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Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale
Located in Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a fun city and one of the best to visit on a vacation. The city is just 40kms away from Miami and comes with the promise of splendid times. Here you can indulge in a number of things.
You could spend your time visiting its many alluring museums or you could choose to visit the beach and indulge in some outdoor activities. Not to forget, Fort Lauderdale also boasts of some great restaurants so will have a lot of fun exploring them.
This article has been curated in a way to help you figure out the many activities that you can do in the city. Hope it helps to inspire you to visit this magical place.
Museums to visit in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beaches and museums. Its museums are unique and some of the best in all over the United States of America. Here is a list of some of the best museums in the city which you must visit.
1. NSU Art Museum
The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one of the most visited places by art lovers from all over the United States of America. The museum is dedicated to exhibiting the 20th century and contemporary art.
The NSU Art Museum has over 7500 permanent artworks. Not just the artwork, the museum is also known for its building which in itself is an architectural marvel.
The NSU Art Museum organizes a number of events from time to time so make sure that you keep yourself updated with the latest development by visiting its website.
2.Museum of Discovery and Science
If you are looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale along with your kids, we would recommend a visit to the Museum of Discovery and Science. The museum is famous for its AutoNation IMAX theater where they put up 3-D IMAX movies.
There is a lot that you can do at the museum, for instance, you can take a simulated ride to Mars or a simulated airboat ride in the Everglades.
Apart from this, the museum is also famous for being home to a number of animal species. Here you have the chance to observe otters, baby alligators, tortoises, scorpions, centipedes, sharks, tadpoles, and a number of other animal species.
Basically, the museum has a lot to offer to both kids and adults and you will have no trouble in spending your time fruitfully. The museum also organizes a number of exhibitions and volunteer programs.
3.Stranahan House Museum
Home to Frank and Ivy Stranahan, the Stranahan House Museum is hailed as the pride of Fort Lauderdale. Built-in 1901, the building is considered to be the oldest surviving structure in the region of Broward Country. Owing to its historical importance, it was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1973.
The building is opening to the public through a guided tour which happens in three shifts on a daily basis. This place is frequented by school children and is a must-visit place to tour along with your family. If you are interested to delve deeper into the iconic history of the Stranahan House Museum, read about them here.
4.Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Known as the Bartlett Estate, the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a historical home in Fort Lauderdale. It is dedicated to celebrate and preserve Fort Lauderdale’s history and environment. Apart from the marvelous paintings, the house is also famous for its gardens. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens are home to five different ecosystems which range from maritime forests to wetlands.
The Bonnet House is credited to have one of the most beautiful collections of orchids in all of Florida. This is a must-visit place for nature lovers who want to spend their time engaging with its plurality. At Bonnet House, you can opt for a guided tour which will help you understand the place in a more nuanced manner.
Some attractions you mustn’t miss in Fort Lauderdale
Running out of stuff to do in Fort Lauderdale? Here is a last of places that will rejuvenate your spirits and energize you to the core. These places are integral to Fort Lauderdale and you by visiting them, you would be able to experience the city in a much more nuanced manner.
1.Las Olas Boulevard
One of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale is to spend one’s time at Las Olas Boulevard. This place has everything that a tourist can ask for. Here you would find antique shops, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs. Here you can spend an entire day window-shopping and taking a stroll.
Las Olas Boulevard is also famous for the festivals that it hosts all round the year. In these festivals, you will find artists and gallery owners displaying their artwork. The Las Olas Boulevard is a vibrant place and is a must-visit tourist spot in Fort Lauderdale.
Here you would have the chance to mingle with the localities and experience Fort Laud in a completely new way. In order to check out the array of shops and restaurants at Las Olas Boulevard.
2.Las Olas Food Tours
There is no better way to discover the local cuisine of a city than by taking a food tour. The Las Olas Food Tours is one of the most exciting things that you should do on your trip to Fort Lauderdale.
The tour will introduce to the rich history of Fort Lauderdale and will also enable you to taste the food at some of the finest restaurants in the city. You must take the tour with your family as it will make for a fun-filled bonding exercise.
This three-hour walking tour will take you to around six different venues where you would be able to appreciate the art, history, and culture of Fort Lauderdale in a much more nuanced manner.
The tour is conducted by friendly guides who would make you see the city in a fresh light. This private tour admits two to ten persons in one go, so make sure that you book your tickets at the earliest.
3.Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Are you looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale which involves spending some time immersed in its culture? If yes, then Broward Center for the Performing Arts is just the right place for you. The Broward Center is a multi-venue performing arts space that has been designed by the renowned architect Benjamin C.Thompson.
There are a number of shows that happen at Broward Center all round the year. Lovers of art flock to this place to watch operas, concerts, plays, ballets, Broadway musicals. The center is also frequently used as a space for delivering lectures by esteemed personalities. The Broward Center is considered one of the top ten visited theatres in the world.
Visit the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy an evening of performances that will stay with you for a lifetime.This is an ideal place for a date wherein you would be able to spend an evening watching a riveting live performance. In order to check out the schedule of events and to pre book your tickets, visit their official website.
4.Hugh Taylor Bird State Park
Located between the Intracoastal Waterway and SR A1A, the Hugh Taylor Bird State Park is one of the places that you must not miss out on when in Fort Lauderdale. This is the best place to visit if you are looking for a quiet getaway from the vibrancy of the city.
Here you can partake in a number of recreational activities like canoeing, fishing, bicycling, swimming, skating, hiking. Or, you could simply choose to spend your time by relaxing on a park bench and observe the wildlife in the park, which includes turtles, gopher tortoise, rabbits, ducks, among many other animals.
You can also organize a little picnic with your family at the park. If you feel hungry, head straight to Park&Ocean, a restaurant and bar joint, which is located right on the outskirts of the park.
This is a perfect place to visit for birders and photographers as here you would be able to spot a number of birds. A visit to Hugh Taylor Bird State Park will certainly uplift your spirit and will rejuvenate your soul.
Restaurants to eat in at Fort Lauderdale
A visit to Fort Lauderdale, Florida would not be complete without tasting the food at some of its most famous restaurants. Here is a list of places where you must stop by to grab a bite. We assure you that these places will satiate to the core and make you want to come back to them over and over.
1.Circle House Coffee
Are you a coffee lover? If yes, this is just the right place for you in the city of Fort Lauderdale. Owned by the famous retired NFL player Stephen Tulloch, The Circle House Coffee is one of the most loved spots in Fort Lauderdale.
The coffee shop comes with the option of both indoor and outdoor sitting so you can make yourself comfortable as per your choice. You must visit this place to taste some of the best-brewed coffee that will instantaneously help you feel better. Apart from coffee, this place also serves wines, sangrias, and slushes.
Do not forget to pair your beverage with a gourmet doughnut or some pastries and muffins. If you do not have time to sit and relax at the coffee shop, you could simply take your order and consume it on the go. Either way, the taste of Circle House Coffee will surely leave you satiated.
2.Louie Bossi
Craving some Italian food in Fort Lauderdale? There could be no place better than Louie Bossi. One of the most popular restaurants among tourists and locals, Louie Bossi comes with the promise of the authentic taste of Italian food.
Here you can have it all, from brunch to dinner. The menu at Louie Bossi is a detailed one, which we are sure will satiate you completely. The restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, so make sure that you reserve your table before you visit them.
3.Monkitail
When in Fort Lauderdale, make sure that you treat yourself to the best of meals and you can do so with a visit to Monkitail. This restaurant is famous not just for its food but also its aesthetics that will completely win your heart.
One of the best things that you must taste at Monkitail is their salmon tataki along with their dragon cocktail. A visit to Monkitail will certainly be one of the best things that you wil do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Explore the beaches of Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is known for its beaches and there is no way that you can afford to miss them. To make the most of your visit to Fort Lauderdale make sure that you visit the following beaches and have the best time.
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
If your idea of a beach involves not just the clear waters but also luxury hotels and restaurants then you would certainly fall in love with the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. This is an amazing place to spend the weekend with your family and friends. At the beach, you can indulge in a number of outdoor activities like playing sports like basketball and volleyball.
The beach has facilities like restrooms and picnic tables so you can even plan a picnic with your family. If you get bored at the beach, you can head to any of the shops near the beach and spend time buying things. The timings of the beach is from six in the morning to nine in the night so make sure that you plan your visit accordingly.
2.Lauderdale-by-the-sea-beach
Located at Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Lauderdale-by-the beach comes with the opportunity to experience the beach in a complete novel fashion. The beach is located in a quiet neighborhood, which makes it for a perfect getaway spot during vacation season. You can plan to spend some days at the beach by staying in one of the many nearby hotels.
Here you would be able to experience the local culture of Florida as there are many sculpture shops in this area. If you do not like crowded spaces, Lauderdale-by-the beach is the best option for you. Here you would be able to take a drip in the waters and enjoy to the fullest.
3.Central Beach
If you are looking for things to do at night in the city of Fort Lauderdale, head straight to Central Beach. One of the best Lauderdale beaches, there is a lot of fun that awaits you at Central Beach. Here apart from the refreshing waters of the beach, you would find a series of bars and nightclubs.
The place also has a number of luxury hotels, so you need not worry about where you can spend the rest of the night. So if you want to dance at the beach late at night, Central Beach is the place for you.
4.Sebastian Street Beach
If you are looking for a beach in Florida that is safe and inclusive then Sebastian Street Beach is the right choice for you. Sebastian Street Beach is celebrated for its cleanliness and inclusivity. Voted as the “Hottest U.S Gay Beach” by Out Traveler. This beach is fairly less crowded and is a perfect place to sit back and relax.
There are not many trees on the beach so make sure that you carry your umbrella to save yourself from the heat. While you are visiting Sebastian Street Beach, make sure that you stop for a bite at Casablanca Cafe.
Please also read about things to do in Orange County.
