Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

This well-established holiday spot, 25 miles north of Miami, is well known for its golden beaches and year-round warm temperatures. It is also referred to by many as the Yachting Capital of the World, with over 300 miles of inland waterways and more than 50,000 registered yachts. Burgess looks at everything Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area has to offer visitors during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this Autumn.

Things to do in and around Fort Lauderdale  

The former Spring Break capital of the U.S., Fort Lauderdale these days has all but grown up. Today the city is more associated with yachts and mansion-lined waterways, with a vibrant culinary scene, museums, golf courses and beaches galore for the visitor to discover. Explore all the city has to offer with a weekend break before or after the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show or spend a week or more exploring the many natural and manmade attractions along Florida’s East Coast.

From the vibrant cities and towns that hug the coastline (Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Miami) to the Everglades and the Florida Keys, this coastal paradise is blessed with an ideal climate for all kinds of outdoor recreation. Enjoy miles and miles of sun-drenched beaches, try your hat at casting a line, enjoy a swim, scuba or snorkel, or perhaps play a round or two of golf at one of the leading golf courses, it’s all about the outdoor lifestyle here.  

Take an Intercoastal Waterway Cruise 

Spend time away from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and discover why Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the ‘Venice of America’ as you discover the Intracoastal Waterway. Navigate the inland waterways, canals and inlets which make some liken the city to Venice, cruising from downtown to the beach, passing waterfront mansions and taking a break to step ashore for lunch at a legendary waterfront restaurant. Whether taking a private boat tour locally or heading off down river to the Florida Keys or The Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway is one that every yachting aficionado should explore.    

Venture through The Everglades by airboat  

Just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades National Park covers over 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands. Take a thrilling airboat ride through this ancient ‘River of Grass’ and discover a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including of course Florida’s resident alligators.  

Explore Las Olas Boulevard 

The heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is well known for its restaurants, shopping, art galleries and people-watching. From rooftop watering holes to buzzy lobster bars, gastropubs and fine dining venues, there are dozens of exciting options lighting up the dining scene on Las Olas Boulevard.  

Head to the lively YOLO for its contemporary cuisine and inventive cocktail menu, to American Social for craft beer and a tapas style menu, or choose a stalwart like Casa d’Angelo, one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest Italian restaurants.  

Visit a museum or art exhibition  

Thanks to its diverse population and inclusive environment, Fort Lauderdale is vying to become South Florida’s premier art destination, comparable to Miami even. From artworks displayed in boutique hotels to outdoor sculptures and art galleries, museums and local cultural attractions, wherever you are in the Fort Lauderdale area there is bound to be something happening. Throughout the year the city’s Flagler Village and Mass District host monthly art walks, where visitors to the area have the chance to experience local art, music, crafts and exhibitions.  

Fort Lauderdale is also home to several museums, including a number dedicated to cultural heritage, sports, science, history and art. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to 20th century contemporary art and hosts a large collection of Cuban art. The Museum of Discovery and Science is also among those worth visiting with all the family, while there are several historical houses that are open to visitors, including the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and the Historic Stranahan House Museum.  

Relax on the beach  

Fort Lauderdale is fringed by over 23 miles of sun-drenched beaches. There are eight beaches in total, and each has a distinct atmosphere. From the family-friendly Deerfield Beach to the north, home to the International Fishing Pier which stretches over 300m out from the shoreline to the opulent Hillsboro Beach, which is bordered by grand mansions, these charming seaside villages all offer oceanfront restaurants and plenty of activities both on land and in the water.

Climb the 175 steps up to the top of the historic Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse for a panoramic view over the coastline, take a stroll along Fisher Family Pier at Pompano Beach, or scuba dive the coral reef systems which lie between Pompano Beach and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Then take some time out and relax on the low-key stretches of sand at Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach, before heading to the buzzing Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood beaches in Fort Lauderdale for a dose of more lively evening action.  

Play a round of golf 

With more than 50 courses and resorts in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area there is plenty of opportunity to indulge in a round or two of golf while visiting the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Many courses feature stunning ocean views, including the 18-hole championship course at the Coral Ridge Country Club. Alternatively, the Davie Golf Club is known for its tricky undulating greens, while the Colony West Country Club is rated by many to be one of the top 50 public courses in America.  

Set sail for Florida Keys 

As a haven for the yachting fraternity, Fort Lauderdale has world-class yachting facilities that make it ideal for those looking to embark on a yacht charter. Whether you are chartering a yacht for deep-sea fishing expeditions or planning a jaunt to the Florida Keys or The Bahamas, there’s no better place to kick off your charter than Fort Lauderdale.  

The Florida Keys are a string of islands that stretch from the southernmost point of Continental USA. Although they are all linked by road, they are best discovered from the water and are a great addition to a long weekend in Fort Lauderdale. From the city, cruise past the Art-Deco beachfront properties of Miami to the clear waters of Biscayne Bay and Elliot Key. From Key Largo onwards you are then surrounded by perfect waters for diving and fishing, while Islamorada is made up of six islands and offers fantastic fishing opportunities. The islands continue to stretch out down the archipelago, with Duck Key, Hawk Key and then finally Key West with its many bars and restaurants.  

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show  

The largest event of its kind, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is located across seven locations and offers over three million square feet of exhibition space connected by the canals and inlets of the Intracoastal Waterway. With around 1,500 yachts on display in the waterways and marinas, the show is wide-ranging and covers everything from row boats to megayachts. In addition to the large variety of boats and yachts on display there are also a very wide range of luxury products, from gadgets and toys for your superyacht, to cars and tenders, as well as suppliers of every product and service you can think of.  

The annual event has become the signature show in the Burgess US events schedule, with several of the Burgess sales and charter fleet on display each year and industry leading experts on hand to guide sellers, buyers and charterers throughout the show.