While the blistering cold, sleet and ice descend over most of the country, we’re lucky to be in the land of sun and sea. Our winters are also powdery but instead of sloshing through snow, we’re lounging on warm, heavenly sand. Greater Fort Lauderdale offers residents and visitors a variety of outdoor activities from relaxing beach days to heart-pumping fishing trips and water sports. This is the perfect season to revel in the fresh air, bright sunshine and low humidity and take advantage of wide open spaces in Greater Fort Lauderdale’s vast (and social distanced) outdoors.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fishing

Women Filming 3 People Deep Sea Fishing Near Greater Fort Lauderdale

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, Greater Fort Lauderdale has a variety of options to get you out on the open water. For those looking for fresh water, the Everglades offers year-round bass and snakehead fishing. We also have plenty of lakes and canals with nearly 200 freshwater species to discover. If you’re looking for an offshore sport fishing adventure, Greater Fort Lauderdale has many talented and well respected charter companies that will take you out on their boats and provide all the tackle and know-how to put you on the fish.  

Water Sports

Man Scuba Diving and Holding Lobster In Greater Fort Lauderdale

If you’re ready to boost your adrenaline, hop on a jet ski and feel the rush of the waves. For something a little different, head over to the McGinnis Waterski School or Ski Rixen USA for a chance to soar above the water on water skis. For those who want to voyage underwater and enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, Greater Fort Lauderdale has impressive natural and artificial coral reefs that run along the 23 miles of our coastline in addition to thrilling shipwrecks that are just waiting to be explored.

Boat Rentals & Tours

Boat On The Ocean In Greater Fort Lauderdale

Boating in Greater Fort Lauderdale can be as hands on as you want. Choose from renting and piloting your own boat from one of our boat rental companies or book an effortless excursion. To really feel the wind in your hair, charter a racing boat from Millionaire’s Concierge and enjoy the views while your professional captain takes you on an offshore cruise at speeds of over 100 mph. For something more laid back, charter a catamaran for a sunset cruise or let Intimate Waterway Tours customize a sightseeing cruise just for your family or group.

Water Taxi

Water taxi in Fort Lauderdale

Instead of being stuck in road traffic why not gracefully glide through some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 300 miles of navigable waterways. In fact, that’s where the region’s nickname – the Venice of America – comes from. One of the best ways to cruise the canal system is on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. It’s a much different way to sightsee, admire waterfront mansions or even create your own pub crawl. With the ability to hop on and off at the stop of your choice, you can shop, dine and cruise around town at your leisure.  

Beaches

Overhead View Of Deerfield Beach In Greater Fort Lauderdale

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches offer everything you’re looking for in a beach day. Deerfield Beach has great oceanfront restaurants and a fun fishing pier while Hillsboro Beach’s historic lighthouse is a must-see. Pompano Beach also has a pier where you can watch the fish swim before you settle onto your beach towel. Fort Lauderdale beach offers a large selection of beach bars and restaurants you can visit after your dip in the ocean. Farther south, check out Dania Beach’s Ocean Park and Hollywood’s oceanfront broadwalk.

Parks

Tree Tops Park In Greater Fort Lauderdale

Our local parks provide an array of great reasons to head outdoors including hiking and biking trails, canoeing and paddle boarding. Regardless of where you are in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, you’ll have a selection of state, county and city parks to choose from. Just steps from Fort Lauderdale beach sits Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It offers visitors bike trails, nature walks for bird and wildlife watching, paddle boarding, kayaking and plenty of picnic areas for a delicious outdoor feast. If you’re out west, Markham Park has a challenging mountain bike trail, dog park for your furry friends, tennis and pickleball courts and a target range. There’s also direct access to the Everglades Conservation Area Levee Trail, a large expanse of open space overlooking the Everglades perfect for long hikes, mountain and trail bike rides, bird watching and capturing stunning sunset photos. For horse enthusiasts, some of our parks like Tradewinds Park offer horseback riding for all ages.

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Watersports

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Boating

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Beaches

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