Fort Lauderdale Guide: Things to Do, See, and Know

Why People Fall in Love with Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale sits along 23 miles of Atlantic coastline in Broward County, Florida. The city earned the nickname "Venice of America" thanks to its 165 miles of inland canals and waterways that stretch through nearly every neighborhood. Warm temperatures, an average of 246 sunny days per year, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere draw roughly 13 million visitors annually. But the real magic is how comfortable it feels for people who actually call it home.

Unlike some Florida tourist towns that empty out in the off season, Fort Lauderdale stays busy year round. The population hovers around 183,000, with the greater metro area pulling in over 6 million residents. That mix of full time residents and travelers keeps the restaurants, shops, and cultural venues thriving every month of the year.

The Beaches

Fort Lauderdale Beach runs along State Road A1A and remains one of the most popular stretches of sand in all of South Florida. The promenade along the beachfront was rebuilt and widened a few years ago, giving walkers, joggers, and cyclists a smooth dedicated path with ocean views on one side and restaurants on the other.

North of the main strip, you will find Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 180-acre green space wedged between the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean. It is one of the last significant pieces of undeveloped barrier island land in the area, and it offers kayaking, trails, and a quiet beach that never gets too crowded.

If you prefer fewer crowds, head south toward Dania Beach or north toward Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where the Anglin's Fishing Pier offers some of the best shore fishing in the county.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Las Olas Boulevard is the cultural spine of the city. The tree-lined street runs from Andrews Avenue east toward the beach, packed with art galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and some of the best restaurants in Broward County. Friday night strolls here are a local tradition.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale follows the New River through the heart of downtown. The mile-long linear park connects the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the NSU Art Museum, and the Fort Lauderdale History Center with open green spaces and public art installations.

Wilton Manors sits just north of downtown and has its own distinct character. It is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly communities in the country, with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene along Wilton Drive.

Victoria Park offers quiet tree-lined streets with mid-century homes just minutes from downtown. Coral Ridge to the north gives easy access to the Galleria Fort Lauderdale mall and the Coral Ridge Country Club.

Things to Do and See

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale holds one of the most significant collections of contemporary art in the Southeast. Designed by architect David Adjaye, the building itself is worth the trip.

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a 35-acre estate on the beach that feels like stepping back into Old Florida. The home was built in 1920 and the grounds include wild monkeys, a swan pond, and lush tropical gardens.

Flamingo Gardens, located about 20 minutes west in Davie, houses native Florida wildlife including flamingos, alligators, bobcats, and river otters in a botanical garden setting spanning 60 acres.

For families, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a downtown institution with an IMAX theater, a living reef, and interactive exhibits that keep kids entertained for hours. The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum displays a private collection of over 35 Packard automobiles in pristine condition.

Boating and Water Activities

With more boats per capita than almost any city in the country, Fort Lauderdale takes its boating seriously. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held every fall, is the largest in-water boat show on the planet, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

You can explore the waterways on a Water Taxi that runs regular routes through the canals, offering a unique way to see waterfront mansions and stop at different restaurants and bars along the route. Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing charters are all readily available.

The reef system offshore sits only about 100 yards from the beach in some spots, making Fort Lauderdale one of the easiest places in the country for snorkeling and scuba diving right from shore.

Food and Drink

The restaurant scene in Fort Lauderdale has grown enormously over the past decade. Fresh seafood is a given, but you will also find outstanding Thai, Colombian, Peruvian, Italian, Haitian, and Caribbean food scattered across the city. Las Olas and Himmarshee Village downtown remain the go-to spots for fine dining and cocktails, while places like Lauderhill and Oakland Park offer authentic international flavors at everyday prices.

Craft breweries have taken hold here as well. Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, LauderAle Brewery in Fort Lauderdale proper, and 26 Degree Brewing Company in Pompano Beach all produce excellent beers that reflect the local culture.

Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of the busiest in Florida, and its location just south of downtown makes it easy to get to and from. Brightline, the high-speed rail service, connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.

Summers are hot and humid with regular afternoon thunderstorms from June through October. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, which is why so many seasonal residents and tourists arrive between November and April.

Street parking meters are common downtown and along the beach. Many restaurants and businesses validate parking, and the city runs a free trolley service on several routes through downtown and the beach.

Emergency Dental Care in Fort Lauderdale

When a dental emergency strikes during your Fort Lauderdale trip or your regular daily life here, Emergency Dentist of Fort Lauderdale is open 7 days a week from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Our office at 330 SW 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 serves the entire greater Fort Lauderdale area, including visitors who need urgent dental care while away from their regular dentist.

Toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings, and dental infections do not wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our team provides same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental problems. If you are dealing with tooth pain during your visit, call (954) 807-1840 and we will get you in as soon as possible.