Shop a Little. Sip a Little. Stare a Little.
This is where you go when you want to wander with purpose, sip something overpriced, buy something you absolutely do not need, and casually judge humanity in its natural habitat. Think main streets, casinos, shopping districts, waterfront walks, and the kind of people watching that makes you grateful your life is only mildly chaotic. Stylish people, strange people, people wearing entirely too much perfume at 2:00 in the afternoon, and at least one couple having a very public argument over absolutely nothing. It is part shopping, part strolling, part low effort anthropology, and honestly, some of the best entertainment in town.
Las Olas
Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is at the forefront of everything from fashion boutiques and art galleries, to memorable restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars… set the stage each evening for South Florida’s most architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic shopping and dining district.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Huge casino, nightclubs, shopping, dining, entertainment, spa services…….this place has it all!!
Hollywood Beach
Nestled between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Florida is known for its beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for a beach vacation. With oceanfront hotels and resorts, you will find the perfect accommodation for a weekend getaway or staycation. You can find unique shopping, beachfront restaurants and bars along Hollywood’s Broadwalk, in addition to yearlong activities, water sports, and live music.
Sightseeing in the 954
This is the part where you go outside, look around, and act like you came for more than food, drinks, and beautiful distractions. From waterfront views and beachside cruising to local landmarks, murals, and scenic little detours, this is where the 954 shows off a bit. Bring sunglasses, charge your phone, and prepare to take at least six photos of the same thing like it means something different each time.
Water Taxi Stop #F1
Ft. Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its many beautiful waterways. One of the best ways to Explore our city is from the water. Water Taxi is more than just a boat ride. Our Captains and Crew are well versed on the city and the many attractions that can be viewed from the water. As such, they provide a narrated excursion that includes historical information as well as fun and interesting information about the many Mansions and Mega Yachts that line the waterways. There are 10 stops in Ft. Lauderdale, and 1 stop in Hollywood at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort and the Historic Hollywood Broadwalk offering live entertainment nightly.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
For a different kind of entertainment experience, step on board Fort Lauderdale’s longest-running attraction, Jungle Queen Riverboats, a sightseeing cruise along New River that weaves through Millionaire’s Row and its many mega yachts to a private tropical isle for an all-you can-eat barbecue, plus a show complete with a Polynesian fire dancing finale.
Riverfront Gondola Tours
They call Fort Lauderdale the Venice of America, and you can experience a bit of its Italian counterpart with a gondola ride through the New River. Riverfront Gondola Tours drive through the river and canals for tours, as well as intimate and romantic dinner cruises. Tip: order food from Casa Sensei to enjoy on the ride!
Museums for People Who Roll Their Eyes at Museums
For the skeptics, the smart asses, and anyone convinced museums are just quiet rooms full of things they do not care about. These are the places that make culture a little less painful, with art, history, oddities, and exhibits interesting enough to hold your attention longer than your phone. Come for the air conditioning, stay for the surprise of actually giving a damn.
International Swimming Hall of Fame
Fort Lauderale’s history is closely tied to swimming — after all, it was collegiate swimmers who trained in the winter who would encourage their friends to return with them for Spring Break! The museum chronicles the history of swimming from ancient times to today. You’ll see 40 displays of Olympic medals, underwater photos of the Titanic, props from the “Tarzan” films (star Johnny Weissmuller called Fort Lauderdale home for a time), and more. A $90 million renovation has begun that will include a new museum, rooftop restaurant and outdoor dining, scheduled to open in 2025. Meanwhile, the east museum and the adjacent Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center is now open with new pools and a stunning 27-meter dive tower, the tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Learn about Fort Lauderdale’s history, art, and nature at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, an art-filled 35-acre estate nestled between the beach and the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale. The 20th century home is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses original furniture from artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Helen Louise Birch. Go on a guided or self-guided tour of the house and grounds and attend special events held throughout the year.
Museum of Discovery and Science
As one of the largest museums of its kind across the entire state, Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science is an interactive sight to behold.
As far as permanent exhibits go, there’s plenty to choose from: stroll through Prehistoric Florida, the Florida Everglades, and Otters at Play, take a seat in the IMAX theater, and feel the thrills aboard multiple rides and simulators. On top of that, with rotating features such as Here Be Dragons, MODS promises to be a fun excursion for the entire family.