Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its winding canals, blends sun‑drenched beaches, a lively arts scene, and easy access to the Everglades; late‑fall to early‑spring offers pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.
Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
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Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Hotel picks for Fort Lauderdale are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly, pre-filled with your dates:
Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale
Dumpling King (North Miami Beach)★★★★★237 NE 167th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162, United StatesAlways get the soup dumplings. Their scallion pancake is very different. Not a fan from this place. I would only recommend the soup dumplings here. Everything else is a little different from your traditional Chinese food.
Souvlaki Fast Boca Raton★★★★★21200 St Andrews Blvd Ste 13, Boca Raton, FL 33433, United StatesBest gyro within an hour radius. Very close to Boca Raton Towne Center.
The Capital Grille★ 4.6 (2,207)Steakhouse lauded for the dry‑aged ribeye and extensive wine list
Casa D'Angelo★ 4.6 (1,850)Upscale Italian dining praised for its veal Milanese
The Rustic★ 4.5 (12,630)Live‑music lounge famous for its smoked brisket tacos
Coconuts★ 4.5 (10,188)Iconic waterfront spot known for its stone‑crab claws and key lime pie
15th Street Fisheries★ 4.5 (6,765)Famous for its fresh grouper sandwich served right on the water
S3★ 4.5 (3,932)Elegant beachfront venue known for its lobster roll
The Foxy Brown★ 4.5 (3,026)Southern‑inspired brunch with a standout shrimp and grits
Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar★ 4.4 (9,383)Renowned for house‑made pastas, especially the ricotta gnocchi
Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille★ 4.3 (1,013)Top‑rated raw bar featuring a daily selection of Gulf oysters
El Vez★ 4.2 (1,910)Vibrant Mexican eatery celebrated for its guacamole with pomegranate
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Fort Lauderdale
Beach & Art
Morning. Start at Fort Lauderdale Beach, stroll the promenade and take a quick dip in the Atlantic.
Afternoon. Visit the NSU Art Museum for contemporary exhibits, then wander the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
Evening. Walk down Las Olas Boulevard, browse boutiques and galleries, and sip sunset cocktails at a patio bar.
Historic Downtown & Riverwalk
Morning. Rent a kayak at Riverwalk and glide the New River while admiring the downtown skyline.
Afternoon. Tour the 1840s Stranahan House, then explore the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum’s vintage fleet.
Evening. Dine at Coconuts, enjoying stone‑crab claws and key lime pie while watching the harbor lights.
Nature & Everglades
Morning. Bike the trails of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and paddleboard in its serene lagoon.
Afternoon. Discover interactive science exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Evening. Take an airboat ride at Everglades Holiday Park for close‑up alligator sightings, then unwind with fresh oysters at Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille.