Fort Lauderdale offers plethora of tourist spots, ranging from cultural spots to historical sites to natural attractions. Adventure junkies, outdoor and nature lovers, families, kids, couples and solo travelers, all will get their fix in Fort Lauderdale. If you’re amused by history and artwork, stop by the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or Fort Historical Center. For Photo opportunities, make your way over to the Las Olas Boulevard and snap picturesque photos. If you’re into nature and adventure, stop by the High Taylor Birch State Park or Everglades Holiday Park. The city has myriad of attractions for everyone!
Stroll, Shop & Eat at Las Olas Boulevard
Partyholics and beach bums, Las Olas Boulevard is your spot. It is a lively place filled with nightclubs, boutiques, shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants. Plus, there are many cultural and historical attractions dotting the area. During the day, visitors can take a boat tour of the Intercoastal Canals or take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy the cultural and historic landmarks along the way. And after dark, the atmosphere changes to festive mode. It is the heart and soul of the city with something for everyone!
A Leisurely walk in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park!
Image By Ebyabe (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Seeking out tranquility and nature, make your way over to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It is known for its calm beaches, diverse flora and fauna, nature trails and recreational activities like salt water fishing, swimming, bicycling, inland skating and canoeing. The park also features canoe rentals, an exercise course, nature walks and picnic areas. The area includes a wide variety of wildlife, including indigo snake, gopher tortoise, marsh rabbits, turtles, gray squirrels and over 250 species of birds. It also has freshwater lagoons, hardwood coastal hammock and mangrove swamps. Adventurers and nature lovers have plenty to do here. Also, it is a perfect spot for bicyclist, swimmers and skaters alike. Take in the rays and lounge around the grass!
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
Discover Bonnet House Museum & Gardens!
Image by Leonard J. DeFrancisci [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bonnet House Museum and Garden is a beautiful estate, reminiscent of the bygone era. It was built in 1920 and was the former house of the well-known artists, Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett. It is a plantation-style house that features European art and architecture, and artworks by Bartlett couple. The house also features the original furniture, personal trasures and memorabilia that reflect the whimsical lifestyle of the owners. It showcases how life was in Fort Lauderdale in the 1930s and 40s. The estate includes 35 acres of lush tropical garden, a lily pond, wetlands, boathouse, a fruit grove, a theatre and a shell museum. Visitors can spot diverse wildlife while touring the property. The house has something for every traveller- art aficianados, wildlife lovers, history buff and horticulturalists. Tranquile, greenery and interesting history can take you back in time!
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
Science is fun exploratory at Museum of Discovery and Science!
Image By Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Catch a hollywood flick at the IMAX theatre, see the largest living Atlantic coral reef along with other sea creatures, feel the hurricane winds in the onsite Storm Center, climb into the cockpit of commercial airliner at the aviation station, dig into fossils, and get up-close to the iguanas, bats and sharks, all this under one roof at the Museum of Discovery and Science. The museum fetaures interactive exhibits on outer space, health, ecology and local environment. Displays include a real coral reef, tropical fish, river otters, Everglades Airboat Adventure, an oak forest replica, Fishy fossil exhibit, space exhibits, 9 cockpit simulators, and much more. It also has a 7-D capsule theatre where visitors can soar through the sky and learn about the mechanics of aviation. A must-see museum, even if you do not have kids in tow!
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
Artwork Galore at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale!
Image By Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale features a permanent collection of over 6,000 pieces of artwork, including works by several well-renowned national and international artists. The artwork includes paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. Plus, several temporary exhibits are also showcased. Highlight includes early twentieth century American Painter William Glackens work of art, contemporary artists like Norman Rockwell and Banksy artwork, Picasso ceramics, and COBRA artists work (Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam) artists in the country. The collection housed here reflects the Caribbean, South Floridian, Native America, African, Oceanic Tribal, and Latin-American cultures. Several events are also held here from art classes to wine tastings to jazz concerts and more. And, do swing by the museum’s store to take a memento of your visit!
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
Catch a Show at Broward Center for the Performing Arts!
Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-venue theatre boasting the most surreal stage shows. It hosts plays, Broadway musicals, opera, ballets, theatre, concerts and more. The center is buzzing throughout the year attracting art and cultural lovers. An impressive array of theatrical performances is held all year-round. If you’re fond of spectacle, this is the spot to visit when in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
Phone: 1 954-462-0222
Trace the Fort Lauderdale’s origin at Stranahan House!
Image By Dtobias (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Stranahan House is the oldest building in the city and a well-known historical site, definitely worth a visit. It features Fort Lauderdale’s history from the beginning as a trading post to post office to town hall and store, and now a museum. It was built by Frank Stranahan in 1901 and served as a trading post for the Seminole Indians and early settlers. It houses original furnishings, decorative pieces, artifacts and historical photographs. A glimpse of the Fort Lauderdale history!
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
Check out the classic four wheels at Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum!
Image By Ebyabe (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum was founded by Arthur O. Stone that features an extensive collection of classic autos of Packard, including pre-war Packard cars. It features motor cars and a gallery dedicated to the late U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It houses several Packard automobile dating back from 1900 until 1940s. Highlight include models like 1909 18 Speedster, 2201 Woodie Wagon, and more. Individual pieces of car are put on display, like the gear shifters and bonnet/hood ornaments. It highlights the American engineering skills over the decades. Petrolheads will love this museum!
Address: 1527 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States
Phone: 1 954-779-7300
Get up-close with Florida’s alligators at Everglades Holiday Park!
Maps data: Google, DigitalGlobe
Everglades Holiday Park offers a thrilling experience. Take an airboat tour through the everglades and enjoy the spectacular views of Everglades. Catch a live alligator presentation that features Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys” and also throws light on the last remaining dinosaurs; explore the wetlands, take selfie with the Everglades animals, see an American alligator and observe its exotic wildlife.
Address: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332, United States
Phone: 1 954-951-5100
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-10:00pm
Know swimming legends at International Swimming Hall of Fame!
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Swimming lovers won’t want to miss the fascinating International Swimming Hall of Fame. The museum features a largest collection of water memorabilia. Everything on water sport is showcased here- Olympic medals, manuscripts, photographs, books, swimsuits, uniforms, souvenirs and aquatic artifacts of the fifteenth century. It highlights the accomplishments of the well-known swimmers. If you wish to splash around in water, it also two ten-lane, 50-meter pools. Also, it has a theatre that showcases films of the accomplished people of the water sports. Buy souvenirs from the gift shop on the premises.
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
Explore local history at Fort Lauderdale History Center!
Fort Lauderdale History Center features the history of Fort Lauderdale through exhibits, photos, artifacts and manuscript collections. From prehistoric inhabitants until the twentieth century Fort Lauderdale is put on display. Historic walking tours are available. The permanent exhibits housed at the center include Panorama of the Past, King-Cromartie House and the New River Inn Visitor’s Room. Step back in time!
Address: 219 SW 2nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
Phone: 1 954-463-4431
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Best Tourist Spots in Fort Lauderdale Map Guide
