Things to Do
Back to Top of ListWith a year-round average temperature clocking in at a perfect 77 degrees, it’s no surprise so many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale, FL to enjoy our abundance of outdoor activities and pastimes. And if you need a break from the sunshine, there are some exciting pitstops to make indoors, too.
Get Out On the Water
They do not call Fort Lauderdale the Venice of America for nothing. The waterfront scene is always active. Start by boarding the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, a convenient way to get to know the area’s neighborhoods. The service operates between Pompano, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood, with stops at landmarks and restaurants throughout the route. Riders can hop on and off throughout the day or night.
For a more curated boat day, reserve seats on the Jungle Queen Riverboat. The experience includes 90-minute sightseeing cruises, larger-group sailings, island adventures with barbecue dinners, Polynesian-themed dinner cruises and charters aboard megayachts that cruise along Millionaire’s Row, known for its impressive mansions lining the Intracoastal Waterway. When the water is warm, some yacht charters anchor at a lively sandbar, where guests can swim and mingle.
Next, a stroll along the 3-mile Riverwalk stretch on New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale is a charming way to explore the eateries, museums, and galleries.
The Everglades is rich with natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. One of the best and safest ways to explore the region, from sprawling mangroves and estuaries to native Florida panthers and alligators, is by airboat. From Sawgrass Recreation Park, visitors can choose from nine tours and packages, ranging from gator nights and reptile exhibits to sunrise adventures and red-eye swamp visits. Private group tours are also available.
Another option is to launch an airboat from Everglades Holiday Park, where visitors can glide across the River of Grass in a state-of-the-art vessel. The experience includes a presentation by Gator Boys Alligator Rescue, known from Animal Planet, along with group photo opportunities. Fishing excursions and biking trail add-ons are also available.
Make It a Beach Day
The beach scene is bustling year-round, especially in the colder months when snowbirds flock to Greater Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to trade winter coats for swimsuits.
From the southernmost areas, you can play beach volleyball in Hallandale Beach, explore the lively 2.5-mile Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Hollywood Beach, or go paddling in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach.
In central Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade serves as a hub for high-end hotels, shops, restaurants and rooftop bars. Nearby Las Olas Oceanside Park, also known as The LOOP, hosts weekend markets and evening live music, all set against the Atlantic Ocean.
Just north, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is known for snorkeling and shipwreck sites located about 100 yards offshore.
Heading further north, you can do more underwater exploration of the natural coral reef systems at Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach, visit the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse in Hillsboro Beach, and see the fishermen in action at the 1,000-foot-long International Fishing Pier in Deerfield Beach.
Visit the Guitar Hotel
Whether booking a long stay or a short visit, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood stands out as one of the region’s premier attractions. The flagship casino resort draws millions of visitors each year, thanks to its nonstop gaming action and 638 upscale guest rooms housed within the first-ever Guitar Hotel. Guests can also stay at the adjacent Oasis Tower or Hard Rock Hotel. The sprawling hospitality and entertainment complex is a centerpiece of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
During the day, you can relax and kick back at the Rock Spa & Salon, go swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in a large recreational waterfront area, and dance the daylight away at DAER Dayclub. And, the expansive The Shoppes at The Guitar Hotel offers a promenade of haute-fashion boutiques, jewelers, nightclubs, specialty food concepts, cigar lounges, and more.
At night, DAER Nightclub brings in world-class DJs, Hard Rock Live books the best live bands, comedians, and shows on tour.
Check Out Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
A beachside landmark set on a 35-acre barrier island ecosystem, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 105-year-old historic estate in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Once the winter retreat of artists Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn, much of the property still features its original furnishings and decor.
Guided tours explore the estate’s art and history, along with its gardens and wildlife, including occasional manatee sightings near the boathouse canals.
Places to Eat
Back to Top of ListWhether it’s fresh Florida seafood, vegan-friendly eats, award-winning fine dining, or under-the-radar gems, Greater Fort Lauderdale is a fully loaded foodie paradise.
Seafood-Forward Waterfront Classics
Even after all the beach and boat days, we won’t blame you if you still want to enjoy brunch, lunch, and/or dinner in Greater Fort Lauderdale with a beautiful water view.
For relaxed vibes along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, walk up or dock at Coconuts. Dig into fresh local catches, crab claws, and tropical cocktails to match; it’s especially beautiful during sunset.
You can also take the Water Taxi for more seafoodie finds at 15th Street Fisheries inside the Fort Lauderdale Marina, where the downstairs dockside ambience (with tarpon feeding) is a bit more casual, while the upstairs environment is more refined with marina views.
Plus, Shooters Waterfront is a local staple that draws diners for its views and live music, offering a variety of raw bar options, sushi rolls, and hearty seafood dishes, along with breezy cocktails to pair.
Local Gems
Supporting local businesses is a big part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale experience, from farmers markets to longtime favorites and new discoveries worth bookmarking.
Yellow Green Farmers Market serves as a hub for about 600 local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and artisan foods to global cuisine. It is a popular stop for a casual bite or easy snacks.
In Lighthouse Point, Cap’s Place Island Restaurant, has been in operation for more than 100 years. Originally a speakeasy, the waterfront restaurant draws locals arriving by boat for fresh seafood and steaks.
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant appeals to both kids and adults seeking a dose of nostalgia. The Dania Beach institution has been around since the 1950s and is known for its from-scratch ice cream.
In Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village neighborhood, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized Heritage stands out among the area’s dining scene. Chef Reno Cerbone brings his Sicilian and Neapolitan roots to Italian-American dishes, including craft pizzas, pastas and artisanal plates.
High-End Eateries
Following its massive, multi-million-dollar glow-up, Pier Sixty-Six reopened on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale with its famed rotating rooftop lounge, Pier Top, which makes a full circle every 66 minutes. There are 360-degree views of the ocean, Port Everglades, and the stunning downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline. Take in the panorama with elevated small plates, bubbly and cocktails.
Situated near downtown Fort Lauderdale, just off Las Olas Boulevard, Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse has posh interiors, moody lighting, an upscale bar, and excellent steakhouse fare.
Jay’s is a classic-meets-modern steakhouse in trendy Flagler Village, and the main dining room sits in a former church (stained glass windows intact). Plus, there’s an approachable bar, outdoor seating and an exclusive upstairs lounge.
MAAS is located inside the lobby level of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering refined dining — there’s elevated American cuisine with global nods, and the 14-seat Chef’s Counter helmed by acclaimed Ryan Ratino recently won the destination’s first MICHELIN star.
A modern Italian lounge supperclub on State Road 84, more than 40-year-old Runway 84 brings a hip vibe to its historic setting with a longtime network of local movers and shakers. It’s great for drinks and elegant for dinner with live music and comfort food classics.