Fort Lauderdale, FL Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink + Where to Stay
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, boating canals, and vibrant cultural scene. Relax on the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, known for its clear waters and stunning views. The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a scenic walkway along the New River. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, parks, and historic sites. It's the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the waterfront views.
Source: Visit Lauderdale
Given Fort Lauderdale's extensive network of canals, you can enjoy various water activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even taking scenic boat tours. From 31 communities and miles of beaches to one-of-a-kind attractions and events, there is so much to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These are the top reasons why Fort Lauderdale, Florida should be on your bucket list.
What to See in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Source: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has a vibrant art scene with a variety of galleries, museums, and public art installations. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Frank Stella, and Cindy Sherman. The museum hosts changing exhibitions and offers a comprehensive view of artistic trends. Las Olas Boulevard is home to several galleries that showcase various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
FATVillage is an evolving arts district with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. It's a hub for local artists, often hosting art walks and events where you can explore galleries, meet artists, and experience their work firsthand. It's a great place to see emerging talent and explore different artistic disciplines. The MASS District (Music & Arts South of Sunrise) is a creative community with galleries, shops, studios, and street art. It's a dynamic area that showcases both visual and performing arts.
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a historic estate located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is a popular attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the history, art, and natural beauty of the region. Built in 1920, the Bonnet House features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival and Caribbean influences. The property is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant colors, and artistic details. Frederic Bartlett was an artist, and his creative influence is evident throughout the house. The house is adorned with his paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements.
Source: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The estate includes lush and diverse gardens that showcase various ecosystems, including tropical vegetation, native plants, and orchids. The gardens offer a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore. There are also lily ponds, a desert garden, and a hibiscus garden on the property. Visiting the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers an opportunity to step back in time, appreciate art and nature, and learn about the history of the Fort Lauderdale area. If you're interested in history, architecture, and beautiful gardens, this attraction is definitely worth exploring during your visit to Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale
Led by Chef Brandon Salomon—the menu at Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale focuses on the Levant region, flavors and spices such as pomegranate, sumac, saffron, za’atar, dukkah, turmeric and olive oil are represented throughout the dishes. Dishes are designed with sharing in mind, reflecting the eastern Mediterranean lifestyle, where socializing with friends and family around the table is a daily tradition. Enjoy sharing spreads and mezzes, coastal seafood selections and salads, as well as wood-smoked meats, fish, and vegetables, and freshly made and leavened bread.
Favorite dishes include Chilled Corn Soup with hawaij spice, blueberry sofrito and basil, Olive Wood Smoked Octopus with vadouvan carrot purée carrot crumble and preserved Lemon, as well as Australian Wagyu Beef Wood Smoked Skewer with date barbeque, and red chili shug for not only taste, but presentation alone. At Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale, enjoy sharing spreads and mezzes, coastal seafood selections and salads, as well as wood-smoked meats, fish, and vegetables, and freshly made and leavened bread. Save room for something sweet and indulge on a Tropical Fruit Pavlova with passion Fruit-Banana crémeux, guava citrus sorbet, and mango, as well as Saffron Crème Brûlée with blood orange-Sumac sherbert and citrus crunch tuile.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Source: Visit Lauderdale
As one of the highlights of the Sunshine State, Fort Lauderdale’s 24 miles of golden sandy shores are home to some of Florida’s finest beaches. Whether you’re looking for a buzzy bar and restaurant-filled boardwalk or something quieter, where water sports are more of a draw than watering holes, Fort Lauderdale offers something for everyone. So grab your swimsuit, sunblock, and sandals, and make your way to the sand for a day of fun in the sun at some of the best beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Hillsboro Beach—which spans just three miles in length, is mostly beach. One of the highlights: climbing the 175 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse for sweeping sea views. Hillsboro Beach is also home to one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests per mile along Florida’s East Coast, so keep an eye out for nests.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers a variety of shopping experiences—from upscale boutiques to outdoor markets. Whether you're looking for fashion, art, souvenirs, or unique finds, you’ll find it here. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is an upscale shopping mall that features a wide range of stores, including high-end fashion, jewelry and beauty. Known as the “Style Mile,” Las Olas Boulevard offers a mix of boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. You'll find fashion, accessories, art, and more. The Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment District is known for its artsy vibe and unique shopping. Explore locally owned boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries.
Source: Visit Lauderdale
Located just outside Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States. It offers a huge selection of discount and designer stores. Along Fort Lauderdale Beach, you'll find shops that offer beachwear, souvenirs, and items for a day by the ocean. Whether you're interested in fashion, art, local crafts, or simply exploring—Fort Lauderdale has shopping options for everyone. Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located in Davie, just outside of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It's a popular attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush gardens, encounter native wildlife, and learn about the area's natural history. The main attraction of Flamingo Gardens is its extensive botanical gardens, which span approximately 60-acres. The gardens feature a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including exotic trees, flowering plants, orchids, palms, and more. You can stroll through themed gardens that showcase various ecosystems and plant species. One of the highlights of Flamingo Gardens is the Wray Botanical Collection, which includes over 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Flamingo Gardens is also home to a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Florida animals in a naturalistic environment. Animals you might encounter include flamingos (hence the name), alligators, otters, bobcats, eagles, owls, and more. The sanctuary focuses on the rehabilitation and conservation of injured or orphaned animals. Flamingo Gardens is not only a beautiful place to explore but also an opportunity to learn about Florida's diverse ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation. If you're interested in nature, gardening, and local wildlife, a visit to Flamingo Gardens can be a rewarding experience during your time in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Where to Drink Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale
Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale is where the flavors and colors of the food match the brightness of the destination Indulge on Eastern Mediterranean meets coastal cuisine with flavor-rich dishes influenced by locality, seasonality, and culture. Small and large plates are meant to create connections, bringing people closer together for food exploration and conversation.
For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying one of their signature cocktails, the Third Wife—concocted with Lalo blanco, Allepo pepper, cucumber, coriander, and fresh-squeezed lime or The Stipulation with Woodford Reserve, Campari, Carpano Antica, mango amba pineapple, and citrus shrub.
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale
Discover a modern reflection of the classic yacht club lifestyle at Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale. With a prime beachfront address, experience unrivaled style and service in this next-generation coastal city.
Moments away, experience Fort Lauderdale’s best shops, restaurants, marinas and entertainment—surrounding you with the spirit of one of the world’s top yachting locales. Spend sun-soaked days on a dedicated beach area with lounge chairs and umbrellas set by your personal beach concierge.
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale
You can also find your favorite spot beside two horizon-edge swimming pools that offer third-level views of the Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alongside two pools, you’ll have your own place to call home in a comfortable, shaded poolside daybed.
For a spacious stay, reserve a Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale Prime Lauderdale-View Suite and get the best of both views. Located on the higher floors, corner windows fill this city and ocean-view suite with Florida sunshine. Arrive into a spacious living room featuring fresh mid-century modern design and a comfortable sofa.
The open floor plan suite has a secluded bedroom that nestles within floor-to-ceiling balcony windows, blurring the lines between indoors and out. You’ll appreciate your soaking tub, mini-bar with in-room Nespresso machine and two glass enclosed balconies with both ocean and city views. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
