All Outdoor Adventures
Cycling
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
90 min Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale (min 2)
Cycle through Fort Lauderdale, linking Colee Hammock Park, on a guided bike route with neighborhood context and photo stops.
★ 4.9 (82 reviews)
From $79
Top 10 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Top 10 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale? This 2026 guide covers the top 10 things to do, from iconic outdoor experiences to local attractions worth adding to your itinerary.
Use this list to compare highlights, discover what makes Fort Lauderdale unique, and find tours that match your travel style.
Highlights of "Fort Lauderdale"
Map preview generated from the featured coordinates for this destination.
Use the links below to open each attraction in Google Maps.
- 1. Fort Lauderdale BeachView on map
- 2. Las Olas BoulevardView on map
- 3. Riverwalk and the New RiverView on map
- 4. Bonnet House Museum & GardensView on map
- 5. Hugh Taylor Birch State ParkView on map
- 6. Intracoastal Waterway cruiseView on map
About Fort Lauderdale
- Location: Fort Lauderdale is in Florida, United States.
- Known for: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk and the New River, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Top Tours
Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Reef Snorkel & Ocean Paddle Adventure in Fort Lauderdale Beach
Paddle through Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on a guided kayak route with close-up coastal views and wildlife-rich water.
★ 4.9 (64 reviews)
From $115
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Authentic Private Everglades Airboat Tour
Skim cypress swamp and bayou channels near Everglades Wetlands on an airboat ride where marsh scenery and wildlife unfold at speed.
★ 4.9 (56 reviews)
From $95
Fishing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
4 Hour Shared Big Game Fishing
Set out from Fort Lauderdale Marina for a guided fishing trip in the waters around Fort Lauderdale.
★ 4.6 (43 reviews)
From $89
Boating
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
FROM FLORIDA: Bahamas Day Escape By Ferry
Explore Fort Lauderdale and Check-in at Port Everglades on a guided route with well-placed stops for views and photos.
★ 3.3 (63 reviews)
From $284.05
Sightseeing & City Tours
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!
Explore Fort Lauderdale and Carrie B Cruises on a guided route with well-placed stops for views and photos.
★ 4.7 (2286 reviews)
From $29.99
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Walk or bike the beachfront promenade and use the Atlantic shoreline for an early swim or sunrise before the midday heat.
2. Las Olas Boulevard
Follow Las Olas from downtown toward the beach for restaurants, galleries, shops, and canal-side city scenery.
3. Riverwalk and the New River
Use the riverfront path to connect parks, cultural sites, historic buildings, and boat traffic through downtown.
4. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Visit the historic estate near the beach for art, architecture, gardens, and a surviving pocket of older coastal Fort Lauderdale.
5. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Explore the state park between the Intracoastal and Atlantic for shade, trails, paddling, and a natural contrast to the developed beachfront.
6. Intracoastal Waterway cruise
See the city's canals, marinas, bridges, and waterfront neighborhoods from the water for the clearest geographic overview.
Best time to visit
Cooler months are easiest for outdoor planning
- Late fall through early spring generally brings lower humidity and comfortable outdoor conditions.
- Summer is hot, humid, and storm-prone; start exposed activities early and keep afternoon plans flexible.
- Busy winter and holiday periods reward advance reservations for popular tours and timed attractions.
Travel tips
- Group each day by geography instead of crossing the region repeatedly.
- Use early mornings for exposed outdoor activities and waterfront time.
- Check park, marine, and weather conditions before nature-focused plans.
- Treat nearby municipalities and protected areas as separate destinations with their own access rules.
FAQs about Fort Lauderdale
How many days should I plan for Fort Lauderdale?
Two to three days is a good starting point for the core sights plus one outdoor or regional experience.
Is Fort Lauderdale good for outdoor travelers?
Yes. The strongest itineraries combine the destination itself with nearby water, parks, preserves, or trails.
Do I need a car?
It depends on the destination, but a car or guided tour is often useful for protected lands and regional excursions.
Should I book tours in advance?
For high-demand wildlife, boating, park, and holiday-period experiences, advance booking is sensible.
Learn More About Fort Lauderdale
Best Tours in Fort Lauderdale
Cycling
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
90 min Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale (min 2)
Cycle through Fort Lauderdale, linking Colee Hammock Park, on a guided bike route with neighborhood context and photo stops.
★ 4.9 (82 reviews)
From $79
Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Reef Snorkel & Ocean Paddle Adventure in Fort Lauderdale Beach
Paddle through Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on a guided kayak route with close-up coastal views and wildlife-rich water.
★ 4.9 (64 reviews)
From $115
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Authentic Private Everglades Airboat Tour
Skim cypress swamp and bayou channels near Everglades Wetlands on an airboat ride where marsh scenery and wildlife unfold at speed.
★ 4.9 (56 reviews)
From $95
Fishing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
4 Hour Shared Big Game Fishing
Set out from Fort Lauderdale Marina for a guided fishing trip in the waters around Fort Lauderdale.
★ 4.6 (43 reviews)
From $89
Boating
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
FROM FLORIDA: Bahamas Day Escape By Ferry
Explore Fort Lauderdale and Check-in at Port Everglades on a guided route with well-placed stops for views and photos.
★ 3.3 (63 reviews)
From $284.05
Sightseeing & City Tours
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!
Explore Fort Lauderdale and Carrie B Cruises on a guided route with well-placed stops for views and photos.
★ 4.7 (2286 reviews)
From $29.99
Paddle Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Tropical Kayak Tour and Island Adventure
Paddle through Launch and Safety Briefing on a guided kayak route with close-up coastal views and wildlife-rich water.
★ 4.9 (49 reviews)
From $69
Boating
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private Yacht Cruise through Fort Lauderdale
Great for Families, Couples, and Groups.
★ 4.9 (112 reviews)
From $2,600
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades Tour w/ Biologist Led WET walk + 2 Boat Trips + Lunch!
Head deep into the wilderness of the Florida Everglades and experience a small-group swamp walk led by a Master Naturalist.
★ 5.0 (121 reviews)
From $389
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale
This private tour makes discovering Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway effortless.
★ 5.0 (344 reviews)
From $299
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat
Explore the real Everglades with a master naturalist on this full-day adventure.
★ 4.9 (752 reviews)
From $295
Sightseeing & City Tours
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Day Trip to Bimini, Bahamas - Ferry Tickets
Bimini in The Bahamas is known for its stunning beaches and scenery, and it offers a wealth of watersports opportunities too.
★ 3.3 (15 reviews)
From $270
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale
Escape to the wilderness of Florida's Everglades on this guided, full-day adventure from Fort Lauderdale.
★ 4.8 (508 reviews)
From $250
Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Jetcar Fort Lauderdale (Jet ski/jet boat) Rental
Explore Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway on jetcar fort lauderdale (jet ski/jet boat) rental with local operators.
★ 4.1 (22 reviews)
From $249
Sightseeing & City Tours
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Day Trip Quality Day Tours
The travel time includes a tour guide and map with roundtrip transportation.
★ 4.9 (24 reviews)
From $225
Sailing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Bimini or Grand Bahama Island Day Cruise
The boat has plenty of seating areas, restrooms, and air-conditioning to ensure a comfortable journey, as well as an onboard snack bar.
★ 3.3 (26 reviews)
From $225
Sailing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter
This half-day Fort Lauderdale sailing experience is ideal for visitors who want to get out on the water without having to drive a boat themselves.
★ 5.0 (404 reviews)
From $200
Sightseeing & City Tours
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private tour for 12 people on a 40 ft Yacht, Ft Lauderdale bay
See Fort Lauderdale from the water with a private yacht charter on a 40-foot yacht for up to 12 passengers.
★ 5.0 (494 reviews)
From $184.50
Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Fort Lauderdale
Rent a jet ski in Fort Lauderdale and head out to discover the intracoastal waterways.
★ 4.6 (281 reviews)
From $159
Wildlife
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure
Travel deep into Everglades National Park on a private airboat tour and wildlife encounter at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
★ 4.7 (514 reviews)
From $140.25
Sailing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale
End the day relaxing on the Atlantic Ocean with this sunset cruise.
★ 4.8 (712 reviews)
From $129
Sailing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sail & Splash Excursion in Ft. Lauderdale
Hop aboard a catamaran for a sailing excursion in Fort Lauderdale available in English and Spanish.
★ 4.8 (282 reviews)
From $129
Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fly high above the Gold Coast of Fort Lauderdale on this small-group parasailing adventure and enjoy views you can't get anywhere else.
★ 4.5 (511 reviews)
From $89.99
Fishing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Drift Fishing Trip off the Coast of Fort Lauderdale
Offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening, the 4-hour excursion can suit any schedule.
★ 4.6 (710 reviews)
From $85