Located about 30 miles north of Miami is Fort Lauderdale, a coastal south Florida city home to almost 200 thousand residents that enjoy nearly year-round sunshine and perfect weather.
Nicknamed “The Venice of America” because of the canals and waterways that wind through and around the city, Fort Lauderdale has become increasingly popular over the past several years – just ask the professional moving companies in Fort Lauderdale. It’s popular for not only its excellent weather but also for the numerous activities packed into the 36 square mile city.
Whether it’s fine dining, boating, the arts, or sports that you’re interested in, there’s plenty to do in Fort Lauderdale, whether you’re just visiting or relocating to the city. Check out this handy guide to the top five places to visit in Fort Lauderdale.
# 1 - Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is home to multiple art galleries, permanent collections of rare American Indian textiles, historical Fort Lauderdale memorabilia, and more than 1,800 species of tropical plants.
Spanning 36 acres and encompassing five different ecosystems, Bonnet House and Museum is a must-see on any trip to Fort Lauderdale.
Bonnet House and Museum was originally constructed in the 1920s by a Chicago-based artist and architect. In the late 90s the property was declared a historic landmark thanks to its heritage and the sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs that adorn the site.
Today, Bonnet House is an oasis of flora and fauna surrounded by trails, lagoons, boardwalks, and more – making for a perfect peaceful retreat from the city.
Bonnet House and Museum is open daily from 11 am-3 pm. Tickets range in pricing depending on whether you want to visit the surrounding property, the house, or both.
# 2 - Everglades Holiday Park
A trip to Florida isn’t complete without a visit to the Everglades Holiday Park. This wildlife reserve and nature park is home to some of the most unique species of flora and fauna on planet Earth.
Schedule an airboat tour through the park’s 29 acres of wetlands that feature presentations from the park’s knowledgeable staff about Florida’s famous gator population.
The Everglades Holiday Park is also an excellent place for birthday parties and group events. For those that want a unique learning experience, the park also offers a variety of educational seminars that highlight interesting facts about Florida’s wildlife.
These informative sessions are perfect for children and adults alike who want to know more about this unique ecosystem in South Florida.
The Everglades Holiday Park is open daily from 9 am-5 pm. Check out their website to get information about private airboat tours, ticketing, and more.
# 3 - Las Olas Blvd
When it comes to shopping, fine dining, and nightlife, look no further than Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This pedestrian promenade is home to a wide variety of shops and stores from all over the United States.
Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many upscale vineyard restaurants lining the boulevard or take a seat on one of the many benches and people watch the day away.
For those who love to take a souvenir or two home with them, Las Olas Blvd is a shopper’s dream come true. With over 200 stores, there is no end to the number of things you can buy to commemorate your trip to Fort Lauderdale.
The Las Olas Boulevard is also home to several art galleries, breweries, nightclubs, cafes, and more – making for a perfect day or night out with friends.
The best way to see Las Olas Blvd is to rent a bike and cruise the 2.5 mile stretch of road from east to west.
Las Olas Blvd is open daily with varying hours for different shops and stores.
# 4 - Fort Lauderdale Beach
While most people think that Miami has all of the best beaches in South Florida, the truth is that Fort Lauderdale is home to stunning beaches as well. But, of course, none are more stunning than the aptly named Fort Lauderdale Beach.
This sandy coastal stretch is the perfect way to spend a day with friends and family in the sun. You can rent jet skis, go parasailing, enjoy water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, take a boat tour around Fort Lauderdale’s harbor, or just relax on the sand and watch the waves roll in.
Another great activity to do when visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach is to rent a beach cabana and spend the day getting pampered.
# 5 - Butterfly World
Many people don’t know that Fort Lauderdale is home to the largest butterfly habitat in the world. Butterfly World, as it’s called, is home to over 20 thousand butterflies as well as many species of birds, fish, and reptiles.
A trip to Butterfly World is perfect for people of all ages. Inside the park, you will find many different educational stations where children can learn about butterfly and insect life cycles as well as habitats that they live in around the world.
Visitors can spend the day checking out the free-flight habitats, hand-feeding certain fauna, and marveling at the immense collection of insects in the Bug Zoo.
Butterfly World is open daily from 9 am-4 pm. Check out their website for more specific hours and information about attractions and shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Fort Lauderdale?
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is usually around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress for comfortably warm weather. Also, be sure to bring comfortable shoes for all of the walking and sightseeing you’ll be doing.
Do I need a car in Fort Lauderdale?
Cars can be helpful, but if you don’t have one, that is okay. Fort Lauderdale has an expansive network of water taxis, trolleys, and public transportation to get you to the best places to visit in the city.
Enjoy Your Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Whether you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale for business or vacation, these top 5 places to visit in the city will give you plenty of options for activities and entertainment.
