Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, as you know, is a premier international vacation destination. There is no shortage on things to do. We’re known for our beaches and variety of attractions. Along A1A blvd., we have upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Other attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Museum of Discovery, and Birch Park.

You have come to the right place if you love being on the water. We have almost endless miles of waterways, rivers, and canals to explore. The Intracoastal water is an obvious area to explore. So is Whisky Creek. Millionaire’s Row along the New River is a must. Now let’s talk about how you’re going to explore.

A daily yacht rental is a good choice for those with bottomless pockets. Our Pontoon Boat Rental is a much more affordable option for us regular Joe's. Our boats hold up to 12 people and your choice of licensed Captain. Also included in every boat charter are 2 paddle boards, a floating party dock, a large Blue-tooth speaker, coolers, and ice. And our Captains make great tour guides.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale - Beyond the boat rentals

Yes, we're famous for our beaches, arts, and being the Yachting Capital of the World. Beyond that, check out Las Olas Boulevard. This is our version of Rodeo Drive, or Worth Ave. You'll find lots of high-end restaurants, shops, and galleries there. Make sure your credit card has plenty a room:) Stop at the Stranahan House, a preserved 1900s home furnished with antiques of the era. Or "follow the red brick road" of the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, the landscaped park, to the Arts and Entertainment District. Another gem is The Bonnet House. Enriching Cultural Experiences — Take a wonderful trip through time. Be magically transported to old Florida at this 20th-century classic 1920s home. A short trip up to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea waterfront. Their fishing pier is a great place to enjoy ocean breezes and wet a hook. It's surrounded by an eclectic group of restaurants and pubs.

While these are among our favorite activities under the category of “things to do in Fort Lauderdale, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Visit Lauderdale is the official tourism website of the great Fort Lauderdale area. There you’ll find everything under the sun, as they like to say.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale - DINING

S3

One of the best views of Fort Lauderdale Beach, S3: Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating options. This place has plenty of appeal, including multicourse share-a-plate-style meals, great drinks, and a sultry indoor-outdoor bar scene with live DJs and fire pits. Indoors, you’ll find a well-appointed Southeast Asian atmosphere and a menu of global eclectic fare, like sushi, oak-grilled steaks, mac 'n' cheese with smoked Gouda and prosciutto, and brisket sliders.

Rivertail

James Beard-nominated chef José Mendin has his first Fort Lauderdale restaurant, Rivertail, on the Las Olas Riverwalk along the New River. This seafood-driven eatery is one of the hottest tables in town. Featuring family-style shared plates, globally influenced tapas, and coastal fare inspired by Mendin’s Puerto Rican roots as well as his love of oyster bars, the creative menu spans from crab doughnuts and shiso-butter-infused bay scallops escargot to Moqueca Mista.

Blue Moon Fish Co.

Great view of the Intracoastal Waterway, overlooking multimillion-dollar yachts and svelte paddleboarders. Fittingly, it is one of the most exemplary seafood spots on the Gold Coast, with superb food and a brunch that could go head-to-head with any place on the planet. For less than $60 per person, guests tuck into unlimited food and bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys, and champagne. There’s an omelet stand, a carving station, a salad bar, and a raw bar with freshly shucked oysters, clams, and shrimp. Mini cannoli, cupcakes, ice cream, creme brulee, pastry puffs, parfaits, cookies, and more line the final dessert table. Between the talented chefs and the striking natural surroundings, there’s no better place to spend a Sunday morning.

YOLO

YOLO, which means "You only live once," is seamlessly integrated into downtown Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas Boulevard. Committed to community and evolution, YOLO is not just a destination; it's a dynamic entity striving to be its best version. With an innovative American menu, a vibrant bar, and an outdoor lounge and fire pit, YOLO invites you to savor and indulge in comfort and style.

Bar hopping in Fort Lauderdale 

At the beach, Blondies is a Fort Lauderdale beach staple for cheap drinks and good times. The Elbow Room is a Lauderdale legend; no trip here would be complete without a cold one. Both places are super-casual; bikinis and flip-flops are the norm. 

Kid Friendly things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Xtreme Action Park, 5300 Powerline Road in Fort Lauderdale, has more than 200,000 square feet of attractions and event spaces including go kart racing, bowling, an arcade, a ropes course, trampolines, roller skating, laser tag, and virtual reality, plus a cafe, and an ice cream shop.  

The family-friendly chain Dave & Buster’s offers indoor gaming fun in Oakwood Plaza, 3000 Oakwood Blvd., in nearby Hollywood.

Or get away to nearby Sunrise and try out the Escape Game.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Our city is your oyster! We hope your visit is a great one. Hope to see you on the docks!