Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget meal$16.00
- Mid-range meal$42.00
- Cappuccino$5.00
- Domestic beer$7.50
- Taxi (per km)$2.50
- Public transport ticket$2.00
- Museum entry$16.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)$260.00
Food & Drink
- Casablanca CafeMediterranean/seafood · $$$
Intracoastal-view restaurant near the beach known for Mediterranean-influenced seafood and sunset happy hour.
- 15th Street FisheriesSeafood · $$$
Waterfront restaurant on the New River known for its alligator bites and river-view dining deck.
- CoconutsSeafood/American · $$
Casual waterfront restaurant with boat-up dockage, popular for happy hour and Florida seafood classics.
- Rustic Inn CrabhouseSeafood · $$$
Fort Lauderdale institution since 1955 famous for garlic crabs served on paper-covered tables.
- Lester's DinerAmerican diner · $
24-hour classic American diner open since 1967, a local late-night staple.
- YOLOAmerican · $$$
Trendy Las Olas Boulevard restaurant and lounge known for its lively patio scene and modern American menu.
- Las Olas Boulevard
Palm-lined boulevard of upscale bars, restaurants, and boutiques that anchors Fort Lauderdale's evening scene.
- The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
Riverfront outdoor bar and entertainment venue along the New River with communal tables and live music.
- Rooftop at 1WLO
Rooftop lounge downtown with skyline and river views, popular for evening cocktails.
Culture & History
- NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Downtown museum with a notable collection of William Glackens paintings and CoBrA art.
- Museum of Discovery and Science
Hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater and a Florida Everglades exhibit.
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Historic plantation-style estate and gardens along the beach, once home to artist Frederic Bartlett.
- Savor Cinema
Historic art-house theater near downtown known for independent film screenings and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
One of the world's largest boat shows, though held in fall (late October/November), it's a signature city event drawing global visitors.
- Las Olas Wine & Food Festival
Culinary festival along Las Olas Boulevard featuring local restaurants and wine tastings.
Nature & Outdoors
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
Wide sandy beach along a palm-lined promenade (the 'Riverwalk'), lined with hotels and beach bars.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Beachside state park with a freshwater lagoon, canoe trails, and shaded hammock walking paths.
Active & Fun
- Fit Athletic Fort Lauderdale
Large downtown gym with rooftop pool deck, weights, and extensive class schedule.
- Hall of Fame Pool (Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center)
Olympic-size public swimming complex near the beach, home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.