Fort Lauderdale is basically the overachieving sibling of South Florida. For years, it lived in the shadow of Miami’s neon glow, but honestly? It’s better. It’s cleaner, the traffic is slightly less soul-crushing, and you don’t need a VIP table at a club just to get a decent drink.
But here’s the thing—most people treat things to do in ft lauderdale like a checklist of tourist traps. They go to the beach, walk Las Olas, maybe hit a chain restaurant, and call it a day. You're leaving so much on the table if that’s your plan.
The Venice of America Myth (And Reality)
Everyone calls this place the "Venice of America." It sounds like marketing fluff, but with over 300 miles of inland waterways, it’s actually a fair description. If you don't get on the water, you haven't seen the real city.
Forget the giant cruise ships for a second. The real move is the Water Taxi. It’s $40 for an all-day pass, and it’s essentially a hop-on-hop-off bar crawl if you play your cards right. You can start at the Riverside Hotel, grab a drink, and float past the kind of mega-yachts that make you question your career choices.
✨ Don't miss: Orlando to St. Petersburg: What Google Maps Doesn't Tell You About the Drive
If you want to feel the pulse of the city, head to the Riverwalk. It's a linear park that winds along the New River. In early 2026, the vibe here is electric. You’ve got the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on one end and the historic Stranahan House on the other.
Why the Everglades Matter Right Now
Don't just stay on the coast. Driving 30 minutes west takes you to the Everglades. I'm telling you, skip the massive tour buses. Go to Sawgrass Recreation Park or Everglades Holiday Park.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a Florida panther, though you’re much more likely to see a 10-foot alligator staring at you like you’re a snack. The airboat rides are loud, messy, and totally worth the earplugs.
The New Food Scene: Beyond the Tourist Traps
Fort Lauderdale’s food scene has exploded recently. We’re not just talking about fried shrimp anymore.
Del Mar is the current darling of the beach. It’s Mediterranean, it’s right on the sand at Auberge Beach Residences, and the rack of lamb is honestly life-changing. If you’re into something more "if you know, you know," look for Bar Betty. It’s a speakeasy tucked above Sunness Supper Club on Sunrise Blvd. You have to find the red door after 7 p.m. It feels like a secret, and in a city this busy, that's rare.
📖 Related: Flying British Airways London to Houston: What Most People Get Wrong
Then there’s the Florida Room. Top Chef alums Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis opened this spot at "The Fort" complex. It’s Southern-coastal comfort food with a view of pickleball courts. Yes, pickleball. It’s 2026; you can’t escape it.
Where to Actually Hang Out
- Flagler Village: This is the "cool" neighborhood. It’s full of murals, coffee shops like Wells Coffee, and breweries. Invasive Species Brewing is a local favorite—it’s weird, taxidermy-filled, and serves some of the best IPAs in the state.
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Just north of the main strip. It has a "village" vibe. You can actually snorkel right off the beach here to a three-tiered reef system. No boat required.
- FATVillage: This is where the monthly Art Walk happens. If you’re here on the last Saturday of the month, go. It’s the closest thing we have to the old-school Wynwood vibe.
Cultural Deep Dives and Hidden History
If you need a break from the sun, the NSU Art Museum is world-class. They have a massive collection of CoBrA art (Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam) that’s surprisingly edgy for a beach town.
History buffs usually head to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. It’s a 35-acre estate that feels like a time capsule of 1920s Florida. The original owners were artists, and the house is covered in hand-painted murals and quirky animal sculptures. It’s a weird, tropical fever dream in the middle of a high-rise jungle.
📖 Related: Forney Museum of Transportation: What Most People Get Wrong
The Practical Side of Things
The city is changing fast. The International Swimming Hall of Fame just went through a massive $190 million renovation. It now has a 27-meter dive tower—the tallest in the Western Hemisphere. Even if you aren't a diver, the rooftop restaurant there has one of the best views of the Intracoastal.
Getting around is getting easier, too. The PREMO Network is slowly rolling out, making the transition between the airport, Port Everglades, and downtown a lot smoother. But let's be real: you probably still want to rent a car or use rideshares if you plan on exploring outside the downtown core.
A Few Insider Tips
- Parking: It's a nightmare at the beach. Use the app. Don't fight the kiosks.
- Timing: If you want to see manatees, visit between late December and mid-March. They hang out in the warmer waters of the Middle River.
- The Beach: The "Wall" at A1A and Las Olas is iconic, but for a quieter day, head south to Dania Beach. It’s less crowded and has a great fishing pier.
Fort Lauderdale isn't just a spring break destination anymore. It’s a legitimate city with a sophisticated palate and a lot of grit under the fingernails. Whether you're paddling through a mangrove canopy or sipping a $20 cocktail in a hidden lounge, the city rewards people who actually get out and look for it.
Actionable Next Steps:
Book a sunset tour on the Water Taxi to get your bearings of the city's layout from the New River. Afterward, head to Flagler Village for a flight of local craft beers at Invasive Species Brewing to experience the local, non-tourist side of town.