Attractions
Attractions in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, known for its stunning waterways and vibrant coastal culture, offers a diverse range of attractions for every type of traveler. From natural parks and historical landmarks to museums and entertainment venues, the city is packed with experiences that blend relaxation, adventure, and culture. Visitors can explore its famous beaches, dine at waterfront restaurants, or dive into its rich maritime history. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the top 20 must-see attractions in Fort Lauderdale, providing you with practical details such as how to get there, the best time to visit, and important tips for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and there’s less rainfall. For beach lovers, early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light and fewer crowds.
Getting There: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the closest airport to the city center, just a 10-minute drive. From downtown, public transportation, taxis, and ride-shares like Uber are readily available. For some attractions, you may prefer renting a car to explore the area more flexibly.
Address: A1A between Sunrise Blvd and Las Olas Blvd
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
History: Fort Lauderdale Beach became famous as a spring break hotspot in the 1960s but has since transformed into a more upscale destination with family-friendly attractions, fine dining, and art festivals.
Amenities: Public restrooms, showers, and ample parking. Several restaurants and shops line the beach for convenient dining and shopping.
What Makes It Unique: The beach’s crystal-clear waters and proximity to the city’s downtown make it a blend of urban and natural beauty.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Families will love the safe, patrolled waters and shallow areas for swimming, while adventure seekers can indulge in water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
Safety Tips: Always swim near lifeguard towers and watch for flag warnings about rip currents.
Address: Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Best Time to Visit: Evenings when the boulevard comes alive with nightlife and dining.
History: Las Olas Boulevard has been the cultural and commercial heart of Fort Lauderdale since the early 1900s, with shops, galleries, and restaurants reflecting the city’s artistic side.
Amenities: Public parking garages are available, with shops and cafes offering restrooms.
What Makes It Unique: The boulevard features a mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, all with a backdrop of palm trees and waterfront views.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll, ice cream, or a riverboat cruise, while adventure seekers may want to explore the art and nightlife scene.
Cultural Significance: Known for hosting cultural festivals and events year-round, this street is a living part of Fort Lauderdale’s artistic heritage.
Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Best Time to Visit: Spring when the gardens are in full bloom.
History: Built in 1920, the Bonnet House was the winter retreat for artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife. Now a museum, it showcases art, architecture, and history.
Amenities: On-site parking, gift shop, and guided tours available.
What Makes It Unique: The house is surrounded by lush tropical gardens featuring native plants, wildlife, and even monkeys roaming freely. The home itself is an artistic masterpiece, blending Caribbean-style architecture with personal touches from the Bartlett family.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for history lovers and families wanting an educational experience. The lush gardens and historical insights are a calming yet engaging retreat.
Photography Tip: The orchid garden and lily ponds make for stunning photo opportunities.
Address: 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and wildlife activity.
History: Donated by Hugh Taylor Birch in 1941, this 180-acre park is a tribute to his desire to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, nature trails, and canoe rentals.
What Makes It Unique: The park offers a glimpse into Florida’s native ecosystems, with mangroves, lagoons, and hardwood hammocks teeming with wildlife like gopher tortoises and wading birds.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Ideal for families seeking a nature-filled day, or for adventure lovers interested in kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking.
Safety Tips: Be cautious around the water, as alligators are occasionally spotted in the park’s lagoons.
Address: 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays when it’s less crowded.
History: Built in 1901, Stranahan House is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale. It was originally a trading post and later served as a family home, community hall, and town center.
Amenities: Restrooms, guided tours, and a gift shop.
What Makes It Unique: Its historic significance as a central hub for trade and settlement in early Fort Lauderdale gives it a unique place in the city’s history.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for history buffs and families looking to learn about the city’s roots.
Cultural Significance: Frank Stranahan, the original owner, played a pivotal role in shaping the early community and its commerce.
Address: 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, especially in the morning when it’s quieter.
History: Opened in 1992, this interactive science museum is designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
Amenities: Café, gift shop, IMAX theater, and interactive exhibits.
What Makes It Unique: The museum features hands-on exhibits covering space exploration, Florida’s ecosystems, and an impressive collection of IMAX films.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Perfect for families with kids and anyone with a curiosity for science and technology.
Safety Tips: Ensure young children are supervised in the hands-on exhibits, especially in interactive zones.
Address: Along New River, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a relaxing stroll and sunset views.
History: Riverwalk was developed in the 1980s as part of a downtown revitalization project, connecting Fort Lauderdale’s cultural, entertainment, and historical districts.
Amenities: Park benches, restrooms, and nearby dining options.
What Makes It Unique: The scenic walk along the New River offers beautiful waterfront views and access to many of Fort Lauderdale’s top attractions.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Families can enjoy the parks and open spaces, while those seeking adventure can explore riverfront shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Address: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for cooler temperatures and active wildlife.
History: Established as a tourist attraction, Everglades Holiday Park offers visitors a close look at the Everglades ecosystem through airboat tours and gator shows.
Amenities: Airboat rides, gift shop, restrooms, and food options.
What Makes It Unique: The park is known for its thrilling airboat rides that take visitors deep into the Everglades, where they can spot alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: This is perfect for families who want an up-close look at Florida’s wildlife or for adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline-filled day.
Address: 1527 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays when it’s less crowded, and mornings for quieter tours.
History: Founded by Arthur O. Stone in 2000, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Packard Motor Company, showcasing a vast collection of antique Packard cars.
Amenities: Restrooms, guided tours, and a gift shop.
What Makes It Unique: The museum boasts an impressive collection of Packard automobiles from the early 1900s through the 1950s, along with memorabilia like gas station signs and vintage car tools.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for families with car enthusiasts or those interested in the evolution of automotive engineering.
Cultural Significance: The museum honors American automotive history and serves as a nostalgic look at the country’s industrial age.
Photography Tip: Take close-up shots of the detailed chrome work and interiors of these vintage vehicles for stunning images.
Address: 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, or visit during special exhibitions.
History: Opened in 1958, the NSU Art Museum focuses on contemporary art and features both permanent collections and rotating exhibits.
Amenities: Café, gift shop, and guided tours.
What Makes It Unique: The museum’s collection includes over 7,500 pieces, with an emphasis on Latin American, Cuban, and contemporary art, alongside modern pieces by American masters.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Ideal for families interested in art education or art lovers seeking unique contemporary exhibits.
Cultural Significance: The museum plays a crucial role in supporting the local art scene and hosts a variety of cultural programs, including art classes and workshops.
Photography Tip: Photography is allowed in certain exhibitions—be sure to check signs for restrictions.
The Historic Downtowner
Address: 10 S New River Dr E, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Best Time to Visit: Evening for dining, or during lunch for a quieter experience.
History: Dating back to 1925, this restaurant was originally a hotel and bar for sailors. It is now a popular riverside eatery with a rich history of serving travelers and locals alike.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, and dock for water taxis.
What Makes It Unique: Nestled on the banks of the New River, the Historic Downtowner offers a combination of historic charm and great food. Its location also makes it a convenient stop for those taking a riverboat tour or water taxi.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Good for families looking for a casual dining spot with historical ambiance, or for adventure seekers traveling by boat.
Cultural Significance: As a long-standing institution, it offers a glimpse into the city’s nautical history.
Flamingo Gardens
Address: 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330 (15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
History: Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, home to over 3,000 species of plants and trees.
Amenities: Gift shop, café, restrooms, tram tours.
What Makes It Unique: The gardens are home to a range of tropical plants, native wildlife, and a historic house museum. The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary within the park rehabilitates injured animals and is home to peacocks, flamingos, and alligators.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for families interested in flora and fauna or adventure seekers wanting to explore wildlife up close.
Safety Tips: Stay on designated paths, as there are protected wildlife areas.
Cultural Significance: Flamingo Gardens is a cultural landmark, preserving South Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or evening for the dinner cruise.
History: Operating since 1935, the Jungle Queen Riverboat takes passengers on scenic cruises through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, offering a glimpse of the city’s mansions and celebrity homes.
Amenities: Restrooms, onboard dining, guided commentary.
What Makes It Unique: The riverboat offers a traditional “old Florida” experience, blending history with entertainment as passengers enjoy narrated tours of the city’s canals and nearby islands.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for families looking for an easy, scenic activity or for those interested in seeing the city from the water.
Cultural Significance: The Jungle Queen is an iconic part of Fort Lauderdale’s maritime heritage, showcasing the city’s connection to its waterways.
Address: 751 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33019 (20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale)
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or late afternoons for wildlife viewing.
History: Opened in 1996, the Anne Kolb Nature Center is a protected mangrove wetland area, offering visitors a chance to experience South Florida’s unique ecosystems.
Amenities: Observation tower, restrooms, boardwalks, and nature trails.
What Makes It Unique: Visitors can explore the mangrove forests via boardwalks or kayaks, spotting wildlife such as birds, manatees, and fish in the estuary.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for families looking for an educational nature walk or for adventurers interested in kayaking and birdwatching.
Safety Tips: Bring insect repellent, as the wetlands are home to many mosquitoes.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Address: 6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife watching and cooler temperatures.
History: Established in 1973, this state park is named after civil rights activists Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, who fought for beach desegregation.
Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, boat ramps, and nature trails.
What Makes It Unique: This serene park offers a quiet stretch of beach and is home to mangrove ecosystems, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Good for Families/Adventure Seekers: Great for families looking for a peaceful beach day or adventurers wanting to kayak or paddleboard through the mangroves.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale offers an eclectic mix of attractions, from its stunning beaches and historic landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a family looking for educational experiences, a couple seeking romantic spots, or an adventurer eager to explore the outdoors, these 20 attractions provide a comprehensive look at the city’s unique offerings. Be sure to plan ahead, visit during the optimal times, and immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that make Fort Lauderdale an unforgettable destination.
