Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
50 curated spots from Fort Lauderdale itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Explore shaded walking trails, mangrove-lined lagoons, and thick greenery just across from the beach; you can rent a bike or kayak if you want more activity.
2h 30m · $6 per vehicle or small walk-in fee
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Tour the historic home surrounded by ponds, palms, and a mix of native and exotic plants. The trails and inner courtyard feel like a cultivated jungle with birds, iguanas, and shaded pathways.
2h · $25-30 per person (tour)
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Tour Latin American and contemporary exhibits (2-4 PM, 10-min drive from park).
2h · $12/person
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Relax on sands, swim, or stroll A1A; free public access with chair rentals available
1h 30m · Free or $20 chairs
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
Stroll along the New River on a palm-lined promenade with views of boats, mangroves, and skyline; find benches, small parks, and photo spots under the trees.
1h 30m · Free
Las Olas Boulevard
Shop boutiques and galleries; capture tree-lined streets for photos.
2h · $0-50
Las Olas Boulevard Stroll
Wander this main street’s boutiques, galleries, and shaded side streets. Take a quick detour to the Riverwalk for palm trees, river views, and photos with the water and city skyline.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade
Take an easy shoreline walk after dinner and enjoy the lit-up promenade, palms, and ocean air.
45m · Free
Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade
Walk the palm‑lined promenade, browse beach shops, and spend relaxed free‑explore time ducking into shady spots and small parks along the strip.
2h 30m · Free
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (Grounds Focus)
Explore the tropical gardens and small lakes around this historic estate, with towering palms, orchids, and a slightly wild feel; you can keep the house tour short and focus on the grounds.
2h · $25 (less for grounds‑only options if available)
Everglades Holiday Park
Take a guided Everglades airboat or eco-tour for alligators, wetland scenery, and classic Florida wildlife.
2h 30m · $40-80
Flamingo Gardens
Explore a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary packed with massive banyan trees, lush foliage, flamingos, peacocks, and native Florida animals. Ride the narrated tram through jungle-like sections and let the kids feed koi and watch birds up close.
3h · $25-30 per adult, $15-20 per child
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
Browse the small but polished collection of classic vehicles and memorabilia in a low-effort indoor stop.
1h · $10-15
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Use the water taxi for a scenic orientation ride past canals, marinas, and waterfront homes.
2h · $40-50
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise
Take an easy scenic cruise along the waterways, especially nice at sunset or early evening.
2h · $30-$60 per person
Las Olas Boulevard Stroll & Shopping
Tree-lined pedestrian boulevard with galleries, boutiques, wine shops, and river views. Curated artisan shops without chain-store fatigue.
2h · $0-50+ (depending on shopping)
Lauderdale Beach
Relax on sands, swim, and capture photography spots; 1-2 hours with downtime.
2h · Free
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Walk the paved path along the New River in the late afternoon or early evening, with boats passing, palm trees overhead, and skyline views.
1h 30m · Free
Secret Woods Nature Center
Walk through thick tropical hammock forest and along a riverfront boardwalk with lush canopy and lots of birdlife.
2h · Free
Anne Kolb Nature Center
Walk elevated boardwalks through mangrove jungle, climb the observation tower, and look for birds and crabs in the wetlands.
2h 30m · $3
Anne Kolb Nature Center & Mangrove Boardwalks
Stroll elevated boardwalks through mangrove forests, climb the observation tower for wide views over lagoons and greenery, and look for birds and fish in the roots below; the area feels quiet, humid, and lush.
2h 30m · $3-5 per person
Beach Relax Time at Central Beach
Rent loungers and an umbrella from one of the concession stands or use your hotel’s chairs if provided; read, nap, or wade in the water.
2h 30m · $30-50 for two chairs and an umbrella
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures (Family Canal Cruise)
Join a pirate-themed boat ride departing from near Bahia Mar, where kids dress up, stage water-cannon battles, and cruise the Intracoastal Waterway while seeing mansions and yachts. The show is aimed at children but entertaining for adults too.
1h 30m · $30-40 per person
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures (Family Pirate Cruise)
Join a one-hour pirate-themed boat ride where kids dress up, follow a treasure hunt, and spray water cannons while you cruise the Intracoastal lined with mangroves and mansions.
1h 30m · $30-35 per person
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Live Music or Show
Check the schedule for a small concert, jazz night, or performance and book tickets in advance. Choose a balcony or side seating area if you prefer more privacy and less crowding.
2h 30m · $40-120 depending on show
Colee Hammock Park
Relax by river with statue views; prime photography spot.
1h 30m · Free
Coral Springs Museum of Art
View emerging artists' works in intimate galleries.
1h 30m · $10
Dania Beach Pier & Dunes
Walk the pier for panoramic ocean views, then wander the small dune and palm areas for a quieter, nature‑leaning beach feel.
2h · $4 (pier access, if charged)
Downtime at Hotel or Nearby Beach
After a short rideshare back to the beach, spend the later afternoon exactly as you like—pool, reading, or a gentle stroll—leaving energy for an earlier dinner.
2h · Free
Downtown Riverwalk
Walk the shaded waterfront path, cross a few bridges, and take in the city skyline and marinas.
1h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
The Hummus House
Casual Middle Eastern spot with hummus platters, falafel, salads, and wraps. Focus on vegetarian and seafood plates like falafel bowls, hummus with toppings, tabbouleh, and grilled fish if available; verify no pork or alcohol in sauces and avoid non-halal meats.
1h · $15-25 per person
Casa Sensei
Stylish, canal-front Asian-Latin restaurant with a clean, modern interior; they can accommodate many dietary needs with customizable sushi (e.g., rolls without certain ingredients), simple grilled proteins, and vegetable sides—inform your server in detail so they can help select or slightly modify appropriate dishes.
1h 15m · $35-55 per person
Coconuts
Waterfront seafood restaurant; stick to grilled fish, shrimp, and vegetarian sides and clearly tell your server you do not eat pork or alcohol‑based sauces—ask which seafood items are safe.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Beachfront Mexican-inspired spot in a sleek, modern space; for dietary needs, they can prepare egg dishes without dairy, fresh fruit plates, avocado-focused options, and simple grilled proteins on request—tell your server clearly what you avoid so the kitchen can customize.
1h · $25-35 per person
Basilic Vietnamese Grill
Cozy spot with lots of greenery near the beach; order a vegetarian pho or tofu stir‑fry (no meat, no alcohol in the dish) and fresh spring rolls for a light halal‑friendly meal.
1h · $18-30 per person
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits
Choose seafood, vegetable sides, and salads; ask staff to avoid alcohol-based sauces and any pork cross-contact. Prioritize the oceanfront setting and sunset feel.
1h 30m · $30-$50 per person
Casablanca Cafe
Historic oceanfront spot; order avocado toast and fresh smoothies.
1h · $25-35 per person
Nanou French Bakery & Café
Small, modern French-style bakery just off the beach; they can help you select items that fit your restriction (for example, simple omelets if available, plain salads, or specific pastries if allowed—explain clearly what you cannot have so they can guide you).
45m · $15-25 per person
The Floridian Restaurant
Classic local diner on Las Olas with a huge menu; you can usually get simple eggs, fresh fruit, plain toast, or other custom combinations—tell the server exactly what you need to avoid so they can help you choose safely.
1h · $15-25 per person
Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery
Contemporary beachfront restaurant with a clean, modern interior; they offer simply grilled fish or steak, roasted vegetables, and customizable salads and can adjust preparation (no butter, no specific ingredients) to fit your dietary needs—confirm with your server and ask for minimal seasoning if needed.
1h 30m · $40-60 per person
15th Street Fisheries
Waterfront seafood; order grilled snapper (7 PM, 5-min walk).
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Fresh First
Gluten‑free café where you can have omelets, veggie bowls, and smoothies; stick to vegetarian and seafood items and confirm no alcohol or pork‑based stocks.
1h · $18-25 per person
Park & Ocean
Casual but stylish open-air spot inside the park with picnic tables and a simple menu. Tell the staff about your dietary restriction; they can often prepare plain grilled proteins or salads without dressings/sauces and advise which sides are safe.
1h · $20-30 per person
Shiraz Market & Restaurant
Persian/Iranian spot with a market attached, offering clearly labeled halal kebabs, koobideh, chicken skewers, saffron rice, stews, and salads. Ask for the halal menu items and avoid any non-halal sausages if listed; great for sharing platters so everyone can taste a bit of everything.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Shooters Waterfront
Spacious, modern waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal; their menu features straightforward grilled fish and meats, salads, and vegetable sides that can usually be tweaked (e.g., no sauces, no specific ingredients) when you go over your dietary needs with the server.
1h 15m · $35-55 per person
Takato
Chic oceanfront Japanese-Korean restaurant with minimalist decor; they can accommodate various dietary restrictions by steering you to safe options like simply prepared sashimi, veggie dishes, or grilled proteins without sauces—be explicit with your needs and ask what the chef recommends for you.
1h 30m · $55-80 per person
Al Natour Middle Eastern Restaurant
Popular halal Middle Eastern spot; enjoy mixed grill platters (all meats halal), shawarma, kebabs, and mezze—just confirm no alcohol is used in your dishes.
1h · $20-30 per person
Al Salam Halal Restaurant
Fully halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean; enjoy shawarma, kebab, mixed grills, and falafel knowing the meats adhere to halal standards.
1h · $18-28 per person
Al-Salam Halal Grill
Halal grill near the mall serving shawarma, kebabs, and mixed platters; all meats are halal, and you can end with tea and baklava.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Al-Salam Restaurant
Casual Middle Eastern restaurant serving halal food, including shawarma, kebabs, falafel, hummus, and mixed grills—ask specifically for halal chicken and beef, which they advertise. Kid-friendly choices include chicken shawarma wraps, fries, and rice plates.
1h · $18-25 per personMore on Fort Lauderdale
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