Fort Lauderdale’s Top Attractions: What You Can’t Miss

While Miami tends to steal the spotlight when visitors plan their Florida getaways, Fort Lauderdale has quietly built its own identity as a waterfront destination that combines beach life with urban amenities, all while maintaining a more laid-back atmosphere than its famous neighbor to the south.

From water-based activities along its extensive canal system to cultural spots and outdoor adventures, here are 18 experiences that showcase why Fort Lauderdale deserves a spot on your Florida travel plans.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is where I go when I want to experience the best of South Florida’s coastal culture. This 7-mile stretch of golden sand has managed to keep its laid-back vibe despite being one of the most popular beaches in the region. The wide boardwalk running alongside the shore makes it perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls, while the gentle waves attract both families and surfers throughout the year. Unlike its flashier neighbor Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach feels more relaxed and welcoming – the kind of place where you can spend a whole day alternating between swimming, people-watching from a beach chair, and grabbing a quick bite at one of the casual beachfront restaurants.

Las Olas Boulevard

Running parallel to Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard serves as the city’s social and cultural heart. Like many main streets in coastal towns, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. But what sets Las Olas apart is how it bridges two different worlds – the peaceful waterfront mansions along the Intracoastal Waterway on one end, and the lively beach scene on the other. Thanks to Florida’s year-round sunshine, the sidewalk cafes stay busy with both locals and tourists, while water taxis shuttle people between the fancy boutiques and waterfront homes. You’ll find a mix of old Florida charm and modern coastal living here, from Mediterranean-style architecture to contemporary art galleries that showcase local talent.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

I always recommend nature lovers visiting Fort Lauderdale to spend time at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Located right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this 180-acre green space offers visitors a peaceful escape with winding trails through native hardwood hammocks, a freshwater lagoon, and coastal dunes that have existed here for centuries.

NSU Art Museum

If you’re interested in modern and contemporary art, you’ll want to visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this 83,000-square-foot museum showcases more than 7,500 works, including the largest collection of paintings by American artist William Glackens and an impressive selection of Latin American and Cuban art.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Step back in time at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a charming 1920s estate that tells the story of old Florida. This 35-acre property features a unique blend of art and nature, with an orchid greenhouse, shell museum, and beautiful gardens to explore. You can take a guided tour through the historic house, where you’ll see original furnishings and artwork collected by the Bartlett family. For a special experience, visit during one of their afternoon tea events or art workshops, held regularly throughout the year. It’s an ideal spot to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon away from the beach crowds.

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Ever strolled along a waterfront where boats glide by as the sun dips into the horizon? That’s everyday life at Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, a mile-long path that winds along the New River in downtown. This brick-paved promenade, nicknamed “Florida’s Most Beautiful Mile,” lets you wander past waterfront cafes, green parks, and historic buildings while watching mega-yachts cruise by. It’s the perfect spot to catch local events like the weekend markets and jazz concerts, or simply find a bench to people-watch and enjoy the cool breeze off the water. You’ll find locals jogging in the morning, couples sharing ice cream in the afternoon, and friends gathering at the many restaurants and bars that line the waterfront as evening falls.

Stranahan House

Fort Lauderdale’s historic Stranahan House stands as the city’s oldest surviving structure, built in 1901 as a trading post and later transformed into a family home. While many visitors come to explore Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and waterways, this pioneer-era building offers a different perspective on the city’s rich history. The house, which served as both a community trading post and the residence of the city’s founding family, tells the story of early Fort Lauderdale through guided tours and educational programs. Whether you’re interested in Florida’s pioneer days or early architecture, the Stranahan House provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, and its location along the New River makes it an easy addition to any downtown Fort Lauderdale itinerary.

Water Taxi

One of my favorite ways to explore Fort Lauderdale is aboard the city’s Water Taxi, a unique transportation system that lets you hop on and off at various stops along the Intracoastal Waterway. These bright yellow boats serve as both a practical way to get around and an informal sightseeing tour, taking you past luxury yachts and waterfront mansions while the captains share local stories and point out celebrity homes. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B – the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, offering a different perspective of the city that you just can’t get from land. Whether you’re planning to beach-hop, grab dinner, or simply want to spend a few hours on the water, the Water Taxi makes Fort Lauderdale’s waterways accessible to everyone.

Flamingo Gardens

When I think of authentic Florida experiences, Flamingo Gardens always comes to mind. This 60-acre sanctuary combines a botanical garden with a wildlife refuge, giving visitors a real taste of old Florida charm. As you wander through the paths lined with massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss, you’ll come across everything from rescued Florida panthers to lazy alligators basking in the sun. It’s not just another tourist attraction – this place actually serves as a safe haven for injured wildlife that can’t survive in the wild. The best part? You can hop aboard a narrated tram tour that takes you through sections of the property most people never get to see, including one of the last remaining natural jungle growths in South Florida.

Port Everglades

If you’re into cruising or just fascinated by massive ships, Port Everglades is one of those places you can’t miss in Fort Lauderdale. This bustling seaport, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, handles over 3.5 million passengers each year. Walking along the port’s edge, you’ll see everything from giant cruise ships towering above like floating cities to cargo vessels loaded with containers from around the globe. It’s not just about watching ships though – the port plays a huge role in South Florida’s economy and gives you a real sense of how international maritime trade works. You can take a guided tour to learn about the port’s operations or just find a good spot to watch the parade of vessels coming and going throughout the day.

Museum of Discovery and Science

Whenever friends ask me what to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids, I point them to the Museum of Discovery and Science. Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this hands-on museum offers two floors packed with interactive exhibits, an IMAX 3D theater, and fun activities that teach visitors about everything from Florida’s ecosystems to space exploration.

Jungle Queen Riverboat

One of my favorite ways to experience Fort Lauderdale is aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat. This classic sightseeing cruise has been sailing the New River since 1935, taking visitors past luxury homes and yachts while sharing stories about the city’s colorful history. The boat makes a stop at their private tropical island, where you can watch an alligator show, see exotic birds, and enjoy a dinner of BBQ ribs and shrimp.

The Galleria Mall

Looking for some retail therapy in the Sunshine State? The Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale sits right in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the beach. This two-story shopping haven houses over 100 stores, from big-name brands like Macy’s and H&M to local boutiques where you can find uniquely Floridian treasures. While the locals come here to escape the afternoon heat, visitors appreciate the mix of high-end and casual dining options, including waterfront restaurants where you can watch boats drift by on the Intracoastal Waterway. You can easily spend half a day here, especially if you include a stop at the mall’s modern movie theater or treat yourself to a spa session.

Historic Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s historic downtown is where the city’s story really comes alive. This pedestrian-friendly district, centered around Las Olas Boulevard, mixes old Florida charm with modern energy in a way that few other places manage to pull off. Walking these streets, you’ll find yourself moving between buildings from the 1920s that now house cool art galleries and restaurants, while the New River provides a perfect backdrop for afternoon strolls. It’s not just a tourist spot either – locals pack the sidewalk cafes and boutiques daily, giving you a real sense of what makes this city tick. If you’re looking to understand Fort Lauderdale beyond its beaches, this is where you need to start your journey.

International Swimming Hall of Fame

Ever wanted to dive into the history of swimming and see where Olympic legends got their start? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, where water sports history comes alive. This unique museum houses the world’s largest collection of aquatic memorabilia, from vintage swimsuits to Olympic medals, and tells the stories of swimming greats like Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps. You can explore the evolution of competitive swimming, learn about lifesaving techniques, and even watch current athletes train in the Olympic-sized pool. The museum sits right on Fort Lauderdale beach, making it easy to combine your visit with a dip in the ocean or a stroll along the shore.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Pier

I always recommend visiting the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Pier to anyone exploring Fort Lauderdale. Located just north of the city along the Atlantic coast, this 876-foot wooden pier offers classic Florida fishing spots, unobstructed ocean views, and a perfect vantage point for watching the sunrise. The pier extends over clear waters where you can spot tropical fish swimming below, and local fishermen are usually happy to share stories about their best catches.