Fort Lauderdale Trip Planner
Why Visit Fort Lauderdale: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Fort Lauderdale for its pristine beaches, often noted for their relaxing, carefree atmosphere. Enjoy the vibrant arts scene and explore the Everglades tours for a unique adventure. Cruise on scenic waterways and savor fresh seafood at local restaurants. Use Pilot for easy trip planning, keeping everything organized and authentic.
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What to do in Fort Lauderdale
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🌴 Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard for vibrant shops and dining. - 🌊 Enjoy a relaxing beach day at Fort Lauderdale Beach. - 🛥️ Explore the canals on a water taxi tour, offering fantastic city views. - 🎨 Visit NSU Art Museum for a taste of local and international art. - 🌿 Wander through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park's trails and nature. - 🍻 Discover local breweries for craft beer enthusiasts. Use Pilot to easily plan your Fort Lauderdale itinerary, incorporating these must-see spots.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌴 Las Olas Boulevard: Lively for dining, shops, and galleries. Perfect for a leisurely weekend walk. - 🌞 Fort Lauderdale Beach: Pristine beaches and water activities abound. Ideal for sun-seekers and families. - 🛥️ Riverwalk: Serene park along the New River with scenic boat tours and parks. Great for a peaceful afternoon. - 🍹 Wilton Manors: Known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming community. A popular area to explore after dinner. Pilot helps find the right neighborhood and offers great deals on booking hotels.
Discover the best food and drink
- 🍴 Explore vibrant Floribbean cuisine, blending Caribbean, Latin, and local flavors. - 🍤 Try crispy conch fritters—delicious bites available at many seafood joints. - 🥥 Coconut and key lime-infused dishes are a must-try for their unique regional twist. - 🍲 Take a dive into Bahamian-inspired seafood stews that are loved by those who crave authenticity. - 🍽️ Visit Southport Raw Bar for fresh seafood, S3 for inventive small plates, and Casa Sensei for Asian-Latin fusion. - 📅 With Pilot, map out your foodie adventure to ensure you sample the city's best without stress.
In popular culture
- 🎬 A scene from "Analyze This" was filmed at the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel. - 📺 "The Glades," a crime drama series, features Fort Lauderdale prominently. - 🎥 Some parts of "Caddyshack" were filmed at Rolling Hills Golf Club. - 📷 Instagrammers adore the vibrant murals and artsy spots in FATVillage. - 🎶 Mentioned in Jimmy Buffett's song "Migration," evoking a laid-back atmosphere. - 🏖️ It's a go-to spring break spot, often portrayed in movies highlighting beach culture. - 📹 Influencers often feature the city’s luxury yachts and waterfront dining.
Fort Lauderdale at a glance
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What reviews say
- Reviewers love the beaches and relaxed atmosphere. - Locals recommend exploring the waterways by boat. - Avoid peak tourist season to escape the crowds. - Dining options are varied and praised. - Public transport isn't the best; consider renting a car. - Hidden gem: Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. - Some feel it's pricier than other Florida spots.
What reddit says
- Redditors love the beaches and vibrant nightlife. - Las Olas Boulevard is a must for shopping and dining. - Hidden gem: Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. - Many recommend exploring the canals by water taxi. - The city has a relaxed vibe, but traffic can be hectic. - Great base for trips to Miami or the Everglades. - Watch for unexpected rain showers during summer.
Travel tips and safety
- Fort Lauderdale thrives on its beachside culture. Casual attire is the norm, especially shorts and flip-flops. - Alcohol laws are strict: no open containers and limits on beach drinking. - Accommodations: moderate hotels around $150/night. - Dining: budget $15-$25 for a casual meal. - Public transport is reliable, with buses and the Sun Trolley for local travel. Fort Lauderdale is generally safe, but consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Sun Trolley is great for getting around downtown cheaply. - Buses are reliable but can be slow, $2 per ride. - Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available, around $10-20 cross-town. - Walkable areas include Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk. - Bike rentals available; inexpensive for short distances. - Pilot can streamline your route planning and walking path logistics.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget: $80–$100 per day - Hostels: $30–$40 per night - Local transport: $10–$15 - Meals: $15–$25 - Attractions: $20 for basic sights - Mid-range: $150–$200 per day - Hotels: $80–$120 per night - Local transport: $15–$20 - Meals: $30–$50 - Attractions: $25–$50 for popular tours - Luxury: $300+ per day - High-end hotels: $200+ per night - Private transport: $40+ - Fine dining: $50+ per meal - Attractions: $50+ for exclusive activities Prices vary at different times of year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
- 🌅 Start with a sunrise walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade. Enjoy the early morning calm and people-watching. - ☕ Grab breakfast at Foxy Brown. Their brunch menu is incredible. - 🚤 Hop on a water taxi tour. It's a great way to see the city from the canals and get some local insights. - 🖼️ Spend some time at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Their collections are diverse and engaging. - 🍔 Lunch at Coconuts on the Intracoastal Waterway for fresh seafood. - 🌿 Wander through the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. It's a lovely spot that captures local history and nature. - 🌆 Stroll around Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and a taste of the local vibe. - 🥘 Dinner at Louie Bossi’s for some of the best Italian food. - 🎶 End the night with live music at Rhythm & Vine. Use Pilot to easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Explore the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. It's a fascinating blend of history and art. - 🎨 Check out the NSU Art Museum. It rivals big city art collections. - 🍴 Enjoy fresh seafood at the indoor food halls like the Sistrunk Marketplace. - 📚 Spend time at the Broward County Main Library. They often host interesting events. - 🍷 Try a wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery. It's cozy and relaxing. - 🛍️ Shop at The Galleria. Perfect for retail therapy or window shopping. - 🎭 Catch a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Their lineup is impressive. - 🎳 Head to Bowlero for bowling and arcade games. It’s tons of fun.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Ideal visit: December to April - Warm, sunny, comfortable - Temperatures: 18°C-28°C (64°F-82°F) - Avoid: June to November - Humid, hot, hurricane season - Temperatures: 24°C-31°C (75°F-88°F) - Climate: Tropical rainforest biome - High humidity influences daily rain or thunderstorms in summer - Winter: Dry, less humidity - Enjoy beach days, boating, festivals - Explore Everglades, nature trails, local culture
How to find events during your stay
- For authentic experiences in Fort Lauderdale, check local blogs like "The Lauderdale Local." They're great for event listings and cultural insights. Visit their website lauderlocal.com. - Follow local influencers on Instagram, such as @exploreftlauderdale, to get updates and personal tips on the ground. - The Sun Sentinel's entertainment section often highlights upcoming events and festivals. Check them out at sunsentinel.com/entertainment. - Visit the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at sunny.org for a calendar of local festivals and activities. - Discover Broward County's Library Events Calendar for diverse cultural happenings: broward.org/Library/Events. - Keep an eye on the New Times Broward-Palm Beach for concert announcements and cultural events at browardpalmbeach.com. - Check Facebook groups like "Fort Lauderdale Events & Networking" for community-organized happenings and local insights. - On Twitter, follow @FTLCulture for updates on arts and culture events.
Before your trip, read the history
Fort Lauderdale's history is rich and engaging. The area was originally inhabited by the Tequesta people before European contact. In 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Major William Lauderdale led his troops to build a fort along the New River, from which the city gets its name. The city began to develop in the early 20th century with the arrival of the East Coast Railway, which played a major role in its growth, transforming it from a small settlement into a bustling city.Culturally, Fort Lauderdale has evolved over the years. Known for its boating canals, it became a hub for tourism and a central location for spring breakers in the 1960s. Politically, it's part of Broward County, historically leaning Democratic in recent elections. Interesting figures tied to Fort Lauderdale include Frank Stranahan, a prominent businessman in the area credited with contributing to its early development. When visiting, you'll feel the city's progression from a fort to a vibrant, diverse community, reflecting both its past and modern charm.
