Fort Lauderdale is located in between the blazing beach scene of Miami and the glitz-and-glamour of Boca Raton. This city provides sanctuary for tourists seeking the pure joys of a Florida getaway: sun, shops, and wholesome family entertainment.
Despite its reputation as a spring-break party hotspot, the city has grown into its own in recent years. With a bustling nightlife, a thriving culinary scene, and daydream-worthy beaches.
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful combination of beautiful landscape, sights, and kid-friendly activities that will cater to partners, families, and single visitors alike. Keep reading to discover the top 10 things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Flight Course
If a sightseeing ride over the city isn’t enough, take it up a notch by getting behind the wheel! There is no better location to learn how to fly than above the eastern Florida coasts, with its vast shoreline and stunning terrain. If a one-hour session sparks your interest, Berichi Aviation provides complete summer courses that finish off with your very own pilot’s license.
2. Horse Racing At Gulfstream Park and Casino
The Gulfstream Park horse racetrack has historically been around since 1939. Since then they’ve made a name for themselves as one of the most prominent racing arenas in the United States.
From Dec to Sep, races are held every Wed through Sun. If betting on horses isn’t your thing, we suggest you visit the casino or the local shops and restaurants instead. Sun’s endless buffet for $10 per person is a tremendous value for the especially hungry and thirsty among us!
3. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
If you flew in and saw a guitar-shaped building, you’re not hallucinating! The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is tough to miss with its guitar-shaped skyscraper rising over the palm tree-filled hotel complex.
In true rock and roll fashion, Hard Rock offers a multitude of ways to entertain its guests. You’re guaranteed to party like a rockstar throughout your time at this 450-foot-tall lodgings. Thanks to the party-hardy environment, music-themed facilities, and round-the-clock entertainment.
Aside from the Guitar Tower, and pools. The complex includes a casino, a day club/nightclub, a food court, and the new seven-story Oasis Tower. This tower holds 168 hotel rooms, including a bottom floor of swim-up suites, and a rebuilt Hard Rock Live stage with 7,000 seats.
4. Museum of Discovery and Science
Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science is an immersive site to see. It is among the largest museums of its sort in the whole state. There are lots of major exhibitions to pick from:
- Prehistoric Florida
- Florida Everglades
- Otters at Play
- IMAX cinema
- Several rides and simulators
Also, with seasonal attractions like Here Be Dragons, MODS aims to be a delightful family outing.
5. Seaplane Tour
Fasten your seatbelts for a spectacular aerial perspective of the city! Onboard an amphibious aircraft, you’ll have a totally different viewpoint on the broad waterfront. Soar above the packed beaches, marvel at the intricate patterns of the rivers, and, take a few pictures in front of the skyline. Book a seaplane to take you to and from neighboring islands such as the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or the Florida Keys.
6. Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In Theater
The Swap Shop, proudly claims to be the world’s largest daily flea market. Draws hundreds of exhibitors offering all types of hidden treasures, local goods, and snacks worth trying.
Aside from the apparent Swap Shop experience, the facility also features a stunning collection of genuinely great vehicles. This experience includes everything from modern to vintage Ferraris. As well as a 14-screen drive-in movie theater that shows a variety of current films and classics.
7. Find your New Favorite Club – Escape Lounge
Escape Lounge is the epicenter of Fort Lauderdale entertainment. The 4,000 square foot venue complex occupies a compound of 2 floors and 3 full-service bars and a balcony overlooking downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Escape appeals to beautiful locals, the traveling jet set, visiting celebrities all for a crowd that is unparalleled in Ft. Lauderdale. With a state-of-the-art sound system and a heavy rotation of the finest local DJs spinning behind the DJ booth, there is no telling where the night might take you.
8. Swamp Tours
Everglades Swamp Tours welcomes you to join us on an airboat tour of Florida’s distinctive wetlands. Where our knowledgeable guides will show you a side of Florida you’ve never seen before. You never know what you’ll see when you explore this valued natural resource, and each tour is a wonderful adventure that never repeats itself.
The picturesque Everglades are ready to delight you with a feast of riches while you study its natural residents. An array of unique birds, endangered panthers, and American crocodiles and alligators. Whether you’re on a family vacation or an exciting date, their skilled swamp tours will make your trip one to remember!
9. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale has almost twenty miles of golden sand beaches, providing guests with excellent options for amusement, relaxation, and leisure. The beachside promenade showcases Fort Lauderdale’s well-known shoreline, which is complemented by a variety of stores, restaurants, street cafés, and entertainment venues. Great destination If you’re searching for a place to unwind and take in the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Galleria Mall
Even if you don’t have special plans to visit The Galleria Fort Lauderdale, it’s something you’re bound to see or hear about while in Florida. A day at The Galleria is an enjoyable day in Fort Lauderdale, notably for people who have a strong shopping obsession. If you do it well, you’ll be leaving with your arms full of bags.
16 thoughts on “Top 10 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale”
I love Fort Lauderdale so much! So many people associate it with crazed spring breakers, but there’s really so much to do there for everyone.
I have liked more about flight courses and horse ride. By the way I love very much horse ride.
I was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale and I have never done a number of these. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel is a must see!
So many fun and varied things to do here. Most I haven’t even thought of while in FL..
I feel like there are so many other things to do there. We kayaked in Sunrise Bay and visited the Bonnet House and Gardens. They’re under the radar things to do, but we loved it!
I hope to one day explore Fort Lauderdale with the family. Never been to the US, but heard of Miami from movies and books, and from friends to vacayed there. The swamp tours look interesting, and my boys will def love to learn to fly a plane.
Never been to Fort Lauderdale. Sounds fun! Adding to my to-visit list
Oh that flight course one sounds fun! There are so many exciting things to do in the place.
I love the idea of the seaplane tour – that looks so awesome! Also what an amazing experience to learn to be a pilot. I would absolutely LOVE that.
I can’t believe that I have been to Fort Lauderdale a couple of times, but have only done two of the things on your list! I guess I have to come back!
The flight course looks fun idea and would love to try it. I’m going to write that down so I won’t forget if I go there.
These are all so fun filled things to do. Being a pilot and flying through the air is really exciting. Horse riding is too an adventurous activity.
I have been to Florida many times and have actually been to Fort Lauderdale as well. We have always had a lovely time
We visited the museum last time we were there waiting to board our vacation cruise. Definitely want to visit again!
Nnnniiiiccceeee…I am so taking that horse-ride! And preferably, when the sun isn’t so out like it is, now! Thanks for sharing about Fort Lauderdale.
So many activities to try out! I personally want to be able to do the flight course! It’s been a dream that I had to check off my bucket list.