Must-SeeFort Lauderdale Beach
A wide stretch of sand with a wavy white wall, promenade and cafés, with cruise ships passing to the south.
Fort Lauderdale
'Venice of America', with 165 miles of canals, broad beaches, the world's yachting capital and Everglades airboats on its doorstep.
Once America's spring break capital, Fort Lauderdale has grown up, with waterfront mansions, Las Olas Boulevard and a free art museum. Port Everglades is one of the world's busiest cruise ports.
It's a usually cheaper base than Miami, about 40 minutes south, on a great beach.
- Best Time
- November to May
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is 10 minutes from downtown; Brightline trains run to Miami and Orlando.
The Short List
9 sights, 2 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Fort Lauderdale.
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Must-See
Must-See
Must-SeeWater Taxi and the Canals
Ride the canals, past mega-yachts and waterfront mansions, with hop-on stops all over the city.
Worth a Detour
Worth a DetourLas Olas Boulevard
The city's main street of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, from downtown to the beach.
Worth a DetourBonnet House Museum and Gardens
A whimsical artists' estate from 1920, tucked between high-rises and the ocean, with monkeys in the trees.
Worth a DetourEverglades Airboats at Sawgrass Recreation Park
Fast airboat rides through the River of Grass, with gators and a wildlife exhibit, about 30 minutes west of town.
If You're Nearby
If You're NearbyMuseum of Discovery and Science
A family science museum on the Riverwalk, with a giant kinetic clock and an IMAX theater.
If You're NearbyHugh Taylor Birch State Park
A leafy strip of hammock and lagoon between the beach and the Intracoastal, with bike rentals and kayaks.
If You're NearbyStranahan House
The city's oldest structure, a 1901 trading post where the Seminole people traded with the city's founder.
If You're NearbyFlamingo Gardens
An old botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with rescued Florida animals and a free-flight aviary.
Neighborhoods
- Las OlasDowntown's walkable restaurant and shopping street.
- The BeachThe ocean strip, with hotels and cafés.
- Flagler VillageArts, breweries and new condos.
- Wilton ManorsA lively LGBTQ neighborhood just north.
- Lauderdale-by-the-SeaA small beach town with a pier and easy snorkeling.
Getting Around
The Water Taxi is the fun way around, the free Sun Trolley covers the beach and Las Olas, and Brightline trains link to Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Parking near the beach is costly. A car helps for the Everglades and Davie.
Plan Your Visit
- Day 1: the beach, then Las Olas. Day 2: a water taxi along the canals, and Bonnet House.
Know Before You Go
- Cruise days fill the airport, so plan early.
- Parking on the beach is costly.
Where to Stay
Stay on the beach or Las Olas.
What to Eat
- Stone crab and seafoodFresh catches along the waterfront, at Southport Raw Bar and Coconuts.
- Cuban sandwiches and coffeeInfluenced by nearby Miami's Cuban community.
- Caribbean foodJamaican jerk in Lauderhill, with a huge Jamaican community.
- Key lime pieSold across town, in slices and on sticks.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
Must-SeeMiami and Miami Beach
Florida
Turquoise water, pastel Art Deco hotels and Cuban coffee, with the Everglades an hour away.
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Worth a DetourEverglades National Park
Florida
A vast slow river of sawgrass where alligators, manatees and wading birds are easy to see from boardwalks.
Full Guide
Must-SeeLast checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Florida list.