Greater Fort Lauderdale is bursting with fresh experiences this fall for locals and visitors alike. As the weather cools just enough for light layers, the season brings the perfect excuse to explore everything this region has to offer. 

Whether it’s sinking your teeth into a buzzy new burger joint in Oakland Park or soaking in the luxury of the city’s brand-new waterfront oasis steps from the beach, Greater Fort Lauderdale is brimming with excitement. Fall has never been a better time to dive into this vibrant coastal paradise. 

New Developments 

Marina Village Drone View

If there’s one thing you do this fall in Greater Fort Lauderdale, make sure it’s visiting Marina Village, Fort Lauderdale’s new open-air food hall and entertainment venue. This venue boasts an impressive 44-seat outdoor bar and a three-level dockside lounge. Located next to the newly reopened Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Marina Village is the talk of the town.

Marina VillageBring your friends and family to savor bites from kiosks at The Promenade, ranging from Detroit-style pizza hot spot Blue Steel Pizza Co., Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and traditional dim sum at YIP. As for that dockside lounge, it’s been dubbed 'The Shorely,' a 500-person ferry reincarnated into a multi-level entertainment hub outfitted with VIP cabanas and three bars. Stop by on Thursdays for 'Pearls for the Girls' ladies' night or enjoy a taste of a signature South Florida day party on weekends from noon to 5 p.m

FLIBSLooking for a lavish stay during your visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale? Consider booking a room at Pier Sixty-Six, a historical landmark that changed the city’s skyline once created in the 60s. The property recently underwent a brilliant $1 billion renovation that you need to see for yourself once opening in the new year. This new-and-improved destination now encompasses a gorgeous 325-room resort, a superyacht marina and exclusive Pier Sixty-Six Residences, making it the ultimate hub for vacations and the city’s spectacles, like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place October 30 to November 3. Twelve new restaurants are available on the property as well, including the signature Pier Top lounge that is making a return. The iconic, rotating space offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Drool-Worthy Food ​La Birra Bar

Once it opened in Miami, La Birra Bar became a mainstay in the South Florida scene. Now, visitors in Greater Fort Lauderdale can sample this Argentine-influenced burger joint in Oakland Park and savor some seriously good burgers. Touted as the 'People's Choice Award' winner at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival's Burger Bash in 2022, La Birra serves up over 20 juicy options, like the 'OnlyFans,' a burger topped with yellow American cheese, bacon, thick-cut provolone cheese, crispy onion, and 'stalker sauce.' They also sell inventive hot dogs with toppings ranging from roasted onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers to an addicting cheese sauce. 

Another Miami favorite that made its way to Greater Fort Lauderdale is Keik Bakeshop, now open in Pembroke Pines. An explosion of pink sets the scene at the restaurant, which is ideal for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with options including charcuterie boards and Benedicts, Nutella pancakes, signature burgers, and fresh salads. The crown jewel is the 'Keik'—what the bakeshop affectionately calls its decadent cakes—available in flavors like pistachio cheesecake and Cocosette, a coconut-chocolatey riff on one of Venezuela's signature treats.

Boatyard

Fall also ushers in the much-anticipated return of the iconic Boatyard restaurant along the Intracoastal. Both the interiors and exterior have been refreshed, and the new menu features seafood-centric dishes and seaside-inspired cocktails, all drawing from the city’s luxury yacht lifestyle. Favorites like Bimini bread and paella remain, alongside exciting new additions that cater to every palate.

And be sure to check out the retro gaming paradise dubbed Satellite Pinball Lounge in Oakland Park. It’s the perfect spot to gather your friends and enjoy friendly competition while playing pinball, cooling off with ice-cold beer, and sampling pizza from Moon Pie Pizza. Be sure to try the “Eclipse Pie,” loaded with Italian ground sausage and pepperoni and topped with ricotta cheese and fresh basil once it comes out of the oven. 

On the Horizon 

Why visit Greater Fort Lauderdale in the fall? More exciting openings are on the way. The iconic Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Lounge in Fort Lauderdale will debut after a $15 million renovation this fall.  Whether you’ve dined at this hotspot before or are looking to relish an immersive Polynesian experience, this is the spot to do so. Alongside a new menu is an outdoor bar area perfect for sipping and socializing. The best part? All the design elements of the space help create  a truly authentic experience.

Daniel's Steakhouse

Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse opened this fall, bringing an upscale and contemporary dining experience to the neighborhood. The restaurant boasts a curated wine list and a menu highlighting local specialties, including Jacksonville oysters and prime steaks sourced from North Florida ranches.

In addition, be sure to stop by The Wharf, Fort Lauderdale’s beloved open-air entertainment venue, which is reopening and promises to offer new, stylish bar areas with upgraded entertainment options. The venue’s usual food trucks are also transitioning into more permanent digs and will serve everyone’s favorites, like the pizza and Italian food concept The Piefather. 

Howl At The Moon

Another concept that will shake things up is Howl at the Moon, Fort Lauderdale, a popular chain of dueling piano bars known for its lively atmosphere, high-energy performances, and signature cocktails. Located at the corner of Las Olas and 6th, the venue features musicians who engage with the crowd, taking song requests and creating an interactive and entertaining experience.