you get your feet wet or even start to explore the Fort Lauderdale nightlife scene, there are several ways to sit back and be entertained. When it comes to photo opportunities, the coast is riddled with spots to snap picturesque images of the sunrise or surfers out on the waves. If you’re most entertained by the arts, stop by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and catch a bit of Broadway in Fort Lauderdale.

Things to Do & Attractions in Fort Lauderdale

Once you’re ready to strap on some tennis shoes or swim fins, you’ll be excited to learn that there is a nearly endless list of land and water activities in Fort Lauderdale. Go on a scuba diving tour, rent a kayak for the afternoon in Wilton Manors, or take advantage of paddleboard rentals from a number of local vendors. Of course, things to do in Fort Lauderdale also include land-based fun. Rent a bicycle for one of the more athletic Fort Lauderdale tours, or try your hand at 18 holes of golf.


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Top places to visit

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Having shed its reputation as merely a spring break destination for college students, this stretch of coast is enjoying a renaissance and a very different audience. Fort Lauderdale Beach has transformed itself over the past two decades, through efforts of the local town council, and is today one of Florida’s most stylish stretches of coast. Visit and experience today’s Fort Lauderdale.
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Fort Lauderdale Beach featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

2. Hollywood Beach

Adorned with a range of cafés, restaurants and deluxe resorts, Hollywood Beach is the principal strand in the heart of the Florida town of Hollywood. It runs alongside the busy Hollywood Broadwalk and offers all types of entertaining activities. Cycle along the promenade, taking in the sights of the sandy stretch and the Atlantic Ocean beyond it.
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Hollywood Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

3. Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas is Spanish for “The Waves,” a fitting name for this 2.5-mile (four-kilometer) boulevard that starts at the beach. It runs west beyond Federal Highway to S. Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The commercial area of the boulevard covers about a mile (1.6 kilometers). Here small independent shops, restaurants and cafes line either side of the street. Striped awnings shelter outdoor tables and rows of shady trees provide respite from the sun.
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Streets of Las Olas Boulevard vibrate with energy and life during evening hours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

4. Sawgrass Mills

The Sawgrass Mills mall is home to more than 350 name-brand stores and outlets. One of the largest shopping malls in Florida, Sawgrass is touted as the state’s second-most-popular attraction after Disney World. Encompassing 440 acres (180 hectares) of space, this alligator-shaped mall attracts more than 26 million shoppers every year. Join locals and tourists in hunting for discounts and enjoy a meal at one of the complex’s two enormous food courts or dine-in restaurants.
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FortLauderdale_SawgrassMillsMall_6063549-0003

5. Las Olas Beach

Las Olas Beach is a narrow sandy stretch a short distance from the louder and more crowded beaches of central Fort Lauderdale. The site provides a range of water sports gear and beach equipment to keep visitors entertained and relaxed all day. Stroll along the adjacent boardwalk to discover the range of shops, cafés and restaurants overlooking the beach.
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Sunrise at Fort Lauderdale Beach aerial video

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What to do in Fort Lauderdale


Discover the most popular places to visit in Fort Lauderdale

Explore areas of Fort Lauderdale

Streets of Las Olas Boulevard vibrate with energy and life during evening hours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

East Fort Lauderdale

4.5/5(429 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in East Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Boulevard are top sights worth seeing.

East Fort Lauderdale
Hollywood North Beach Park

Hollywood Beach

If you're spending some time in Hollywood Beach, Hollywood Beach and Hollywood Beach Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Hollywood Beach
Central Beach - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Central Beach

If you're spending some time in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Central Beach
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

3.5/5(390 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Make a stop by Las Olas Boulevard or Historic Stranahan House Museum while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Went on a bike ride and stopped on the bridge to watch the night turn into day! #Hollywood #florida
#adventure

Hollywood Lakes

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hollywood Lakes, Anne Kolb Nature Center and Hollywood Beach Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Hollywood Lakes
Fort Lauderdale, view from the ship. On the the way to Caribbean.

Central Fort Lauderdale

If you're spending some time in Central Fort Lauderdale, Osswald Park and Sistrink Marketplace & Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Central Fort Lauderdale

 

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Day trip destinations from Fort Lauderdale

Frequently asked questions

Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Fort Lauderdale is visit Fort Lauderdale Beach. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of this area's coastal beaches and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Fort Lauderdale?
Start your adventures with a visit to Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Beach. Then, explore different parts of Fort Lauderdale for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fort Lauderdale?
You can't go home without visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Fort Lauderdale.
Is three days enough to stay in Fort Lauderdale?
Three days in Fort Lauderdale is more than enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Beach and Lauderdale by the Sea Beach are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Miami.
Is Fort Lauderdale a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Fort Lauderdale. Several key sights, like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Fort Lauderdale's best neighbourhoods, East Fort Lauderdale is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Central Beach is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids?
Deciding what to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Fort Lauderdale for adults?
The Best Cellar and Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood are just two of the things to do in Fort Lauderdale. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

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