Today, Fort Lauderdale has a thriving arts scene, a growing foodie movement, and neighborhoods bursting with character. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, top-tier concerts and sports, or the best damn mai tai this side of the Pacific, the "Venice of America" wows.
Here are ten of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdalefloridastateparks.org Sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean is Fort Lauderdale's tropical answer to Central Park. Paddle through the mangroves, spot gopher tortoises on trails, or rent a bike and cruise through this 180-acre gem. When you're hungry (or thirsty), there's an on-site restaurant, The Grove, with libations, flatbreads, and bites. Pro tip: Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for an extra dose of botanical beauty, art, and history.
Glitch Bar & Arcade
905 NE Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdaleglitchbar.com Calling all gamers and craft beer lovers: Glitch Bar is a neon-lit wonderland stocked with classic arcade games and an expansive drink selection. Sip on local brews as you dominate Mortal Kombat, cozy up to classic consoles, or join the masses for Killer Queen battles. While you're in the Flagler Village neighborhood, fuel up with a caffeine fix from Wells Coffee, Fort Lauderdale's most beloved local roastery known for its horchata cold brew and remote worker friendliness.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdalebrowardcenter.org From Broadway blockbusters to comedy specials and symphony performances, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is the city's crown jewel for entertainment. This state-of-the-art venue sits along the New River, so you can soak in waterfront views before or after a show. Beyond its main Au-Rene Theater, its smaller rooms regularly host intimate gigs and community workshops.
Baptist Health IcePlex
800 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdaleftlwarmemorial.com While the Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers, play in Sunrise, their sparkling new practice facility is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. South Florida isn't exactly known for ice skating, but at the Baptist Health IcePlex, you can not only watch the champs practice (and buy some merch at Pantherland), but you can also channel your inner Olympian on the rink. Bonus stops while you're in the area include the historic War Memorial Auditorium and the Parker — both within a literal stone's throw — for a show. The Federal, on the upper level of the Baptist Health IcePlex, is a stellar bar overlooking Holiday Park's always-intense pickleball action.
Mai-Kai
3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdalemaikai.com If you haven't sipped a rum-fueled cocktail under the glow of tiki torches at Mai-Kai, have you even been to Fort Lauderdale? This legendary Polynesian restaurant and bar has been a local icon since 1956, serving up flaming drinks, a mesmerizing hula show, and a time-capsule ambiance straight out of an Elvis beach movie. The restaurant recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and is shining in its new era. If you're not up for a show, its happy hour — at the Molokai and Bora Bora Bar areas — offers half-off drinks from open to 7 p.m. daily.
Water Taxi
Multiple stops in Fort Lauderdalewatertaxi.com Why sit in South Florida's God-awful traffic when you can cruise along Fort Lauderdale's scenic waterways? The Water Taxi is more than just transportation — it's a front-row seat to the million-dollar yachts, waterfront mansions, and charming canals that have earned the city its "Venice of America" nickname. Hop on and off at stops near the beach, Las Olas Boulevard, or even Hollywood for a breezy day of exploration.
NSU Art Museum
1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdalensuartmuseum.org Contemporary art lovers will find plenty to admire at this creative utopia, home to an impressive collection of modern and Latin American works. The striking modernist building — with a totally distinguishable splash of exterior color — houses everything from avant-garde exhibitions to pieces by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. For another dose of Fort Lauderdale's cultural scene, hop over to the Historic Stranahan House Museum or the Museum of Discovery and Science, also downtown, for a full-fledged museum day.
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Blvd. from SW First St. east to SE 16th Ave.lasolasboulevard.com Fort Lauderdale's most famous artery is a feast for the senses. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with stylish boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants — the classic Floridian Diner, the quintessential Gran Forno Bakery, and the ever-buzzy American Social Bar — that spill out onto charming sidewalks. You can easily make a day (or more) on Las Olas: Enjoy a long, lazy brunch, pick up a quirky souvenir, or simply people-watch as you stroll along the strip. Don't forget to wander along the Riverwalk for a scenic view of the New River, too.
Yellow Green Farmers Market
3080 Sheridan St., Hollywoodygfarmersmarket.com Just a short drive south of Fort Lauderdale, the Yellow Green Farmers Market is a weekend-only treasure trove of fresh produce, gourmet treats, and artisanal goodies. Whereas some regional food halls have an ultra-refined and borderline stale vibe, this is where abuelas griddle up pupusas, boutique crispy rice reigns, and family-recipe empanadas and patties dazzle. This unpretentious market truly has something for everyone. It's a great pre-beach stop, too.
Vintage Shopping in Oakland Park
N. Dixie Hwy. from NE 32nd St. north to Prospect Rd.oaklandparkfl.gov Vintage lovers rejoice — Oakland Park is the area's go-to district for retro treasures and the hippest finds. A one-mile stretch taking folks through the quaint downtown north is packed with unique shops like Oddballs, Jasper Kane, and the Vintage Clubhouse, each brimming with rare and offbeat finds. The same stretch has become Fort Lauderdale's hotspot for breweries, too, with Tripping Animals, Black Flamingo, Funky Buddha, and Voodoo Brewing among its outposts.
