Vacation In Fort Lauderdale

For over three decades, Fort Lauderdale Beach has been voted among the best beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor and others. It is known for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere, buzzing night scene, amazing gay community and premium shopping experience. The beautifully paved beach stretches 11 miles and the coastline is complimented by hundreds of private seafront condos and luxury resorts. Thousands of local activities make it a fantastic place to live or simply visit for a couple weeks during the winter.

Visiting Fort Lauderdale is both a rewarding and life-changing experience. Fort Lauderdale is filled with plenty of things to do, sights to see, and places to eat. The key to getting the most out of a visit to Fort Lauderdale is to plan ahead. Fort Lauderdale can be overwhelming when you first arrive.

Ft. Lauderdale is a coastal resort city in Broward County, Florida, 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Fort Lauderdale on an island separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway and Lagoons. The beach itself is actually two beaches connected by a narrow man-made channel called “the cuts”. The area attracting the most tourists is between 17th Street and 31st Street, nicknamed “South Beach”.

Vacation In Fort Lauderdale

Learn more about Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife and current hot spots, read fun things to do on your next trip, or learn about historical locations. There are many events to attend also and believe me when I say there is something for everyone!

Perched in the south-east of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a city that’s amazing to explore and one spot you shouldn’t miss whilst in the state. It’s a city that in so many ways feels much less undiscovered than places like Miami; but one place that you definitely shouldn’t ignore. I mean, there are so many things to do in Fort Lauderdale that I almost guarantee that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

My first visit to Fort Lauderdale was incredible and to be honest, a total eye-opener. Now, as I mentioned, I’d always been swayed by those big-hitting spots like Miami, the Florida Keys and Orlando.

Thankfully, this was remedied with our recent trip over to the sunshine state for a little, relax, culture, mountains of food and some good-quality beach time (essential, am I right?). I’m actually quite disappointed that this was my very first visit to the city! I mean, how did it take me so long! 

Anyway, before I ramble on I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale during your time in the city.

After all, It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting for a few days, a nice long weekend or a week of total relaxation, Fort Lauderdale has a proper mix of experiences, yummy foody joints and epic beaches that I promise you’ll love.

1.) Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard has to be one of the most fun streets to visit whilst in Fort Lauderdale.

Filled with everything from the best cocktail bars, foody haunts, some gorgeous little boutiques and a few museum spots, too. It’s one of those areas that’s amazing to visit in the early evening (after a long day of exploring).

Whilst you’re there, make sure to pop into Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar, they serve a mean espresso. Obviously, I mentioned Louie Bossi (which is epic), but also try the Lobster Bar and Seagrill, which I loved (plus, it looks like a mini Grand Central Station inside… so cool!)

2.) Head inside Bonnet House

Bonnet House is one of those places you can’t quite believe is in Fort Lauderdale itself – it feels so tucked away and totally away from the bustle of the city.

Now, if you’re looking for a little slice of old Fort Lauderdale, then Bonnet House has to be your stopping point.

Not only is it one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale (in my humble opinion) but it also has a history that dates back to the early twentieth century.

Make sure to spend a few hours wandering around the estate, taking a guided tour of the house and enjoying the gorgeous oasis that’s actually one of the last natural, barrier island habitats, you can see.

Read more on our visit to Bonnet House, here

3.) Eat everything at Louie Bossi

Okay, hands down, Louie Bossi is one of my top spots for food and it’s certainly up there with some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

Perched on Las Olas Boulevard, it’s one of those Italian restaurants that’s so good you actually believe you could be in Italy.

Make sure you try their homemade salumi boards and the tastiest spaghetti on this side of the Atlantic.