15 fun and unique things you can only do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Just one hour north of the flashing lights and raucous soirees of South Beach lies Fort Lauderdale, a more relaxed and less crowded sister city fit for a tropical escape. We’ve compiled a list of can’t-miss activities and attractions that you can only experience in this one-of-a-kind city to make your next trip to the Sunshine State the best yet.

Stroll through the gardens and meet wild monkeys at Fort Lauderdale’s Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Tucked away from the downtown strip, it was previously the home of art and nature-loving couple Fredric Clay and Evelyn Bartlett. Evelyn adored orchids and built an extensive collection now showcased in the estate’s Orchid Display House. The estate also holds a special place in history as one of the last remaining preserved lands of the Tequesta people, with activity on the site dating back to 2,000 B.C. Admission costs $20 per adult and $8 per child for a self-guided tour of the house and picturesque gardens.

Take a tour through the Intracoastal Waterway with Lauderdale Paddleboards, which offers a variety of excursions and classes for beginners. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, consider a class with SupPup Paddleboard.

Since 1935, the Jungle Queen Riverboat has etched itself into Fort Lauderdale’s history, and a ride on the boat is a rite of passage for all FTL natives and visitors alike. Enjoy dinner and cocktails as you take in the views of Florida’s flora and the homes along Millionaire’s Row. Reservations start at $33 per person.

The FATVillage (Flagler, Arts, and Technology Village) Arts District features indoor and outdoor galleries showcasing contemporary artwork produced by local artists. It is an excellent place to walk around, see the artwork, and score an Instagram-worthy photograph in front of one of the many murals.

The Parker Playhouse has entertained and educated the citizens of Fort Lauderdale since it first opened its doors in 1967. From live concerts and magic shows to student-run musicals, there's someting for everyone to watch at this neoclassical venue.

Fort Lauderdale boasts many beautiful local and state parks, but few compare to Snyder Park in Edgewood. It even has its own waterfront “bark park” where your four-legged friends can run around, swim, and interact with other dogs. With a butterfly and edible flower garden, wooden deck nature trails, and multiple picnic pavilions, the public park is a budget-friendly attraction to add to your trip itinerary.

While we still suggest checking out the flagship Fort Lauderdale Beach, there is much to enjoy at the slightly less-crowded Las Olas Beach. After a day in the sun, be sure to stop by the historic Elbo Room. Founded in 1938, this dive bar made Fort Lauderdale a spring break destination after it was featured in the 1961 film Where the Boys Are.

Colorful LED clear kayaks line the New River in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Led by a pair of Florida natives and watersports enthusiasts, this experience is unlike any other in Fort Lauderdale. Since each kayak seats two people, it’s also the perfect date night activity after a romantic dinner at Rivertail or catching a show at the nearby Broward Center for Performing Arts.

No trip to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without seeing Everglades National Park first-hand. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to eight distinct habitats with various wildlife species, including alligators, bottlenose dolphins, river otters, and white-tailed deer. The best way to catch a glimpse of them all? Airboat tour.

Parents and kids will love the Museum of Discovery and Science, where you can walk through Florida’s diverse ecosystems and experience hurricane-force winds. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to a live critter encounter where you’ll see everything from otters and horseshoe crabs to pythons and hissing cockroaches. When you’re ready for a break, you can sit back and catch a movie at the museum’s IMAX theater, which is home to the largest movie screen in South Florida. It’s a whopping six stories tall, and according to the museum’s website, is “large enough to show a whale life-size.”

Las Olas Boulevard is the prime destination for snagging fashion finds and souvenirs in Fort Lauderdale. It also features a myriad of gourmet restaurants, quirky bars, farmers markets, and art galleries. Be sure to grab a bite at the iconic Floridian restaurant followed by a stop at Kiliwin’s to sample their famous homemade ice cream and fudge. If you’re not in town for the Las Olas Food and Wine festival held each spring, you can still taste all hotspots on the WonderMunch food and history of Fort Lauderdale walking tour.

Fort Lauderdale is the self-described “Venice of America,” a nickname supported by the canals spread throughout the waterfront city. And, like its Italian inspiration, you can even embark on a gondola tour to catch spectacular sunset views.

If staying on land is more of your vibe, you are in luck. Fort Lauderdale also has a free trolley system that takes travelers all over the city. Plus, you can explore the city by biking or walking along the Riverwalk on East Las Olas Boulevard. The mile-long scenic walkway spans from Downtown Fort Lauderdale to the historic Stranahan House. As you walk, you'll encounter art installations, food tents, and vast tropical plant life.

The ATMOS immersive dining experience in Progresso Village takes guests on a tour of five top European destinations without ever having to leave their table. The luxury experience starts at $200 per person for a six-course gourmet meal, but is well worth the splurge based on the quality of food, service, and the unique multi-sensory interactive elements only found at ATMOS.

First constructed in 1901, The Stranahan House and Museum is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home, miraculously weathering through the countless storms that have impacted the area. The structure was the former home of the Stranahan family, who played a quintessential role in founding the city. Guided tours are held from 1–3 p.m., and start at $12 per person with discounted admission for students and seniors.

Nine01 is a 1920s-inspired speakeasy hidden in the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Resort. The reservation-only venue has a drink and food minimum of $50 per person, allowing the space to feel as intimate as possible.