There’s no end to the list of things to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and no need to break the bank to experience it. Whether you’re looking for a day out in nature, shopping, or immersing yourself in arts and culture, there’s something for every budget-savvy traveler under the sun. Plus, be sure to check out special deals available throughout the year.
The Great Outdoors
Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts 24 miles of sun-kissed coastline for beachgoers looking to soak up some rays or take to the water. Head to Fort Lauderdale beach for a buzzing scene, explore Pompano Beach’s revamped pier, or stroll along the scenic Broadwalk at Hollywood Beach.
Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach is a must-visit for snorkelers and scuba divers, with wrecks at varying depths and ongoing art projects that make the dive sites more dynamic with each trip. Paddleboarders and kayakers should visit Fort Lauderdale’s Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which features a ramp at The Grove restaurant.
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s parks offer miles of bicycle paths, and those wanting to up the ante can try the 10 miles of mountain bike trails at Markham Park in Sunrise. Nearby in Davie, the Bar-B-Ranch provides horseback riding to explore the property and Robbins Open Space Preserve from atop a steed.
Finally, the whole family will enjoy a visit to Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. Dubbed the “Butterfly Capital of the World,” the park is home to more than 20,000 butterflies and birds. Wear bright colors to attract the butterflies!
Culture Trip
Science, art and music—take your pick, and you’ll find it in Greater Fort Lauderdale, especially with options that are free or budget-friendly.
For starters, check out the Sunday Jazz Brunch on the Riverwalk, a lively, free outdoor series featuring the area’s best jazz artists performing from three different stages on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pack some snacks, a beach towel or blanket, and BYOB while enjoying an afternoon in the park.
Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a wealth of museums that cater to all ages and interests. One standout is the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, which features more than 7,500 works in its permanent collection. Admission for adults is $16, while children can explore for just $5. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) provides fun for visitors of all ages, from the Discovery Spot and Magna Tiles Studio for little ones to rotating exhibits and IMAX movies for adults. Tickets are $23 for kids and $28 for adults, with $3 tickets available for those with an EBT or WIC card, thanks to the Museums for All program.
Be sure to check out the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL), hosting one of the LGBTQ+ collections of books, films, photographs, and ephemera chronicling the equality movement. Monthly programming includes exhibitions, films, panel discussions, and more.
Lovers of public art will enjoy the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk, which offers free guided group tours (recurring every third Saturday of every month) and self-guided options to view everything from murals and sculptures to contemporary and traditional artwork.
Live Music
When it comes to live music in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the rhythms of the region set the perfect tone for unforgettable evenings by the beach, in the parks, and beyond.
Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP) is the centerpiece of a park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale beach. It features public green spaces like the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, home to year-round activities for everyone under the sun. Don't miss the free Friday Night Soundwaves with a range of music genres from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select Fridays, from November through May. The LOOP also hosts the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antiques, and Artisan Market on weekends for fresh produce, international cuisines, and unique handcrafted items from local vendors.
For more live music and fun, head to Old Town Untapped in Pompano Beach. This exciting event takes place every first Friday night of the month from October to June and features a variety of bands, interactive art displays, food trucks, craft beer tastings, and more. It’s the perfect way to experience the vibrant local culture and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars.
Visitors can also enjoy free live music at the Hollywood Beach Theatre, an open-air venue along the Broadwalk. With performances spanning a range of genres, it’s a lively spot to relax, dance, and soak in the vibrant beach atmosphere—all with stunning ocean views as the backdrop.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s most famous indoor-outdoor hotspots: the Yellow Green Farmers Market. The Hollywood market has more than 200 vendors offering fresh produce, locally sourced and imported foods, artisanal crafts, beauty products, artwork, and more. Discover your new favorite cuisine, as well as enjoy live music at this one-stop-shop for fun.
Retail Wonders
There’s no shortage of shopping in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
The Galleria Fort Lauderdale offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, all conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the beach and downtown. Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale offers a handful of small boutiques as well as your favorite major brands, all in a walkable thoroughfare made for window showing and café hopping. Farther south in Dania Beach is Dania Pointe, a newer shopping destination featuring an array of stores, entertainment, and world-class restaurants.
For the ultimate shopping destination, head to Sawgrass Mills, the largest single-story outlet shopping center in the country. With more than 350 shops and various dining and entertainment options under one roof, you can spend a whole day here and still not see everything.
PRO TIP: Take advantage of some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s scenic public transportation, such as the Water Taxi (which spans from Pompano Beach to Hollywood) and the LauderGO! Community Shuttle, to get around while enjoying city views. While the Water Taxi requires tickets, the LauderGo! Community Shuttle is a free and eco-friendly option, running daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Download the "Ride Circuit" app to request a ride within its coverage area. You can also score a free ride on the LauderGO! Water Trolley, which runs along downtown Fort Lauderdale’s New River daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.