Fort Lauderdale is worth a visit to hang out on a pristine white sand beach, get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling water sports, or plan a romantic evening with a gondola ride along the canals. The city is known for its historic riverfront as well as shopping and plenty of dining options on Las Olas Boulevard. We’ve gathered a list of the top must-see attractions in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how old you are.
The city of Fort Lauderdale operates a bus system as well as a Tri-Rail transit system. However, enjoy more flexibility with your travel times and itinerary with a Fort Lauderdale car rental. Booking an SUV or passenger van is ideal for those traveling with their families or transporting beach equipment and games. If you want a fun ride, a convertible is a perfect choice to get some breeze in the Florida heat. For longer rides, find weekly rental cars from SIXT.
- 1. East Las Olas Boulevard
- 2. Flamingo Gardens
- 3. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
- 4. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- 5. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
- 6. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
- 7. Fort Lauderdale Beach
- 8. Dania Beach
- 9. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- 10. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Fort Lauderdale
Must-see attractions in Fort Lauderdale
1. East Las Olas Boulevard
This main boulevard in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is a place to spend some time window shopping, checking out boutiques, or trying some great restaurants. The street is pedestrian-friendly, and you can walk all the way to the beach along Las Olas Boulevard. Depending on the time of year, you will also find different events going on in the area.
Address: E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
2. Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens, just west of Fort Lauderdale, is a combination of a Tropical Botanic Garden and the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a fun place to visit with the whole family. Spend a few hours exploring the lush gardens where you can see peacocks and flamingos along with numerous tropical plant and flower species.
Address: 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: About 3 hours
3. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
The NSU Art Museum stands out with its location in a modernist building in the center of Fort Lauderdale. The complex houses copious works of art and fantastic exhibitions. Art lovers should check the NSU Art Museum’s website beforehand for any special upcoming events you may be able to see during your visit.
Address: 1 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
4. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a large estate among lush grounds. It’s a historic and arty plantation home that you can either see on your own or with a guide. Take some time to stroll through the gardens and disconnect from the bustle of Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend about 2 hours here
5. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a scenic area along the New River. On your stroll, both riverbanks are lined with shops, restaurants, parks and museums. Take advantage of the Riverwalk Water Trolley, free of charge, that gives rides across and along the river. If you’re traveling with a dog, don’t forget to bring them along to the riverwalk.
Address: 32 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours or more
6. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
The campus of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden is dedicated to the Japanese arts and culture. Whether you’re an art lover or traveling with kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Have a peaceful stroll through the gardens and at the koi pond, in addition to exploring the exhibits throughout the museum.
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2-3 hours
7. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Spend a day in the sun on miles and miles of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Find a spot for your beach umbrella and enjoy swimming, water sports or have something to eat with an ocean view. Take a break from the sand and walk along the beach’s long promenade where you can go shopping or grab a coffee.
Address: Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: Spend as much time here as you like.
8. Dania Beach
When in Fort Lauderdale, hanging out at the beach is one of the top things to do. Dania Beach is just south of Fort Lauderdale, near the airport. Remember to bring sunscreen and a beach chair to relax in the sun. Dania Beach also has a long wooden pier cutting into the ocean, where you’ll spot some fishermen.
Address: 45 N. Beach Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Entry fees: Access to the beach is free. You will need to pay for parking and access to Dania Beach Pier.
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour or more
9. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the place to go with friends and family for a pleasant picnic, bike ride, hike or canoe adventure. The park has a freshwater lagoon and is home to diverse wildlife. For those up for it, it’s also possible to camp within Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
Address: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 3 hours or more
10. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
You don’t have to book a room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel to be able to enjoy the other amenities onsite like the casino and live entertainment. Have a Vegas-style night with friends playing poker and blackjack or grab a drink in the unique bar and lounge inside.
Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours or more
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Fort Lauderdale
A lot of the top Floridian dishes are seafood-based like fish tacos, shrimp and scallop risotto. On the other hand, you can also come across plenty of Cuban spots and some more creative options like chicken fried steak or stuffed poblano peppers.
Sea Watch on the Ocean: Here is where you can find Southern hospitality and fresh seafood. Enjoy ocean views from your table or a beautiful sunset in the background during dinner.
Coconuts: This restaurant is in the intercoastal part of the city. This chill beach hangout offers delicious seafood along with refreshing cocktails.
Padrino’s Cuban: You can’t leave Florida without having a staple Cuban sandwich, and Padrino’s Cuban is the place to try it.
Rendezvous Bar & Grill: This bar is located right on the picturesque Marina Bay of Fort Lauderdale. It’s ideal for dinner or drinks and offers live music and an outdoor patio as well.
