Most travelers know Fort Lauderdale as the place where cruise ships depart. They arrive at the airport, shuttle to Port Everglades, and sail away without ever exploring the city itself. That’s their loss. Fort Lauderdale has transformed over the past two decades into one of South Florida’s most compelling destinations, with pristine beaches, exceptional dining, vibrant arts and culture, and 165 miles of scenic waterways that have earned it the nickname “Venice of America.”
If you’ve only seen Fort Lauderdale from a taxi window on your way to a ship, it’s time to give this coastal city a proper visit.
The Beach Scene
Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches for seven miles along A1A, and it’s everything a Florida beach should be. The sand is golden, the water is warm and swimmable most of the year, and the beachfront promenade is lined with palm trees instead of high-rise hotels blocking the view. Unlike the dense concrete canyon of Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale kept its beach development relatively low-key.
The heart of the action runs from Las Olas Boulevard north to Sunrise Boulevard. Here you’ll find beach volleyball courts, outdoor cafes, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend an entire day doing nothing but swimming and people-watching. Rent a beach chair and umbrella from one of the vendors, or bring your own setup—there’s plenty of public beach access.
For a quieter experience, head south to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a small beach town where a coral reef sits just 100 yards offshore. It’s one of the few places in Florida where you can snorkel directly from the beach and see tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally a nurse shark or two.
Exploring the Waterways
Fort Lauderdale’s intricate canal system is one of its defining features, and the best way to appreciate it is from the water. Water taxis operate year-round, hopping between downtown, Las Olas, the beach, and several waterfront restaurants. It’s both transportation and sightseeing in one.
If you want a closer look at the mansions lining the Intracoastal Waterway—some worth tens of millions of dollars—book a sightseeing cruise or sunset tour. You’ll glide past mega-yachts, waterfront estates, and historic landmarks while learning about the city’s evolution from a sleepy beach town to a yachting capital. The Fort Lauderdale Ocean and Intracoastal Sunset Cruise offers exactly this experience, with views that are particularly stunning as the sun dips below the horizon.
For a more active adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calmer canals at your own pace. The New River, which winds through downtown, offers surprisingly peaceful paddling despite being in the heart of the city.
Las Olas Boulevard and the Arts District
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale’s main artery for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The mile-long stretch between the beach and downtown is lined with sidewalk cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s walkable, shaded by trees, and has the kind of energy that makes you want to linger.
The western end of Las Olas leads into the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, where you’ll find the NSU Art Museum, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and a growing number of craft breweries and wine bars. The museum’s collection includes significant works of contemporary art and an impressive assemblage of pieces from the CoBrA movement.
On the first Sunday of each month, the Riverwalk hosts a free jazz brunch with live music overlooking the New River. It’s a local favorite and a perfect Sunday morning activity.
Beyond the Beach
Just west of downtown, Flamingo Gardens offers 60 acres of botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to Florida’s native species. You’ll see alligators, flamingos, otters, eagles, and the largest collection of native Florida wildlife in the state. The property also includes a historic home and one of the last surviving patches of coastal hammock habitat in South Florida. The Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to visit without waiting.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, tucked between the Intracoastal and the ocean, provides a quick escape into nature without leaving the city. Rent a bike and ride the paved trail through the maritime hammock, or launch a kayak into the lagoon and paddle among mangroves. It’s hard to believe you’re minutes from downtown.
When to Visit
Fort Lauderdale’s weather is warm year-round, but the best time to visit is between November and April when temperatures hover in the mid-70s to low 80s and humidity is low. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher temperatures, but also lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with September and October being the most active months.
If you’re planning to visit during spring break in March, expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially along the beach. The city has worked hard to move away from its wild spring break reputation, and it’s largely succeeded, but it’s still a popular time for college-age visitors.
Fort Lauderdale has grown up. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, beachy without being tacky, and offers the kind of well-rounded vacation that keeps visitors coming back. Next time you’re headed to Port Everglades, arrive a few days early or stay a few days after. You’ll see why so many people are discovering that Fort Lauderdale is a destination, not just a departure point.
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