Top 10 Things to Do in Greater Fort Lauderdale

From open-air farmers markets and workout classes to movie nights and music concerts, the Las Olas Oceanside Parks (also known as The LOOP) offers a unique experience beyond the beach. The LOOP comprises four green spaces in Fort Lauderdale, including Las Olas Oceanside Park, Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, Sunset Terrace at the Las Olas Beach Garage, and DC Alexander Park. Las Olas Oceanside Park, where much of the action happens, is nestled on A1A across from Fort Lauderdale beach.

Stroll, people watch, dine, stay, or shop on Las Olas Boulevard, a tree-lined mile of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and hotels parallel to the New River, leading to Fort Lauderdale beach. Enjoy diverse cuisine at trendy spots like YOLO or Bombay Darbar or a quick bite at Gran Forno Las Olas. Hit family-friendly attractions like the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale or the Historic Stranahan House Museum, and enjoy the Las Olas nightlife at vibrant venues like The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Rooftop @1WLO.

Stretching over two miles along the Atlantic coast, lined with palm trees, a sandy beach, and dozens of boutiques, hotels, bars, and restaurants, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a must-see spot for outdoor fun. Stroll, bike, rollerblade, or skateboard down the ocean promenade; catch live music at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell Wednesdays through Sundays; or sunbathe on the beach or paddleboard along the shore.

Beyond the beach, Hollywood is home to galleries, boutiques, and attractions like ArtsPark at Young Circle, Seminole Hard Rock & Casino Hollywood, Yellow Green Farmers Market and the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. Find dozens of top-notch dining spots, from Billy’s Stone Crab to GG’s Waterfront.

Sit back and cruise the Intracoastal while someone else leads (and narrates) the way on the Water Taxi. You can hop on and off at 11 stops and, along the way, enjoy views of superyachts, million-dollar homes, and waterfront restaurants like Shooters Waterfront and 15th Street Fisheries. Choose from the following experiences – all-day or multi-day cruises or a sunset or private cruise. The Hollywood Express, for instance, cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood and is included with the all-day pass.

Another way to cruise the Intracoastal is on the Jungle Queen Riverboat. Options include a 90-minute sightseeing tour, an evening cruise with an island dinner and show, and a private charter. The Jungle Queen, which has cruised the local waterways since 1935, departs from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. 

Learn about Fort Lauderdale's history, art, and nature at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, an art-filled 35-acre estate nestled between the beach and the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale. The 20th-century home is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses original furniture from artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Helen Louise Birch. Go on a guided or self-guided tour of the house and grounds and attend special events held throughout the year.

Discover tropical gardens and majestic creatures at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, established in 1927. A sprawling 60 acres, the natural attraction features several gardens, including a butterfly and hummingbird garden, over 3,000 species of plants and trees, and animal exhibits, from the flamingo pond to the panther and bobcat habitats. Flamingo Garden hosts events, VIP tours, and exhibits throughout the year.

More than 350 designer outlets, specialty shops, and restaurants await at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, along with The Colonnade Outlets, featuring high-end luxury fashion brands, including Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH. When you need a shopping break, dine at Matchbox, Seasons 52, Texas de Brazil, P.F. Chang’s, or Yard House, among others. 

Find historical sites, waterfront dining, and outdoor activities on the Riverwalk along the New River in Fort Lauderdale. Take a stroll along the riverfront or join a bike or segway tour to cover more ground. The Riverwalk is a lush oasis comprising parks, plazas, and gazebos. Plus, attractions like the Historic Stranahan House Museum and the Museum of Discovery and Science & IMAX provide entertainment and education for the entire family. There are also a couple of Water Taxi stops and waterfront dining options, from the trendy Salt7 to the laid-back Boathouse at the Riverside. Catch a Broadway show, opera, ballet or concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Center, ranking among the top 10 most-visited theaters in the world.

Whether you stay there as a guest or not, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood offers dynamic dining, nightlife, and water-soaked amenities. 

Dine at trendy and classic restaurants like Kuro or Hard Rock Cafe. Catch your favorite touring artist at Hard Rock Live before hitting the Oculus and Center bars for drinks and gaming. For a club experience, party at DAER day or night and enjoy table service. And relax at the spa or play in the vibrant 4.5-acre lagoon-style pool area filled with waterfalls, cabanas, watersports, and more.

Pompano Beach is a destination in itself, and its jewel is the Fisher Family Pier, nearly 900 feet long and open for fishing, strolling, and people-watching. The end of the pier is in the shape of a pompano (fish) head. Nearby, explore the Fishing Village, featuring oceanfront walkways, beach pavilions and playgrounds, and restaurants, including Beach House Pompano and Oceanic.