Ultimate Guide to Attractions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers exciting activities and attractions. Explore nature at the Everglades National Park or see the flamingos at a nature preserve. Top your days off with a Broadway show or concert, and you will make memories whether visiting with friends or with your family.

Fort Lauderdale lies 28 miles north of Miami on Florida’s Atlantic coast and is the county seat of Broward County.

Hit the Beach

Fort Lauderdale’s beaches feature crystal-clear water, beautiful white sand, and great weather year-round! Compared to South Beach, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are a bit more family-friendly, yet just as enjoyable. Moreover, witnessing the sunrise at a Fort Lauderdale beach is a spectacle not to be missed.

Certified Blue Wave Beaches such as Hollywood, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Fort Lauderdale have earned continuous recognition from the Clean Beaches Council of Washington, D.C. since 1999 for providing clean and safe environments.

Stretching 23 miles from Hallandale Beach in the south to Deerfield Beach in the north, Fort Lauderdale boasts beach towns, each offering its unique charm.

Cruise the Everglades

With an expansive 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies, and sub-tropical jungles, Everglades National Park presents one of the most unique public parks in the United States.

Home to 14 rare and endangered species—including the American Crocodile, Florida Panther, and West Indian Manatee—this park offers visitors opportunities to walk, camp, and canoe while experiencing its pristine natural beauty. Therefore, gliding over the Everglades’ Florida Bay by tour boat or kayak can lead to spectacular wildlife encounters.

Discover Nature and Science

Address

401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA

Phone: +1 954-467-6637

Your kids will enjoy the Museum of Discovery and Science, which features over 200 exhibits, including a living coral reef, bats, snakes, and the “Runways to Rockets” aerospace exhibit. Additionally, a large IMAX theater captivates audiences with educational films, and North American river otters can be seen at underwater and above-ground viewing platforms.

This vast museum guarantees hours of engaging fun for the entire family, offering countless learning adventures.

Flutter through Butterfly World

Butterfly World offers visitors a unique educational experience to observe beautiful butterflies up close. Nestled in Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, this 10-acre farm and research facility is home to over a million butterflies and features the largest free-flight hummingbird aviary in the United States, making it the largest butterfly park in the world.

Stroll the Flamingo Gardens

Address

3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330-1698, USA

Phone: +1 954-473-2955

Flamingo Gardens spans 60 acres and showcases stunning Florida native and exotic plants and animals. Visitors can tour a working citrus grove and explore the sanctuary, which hosts the largest collection of Florida native wildlife, including alligators, bears, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks, and flamingos.

Moreover, the Wray Home within the gardens, the oldest residence in Broward County, offers visitors a glimpse into life in South Florida during the 1930s.

Walk Through the Secret Woods

Address

2701 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA

Phone: +1 954-357-8884

The Secret Woods Nature Center is a hidden gem in South Florida. Comprising a 57-acre preserve, it features a 3,800 square foot walk-through butterfly preserve, two nature trails, and an interpretive center. This serene environment provides a perfect spot to connect with the natural beauty of South Florida.

Observe the Planets

Address

3501 Davie Rd, Davie, FL 33314-1604, USA

Phone: +1 954-201-6681

The Buehler Planetarium and Observatory, tucked away at Broward Community College in Davie, is a charming attraction for science enthusiasts. With its 40-foot domed theater, it’s the only public planetarium in Broward County. Thus, you can typically enjoy a quieter experience with knowledgeable staff, making it an ideal spot for learning about the stars. Be sure to check the timing on their website for shows and observatory hours.

Bet on the Horses

Address

901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA

Phone: +1 954-454-7000

Gulfstream Park is one of Florida’s premier entertainment venues, combining thoroughbred horse racing and casino gaming. If you enjoy racing or gaming, Gulfstream offers a lively atmosphere. With 20 restaurants, open-air shopping, art galleries, cafes, and nightclubs, there is ample leisure to enjoy between the races. Furthermore, they host events including live music and family-friendly activities throughout the calendar year.

See a Broadway Show

Address

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, USA

Phone: +1 954-462-0222

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) is one of South Florida’s top entertainment venues, offering a diverse range of music, theater, and special events. This extensive performing arts center hosts Broadway musicals, ballet, and big-name concerts, ensuring visitors experience a vibrant cultural scene in downtown Fort Lauderdale.