Fort Lauderdale, FL

Travel Guide
Fort Lauderdale which includes tropical scenes, landscape views and a pond

Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide Video

With beaches, shopping, cultural attractions, the Everglades…and more beaches, this southeastern Florida city is a great vacation spot any time of year.

Fort Lauderdale’s beaches attract vacationing families, honeymooners and just about anyone looking for white sands, blue skies and warm water. Travel here to appreciate why the community has developed into a popular destination over the last 100 years.

Greater Fort Lauderdale has more than 23 miles (37 kilometers) of beaches. From Deerfield Beach in the north to Hallandale Beach in the south, select your favorite stretch of sand to view an Atlantic sunrise, build sandcastles, observe nesting sea turtles, snorkel or dive, enjoy watersports, deep-sea fish or simply relax on the soft sand.

Take a gondola ride on the canals of the city or watch huge yachts navigating the Intracoastal Waterway. Shopping along Las Olas Boulevard will give you a chance to pamper yourself or buy souvenirs for friends back home. Visit the Stranahan House to see how Frank and Ivy Stranahan lived in the early 1900s when they helped launch the development of Fort Lauderdale.

Stroll along the red bricks of the Riverwalk to enjoy water views and public art installations along the shaded walkway or participate in the day’s activities, including Segway tours, Pilates classes, kayak rentals, photography training or an ecoboat rental. Enjoy the gourmet delights at food kiosks along the Tarpon River.

Stop at the NSU Art Museum for contemporary works as well as Latin American art. See shows from Broadway to symphony to popular stars at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Let kids explore the Museum of Discovery and Science, where they can learn about reptiles, fossils, space and much more in a fun environment.

To appreciate the outdoors, walk the trails of the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, sandwiched between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Drive about 30 minutes west to the Everglades Wildlife Management Area for natural beauty.

Fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or drive from Miami in about 1 hour. Enjoy Florida’s warm sunshine and sparkling sands throughout the year.

Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale

Hollywood North Beach Park

Hollywood Beach

If you're spending some time in Hollywood Beach, Hollywood Beach and North Broadwalk are top sights worth seeing.

Hollywood Beach
Fort Lauderdale featuring interior views

East Fort Lauderdale

4.5/5(4,198 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in East Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Boulevard are top sights worth seeing.

East Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale featuring interior views

Central Beach

If you're spending some time in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Central Beach
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

4/5(2,235 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Make a stop by Las Olas Boulevard or Historic Stranahan House Museum while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Anne Kolb Nature Center showing forest scenes and a bridge

Hollywood Lakes

4/5(166 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hollywood Lakes, Hollywood Beach Golf Club and Hollywood North Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Hollywood Lakes
One of the images I use when I need to go to my happy place
#LifeAtExpedia

Lauderdale Beach

Lauderdale Beach might not have many top sights, but Fort Lauderdale Beach and Coral Ridge Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lauderdale Beach
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach
4 out of 5
1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The price is $122 per night from Jun 6 to Jun 7
$122
$191 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Book a stay at this beach resort in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,001 reviews)
"Great place and staff"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach
Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton
Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton
4.5 out of 5
3555 S Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL
The price is $178 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$178
$252 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hollywood. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,126 reviews)
Girls Trip
"Beautiful, relaxing, and great stay at the Diplomat Hollywood Beach Resort. Our room was exactly what I reserved for, 19th Floor Oceanview with Balcony. Perfect level with a great view at eye level . Staff is very kind and accommodating. Shout out to Eugene from Bell Service, very nice and helpful. ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
4 out of 5
6650 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fully refundable
The price is $116 per night from May 30 to May 31
$116
$131 total
includes taxes & fees
May 30 - May 31
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,237 reviews)
"Pool under construction. Gym small outdated. Breakfast Buffett excellent, room was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The St Maurice Beach Inn
The St Maurice Beach Inn
2 out of 5
310 Michigan Street, Hollywood, FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Hollywood. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 6 beach bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,555 reviews)
"This is a hidden gem. It’s quaint, quiet and clean. If you plan in being out all day then this is a place to stay. Very reasonably priced and close to everything."

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

The St Maurice Beach Inn
HYATT house Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
HYATT house Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
3 out of 5
90 SW 18th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dania Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,085 reviews)
"Loved the staff"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

HYATT house Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
H Resort & Residences
H Resort & Residences
4.5 out of 5
4111 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hollywood. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,473 reviews)
"Would definitely recommend"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

H Resort & Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Fort Lauderdale

Like most American cities, except the really big ones, Fort Lauderdale has limited public transportation. Rent a car if you can, but note there are alternatives too. Water taxis are a novel way to travel, although aren't cheap. The Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus will take you to many of the key areas in the city and is very affordable. Or, rent a bike at one of the Broward BCycle stands around the city. Visit the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority website. Browse Fort Lauderdale rental cars.

Best time to visit

Fort Lauderdale’s lovely winter climate carries on right through to spring, making it the ideal place to enjoy some sun when your hometown might not be as warm. Travel between December and April and you can expect temperatures to be anywhere from the high 50s F (10s C) to the mid 80s F (20s C). That means plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches on the east coast.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort Lauderdale

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3431
" "5 - Excellent 40.830655718195885%
4 - Good
3636
" "4 - Good 43.27026062120671%
3 - Okay
1128
" "3 - Okay 13.423777222420565%
2 - Disappointing
134
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5946685707485422%
1 - Terrible
74
" "1 - Terrible 0.8806378674282994%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Stayed during pandemic, not exactly a good time to explore any city...and the beaches were closed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

I love ft Lauderdale it was one of ur staff members I didn't appreciate

4/5 - Good

Fluffyt
Jun 2, 2020

It's hard to find a place to living in your price range

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

Did spend much time in Fort Lauderdale because this hotel was so horrible and dirty that we left after 20 mins and booked another hotel in the Plantation area. Worst hotel I've ever been too. Expediate should investigate and remove it from listing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

Great vacation spot a lot to do around there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

I love ft Lauderdale I’ll be back soon

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