Curator’s statement
The secret gem of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale offers the essential beaches, sunshine, palm trees, boating, shopping and relaxation. Nestled in the middle between its neighbors, Miami and Palm Beach, it offers the perfect combination of city life, nature escape and luxury travel.
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Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
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Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
WATER ACTIVITIES
Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of sightseeing tours along the intercoastal river. Explore the stunning waterways by taking the Water Taxi, charter a gondola ride, float on a tiki bar with Crusin’ Tikis or the Jungle Queen cruise to discover and tour these gorgeous channels, while learning about the history, mansions and heroes that helped make our city famous.
With year-round sunny weather and beaches to fit every taste, Fort Lauderdale is a year-round vacation. Visit one of the local favorite beaches, such as Dania Beach or Hillsboro Beach, for a tranquil and relaxing beach day. Discover exhilarating activities in Pompano Beach or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where you may snorkel or dive through wrecks and reefs. And for something a little more lively, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, head to Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood beaches.
NATURE
With access to the Everglades, take an airboat ride and see exotic vegetation and wildlife, including alligators, iguanas and Florida panthers. Take a nature break and visit the state parks: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Explore the largest butterfly park and see over 20,000 species at Butterfly World.
CULTURE
Learn about Semionle heritage and their rich culture and history at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum located in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
SPORTS
Grab tickets and catch a Florida Panthers ice hockey game at the FLA Arena or InterMiami CF soccer team at the DRV Pink Stadium.
And More: Play the slots before dining at one of the luxury restaurants at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Play throwback arcade games while sipping specialty brews at Flagler Village's Glitch Bar on the train tracks. Stroll through Yellow Green Farmers Market for a one-of-a-kind market.
Places to eat & drink in Fort Lauderdale
Breakfast
Wells Coffee Tarpon River - A specialty coffee shop.
Lady and the Mug - Cozy coffee shop ambience with an array of baked offerings.
Shooters Waterfront - Best waterfront brunch spot on the intracoastal waterway.
Lunch & Dinner
Kaluz Fort Lauderdale & Blue Moon Fish Co. - Amazing waterfront dining with boat docking options.
La Vie Lebanese Restaurant - Middle-Eastern inspired dining with live belly dancing on weekends.
Di Farina Pasta - An Italian restaurant with cuisine inspired by Italy and Argentina.
Drinks
The Wilder - A cocktail bar venue presents a pleasant, peaceful, euphoric environment.
The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge - A rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Rhythm & Vine - a casual garden backyard vibe with a fun and positive energy.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale - a relaxed outdoor venue on the river with live music and good times.
Need to know
Travel Advisor
Carissa Rhule
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida.