Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
50 curated spots from Fort Lauderdale itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hike short trails, spot wildlife in lagoons, kayak optional ($25/hour); covers nature must-have
2h · $6/person entry
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Tour the historic house and wander the lush tropical gardens for a quieter, atmospheric experience.
2h · $25-30
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Tour Latin American and contemporary exhibits (2-4 PM, 10-min drive from park).
2h · $12/person
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Spend the morning on the sand, swim, read, or simply relax under a shade umbrella.
2h 30m · Free
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
Stroll along the New River on a palm-lined promenade with views of boats, mangroves, and skyline; find benches, small parks, and photo spots under the trees.
1h 30m · Free
Las Olas Boulevard
Enjoy a slow couple’s stroll through shops, galleries, palm-lined sidewalks, and canalside scenery.
2h · Free
Las Olas Boulevard Stroll
Walk the main section of Las Olas between SE 6th Avenue and the canal bridges; browse design shops, galleries, and small boutiques and duck into side streets for quieter residential views.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade
Walk the oceanfront promenade, watch the sunset, and soak up the palm-framed beach energy.
1h · Free
Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade
Walk the wide sidewalk along A1A next to the sand; start near Sebastian Street Beach and stroll north or south, stopping to sit on the low wall or dip your toes in the water.
1h 30m · Free
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
After lunch and a one- to two-hour rest, take an easy late-afternoon stroll along the landscaped riverfront and browse nearby cultural venues if energy allows.
1h 40m · Free
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (Grounds Focus)
Visit the historic estate’s tropical gardens, ponds, and shady paths; even if you skip the full house tour, the grounds offer orchids, palms, and a wild-feeling oasis.
2h · $25 (garden + house) or reduced for gardens-only when offered
Everglades Holiday Park
Take a guided Everglades airboat or eco-tour for alligators, wetland scenery, and classic Florida wildlife.
2h 30m · $40-80
Flamingo Gardens
Roam a lush 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with flamingos, alligators, panthers, and a tropical jungle canopy; take the narrated tram ride to see more without too much walking in the heat.
2h 30m · $25-30 per adult, discounts for kids
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
A quiet, privately-owned museum showcasing a collection of classic Packard automobiles and memorabilia. It’s compact and air-conditioned, making it an easy, low-energy morning activity.
1h 30m · $15
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Use the water taxi for a scenic orientation ride past canals, marinas, and waterfront homes.
2h · $40-50
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise
Classic narrated cruise through canals and past lush riverbanks; opt for the sightseeing‑only option and skip any non‑halal meal packages.
2h · $30-40
Las Olas Boulevard Stroll & Shopping
Tree-lined pedestrian boulevard with galleries, boutiques, wine shops, and river views. Curated artisan shops without chain-store fatigue.
2h · $0-50+ (depending on shopping)
Lauderdale Beach
Relax on sands, swim, and capture photography spots; 1-2 hours with downtime.
2h · Free
Secret Woods Nature Center
Wander easy boardwalks through mangrove wetlands and subtropical forest, spotting crabs, birds, and dense vegetation that feels like true jungle.
2h · Free
Anne Kolb Nature Center
Walk elevated boardwalks through mangrove jungle, climb the observation tower, and look for birds and crabs in the wetlands.
2h 30m · $3
Anne Kolb Nature Center & Mangrove Boardwalks
Stroll elevated boardwalks through mangrove forests, climb the observation tower for wide views over lagoons and greenery, and look for birds and fish in the roots below; the area feels quiet, humid, and lush.
2h 30m · $3-5 per person
Beach Relax Time at Central Beach
Rent loungers and an umbrella from one of the concession stands or use your hotel’s chairs if provided; read, nap, or wade in the water.
2h 30m · $30-50 for two chairs and an umbrella
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures (Family Canal Cruise)
Join a pirate-themed boat ride departing from near Bahia Mar, where kids dress up, stage water-cannon battles, and cruise the Intracoastal Waterway while seeing mansions and yachts. The show is aimed at children but entertaining for adults too.
1h 30m · $30-40 per person
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures (Family Pirate Cruise)
Join a one-hour pirate-themed boat ride where kids dress up, follow a treasure hunt, and spray water cannons while you cruise the Intracoastal lined with mangroves and mansions.
1h 30m · $30-35 per person
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Visit the historic house and tropical gardens after lunch, allowing time for the shaded grounds and a quiet cafe or hotel break afterward.
2h · $20-30 per person
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Live Music or Show
Check the schedule for a small concert, jazz night, or performance and book tickets in advance. Choose a balcony or side seating area if you prefer more privacy and less crowding.
2h 30m · $40-120 depending on show
Colee Hammock Park
Relax by river with statue views; prime photography spot.
1h 30m · Free
Coral Springs Museum of Art
View emerging artists' works in intimate galleries.
1h 30m · $10
Dania Beach Pier & Dunes
Walk the pier for panoramic ocean views, then wander the small dune and palm areas for a quieter, nature‑leaning beach feel.
2h · $4 (pier access, if charged)
Downtime at Hotel or Nearby Beach
After a short rideshare back to the beach, spend the later afternoon exactly as you like—pool, reading, or a gentle stroll—leaving energy for an earlier dinner.
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
The Hummus House
Casual Middle Eastern spot with hummus platters, falafel, salads, and wraps. Focus on vegetarian and seafood plates like falafel bowls, hummus with toppings, tabbouleh, and grilled fish if available; verify no pork or alcohol in sauces and avoid non-halal meats.
1h · $15-25 per person
Casa Sensei
Stylish Pan-Asian and Latin fusion spot right on the canal with a modern interior and quiet daytime vibe. They are experienced with dietary restrictions—tell the server clearly and they can guide you to customizable stir-fries, rice dishes, or simple grilled items, adjusting sauces and ingredients as needed.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Coconuts
Casual-modern waterfront spot on the Intracoastal; you can choose simply grilled fish, chicken, or steak with basic sides and request modifications (no butter, no sauces, remove certain ingredients) based on your restrictions—speak clearly with your server at ordering time.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Beachfront Mexican-inspired restaurant at the Westin with a bright, modern interior and ocean views; at breakfast/brunch they can accommodate various dietary needs with made-to-order egg dishes, fresh fruit plates, avocado toast without problematic ingredients, and customized sides (confirm your specific restriction with the server).
1h · $25-35 per person
Basilic Vietnamese Grill
Cozy spot with lots of greenery near the beach; order a vegetarian pho or tofu stir‑fry (no meat, no alcohol in the dish) and fresh spring rolls for a light halal‑friendly meal.
1h · $18-30 per person
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits
Refined but relaxed beachfront restaurant inside The Ritz-Carlton; menu includes simply grilled fish and meats, customizable salads, and vegetable sides that can be prepared to suit your dietary restrictions when you talk them through with your server.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Casablanca Cafe
Historic spot with ocean views; order avocado toast and fresh smoothies.
1h · $20-30 per person
Nanou French Bakery & Café
Charming French-style bakery a block from the sand; order a croissant sandwich, quiche, and a latte before your beach walk.
45m · $10-18 per person
Shooters Waterfront
Choose seafood, burgers, or a salad on the waterfront and watch boats pass through the canal system.
1h 40m · $30-50 per person
The Floridian Restaurant
Classic diner-style spot on Las Olas with a simple, bright interior and large menu. They can usually make basic egg plates, plain potatoes, and fruit to suit various restrictions—tell them exactly what you need avoided so they can keep it simple in the kitchen.
1h · $15-25 per person
Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery
Contemporary, minimal-style oceanside restaurant in the Atlantic Hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows. Staff are used to special requests and can suggest grilled fish, steaks, or simple vegetable plates without problematic sauces or garnishes—state your restriction when seated so the kitchen can adapt.
1h 30m · $45-70 per person
15th Street Fisheries
Waterfront seafood; order grilled snapper (7 PM, 5-min walk).
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
El Camino Fort Lauderdale
Share tacos, guacamole, and a margarita or a nonalcoholic agua fresca before strolling Las Olas after dinner.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Fresh First
Gluten‑free cafe with lots of fresh, veggie‑based options; go for the omelets or veggie wraps and request no meat, and avoid any dishes cooked with wine or non‑halal sausage.
45m · $15-25 per person
Park & Ocean
Casual but stylish eatery inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with a beachy, minimalist feel; order at the counter and ask staff which salads, bowls, or grilled items can be safely adjusted to match your dietary needs.
1h · $20-30 per person
Shiraz Market & Restaurant
Persian/Iranian spot with a market attached, offering clearly labeled halal kebabs, koobideh, chicken skewers, saffron rice, stews, and salads. Ask for the halal menu items and avoid any non-halal sausages if listed; great for sharing platters so everyone can taste a bit of everything.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Takato
Chic oceanfront Japanese-Korean restaurant with minimalist decor; they can accommodate various dietary restrictions by steering you to safe options like simply prepared sashimi, veggie dishes, or grilled proteins without sauces—be explicit with your needs and ask what the chef recommends for you.
1h 30m · $55-80 per person
The Floridian
Select salads, veggie plates, breakfast-all-day items without pork, or seafood options if available; confirm halal-safe preparation and avoid bacon/ham add-ons.
1h · $18-$30 per person
Al Natour Middle Eastern Restaurant
Popular halal Middle Eastern spot; enjoy mixed grill platters (all meats halal), shawarma, kebabs, and mezze—just confirm no alcohol is used in your dishes.
1h · $20-30 per person
Al Salam Halal Restaurant
Fully halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean; enjoy shawarma, kebab, mixed grills, and falafel knowing the meats adhere to halal standards.
1h · $18-28 per personMore on Fort Lauderdale
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