Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

Topping the list of quintessential what to do in Fort Lauderdale, FL is unwinding at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Its sparkling blue waters and white sand beckon visitors to immerse in tropical tranquillity. Take leisurely barefoot walks along the palm tree-lined shore, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and listen to waves gently lap at the coastline. For water lovers, various beach activities abound - swimming, snorkeling to explore underwater marvels, kayaking calm inland waterways, or trying stand-up paddleboarding. When ready to relax, settle into a beach chair and umbrella rental to bask in the glorious South Florida sunshine and take in incredible fiery red sunsets. With gentle waves ideal for families and ample amenities, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers endless options for soaking up fun and relaxation under the sun.

Fort Lauderdale's scenic Intracoastal Waterway offers delightful things for outdoor lovers to do in Fort Lauderdale. Weaving through affluent neighbourhoods lined with extravagant mega-yachts, the calm inland canals invite recreation like kayaking, paddle boarding and boating. Glide peacefully, observing gorgeous waterfront homes and swaying palms. Stop to watch boats navigate raised drawbridges along the Intracoastal. Sign up for eco-tours to encounter gracious manatees and ocean life. At night, the Intracoastal transforms with twinkling lights reflecting off the rippling waters. For transportation and entertainment, the Lauderdale Water Taxi is a fan favourite activity, giving access across the Intracoastal.

 Dubbed Fort Lauderdale’s “style mile”, a stroll down Las Olas Boulevard provides a fabulous taste of South Florida vibes. Boutiques, sidewalk cafes, galleries and restaurants line the palm-shaded promenade, inviting endless things to do in fort lauderdale, from shopping artisan wares to fine dining at renowned establishments. Stop for lunch along the breezy patios before venturing into high-end outfitters and independent shops dotted along this downtown stretch. Don’t miss Instagram-worthy “A Happening Place” signage, adorned with vibrant murals encapsulating the lively atmosphere. 

Lovers of modern and contemporary works thrive at North Area University’s expansive art museum located downtown in Fort Lauderdale’s Arts and Entertainment District. Touring the NSU Art Museum is among top things to do in fort lauderdale for culture lovers. Spanning three floors, expansive galleries display an impressive permanent collection alongside rotating exhibits from famed artists. Outside, the museum's serene sculpture garden provides art under gorgeous sunny skies. Check event calendars for film screenings, lectures, interactive presentations and opening night celebrations.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts find serenity at Flamingo Gardens - one of Florida’s most treasured botanical experiences just beyond Fort Lauderdale in Davie. Spanning over 60 acres, tropical tranquillity abounds walking through Wray Home Museum, surrounded by orchid and bromeliad gardens. Of course, the main attraction remains marveling at flamingos - American and Chilean varieties that guests can hand feed. Wildlife like river otters, bobcats, tortoises and parrots also reside on the property for memorable family things to do at Fort Lauderdale with kids.

The 20,000-capacity Mars Music Amphitheatre brings music A-listers rocking crowds with sizzling South Florida energy. The open-air venue buzzes, unveiling spectacular laser light shows and pyrotechnics combined with heart-thumping acoustics. From pop princesses and hip-hop icons to country crooners and comedy sets, the season line-up offers diverse and lively entertainment options. Located just 20 minutes from downtown, fun stuff to do in Fort Lauderdale converge at this world-class institution boasting past performances from Bruno Mars, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and many more.

Just west of Fort Lauderdale’s famed strip of beachfront hotels awaits wet and wild adventures at Rapids Water Park. South Florida’s largest water park beckons families and adrenaline junkies to test their mettle by racing down steep plummets or circling through calmer lagoons 35 rides strong across 30 acres. Stomach-dropping attractions like brain freeze-inducing Brain Drain and six-story plunge Black Thunder deliver screams of joy. Little explorers safely make waves at the Kiddie Corral zone catered to tiny thrill-seekers while parents survey the action poolside from private cabanas. Beyond pulse-pounding slides, onsite dining, locker rentals, and private cabanas allow for effortless full-day enjoyment. With year-round operation and frequent updates, the water park promises constantly evolving fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale for returning visitors. 

One of the most awe-inspiring Fort Lauderdale includes things to do gazing at the larger-than-life mega yacht scene dominating inland waterways. Anchored between the Port Everglades inlet and the glitzy hotels along route A1A rests true seafaring royalty ranging from 200-foot vessels with helicopter landing pads to 400-foot personal superyachts complete with submarines. These custom-designed floating palaces represent aquatic luxury at its finest, some featuring amenities like pools, spas, cinemas and even Michelin-star dining onboard! Grab drinks from seaside cafes to take in glitzy boat spotting along the 17th Street Causeway and let the voyeuristic daydreams about life at sea sparkle.

An unparalleled oasis of tropical serenity awaits those who venture off the beaten path to discover the historic 1930s winter retreat known as Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Once home to artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, meandering through this plantation-style architectural treasure surrounded by sweet orchids, swaying palms, and tranquil ponds instantly soothes the soul. Remarkably preserved original interiors give a lens to gracious 1930s living with charming nautical detailing and magnificent parsed dalle glasswork adorning grand windows diffusing golden light. The onsite restaurant beckons diners to linger on terraces amid old-growth shade trees, colorful bromeliads, and fanciful sculptures placed playfully throughout the lush grounds. Beyond the main house, follow shaded pathways to discover hidden beaches, recalling an era when exclusive South Florida escapes like this allowed well-heeled snowbirds intimate access to Eden-like tropical landscapes.  

Blessed with year-round balmy weather, calm Atlantic Ocean waters, and over 3,000 miles of fishable inland waterways and bays, Fort Lauderdale proudly owns its reputation as the “Yachting Capital of the World” and “Venice of America”. Both offshore big game sportfishing and inshore light tackle casts deliver trophy catches like mahi-mahi, wahoo, grouper and sailfish, tempting anglers from around the globe. Knowledgeable captains happily share tricks of the trade in locating optimal reefs and flats based on seasons, weather forecasts, tidal movement and currents. Customizable private and shared charters accommodate varied group sizes, skill levels and the desired distance from shoreline to ensure memorable days reeling in personal bests. Half-day inshore trips target snappers, jacks and tarpon while hardy deep-sea enthusiasts commit to 8+ hour open ocean journeys yielding mammoth marlin and tuna ready for proud dockside photo ops.