Top 10 Free Things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FL)

February 9, 2022 Janean Rudisill

Fort Lauderdale’s canals and charm have earned it the nickname “The Venice of America.” The beaches offer 23 miles of golden sand, lively with the spirited antics of happy vacationers. Sail the blue-green waters on a chartered catamaran, or dive beneath the surface to meet-and-greet the local sea life. Shopping and dining al fresco on Las Olas Boulevard is one of Fort Lauderdale’s greatest pleasures, thanks to adorable shops and prime people-watching.
Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

1. First Presbyterian Church

401 SE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2397 +1 954-462-6200 http://www.firstpres.cc
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

First Presbyterian Church

2. St. Sebastian Catholic Church

2000 Marietta Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-3226 +1 954-524-9344 [email protected] http://catholicmasstime.org/church/st-sebastian-catholic-church/4816/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

St. Sebastian Catholic Church

Reviewed By Brend482 - Arlington, United States

St Sebastian is a very new and fresh, if generally unremarkable church. It is the closest church to the hotels on A1A, and welcomes visitors, most notably by parishioners who drive visitors like me back to hotels after the service. It was a really nice gesture.

3. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale

20 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-3081 +1 954-372-7606 [email protected] http://wharfftl.com
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 40 reviews

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale

Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Las Olas, on the banks of the New River, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is an open-air special event space that aims to further shape the city's dynamic local culinary and cultural scene. The Wharf boats a setting unlike any other in South Florida. Coming in at over 1 acre, the whopping open-air pop-up welcomes patrons looking to please their palates with some of the most delectable libations and culinary creations in town. South Florida's most sought-after food vendors serve up gourmet dishes in a laid back setting to satisfy eager palates. Patrons quickly become regulars who come in to enjoy a rotation of restaurant quality fare, curated to please the foodie community.

Reviewed By Maribri55 - Miramar, United States

I was looking for a nice place to enjoy with my family on a Sunday. Had been hearing about The Wharf in Fort Lauderdale and after enjoying The Wharf in Miami decided to check this new venue out. Had a great time enjoying the vibe and ambiance as well as the delicious food trucks. All this thanks to the hostess Maria who was so accommodating and personable. Highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to enjoy a day out in the open.

4. Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 +1 954-937-7386 http://lasolasboulevard.com
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,619 reviews

Las Olas Boulevard

Twinkling lights set the stage each evening for South Florida’s most architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic shopping and dining district. Stroll the boulevard, duck in and out of our cool breezeways, and be delighted by what you’ll discover - nowhere else in Florida will you find. . . .Over 30 al fresco dining options, 10 major international art galleries, 2 world class museums, 65 unique shops filled with fashion, accessories, gifts, and more.

Reviewed By MarenZ474

Its a very nice Street with tons of places to sit outside and enjoy great food from around the world. stores are nice

5. Fort Lauderdale Beach

A1A between Las Olas and Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 +1 954-828-4597 http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/city-parks/beach-public-fort-lauderdale-beach
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,226 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Reviewed By corif185 - Fort Lauderdale, United States

Great beach to just hang out with friends or family, bathe, walk along and explore the restaurants along the way, jump the waves and catch a tan!

6. African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 +1 954-357-6282 http://www.broward.org/Library/AARLCCSpecialCollections/Pages/AArlccStory.aspx
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

Reviewed By rodneyandalicia - Memphis, United States

When you are not relaxing on the beach or getting a massage, this is a nice place to stop and visit. It houses some interesting artifacts and beautiful artwork. You can also go upstairs and enjoy some silent reading.

7. To the Moon

2205 Wilton Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305-2131 +1 954-564-2987 [email protected] http://www.tothemoonmarketplace.com
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

To the Moon

Over 18,000 different items in a small 1200Sq. Ft. store, we pack it in. Candies that date back to 1806 U.S. thru mid 1990's, only the hard to find ones make it to our shelves. Over 80 countries of chocolates and snacks. more than 100 types of black licorice (including salty). 40+ types of soda in glass bottles made with cane sugar. over 2000 greeting cards for all ages and genders. gifts, gags, novelties. Bulk candy, wedding cake toppers for all. socks galore, collectibles of all kinds (TV,hollywood, etc..). see why this store is the most talked about in South Florida. do something wild and take a trip TO THE MOON. Until then have a SWEET day!

Reviewed By Michellekepler - Loxahatchee, United States

Nostalgic candy store located in Wilton Manor area. Lots of different candies from different countries and decades to choose from.

8. Las Olas Beach

S Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,778 reviews

Las Olas Beach

Reviewed By michellefI9722CG

Love the Ft Lauderdale beach! It spans for miles and is the heart of Ft Lauderdale - and is not usually overwhelmingly crowded. Beautiful beach within walking distance to great restaurants and shops on Las Olas.

9. Volunteer Park

12050 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33323-2231 +1 954-452-2558 http://www.plantation.org/Parks-Recreation/City-Facilities/volunteer-park.html
Excellent
55%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Volunteer Park

Reviewed By Arielfl - Coconut Creek, United States

I never knew that this incredible park was only a short distance from the Sawgrass Mills Mall. I always zoomed passed it on my way to the mall not realizing how much it had to offer. I finally decided to stop one night on a trip home and was amazed to find the huge wetland trail that runs at the back of the park. Some parts of the trail are paved and some are gravel and it crosses over several wooden boardwalks. I saw signs that it was used by the equestrians who have their facilities at the back of the park. My favorite part was in the water under one of the boardwalks where I saw at least 50 turtles swimming around with the fish. It had just finished raining alleviating the oppressive Florida heat for a moment making my evening walk among the wetlands pleasant. The trail let me out at the huge playground called Camp Everglades. Opened in 2004, it was designed with an Everglades theme. Components of the playground include an Everglades village, fishing camp, and tree huts. The park also has a community center available to rent to Plantation residents for private events, picnic tables, benches, bathrooms, tennis courts, and basketball courts. I loved my visit to this park. Birds were soaring overhead and fish and turtles were swimming below. I definitely won't be passing this park by again. It's a park worth taking your camera out for.

4000 W Perimeter Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315-3514 +1 954-359-4400 http://nasflmuseum.com
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum

National Register of Historic Places. Mission Statement: Educating. Preserving. Honoring the Heroes BACKGROUND HISTORY: Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale (NASFL) was built on the site of Merle Fogg Field in 1942 as part of the national defense program; serving as one among 257 air stations during World War II, and as one of a few specialty schools for training on the TBM/TBF Avenger aircraft. NAS Fort Lauderdale made a big impact in the growth and economy of the South Florida region and the United States as a whole. Building # 8, The Link Trainer Building housed 6-8 Link Trainer flight simulators. It is the only remaining structure left on the naval base property—sole reminder of a naval complex of more than 200 buildings. This building is now the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. The Museum has been instrumental in preserving the memory of Flight 19, one of the great aviation mysteries. Flight 19 flew out of NAS Fort Lauderdale on 5 December 1945, to vanish into the Bermuda Triangle. In addition, 19 year old future US President George H. W. Bush lived at this base as an Ensign, to train as a torpedo/bomber pilot. From October 1942 to October 1946 the base would train American and British pilots and thousands of aircrewmen from the U.S and other countries.

Reviewed By joanns927

Wonderful small museum run by volunteers. My father served as a radio man and tail gunner and was trained at this base. I was able to see a model of the plane he flew in and the docent explained where he would have sat and the job he did. It was interesting and although my father passed long ago, I felt he was there with me. Definitely worth doing as the artifacts were all donations. We must not let this history die. The story needs to be told.

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