Fort Lauderdale is a sun and beach destination of Florida. The city is buzzing and kicking with cultural, historical and outdoor experiences. With superb museums, galleries, shopping malls, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, beachfront restaurants, relaxing riverside strolls, spirited nightlife and full of life people, Fort Lauderdale offers wonderful times. Find yourself with only two days to explore and experience it all? Fret not! With our handy 48-hour itinerary guide you’ll get to experience the best of Fort Lauderdale’s sights, beaches, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and more.
Image By Zach Klein from New York, New York, USA (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Day 1 Tour Map Guide of Fort Lauderdale
8:00am- Refresh and rejuvenate at Fort Lauderdale Beach!
Start your day 1 in Fort Lauderdale at by a morning walk or stroll at the Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a perfect beach to stretch your legs and soak up the sun. Plonk under the tall pine trees and take in the warm rays. Indulge in outdoor activities like snorkeling, swimming, diving, deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, volleyball, boating, or simply a walk along the palm-lined promenade or the wave wall lining the beachfront. A perfect place to start the day in Fort Lauderdale!
Address: Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 800-227-8669
10:00am- Breakfast at H2O Cafe!
After a refreshing stroll or swim, refuel your body with a scrumptious breakfast at the H2O Cafe. Grab a java from the onsite connected coffee shop or order a smoothie and enjoy the delicious Italian breakfast. Authentic Italian food along with gorgeous ocean views, a perfect start!
Address: 101 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd #202, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Phone: 1 954-414-1024
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00am-11:00pm
Distance from Fort Lauderdale Beach: 1.2miles or 5minutes drive
11:00am- Take a tour of the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens!
Head to 1920s estate- the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens that features original furnishings and fine art by the artists couple, Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett. It is a plantation-style house that depicts the life in Fort Lauderdale during that period. The estate includes 35 acres of lush tropical garden, hibiscus and orchid gardens, a lily pond, mangrove wetlands, boathouse, a fruit grove, a theatre and a shell museum. Spot the wildlife while touring the historic house. Look out for the Brazilian squirrel monkeys that live there.
Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-563-5393
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Distance from H2O Cafe: 1.5miles or 5minutes drive via S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
12:00pm- Know the Swimming trivia at International Swimming Hall of Fame!
Next, make you way over to the International Swimming Hall of Fame to know everything about swimming. Located on the Intracoastal, the International Swimming Hall of Fame features an extensive collection of water memorabilia, including Olympics medals of the pioneers, uniforms, swimsuits, books and manuscripts. It preserves the swimming history and honors the well-known swimmers, water polo players and divers. It also houses two pools where visitors can splash around.
Address: 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Phone: 1 954-462-6536
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Distance from Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: 2.0miles or 7minutes drive
1:00pm- Lunch!
After spending some time in water, the tummies must be making a rumbling sound which indicates it’s time for a lunch!
Head to the Coconuts Restaurant (429 Seabreeze Blvd) that serves up American, Seafood and Caribbean cuisine or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (429 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd). For Italian fare, step into Boccaccino Cafe and Pizzeria (401 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) or Spazio (239 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd).
2:00pm- Indulge in reminisce at Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum!
After lunch, burn off those calories. Take a walk a few minutes’ walk to the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. The museum features more than 20 Packard cars dating back to the 1900s until 1940. In addition to the cars, it also features many parts that go into assembling the final product and other automobile memorabilia. Visitors will be amazed at the beautiful collection of classic cars and their pieces!
Address: 1527 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States
Phone: 1 954-779-7300
3:00pm- Glimpse of the past at Stranahan House!
Visit the Stranahan House that provides an insight into the 20th century Fort Lauderdale. It once served as a trading post, a town hall, a post office, a store, the Stranahan family residence and now, a museum. It features original furniture, photographs and artifacts that depict a compelling story of the time gone by.
Address: 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 1 954-524-4736
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum: 1.6miles or 6minutes drive
4:00pm- Catch a live performance at Broward Center for the Performing Arts!
Next, head to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for some entertainment. The center features live shows, ranging from live theatre to Broadway musicals to dance and ballet to opera and much more. A great place for art lovers!
Address: 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
Phone: 1 954-462-0222
Distance from Stranahan House: 1.2miles or 5minutes drive E Broward Blvd
5:00pm- Shopping at East Las Olas Boulevard!
Now, wander the boutique clothing stores, shops and art galleries of the East Las Olas Boulevard. It is a buzzing and lively spot of the city filled with one-of-a-kind stores that sell everything you need. Whether you need to shop for jewelry, clothes, items for home, bags and shoes, art pieces, vintage treasures or gifts, , this spot has it all. Shop ‘til you drop!
Address: Las Olas Blvd at NE 23rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 954-937-7386
Distance from Broward Center for the Performing Arts: 1.9miles or 8minutes drive via W Broward Blvd
7:00pm- Dinner and Drinks at Las Olas Boulevard!
This sizzling spot is lined with fine restaurants. In addition to a premier shopping experience, it also offers fine dining experience.
For a scrumptious and satisfying fare, drop by the Floridian Restaurant (1410 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States). Enjoy ribs and chicken wings with a drink at the Chima Brazilian Steakhouse (2400 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States). For New American fare along with craft beer, make your way over to the popular YOLO (333 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States) or Big City Tavern (609 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States). Dig into the succulent seafood at the Lulu’s Bait Shack (Crocs, 17 S Atlantic Blvd #212, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States).
9:00pm- Bar Hopping!
The night’s not over yet!
Cap off your night at The Parrot Lounge, a lively bar that is filled to the brim most nights of the week. Try its tasty pub grub with craft beers. It has an extensive selection of imported and domestic craft beers that will keep you coming back time and again.
Address: 911 Sunrise Ln, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-563-1493
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-2:00am; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-3:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-2:00am
Next, just take a 5-minute walk from the Parrot Lounge and step into the Rock Bar. Settle down on the comfy couches, sip on a drink and smoke on a hookah. It has an extensive hookah menu and the vibrant ambiance elevates the whole experience.
Address: 219 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Phone: 1 954-728-9801
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00am-4:00am
Distance from Parrot Lounge: 1.5miles or 5minutes drive
Day 2 in Fort Lauderdale
8:00am- Refreshing Morning Stroll at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park!
Combine morning walk with a bit history at the High Taylor Birch State Park. The park features several miles of nature trails through woods, perfect for jogging, walking or running. Other outdoor activities include cruising through the waterways, fishing, canoeing, skating, cycling and more. Do not forget to carry your camera, as the park is home to a diverse wildlife, like squirrel, butterflies, marsh rabbits, turtles, opossums, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise and more than 250 bird species.
Address: 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-564-4521
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00am-8:00pm
10:00am- Hearty Breakfast at Steak 954!
Visit the Steak 954 that boasts a welcoming vibe, oceanfront setting, and delicious seafood and steak dishes makes it a perfect spot for breakfast. Grab scrumptious breakfast with pretty views at this restaurant. Enjoy the fresh seafood, dry-aged beef, Tajima Kobe, and a wide selection of yummy desserts like Heirloom Apple Bread Pudding and pumpkin souffle. Lively and bustling, Steak 954!
Address: W Fort Lauderdale, 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-414-8333
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:00am-10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 7:00am-11:00pm; Sunday: 7:00am-10:00pm
Distance from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: 2.5miles or 1minutes drive via N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
11:00am- Browse the art at Las Olas Fine Arts!
The Las Olas Fine Arts features a wide collection of contemporary art by several well-established and up-and-coming international artists. Paintings, sculptures, prints and other eclectic pieces of art are showcased here.
Address: 701 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 1 954-767-0063
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-10:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Distance from Steak 954: 2.6miles or 9minutes drive via E Las Olas BLvd
12:00pm- See Fort Lauderdale from Riverfront Cruises!
Take a tour of the Fort Lauderdale through Riverfront Cruises. The cruise takes you to the city’s beautiful estates and mansions, historic sites, snazzy hotels, and huge luxury boats/yachts. Catch a glimpse of iguanas and manatees along the shores, and see the stunning views of the canal. At the lower level, folks can gather in the dining room and refuel their body with tropical punch. Along the way, the tour guide tells the riveting tale of the city and the role of waterways.
Address: 300 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 1 954-463-3440
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Las Olas Fine Arts: 0.7miles or 6minutes drive
2:00pm- Lunch!
For Sushi and Asian cuisine, head to Bao Bar Asian Kitchen (1200 E Las Olas Blvd). For Italian and American fare, make your way over to Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria (1032 E Las Olas Blvd Downtown Ft Lauderdale). Sample the Middle Eastern cuisine at Falafel Time (1306 East Las Olas Boulevard). Head to Mangos (904 E Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301) that serves seafood and American cuisine.
3:00pm-Peruse the works of art at NSU Art Museum!
Visit the NSU Art Museum that an extensive permanent collection of about 6,000 works of art. It is one of the finest art museums in Fort Lauderdale with artwork by world-renowned artists. The pieces showcases here reflect the artistic creation and expression of the Caribbean, South Floridian, Latin-American, Asian, American, African and Oceanic Tribal cultures Also, the museum is always buzzing and alive with activities, like art classes, wine tastings, jazz concerts, and more.
Address: 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 1 954-525-5500
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
4:00pm- An hour of science exploration at Museum of Discovery & Science!
Next, head to the Museum of Discovery & Science that features many interactive exhibits for kids as well as adults. Take a rocket trip or a simulated airboat ride, feel the hurricane-force winds; see the river otters, 12-foot long snake, iguanas, bats, sharks and Atlantic coral reef; watch live animal shows; dig for fossils; catch a laser show or a movie at the IMAX 3D theatre on-site; and climb into the cockpit of commercial airliner at the aviation station. Drop by the Explore Store and take home some unique gifts, toys and games.
Address: 401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
Phone: 1 954-467-6637
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Distance from NSU Art Museum: 0.4miles or 4minutes drive via SW 2nd Street
5:00pm- Retail therapy!
Head to Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop where you’ll find everything you need at a discounted price. You’ll find discount electronics, jewelry, plants, suitcases, car accessories, shoes, art work, watches, clothes, toys, perfumes, fresh produces, paintings, furniture, souvenirs, gifts and much more. It is home to over 2000 vendors selling something to please every shopper. A perfect spot for bargain-hunters!
Address: 3291 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, United States
Phone: 1 954-791-7927
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Thursday & Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 8:00am-6:30pm; Sunday: 7:30am-6:00pm
Distance from Museum of Discovery & Science: 4.0miles or 8minutes drive
Next, head to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale for some snazzy clothes and accessories. It is a two-level shopping mall with big brands, including Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s; and more than 100 specialty stores, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Coach, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Pottery Barn, Swarovski and Talbots, to name a few.
Address: 2414 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-564-1015
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
7:00pm- Dinner & Drinks!
Enjoy upscale steak and seafood with wine at Truluck's Restaurant (The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2584 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States). For American cuisine, make your way over to the Seasons 52 (The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2428 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States). Enjoy Mexican fare with a tequila drink at Mexican Cantina (2870 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States).
9:00pm- Paint the town red!
Start off your night at the Blue Jeans Blues, a trendy music club with jazz and blues music that set the mood right. Listen to live bands, while sipping on a drink and munching on tasty bar snacks. It also has a dance floor where you can shake a leg, while enjoying the music.
Address: 3320 NE 33rd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, United States
Phone: 1 954-306-6330
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-2:00am; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-3:00am; Sunday: 11:00am-2:00am
Or
Slide over to the Blue Martini, another happening spot for spirit lovers! The place is packed with young crowd dancing, schmoozing, drinking and having a great time. It serves martinis, champagne, wines, beer and beyond, whatever your mood and tastes, it has it all to keep you going. In addition, patrons can nibble on appetizers, like a steak sandwich martini, sushi, seared tuna and hummus. Live music and band performances kicks up the entertainment level.
Address: The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2432 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
Phone: 1 954-653-2583
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 2:00pm-2:00am; Friday & Saturday: 2:00pm-3:00am; Sunday: 4:00pm-2:00am
Day 2 Tour Map Guide of Fort Lauderdale
