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There’s really so much to do without ever leaving the Fort Lauderdale area. When the weather cooperates, take a stroll down the famous Las Olas Boulevard or explore the trails, parks, attractions and gardens along the Riverwalk. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offer a peek into the historic home, complete with 20th century artwork and architecture, as well as gorgeous gardens.

Do some vintage shopping at a flea market unlike any other. The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In doubles as a 14-screen theater and one of the largest flea markets (open every day!) in the world. If you really want to become one with nature, book an Everglades airboat tour via Everglades Holiday Park and experience Florida’s unique ecosystem on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you speed across the “river of grass.”

If it’s too hot or rainy, plan to explore indoors. Catch a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. A fan of museums? The Museum of Discovery and Science is perfect for families, and features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and nature (plus an IMAX theater). Then, half an hour from Fort Lauderdale, window shopping is plentiful at Aventura Mall, which is easily accessible via the Brightline or by car.

A branch of the Broward County Library, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center is worth visiting rain or shine. Take a self-guided tour of the space and check out books, postcards, and even oral histories, all pertaining to the rich cultural influence of the African Diaspora in the Americas. Inspired by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American History and Culture in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale’s own African American Research Library and Cultural Center really intends to shine a light on literacy and learning.

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Just a few blocks from the beach, the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale embodies those three Ps we often search for in a great hotel: parking, a pool, and guest rooms that are pet-friendly. And there’s not just one but two heated outdoor pools here (one is on the rooftop) for you to enjoy. A neighborhood staple, the Kimpton Shorebreak is close to the dining and shopping mecca that is downtown Fort Lauderdale. But if you prefer to stay close to “home,” you’ll be happy to take in the views, morning beachfront yoga classes available to hotel guests, and the daily hosted wine hour every afternoon.

Just an hour from Fort Lauderdale, you may prefer to stay in Miami and this is easy no matter which airport you land at, thanks to the Brightline, a high-speed passenger train that travels from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach to Orlando, and back. Two Miami hotels we love are the Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach and the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.

Tucked away in Sunset Harbour, the Palomar is said to be located in South Beach’s most walkable neighborhood. Here, there’s a rooftop pool plus complimentary beach access and amenities. Near coffee shops, restaurants, this is your retreat away from the typical party that’s often found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The hotel hosts rooftop yoga classes and a sculpt and burn workout inside the fitness center.

The Surfcomber is further north up the beach in the historic Art Deco District. Closer to nightlife hotspots, shops, and art galleries, a stay at the Surfcomber really motivates you to maximize your fun. With an oceanfront pool, beach yoga classes on the weekends, and splash pong tournaments, you’ll never be bored here. If you feel like posting up by the water, the hotel will hand over beach towels, chairs, and an umbrella so that you’re comfortable all day. Order lunch and drinks from your beach chair and if you’re looking for some R&R, you can even book an in-room or seaside massage.

Both the Palomar and the Surfcomber host daily wine hours and are pet-friendly, like the Shorebreak.

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Serving breakfast and dinner daily, and with a fantastic happy hour every weeknight, La Fuga inside the Kimpton Shorebreak pays homage to the building’s historic past. Once called the Escape Hotel in 1949, La Fuga literally translates from Italian to mean “the escape.” Here, the chef celebrates the fusion of coastal Italian dishes made with local flavors through dishes like house-made lobster ricotta ravioli and oxtail osso buco. Wash it all down with a local beer, a seasonal cocktail, or a house spritz. Wine is also available by the glass or bottle.

A classic Fort Lauderdale restaurant, the Rustic Inn Crabhouse has been serving fresh seafood and world famous garlic crabs in a laid-back, family-friendly space since 1955.

Offering fresh seafood and stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the waterfront Coconuts is casual and dog-friendly so you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind. Catch an early seafood dinner right before the sun sets—coconut shrimp, lobster rolls, and conch fritters are a must. Open daily, the restaurant also hosts Sunday brunch, with a Southern-style seafood-heavy menu that also caters to the traditional brunch crowd with dishes like blueberry drizzle pancakes, stuffed French toast, and more.

Comfort food with a twist, Foxy Brown is a cozy gastropub serving classics and craft beers in a relaxed setting. With a daily lunch and dinner menu, plus a two-day brunch (Saturday and Sunday), Foxy Brown gets it right with plates like langostino scampi, the Foxy burger, and banana bread grilled cheese.

A local brewery offering a variety of craft beers and pub fare in a former horse barn built in 1929, Tarpon River Brewing is a locals’ favorite for brews, sandwiches, and live music. Pop in for weekly trivia, yoga, or run club. What’s better than a workout followed by a beer?

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Navigating Fort Lauderdale is a breeze with transportation options galore. For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car, which will allow you to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Alternatively, rideshare services offer convenient door-to-door transportation. Embrace the city's aquatic charm by hopping on a water taxi, offering a unique perspective of Fort Lauderdale's scenic waterways. For eco-conscious travelers, walking or biking around town provides a cool, workout-friendly way to discover hidden gems.

Venturing further? Brightline offers swift connections to Miami, Aventura, West Palm, and even Orlando. For budget-friendly travel, Broward County Transit (BCT) offers comprehensive bus routes throughout the area. Don't forget about the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley; most trolley routes are complimentary, while the beach and Las Olas route offer a scenic ride for just $1 per trip or $3 for an all-day pass.

Pack Your Passport
Did you know you can hop on a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas just for the day? There are multiple services that will take you to paradise in just three hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the islands’ charming markets, local cuisine, beachside activities like relaxing on the sand or snorkeling, and more. You don’t even have to bring luggage or book a hotel because the ferry will have you back in Fort Lauderdale right in time for a nightcap.

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If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale and have some extra time, we already know a quick trip to Miami is likely on the agenda—drive there or take the Brightline. You can also access West Palm Beach and Aventura via the Brightline, as well. A few other nearby cities worth exploring include Boca Raton, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach. We’ve listed them below with the distance from Fort Lauderdale by car and tips for each city.

Boca Raton, just 40 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, has a bunch to offer for first-time and repeat visitors. Explore Mizner Park for high-end shopping and dining, relax at South Beach Park, or visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (donation-based entrance in place of a fee) for coastal wildlife encounters.

Under 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is filled with vintage charm, which you’ll experience during a visit to the art galleries and antique shops at Dania Beach Antique Row on US-1. You can also relish in the sun at the award-winning “Blue Wave” beach, or unwind at Whiskey Creek, a mangrove-lined canal which is great for biking, birdwatching, canoeing, and practicing your photography skills.

In Hollywood, a half hour from Fort Lauderdale, stroll along the historic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk—where you’ll find 50+ restaurants, dozens of shops, and endless good times—or explore Anne Kolb Nature Center’s 1500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands, the perfect place for kayaking and birdwatching. Feeling lucky? Try the slots or play a game of poker at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. If gambling’s not quite your thing, you can grab a bite at one of multiple restaurants, dance the night away until 4 AM, or get concert tickets to see your favorite rock band perform.

Davie is a 40-minute car ride from Fort Lauderdale. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to go horseback riding or fishing here. The Old Davie School Historical Museum, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, costs between $7 and $15 per person to visit depending on if you are taking a guided tour (must book this one in advance) or self-guided tour. The first school in the Everglades, the now-museum is fun and interactive for kids and adults alike.