Airport: FLL • International

Top 10 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

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Known as the "Venice of America", boasting over 300 miles of inland waterways, upscale mega-yacht marinas, breezy golden beaches, and lush Las Olas Boulevard.

Airport Transit Info ↓
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Trip Planning Essentials

Best Season to Visit December to April (ideal beach weather with sunny skies and gentle breezes)
Primary Commercial Airport FLL • Florida, USA

Airport Transit & Ground Logistics Guide

Getting from FLL to the city center and major attractions

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is exceptionally convenient: only ~10 minutes from Port Everglades and ~15 minutes to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Curated Top 10 Attractions in Fort Lauderdale

Ranked by traveler popularity, uniqueness, and seasonal appeal.

#1

Fort Lauderdale Beach & Wave Wall Promenade

Beaches

Miles of immaculate golden sand bordered by a signature curving white wave wall and pedestrian promenade lined with breezy cafes.

Insider Tip: The beach is significantly calmer north of Sunrise Boulevard near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
#2

Las Olas Boulevard Shopping & Dining

Dining & Retail

A picturesque, tree-shaded thoroughfare filled with upscale fashion boutiques, contemporary art galleries, outdoor bistros, and cocktail lounges.

Insider Tip: Stroll Las Olas in the evening to dine al fresco under twinkling banyan trees.
#3

Water Taxi Waterways Tour

Boat Tours

Hop-on, hop-off boats navigating the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, passing opulent "Millionaires Row" mega-mansions and yachts.

Insider Tip: An all-day ticket lets you use the Water Taxi as your scenic transit between the beach, downtown Riverwalk, and dinner on Las Olas.
#4

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Historic Estates & Nature

A whimsical 1920s subtropical plantation estate nestled between the beach and Intracoastal, featuring wild squirrel monkeys and tropical lily ponds.

Insider Tip: Guided house tours reveal original art studios and quirky historic furnishings preserved exactly as the artists left them.
#5

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

State Parks

An oasis of coastal hammock greenery between the ocean and Intracoastal offering paved cycling paths, freshwater lagoon kayaking, and campfire dining.

Insider Tip: Use the pedestrian tunnel beneath A1A to transition directly from the shade of ancient banyan trees to the ocean sands.
#6

Historic Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Waterfront Parks

A lush tropical linear park meandering along the New River in downtown, connecting museums, theaters, and historic brick cottages.

Insider Tip: Sunday afternoon jazz brunches along the river are free and draw lively local crowds.
#7

Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)

Science & Family

One of Floridas premier family science museums, featuring live river otters, hurricane wind simulators, prehistoric fossils, and a 5-story IMAX theater.

Insider Tip: The outdoor Science Park features interactive physical water and kinetic energy exhibits kids can operate.
#8

Sawgrass Mills Mega Outlet Mall

Shopping

The largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States, spanning over 350 stores including "The Colonnade Outlets" luxury wing.

Insider Tip: Wear comfortable sneakers—the mall spans over 2 miles of enclosed walkways; luggage carts are available for heavy shoppers.
#9

Flamingo Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife & Botanical

A 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary home to Floridas largest collection of native wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, and pink flamingos.

Insider Tip: Take the narrated tram tour through pristine tropical rainforest groves and native citrus orchards.
#10

Port Everglades Cruise Port Views

Maritime Heritage

One of the busiest cruise passenger hubs on earth; watch monumental cruise ships depart through the inlet on weekend afternoons.

Insider Tip: Watch the mega-ships blow their horns from the South Jetty at Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park across the channel.