When you live in the Sunshine State, there's no need to set off for a far-flung destination for your next getaway. In Greater Fort Lauderdale, visitors can experience the unique itinerary of a destination where they can watch the sunrise over the Everglades, cheer on a rodeo in the afternoon and dip their toes in the Atlantic along 24 miles of beaches. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a spontaneous day trip, Greater Fort Lauderdale makes the perfect Florida staycation.
Where to stay
For a luxurious stay, head to Fort Lauderdale Beach, where accommodations include the W Fort Lauderdale, Pelican Grand Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach and more.
Away from the beach, along the Intracoastal Waterway, two resorts offer upscale experiences. Consider booking a suite at the 29-story Omni Fort Lauderdale , which features 82 suites and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades. Spend the day at the rooftop pool, relax at Mokara Spa or enjoy sunset cocktails and small plates at Ibis Sky Lounge. For a more casual meal, Fair Ketch also features a Topgolf Swing Suite.
Just to the northeast, Pier Sixty-Six, spans 32 waterfront acres along the Intracoastal Waterway and is home to a superyacht marina and Zenova Spa & Wellness. Guests can choose from 12 dining concepts, including Calusso for seafood and house-made pasta, or visit the signature rotating Pier Top lounge for 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Another waterfront accommodation is Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, which offers Florida resident discounts. This family-friendly property includes a swimming pool, beach access, restaurants, and a kids’ club. Also in the area is the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which offers special discounts for Florida and Georgia residents. It features a broken flip-flop sculpture, restaurants and bars, a spa, and the Parakeets Kids Club.
For a stay closer to downtown Fort Lauderdale, the historic Riverside Hotel sits along bustling Las Olas Boulevard, making it easy to walk to restaurants, shops and the Riverwalk. Newer downtown hotels include the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, home to the speakeasy Room 901, and The Dalmar, known for its rooftop bar, Sparrow.
If your staycation takes you to the western side of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise is just steps from Sawgrass Mills, one of the nation's largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations.
Things to do
If you enjoy the outdoors, reserve an airboat tour at Everglades Holiday Park to explore the River of Grass. The high-speed airboats give visitors the chance to spot alligators basking in the sun, egrets soaring overhead and water droplets balancing atop miles of lily pads. Everglades Holiday Park is also home to the Gator Boys alligator shows, where visitors can learn more about these iconic reptiles and snap memorable photos.
If you haven't had the chance to snorkel in Greater Fort Lauderdale, summer is one of the best times to explore the area's clear, warm waters. Take advantage of free snorkeling at Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Complimentary snorkeling gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis during special gear events held on the second Saturday of each month. Wahoo Bay is also accessible by Water Taxi, making it easy to plan lunch or dinner and explore additional stops between Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.
If you're looking to pack several attractions into one trip, consider the South Florida Adventure Pass. The pass includes admission to four of Greater Fort Lauderdale's top attractions, offering a mix of outdoor adventures and indoor experiences.
Start at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, where more than 20,000 butterflies and tropical birds call the park home. Wear bright colors and stand still long enough, and you may have a butterfly land on your shoulder.
When temperatures climb, head indoors to the Museum of Discovery and Science. Highlights include a life-size megalodon jaw visitors can walk through, playful otters and the Magna-Tiles exhibit. Nearby, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale features more than 7,500 works in its permanent collection alongside rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Flamingo Gardens is another family-friendly outdoor destination. The 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie invites visitors to explore on foot or by narrated tram tour. Along the way, you'll see native and exotic Florida plants, some of the state's oldest trees, and a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, alligators, otters, panthers and bobcats. Newer animal residents include Sabal the puma, who arrived in January 2026, and Bentley and Treena, two orphaned black bear cub siblings who now call Flamingo Gardens home.
If your Everglades adventure leaves you wanting more, the Summer Adventure Pass also includes admission to Sawgrass Recreation Park, where visitors can glide through the Florida Everglades by airboat and get an up-close look at native reptiles. For an even more memorable experience, book one of the park's nighttime airboat tours, when the Everglades comes alive after dark and you'll have the chance to spot alligators and other nocturnal wildlife beneath the stars.
Once you've explored the attractions included with the Summer Adventure Pass, add the Jellyfish Museum in Pompano Beach to your itinerary. The museum features live jellyfish exhibits, interactive displays and immersive art installations that make learning about marine life engaging for visitors of all ages. It's also a great indoor option when you're ready to take a break from the beach.
Where to eat
No staycation is complete without great food, and Greater Fort Lauderdale offers everything from waterfront seafood to award-winning fine dining. If you're not sure what you're craving, start with a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The bustling street is home to a variety of restaurants, including Mexican favorites and an extensive tequila selection at El Camino, Italian classics at Louie Bossi Ristorante Bar & Pizzeria, Brazilian steakhouse dining at Fogo de Chao and fresh seafood, premium steaks and sushi at Catch & Cut, which also features a lively second-floor balcony bar overlooking Las Olas Boulevard.
Many restaurants also offer memorable dining experiences. At the Wreck Bar inside B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach, guests can enjoy the venue's famous underwater mermaid performances through floor-to-ceiling porthole windows. Weekly programming includes the Signature Mermaids & Mimosas Sunday Brunch, Mermaid Tails & Cocktails, Mermaids After Dark and other themed events centered around the venue's iconic underwater shows.
Pair dinner with a ride aboard the Water Taxi. In partnership with the Water Taxi, Shooters Waterfront offers a Friday night Sunset Music Cruise featuring live music, a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, a $10 food and beverage voucher and access to the restaurant's VIP section with happy-hour drink pricing before departure. The Water Taxi departs at 7 p.m., making it an easy way to enjoy dinner and waterfront views in one evening.
Waterfront dining continues at 15th Street Fisheries in Fort Lauderdale, where visitors can feed tarpon from the dock before enjoying fresh seafood. Other local favorites include Aruba Beach Cafe in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oceanic and Beach House Pompano, both in Pompano Beach, and Rustic Inn Crabhouse. For Southern coastal cuisine, visit Florida Room at The FORT, the restaurant from chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth overlooking a peaceful lake.
Food lovers won't want to miss Greater Fort Lauderdale's MICHELIN Guide-recognized restaurants. Enjoy the 14-seat Chef's Counter at MAASS at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, which earned one MICHELIN Star. Other honored restaurants include Heritage (Bib Gourmand), Larb Thai (Recommended), Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse (Recommended), and Evelyn’s (Recommended), also located at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.
Planning a late-summer staycation? August and September bring Dine Out Lauderdale, when participating restaurants across Greater Fort Lauderdale offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus ranging from $35 to $75. Many restaurants also host wine dinners, cooking classes and other special culinary experiences throughout the two-month celebration.
Whether you're relaxing at a beachfront resort, enjoying dinner along the Intracoastal Waterway or discovering a new neighborhood restaurant, a staycation in Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect excuse to slow down, explore close to home and savor everything the destination has to offer.