Fort Lauderdale: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Fort Lauderdale has long been overshadowed by its flashier neighbour Miami, but anyone who has spent time in this sun-drenched city knows it more than holds its own. With 23 miles of gorgeous Atlantic coastline, a thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and some of the best boating in the world, Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s most rewarding destinations. Whether you are looking for a lively city break or a relaxed beach holiday, here is everything you need to do when you visit.

Getting There

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is well served by direct and connecting flights from the UK, and is often cheaper to fly into than Miami. The airport is compact and easy to navigate, and you can be on the beach in under 30 minutes.

Things to Do

Hit the Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the obvious starting point, and it does not disappoint. The wide, clean stretch of white sand along A1A is lined with palm trees, a dedicated promenade for walking and cycling, and plenty of spots to hire a sun lounger and umbrella. The beach is well maintained and far less hectic than South Beach in Miami, which makes it ideal if you want sun and sea without the chaos. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park at the northern end is particularly lovely, with shaded picnic areas and calm, shallow waters.

Explore the Venetian Isles and Intracoastal Waterway

Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” for good reason. The city has more canals than Venice itself, winding through affluent residential neighbourhoods packed with superyachts and impressive waterfront homes. The best way to see it all is by water taxi, which stops at restaurants, bars, and hotels along the Intracoastal Waterway. It is a wonderfully relaxed way to get around, and the scenery is endlessly entertaining.

Visit Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is the beating heart of Fort Lauderdale’s social scene. This tree-lined stretch runs from downtown all the way to the beach and is packed with independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Spend an afternoon browsing the shops, then linger over dinner at one of the many terrace restaurants as the evening crowd starts to fill the street. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, and there is something here for every taste and budget.

Take a Day Trip to the Everglades

One of Florida’s greatest natural wonders is within easy reach of Fort Lauderdale. The Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness of sawgrass marshes, mangroves, and slow-moving waterways, and home to alligators, manatees, roseate spoonbills, and dozens of other extraordinary species. An airboat tour is the classic way to explore, skimming across the water at speed while your guide points out wildlife lurking in the reeds. Several operators run day trips from Fort Lauderdale, making it a straightforward addition to your itinerary.

Discover the NSu Art Museum

The NSu Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is one of the finest cultural institutions in South Florida. Housed in a striking postmodern building in the heart of downtown, it holds an impressive permanent collection with particular strengths in 20th-century American and CoBrA art. The temporary exhibitions are consistently excellent and the on-site café is a good spot for a break between galleries.

Explore the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District

Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk district has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and is well worth an afternoon of your time. The New River waterfront is pleasant to stroll along, and the district is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which stages everything from Broadway touring productions to opera and comedy. Check the programme before you travel and try to book tickets in advance.

Go Snorkelling or Diving

Fort Lauderdale sits alongside some excellent reef systems, and the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic make for brilliant snorkelling and diving. The natural reef runs parallel to the coastline a short boat ride from shore, and visibility is often outstanding. Several dive operators in the area offer guided reef dives and wreck dives, including the famous wreck of the Mercedes I cargo ship. Even if you are a beginner, there are plenty of options suitable for all experience levels.

Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Tucked between the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a surprising green oasis in the middle of the city. The park protects one of the last remaining examples of maritime hammock in Broward County, and is a lovely place to walk, cycle, or paddle a canoe. It is also a wonderful spot for birdwatching, particularly during the spring and autumn migration seasons.

Eat Your Way Around the City

The dining scene in Fort Lauderdale has grown considerably in recent years, and there are brilliant options across every cuisine and price point. For fresh seafood, head to the 15th Street Fisheries, a local institution perched over the Intracoastal with views of the passing boat traffic. Steak lovers should make a reservation at the Gallery One restaurant, while Las Olas has plenty of excellent options for everything from small plates to full tasting menus. The city also has a strong brunch culture, and weekend mornings on the boulevard are a genuinely enjoyable affair.

Shop at the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

If you fancy some retail therapy away from the boutiques on Las Olas, the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is a polished shopping mall just a short drive from the beach. It houses a solid mix of mid-range and upscale brands, a good food court, and a cinema. It is especially welcome on days when the Florida sun is particularly fierce.

Where to Stay

Marriott’s Pompano Beach Resort

Less than an hour from Miami and just 22 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Marriott’s Pompano Beach Resort ticks every box you are mentally running through right now. Pool. Spa. Cocktail bar. Ocean views. Sun loungers are included in the resort fee, so there is no early morning scramble to claim your spot, which honestly makes a bigger difference than you might expect.

The beach is stunning. Wide, warm, and never heaving, it is literally steps away, and the Pompano Beach Pier is walkable for golden hour photos that will do your Instagram a world of good. If the group wants to do something beyond horizontal, watersports rentals are available right on the beach.

The Citrus Club is perfect for sundowners or daytime drinks, proper cocktails in an open-air setting right on the water. The Kester handles food all day if you need something more substantial between the pool and the beach, and the food is genuinely delicious. Rooms have ocean views and marble bathrooms, and waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach is one of my favourite things ever.

Whether you are coming with your friends, your other half, or the whole family, this is one of those places where the pace slows down and you stop checking your phone. The perfect hotel for your next Florida holiday.

Tips for Visiting

Fort Lauderdale is warm and sunny for most of the year, but the best time to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are pleasantly warm rather than intensely hot and the risk of afternoon thunderstorms is much lower. If you are travelling in summer, be prepared for high humidity and the occasional dramatic storm, usually in the late afternoon. Hiring a car is useful if you plan to explore beyond the immediate beach area, though the water taxi and rideshare services are perfectly adequate for getting around the city itself.