Emerging Dining, Interactive Attractions and Fresh Spaces Continue to Shape a Dynamic Destination
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 13, 2026) – Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to evolve with a steady stream of new openings, refreshed spaces, and evolving experiences across the destination. From emerging culinary concepts to immersive attractions and vibrant social hubs, Visit Lauderdale is giving travelers and industry insiders a first look at what’s new, ensuring they have their finger on the pulse of the latest developments shaping spring and early summer travel.
New and Noteworthy
Greater Fort Lauderdale is welcoming a steady wave of new concepts and enhancements, bringing fresh energy to both its coastal communities and inland neighborhoods.
Along Fort Lauderdale Beach, The W Fort Lauderdale has refreshed its signature social spaces on Fort Lauderdale Beach, unveiling updates to the Living Room lounge, WET Deck, and additional communal areas. The enhancements build on the hotel’s lively, design-forward atmosphere, reinforcing its position as a go-to destination along A1A.
Adding to the destination’s waterfront dining scene, G&B Dockside opened in January inside Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal. A sister concept to Coconuts and G&B Oyster Bar, the restaurant features a seafood-forward menu with premium oysters and shareable plates in a relaxed, dockside setting. The destination’s culinary landscape continues to expand across neighborhoods, from Pembroke Pines, which welcomed Maya Speaktiki on March 26, introducing a modern tiki-inspired dining and cocktail program, to Flagler Village, where Sweet Melody Ice Cream debuted on April 1, serving small-batch, handcrafted flavors with a nostalgic twist. The neighborhood also recently welcomed Smorgasburg Fort Lauderdale, which made its grand opening April 11, bringing its popular open-air food market concept to the destination with a rotating lineup of local chefs and culinary talent.
This season also brings a continued emphasis on experiential and family-friendly attractions. In Pompano Beach, the Jellyfish Museum opened in March as an interactive attraction centered on marine life and ocean education. The space is home to 25 species of jellyfish, showcased in custom-designed tanks inspired by ecosystems around the world, alongside interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
Upcoming Experiences and Attractions
Looking ahead, Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to introduce new experiences and attractions that will carry into the summer season, particularly for families and visitors seeking interactive entertainment and vibrant nightlife.
Families will love the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale as its new exhibit, The Science of Guinness World Records, will debut May 22 and run through September 7, 2026. The interactive exhibit explores the science behind record-breaking achievements through hands-on challenges that test strength, reaction time and endurance, with live leaderboards adding a competitive element for visitors. Plus, with the South Florida Adventure Pass, available from May 15 through September 30, visitors can enjoy unlimited admission to the museum as well as Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, and Flamingo Gardens in Davie. The pass is priced at $60 for adults and $50 for children, providing families with a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale’s signature attractions all season long.
Opening in late June, Hula Kai Tiki Bar will introduce a new tropical-inspired nightlife concept to Greater Fort Lauderdale, just a few blocks away from the Broward County Convention Center. Featuring island-inspired cocktails, light bites and the Ohana Rooftop Lounge, the venue will offer a relaxed yet lively setting for both visitors and locals.
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities. Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages, call this destination home. And there’s good reasons, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown.
Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.