Upon first impression, Fort Lauderdale appears as a glamorous urban beach city with the enamor of celebrities and a ritzy lifestyle. However, there are more top things to do in Fort Lauderdale than oozing over the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Nature and all sorts of wildlife and marine life as seen in the popular Everglades National Park and several other beautiful gardens and nature reserves are begging to be visited.
The beach life isn’t to be overlooked, either. With the Florida sun, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, and water sports for the adventure-enthusiast, there is something for every type of beach-goer. On top of that, the exotic Bahamas are within a day trip away from Fort Lauderdale where you can swim with the world-famous and lovable Swimming Pigs Bahamas! There are so many top things to do in Fort Lauderdale waiting to be discovered that will leave you ready to come back many times again.
Top Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
1. The Waterfront City of Fort Lauderdale
The scene in between the waterfront canals is likened to that of Venice in Italy! It has got its own romantic appeal, but unlike the Old World of Venice, these canals are filled with luxury yachts and mansions line the waterways. If you’re looking for what to do in Fort Lauderdale, taking a stroll around these neighborhoods can fill some time!
Don’t have a boat but would still like to see what these canals have to offer? That’s okay, the water taxi service is one of the fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale. It connects you to just about all the entertainment you could ask for whether it is restaurants, the ocean-front, shopping, clubs, museums, hotels, and more!
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale — The Venice of America.
2. The Magnificent Fort Lauderdale Beaches
We will try to keep this one short. The list can go on and on naming the fantastic beaches of Fort Lauderdale. No matter what Fort Lauderdale activities come around, a relaxing day at the beach will always be one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – Once the college hangout, now attracts chic beach-goers.
- Las Olas Beach – At the forefront of the action, you’ll immediately find what to do in Fort Lauderdale.
- Deerfield Beach – A great family atmosphere north of Fort Lauderdale. Was named for all the deer that used to roam the beach.
- Hillsboro Beach – Located on the coastal island of Deerfield Cay, get great views of the lighthouse, nesting turtles, and yachts which pass by frequently. There are many fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale on this beach!
- Pompano Beach – One of the most family-friendly in Fort Lauderdale. Great for kids, with special amenities pampering to their entertainment. Chairs and umbrellas available for rent and BBQ grills for cookouts!
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – One of the more quiet beaches in the city, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea gives you a nice, relaxing spot to relax on the beach while staying shaded. It is also a snorkeling and diver’s hotspot. If you’re looking for what to do in Fort Lauderdale, look no further!
Beachin’. . . one of the fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale on a summer day.
3. Old Fort Lauderdale Village (Stranahan House)
Not many people know that the city began as an actual fort. Three, actually, all named Fort Lauderdale! Exploring its historic area is easily one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale and should be seen by all visitors. For history buffs, this is one of the top Fort Lauderdale activities!
The historic Stranahan House Museum in the popular Las Olas Riverwalk downtown district.
4. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Home to one of Florida’s first ‘snowbird’ couples, the Bonnet House has an interesting background that is begging for you to explore. Any Fort Lauderdale tour of the house and museum features a spectacular garden that showcases native barrier island habitat and examples of all five ecosystems found in Florida.
In addition, it has become a sanctuary for marine life (such as manatees) and migrating birds. There’s a chance you may even see little monkeys running around the grounds today! The life around the house shows just as much history as the artifacts.
Royal Palm trees reflecting in the Bonnet House slough.
5. Las Olas Boulevard
Taking a stroll down Las Olas Boulevard is one of everybody’s favorite Fort Lauderdale activities. It is where all the action happens. Nestled along the boulevard are neighborhoods with the famous canals, the popular Riverwalk along the New River, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a trendy area worthy of an evening of your time.
Las Olas Boulevard one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
6. Fort Lauderdale Auto Museum
If cars are your thing then this is one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Its impressive line-up of classic cars is gawked over by people from all over the world. Each of the collections boasts a signature piece which is usually valued in the million-dollar range. You have to see some of these cars to believe it!
Close up view of a beautifully restored vintage 1955 Buick Special.
7. Segway Tour Around the Beautiful Riverwalk of Fort Lauderdale
One of the most popular Fort Lauderdale activities is taking a Segway tour along the Tarpon River Riverwalk. There is a lot of foot-traffic and people-watching to be done in this district. Alternatively, you can get in the water and do a tour down the river in a kayak or paddle board. Whatever fits your fancy!
Cityscape view of the popular Las Olas Riverwalk.
8. Fort Lauderdale Arts: NSU Arts Museum and Street Art
With over 7,000 pieces of art ranging from post-WWII time to cultural art from Latin America, this museum is attracting art lovers worldwide. If you are a creative type, you’ll surely think of this as one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a can’t miss for its wide range of collections.
9. Flamingo Botanical Gardens
Ranking high on the list of top things to do in Fort Lauderdale is witnessing these sexy pink birds in their natural habitat at the Flamingo Botanical Gardens. The habitat celebrated its 90th birthday in 2017, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida and certainly one of the only gardens in the world featuring these magnificent pink birds.
10. Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
Conveniently located at the Fort Lauderdale airport, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give the Naval Air Station of Fort Lauderdale a look! Featuring history from World War II onto the Korean and Vietnam Wars, there is a little bit of every part of the United States and world history inside!
Top things to do in Fort Lauderdale: Naval Air Museum.
Bahamas Day Trip From Fort Lauderdale
Bahamas Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale by Plane
From outdoor adventure activities like kayaking and paddle boarding to pristine beaches along a beautiful coastline to a thriving and electric nightlife, there are top things to do in Fort Lauderdale for every type of tourist. History, art, culture are all begging to be explored in this south Florida beach haven.
One of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale is a Bahamas day trip less than an hour away. Hopefully, the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Bahamas entices you. There, you will find everything you can find in Fort Lauderdale and more, all with a Bahamian twist. Book a unique day tour with Bahamas Air Tours today and be one of the few who is afforded the possibility to tour the Exuma Cays by air and get ample time with your favorite Swimming Pigs Bahamas. Its islands are an affordable luxury and are one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Try something new and have the experience of a lifetime with us!
Select images courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism.
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