Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant coastal city where sun-drenched beaches meet laid-back luxury. Nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its scenic canals, the city blends natural beauty with urban sophistication. From art museums and upscale shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to tucked-away gems like Bonnet House and exciting adventures into the Everglades, there’s something for every kind of traveler. And while there’s plenty to do inside, the outdoors is where the city truly shines. Cruise along the Intracoastal, stroll through beautiful botanical gardens, and catch a spectacular Florida sunset from atop a paddleboard. With a tropical climate and year-round energy, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for sandy, sun-drenched fun in every season.
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Must-See Attractions
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Step into an artistic oasis where colorful paintings, lush gardens, and exotic wildlife surround a preserved 1920s home. This historic estate feels like a secret tucked inside the city, offering peace and inspiration at every turn.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Escape the buzz and find calm under a canopy of coastal hammocks and mangroves. Perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, or biking along scenic trails, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a green retreat just steps from the ocean.
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas is Fort Lauderdale’s heartbeat—lined with art galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Whether you’re window shopping or people-watching, it’s a lively stroll down the city’s most stylish mile.
NSU Art Museum
Modern art lives boldly inside this architecturally striking museum in the heart of downtown. With a collection of over 7,000 pieces that highlight Latin American and Caribbean art and an exceptional array of rotating exhibitions, it’s an impressive space that feeds curious minds and creative souls.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Cruise the city’s scenic waterways on this iconic paddlewheel boat. Day or night, it’s a classic Fort Lauderdale experience—complete with dinner, island stops, and playful narration.
Featured Tour
Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat
This biologist-led adventure lets you experience the Everglades three ways—via airboat, nature walk, and coastal cruise—so you can see more wildlife than you would on a typical tour. Skim across the River of Grass by airboat, then trek through Big Cypress with a naturalist who points out alligators, rare birds, and hidden flora. After a hearty local lunch, a boat ride through the Ten Thousand Islands offers the chance to spot dolphins and manatees in the wild. With round-trip hotel transport and small-group guidance, it’s one of the most immersive ways to sample the Everglades in a single day.
Family-Friendly Fun
Flamingo Gardens
Wander among flamingos, alligators, and tropical plants in this 60-acre botanical zoo. Kids and adults alike will love the animal encounters and photo op opportunities among the lush Florida flora.
Butterfly World
Step into a fluttering dreamland filled with thousands of butterflies, tropical birds, and blooming gardens. Butterfly World is a colorful, hands-on experience that feels part zoo, part fairy tale, and is sure to delight the kid in every traveler.
Museum of Discovery and Science
From a giant IMAX screen to space simulators and a playful EcoDiscovery Center, this museum makes learning feel like an adventure. It’s the perfect rainy-day stop for curious kids and hands-on explorers.
Places to Eat
Places to Stay
Best Time to Visit
Visit Fort Lauderdale between December and April for warm sunshine, low humidity, and a packed calendar of outdoor events. These winter months offer the perfect break from colder climates and let you enjoy beach days, boat rides, and open-air dining at their very best. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your vacation during the shoulder months, April to June and October to mid-December. You can dodge the heavy crowds and the worst of the summer heat and hurricane season while also taking advantage of shoulder season deals and less crowded seasonal events.
