10 Reasons to Visit Greater Fort Lauderdale This Winter

The pools here don’t close for the season, and neither do restaurants’ outdoor dining options. Enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants along Fort Lauderdale Beach, such as Casablanca Cafe, Lona Cocina Tequileria, Coconuts or Takato. You can also watch the boats go by along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River at waterfront restaurants such as House on the River, Shooters Waterfront or Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse.

We don’t ski down mountainsides; we ride Jet Skis in the ocean. Beaches throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale offer water sports rentals, including paddleboards, kayaks and Jet Skis. Whiskey Creek Hideout in Dania Beach’s Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a hidden gem worth exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Meanwhile, Shipwreck Park off the coast of Pompano Beach is home to 16 shipwrecks, public art installations and artificial reefs that attract marine life.

There’s no shortage of beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale, spanning from Deerfield Beach to the north and Hallandale to the south. Opt for a day of sunbathing and water sports, or explore the lively piers in Dania Beach, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach for restaurants, bars, fishing, and other activities.

Throughout the year, Greater Fort Lauderdale hosts exciting festivals, culinary celebrations and one-of-a-kind events. Each January, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival showcases local restaurants and cuisine through cooking classes, wine seminars and special dining experiences, including Beachside Brunch and BBQ at the Beach, culminating in the Grand Tasting.

Music fans can look forward to the Tortuga Music Festival each April, featuring artists across a variety of genres and sustainability initiatives that help protect the environment.

During the holiday season, the annual Winterfest Boat Parade transforms Greater Fort Lauderdale’s waterways into a dazzling spectacle, with more than 100 boats decked out in festive lights.

The Sunshine State lives up to its nickname, especially in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The average annual temperature here is 83.4 degrees, with the chilliest average high being in January, at 75.2 degrees. You’ll never need a puffer jacket here, and instead, lay out on the beach in the winter months.

Greater Fort Lauderdale isn't just home to a professional hockey team. It's home to the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Catch a game at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise or watch the team practice at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, where select practices are open to the public. The facility also offers public skating, youth and adult hockey leagues and adaptive ice sports programs.

Hit the links in Greater Fort Lauderdale, home to more than 35 golf courses. Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs has hosted the Honda Classic, a PGA Tour event, while historic Hollywood Beach Golf Club has welcomed golfers since 1924. For a more casual experience, check out Topgolf in Pompano Beach or mini golf at Puttshack in Dania Beach.

Prefer a paddle over a putter? Head to The Fort at Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale, a premier pickleball destination featuring 43 pro-regulated courts, lessons, clinics and open play for all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, it's a great way to enjoy some friendly competition in the Florida sunshine.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major hub for JetBlue, making it easier than ever to reach Greater Fort Lauderdale from destinations across the country and beyond. The airline has expanded its nonstop service with new connections to Baltimore, Charlotte, Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis, along with routes from Chicago, Nashville, Houston and Detroit.

JetBlue Vacations has also partnered with Virgin Voyages to offer a special adults-only getaway featuring round-trip flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Fort Lauderdale, followed by a four-night cruise departing from PortMiami in March 2027.

Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 300 miles of scenic waterways. Explore the New River and Intracoastal Waterway aboard the Water Taxi, which offers hop-on, hop-off tours showcasing the city's skyline and multimillion-dollar waterfront homes. For a more romantic experience, Las Olas Gondola offers gondola rides inspired by the traditions of Venice, Italy, providing a picturesque setting for sightseeing and even marriage proposals.

Relax and recharge in Greater Fort Lauderdale, where luxury hotel spas and boutique wellness centers offer plenty of ways to unwind. Treat yourself to a massage, facial or rejuvenating treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale or Signia By Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort, or explore smaller wellness centers offering holistic therapies. Whether you're looking for a full day of pampering or a little relaxation between beach adventures, Greater Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to prioritize self-care.