FREE THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE

  • 1. Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, also known as The Guitar Hotel, due to its tower constructed to resemble a Gibson Les Paul guitar, is a hotel and casino resort near Hollywood, Florida, United States, located on 100 acres (40 ha) of the Hollywood Reservation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
  • 2. Fort Lauderdale Beach – With over 24 miles of smooth sand, Greater Fort Lauderdale provides plenty of space to soak up the sun in one of Broward County’s beaches!
  • 3. Las Olas Boulevard – Situated along a pristine beachfront, Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard is a stretch filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Pop in and out of the boutiques, take a tango class along the Riverwalk, visit the historic Stranahan House Museum, or have a picnic at Huizenga Plaza. Take your pick from over 30 al fresco dining options as well, like Rocco’s Taco and Tequila Bar, and El Camino Fort Lauderdale. With so much to see, consider exploring the area on a classic bike or segway tour, taking a craft food tour or pedibus pub crawl, or even on a gondola ride.
  • 4. Las Olas Beach – Las Olas Beach is located just a stone’s throw away from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Port Everglades. Here you can pass the time sunbathing and swimming in a relaxed atmosphere before heading for a shopping trip on the Las Olas Boulevard. A multitude of restaurants and the exciting nightlife make Las Olas Beach even more popular with locals and vacationers.
  • 5. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale – Stroll through this area to find shopping, dining, and many cultural attractions.
  • 6. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park – Probably the biggest beach in town, walkable from hotels and restaurants, a big stretch of sun and fun. Great for families and for everyone.
  • 7. Galleria – This 1.4 million square foot shopping mall contains upscale shops such as Neiman Marcus and Saks.
  • 8. Swap Shop – Hunt out bargains at this flea market, the largest in the South.
  • 9. Westfield Broward – A one-level 1,000,000-sq-ft (91,635 m2) shopping mall in Plantation, FL, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Managed and co-owned by the Westfield Group. Featuring 115 retail and service shops, four department stores, Regal Broward Stadium 12 + RPX, a variety of sit-down and casual dining venues. Accessible from Interstates 75, 95, 595 and Florida’s Turnpike, well positioned to attract frequent visits from urban and suburban commuters, while also drawing a sizeable influx of tourists drawn to the nearby world-renowned beaches. Along with popular shops that include Pandora, Aeropostale, Victoria’s Secret, Teavana, Francesca’s Collection, Express and Hollister.
  • 10. Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum – National Register of Historic Places. Mission Statement: Educating. Preserving. Honoring the Heroes BACKGROUND HISTORY: Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale (NASFL) was built on the site of Merle Fogg Field in 1942 as part of the national defense program; serving as one among 257 air stations during World War II, and as one of a few specialty schools for training on the TBM/TBF Avenger aircraft. NAS Fort Lauderdale made a big impact in the growth and economy of the South Florida region and the United States as a whole. Building # 8, The Link Trainer Building housed 6-8 Link Trainer flight simulators. It is the only remaining structure left on the naval base property—sole reminder of a naval complex of more than 200 buildings. This building is now the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. The Museum has been instrumental in preserving the memory of Flight 19, one of the great aviation mysteries. Flight 19 flew out of NAS Fort Lauderdale on 5 December 1945, to vanish into the Bermuda Triangle. In addition, 19 year old future US President George H. W. Bush lived at this base as an Ensign, to train as a torpedo/bomber pilot. From October 1942 to October 1946 the base would train American and British pilots and thousands of aircrewmen from the U.S and other countries.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE

  • 1. VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!! – Harken back to yesteryear on a fun Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise aboard the Carrie B paddlewheeler. Sail past yachts, mansions, and cruise ships along the New River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Port Everglades. Spend time on the open sun deck, sit outside.
  • 2. All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise – Cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner on this cruise. Board the Jungle Queen Riverboat and see the luxurious mansions and yachts along Millionaire’s Row, stretching from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center to the Intracoastal Waterway. The cruise travels to a tropical isle for an endless dinner offering barbecue ribs, and chicken with all the trimmings. Then experience a laugh-out-loud variety show to cap off an enjoyable and entertaining evening.
  • 3. Venice of America Tour | Millionaire’s Row | Complimentary Drinks – Enjoy the sights and sounds of Fort Lauderdale from the water on this narrated cruise along the city’s riverfront. Learn about Fort Lauderdale’s famous marinas and piers. See the luxurious mansions and yachts along Millionaire’s Row, stretching from Tarpon Bend to the Intracoastal Waterway.
  • 4. Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included – Make sure you tick off the most important highlights of the Everglades with an experienced guide in the lead when you book this Everglades airboat tour. Race through the River of Grass listening to in-depth commentary on the local environment and wildlife. Plus, round-trip transport from Fort Lauderdale is provided for a stress-free adventure.
  • 5. Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale – Perfect for those who want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a limited amount of time. A fully narrated 90-minute cruise along the New River through Fort Lauderdale will let you soak up such sights as the lavish homes and mega yachts along Millionaire’s Row.
  • 6. Water Taxi All Day hop-on hop-off Venice of America Boat Tour – Experience Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida aboard a narrated water taxi that grants you access to 20 stops. Discover historic landmarks like the Stranahan House and vibrant hubs like Las Olas Boulevard. Enjoy waterfront dining at 15th Street Fisheries, explore the elegant Hilton Marina, cruise by Bahia Mar and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and much more.
  • 7. Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure – Travel deep into Everglades National Park on this private airboat tour and wildlife encounter at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Experience the unique subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades on your own airboat, going deeper into the Everglades than on the typical public ride. Skim across the grassy water at speeds up to 40 miles per hour while looking for alligators, fish, turtles, and wading birds. This tour includes entrance to Sawgrass Recreation Park and admission to the Reptile and Glades exhibits.
  • 8. 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Fort Lauderdale, FL – Fly high above the Gold Coast of Fort Lauderdale on this 1.5-hour parasailing adventure. Head out on the water with a captain and crew for a safe experience. Once you’re hundreds of feet in the air, you’ll be able to take in views of Lauderdale Beach, the surrounding blue waters of the Atlantic, and even a glimpse of the Bahamas on a very clear day.
  • 9. Island Time Boat Cruise in Fort Lauderdale – Bring your own drinks, snacks and bathing suit, and get ready for fun in the Florida sun, on this party boat trip from Fort Lauderdale. Choose between several departure times, make your way to the marina, and hop aboard: See the city from the water’s edge, zip past celebrity-owned mansions and yachts, and stop at a sandbar for swimming. In between, relax, enjoy the soundtrack, and soak up the ambiance.
  • 10. Mini Powerboat Rental – Cruise down the waterways of Fort Lauderdale on a mini powerboat and enjoy a relaxing time on the water. Known as “America’s Venice,” this canal-ridden area is lined with yachts, mansions, and mangrove forests. A powerboat helps you easily navigate the waterways without exerting any energy, so you can sit back and admire the scenery while you ride.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN FOR LAUDERDALE

BARS IN FORT LAUDERDALE