Things to Do In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Fort Lauderdale is a city that is located on the southeastern coast of Florida, north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, it is best known for its beaches and boating canals.  Its name forms due to the United States building a series of forts during the Second Seminole War. With access to beaches and the coastal area, here are some of the bets things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.

The Best Things to Do In Fort Lauderdale

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a state park in Florida that has direct access to the main beach in Fort Lauderdale. It is Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park where people have access to nature trails. Also, it provides access to a two-mile long route ideal for walking, running, cycling, and skating. Moreover, there are several picnic areas where people can relax and have a good time.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a riverwalk that is located along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It stretches for over 1.6 km with two main streets that run through the district, Himmarshee Street and Las Olas Boulevard. Moreover, the park at this location is a popular venue for several festival and various events in the area.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens are located in a 35-acre historic estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach. This museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Also, it is listed on the national Register of Historic Places.  Furthermore, the museum & gardens consist of an amazing blender of nature, art, and history. It is an intimate creation that is primarily for family and close friends of its owners.

Historic Stranahan House Museum

Historic Stranahan House Museum is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving building. The owners of Stranahan House are Frank Stranahan, the founder of Fort Lauderdale, and his wife and the first teacher in the area, Ivy Cromartie. Open for tours, this building plays a significant role in the city’s economy because it hosts special events and various holiday programs.

Museum of Discovery and Science

Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is a facility that focuses on connecting people to inspiring science. Moreover, it is Florida’s only aviation-themed Makerspace. Also, you can explore the museum’s STEM exhibits, science shows, animal encounters, and many more interesting things. There is an IMAX theater where you can enjoy watching a documentary of Hollywood film.

History Fort Lauderdale

History Fort Lauderdale consists of three museums that tells the history of the city. It explains how a wartime for transformed into a modern city that it is today. Furthermore, it is the largest collection of historic buildings that remain up to today in Broward County. The museum contains exhibits from the prehistoric age up until the present day.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-venue performance art complex in downtown Fort Lauderdale, situated along the New River’s north bank. It I where you can watch musical and theatre productions, like Broadway shows, in the city.

Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is an area full of restaurants, bars, and shops, for both locals and tourists to visit according to their preferences. Also, it is located close to the Riverwalk Park and Stranahan House Museum, both of which you can visit while visiting Las Olas Boulevard. There is also so much food to taste from various cuisines from the many restaurants here.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a popular beach among both locals and tourists. It is famous for its calm waters, wide, sandy shoreline, and vibrant atmosphere. This great family spot offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water sports. Moreover, this easily-accessible beach provides facilities to function as a playground and for picnics.

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is an inland waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. It’s part of the inland waterway system that runs from Massachusetts to South Florida, and finally following the Gulf Coast to Brownville, Texas. It is popular for boating and culinary treats due to its many marinas.

Port Everglades

Port Everglades is a seaport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is one of South Florida’s most significant seaports as it functions as a gateway for cruise vacations and international trade. Moreover, it accommodates over 1.72 million passengers, making it the third-busiest cruise homeport.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located in Davie, 27.5 km from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It contains over 3000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including some of which are rare and unusual. Also, there are animals including flamingos, otters, black bear, alligators, bobcats, peacocks, turtles, owls, bald eagles, and many more.

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is an 83,000 square-foot art museum. The museum emphasizes on contemporary projects from the 20^th century, unlike other museums in nearby Palm Beach, Florida and Miami, Florida. Also, the museum’s collection includes art and sculpture works from the 19^th through to the 21^st century.

International Swimming Hall of Fame

International Swimming Hall of Fame is a history museum and hall of fame located at One Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is a must-visit place for those who love swimming and for families of swimmers. Furthermore, the museum features exhibits of the history of swimming as it evolved to different civilizations and cultures and about swimming legends.

Swap Shop

The Swap Shop is an 80-acre outdoor and indoor flea market and the largest of the type in the South. It is the best place to hunt out for bargains with many shops selling various goods. The Swap Shop Food Court, which sees about 12 million people annually, is a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists.

New River

New River is a tidal estuary that is located in Fort Lauderdale in South Florida. However, it is not a real natural river. Instead, the New River is a channel that has many tributary canals. New River is connected to the Everglades through several man-made canals. Moreover, with its walking path, it is a great place to relax by yourself or with your family.

Fox Observatory

Fox Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Sunrise, 28 km from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association owns and operates it. Moreover, it is available for public viewing every Saturday evening.

Wrap-Up

Fort Lauderdale is packed with attractions and fun things to do for people of all ages. It is not short of attractions, be it indoors or outdoors. Whether you like to do adrenaline-pumping activities or to go to calm and relaxing places, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.