Location: Fort Lauderdale
Top Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
What to do and see in Fort Lauderdale, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
This museum is a reproduction of a Packard showroom from the 1920s. On display are 22 Packard motor cars from the 1900s to the 1940s, all in full working order. Among them, are Roadsters with compartments for golf clubs, a doctor's coupe with a compartment for his medical bag, and a 1929 645 Dual Cowl Phaeton that can self-lubricate its chassis as it drives along the road.
Reviewed By Krutferduda - Syracuse, New York
this is one of the top top class automobile museums which I ever visited
I rank it to the level of the Mulhouse (France) Schlumpf Collection, which is said in the 10 best in the world.
Only-Packard Museum, but all cars maintained WITH LOVE !!! exciting for elder (who remember those cars : "He owns a Packard", meaning la crème de la crème of car owners) as well as for the younger ones, to see how BEAUTIFUL those pieces of art were designed. DO NOT MISS !!!
2. Intracoastal Waterway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Navigate the canals that have earned Fort Lauderdale its nickname, "Venice of America."
Reviewed By Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois
We happened to be on the Intracoastal Waterway (aka the ICW or I.C.W.) just before sunset. The scenery on the ICW changes constantly with different boats around you. There are many bars and restaurants along the ICW where you can dock your boat and go ashore to eat or have a cocktail. The skyline is ever-changing as are the sunsets. It would be a fun trip to take a tour boat along the ICW to learn more about the different buildings, homes or the history of the ICW.
3. Stranahan House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the City's oldest surviving structure. The story of the Stranahan House is the story of a family, a house, and a city. The Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale's founding father, and his wife Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the area's first school teacher. The house has served as a trading post, post office, community center, town hall and home to the Stranahans. The Stranahan House has stood at the center of Fort Lauderdales growth since it was built and played a significant role in the economic and social life of this community. Open daily for guided House tours at 1, 2, and 3pm. Special events, weddings, and holiday programs.
Reviewed By John L - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Stranahan House is located on our beautiful river walk, the large trees and the water views are well worth the trip, as for the Stranahan house itself (in my opinion is a snoozer) but I’m no history buff! I will mention I was Married on this little stretch of beauty on the water & our reception was in the restaurant located directly next to the Stranahan house, At one time called “The River House” in 2005. This is the reason for the 5 stars.
4. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 885 reviews
Reviewed By R_Sweden - Stockholm, Sweden
We wanted to see something else than the crowded Miami beach. Very clean and nice beach. Not crowded. Lifeguards on duty, felt very safe!
5. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Levon M - Cary, North Carolina
Nice beach but I have seen many a lot better. It's long, straight and fairly well kept up. The sand is Ok but a lot in Florida are far better. It seems to be well policed and trouble free outside of spring break. There are a lot of typical beach restaurants and shops. Some are nice and others are the typical rip off joints. Parking is hard to find and expensive.
6. Las Olas Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ttimeatharrods - Georgia
Visited in late March so the Spring Break crowd was winding down. Beautiful beach, clean water and a good mix of families, couples, young people, older people. The good news is the police were out in full force in the whole area so things were under control.Really nice flat walking sidewalk so a great place for a long stroll. It gets rowdy in the area at night, especially during Spring Break so if you don't like the vibe maybe skip the night hours.
7. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Accredited by the American Association of Museums and listed on the national Register of Historic Places, this 35-acre historic estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach is an extraordinary blend of art, history and nature. The whimsically-designed house was built in 1920 and was home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Bonnet House was the romantic, whimsical winter getaway of wealthy Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, an artist in her own right. But unlike lavish show-palaces of the era, Bonnet House was a very personal, intimate creation intended just for family and close friends. It's been perfectly preserved in its 1930's and 40's period of significance, full of delightful surprises.
Reviewed By shermanrs1 - Herndon, Virginia
We arrived at the Bonnet in time for the 3:30 tour, but found it would end too late for us to make our plane as the tour is over an hour which is quite long for a tour. Instead, we used the map with the entrance fee to tour the grounds which are lovely. The house looked interesting from the outside. You cannot tour the house on your own so we had to be satisfied by just the grounds. There are trails as well to go on and on a beautiful day a wonderful thing to do.
8. Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Musical and theater productions, including touring Broadway shows, take the stage here.
Reviewed By Fred S - West Bloomfield
We just saw Wicked here. We were up in the balcony, but the view was great, the seats were comfortable, and the acoustics were good. Bathrooms could be bigger.
9. Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Take the Water Taxi tour to explore Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood from the water! Your ticket allows all-day Hop On / Hop Off at over15 stops, and savings at restaurants and attractions at each stop. Think of it as a trolley tour on the water with great destinations along the way.
Reviewed By NewYorkArtteacher - new york
We bought tickets late in the day- could have made more of the day if we rode longer. Some interesting info about homes and history of the waterway. The old river was a lot more interesting than the new river. Helpful captains.Thank you so much for the kind words! We hope to see you again on the water soon :)
10. New River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By dean m - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Winding along Las Olas Boulevard is an area called New River. Most tourists do not get off the main street of Las Olas Blvd or leave the beach, but New River is worth a stroll. Watch the boats as they travel the canals of Fort Lauderdale, also called "The Venice of America", as you enjoy a coffee or adult beverage at one of the stops along the way.
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