Fort Lauderdale in 5 days

The Venice of America: golden beaches, yacht-lined canals, Las Olas style and laid-back glamour. Best time to visit: November-April (warm, dry, sunny). Average daily budget: $160 to $320 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Fort Lauderdale Beach, The golden-sand beachfront with its famous wave-wall promenade, hotels and ocean-view dining.

Morning: Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Soft golden sand and calm water along the iconic palm-lined promenade and wave wall.

Afternoon: Explore Fort Lauderdale Beach, The golden-sand beachfront with its famous wave-wall promenade, hotels and ocean-view dining.

Evening: Cruise the canals and Intracoastal. See the waterfront mansions and yachts by water taxi, gondola or boat tour, the city's signature experience.

Eat: Fresh Florida stone crab and seafood

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Las Olas Boulevard, The stylish main strip of boutiques, galleries, sidewalk cafés and restaurants linking downtown to the beach.

Morning: Stroll Las Olas Boulevard. Browse boutiques and galleries and dine at sidewalk cafés along the stylish main avenue.

Afternoon: Explore Las Olas Boulevard, The stylish main strip of boutiques, galleries, sidewalk cafés and restaurants linking downtown to the beach.

Evening: Walk the Riverwalk and downtown arts district. Scenic riverside paths linking museums, performing arts and restaurants.

Eat: Key lime pie

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Downtown & Riverwalk, A scenic riverfront district with museums, the arts centre, bars and restaurants.

Morning: Take a day trip to the Everglades. An airboat tour through the famous wetlands and wildlife is within easy reach.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown & Riverwalk, A scenic riverfront district with museums, the arts centre, bars and restaurants.

Evening: Riding the water taxi as a scenic, hop-on hop-off way to see the city.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Waterfront fine dining on the Intracoastal

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Las Olas Isles, The exclusive canal-front neighbourhoods of waterfront mansions and yachts, best seen by boat.

Morning: Dining and nightlife in LGBTQ+-friendly Wilton Manors.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Las Olas Isles, The exclusive canal-front neighbourhoods of waterfront mansions and yachts, best seen by boat.

Evening: The Bonnet House, a historic estate and gardens by the beach.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Cuban and Latin American cuisine

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Wilton Manors, A vibrant, walkable and famously LGBTQ+-friendly neighbourhood of bars and eateries.

Morning: Quieter beaches and nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Wilton Manors, A vibrant, walkable and famously LGBTQ+-friendly neighbourhood of bars and eateries.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh Florida stone crab and seafood, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Wilton Manors.

Eat: Fresh Florida stone crab and seafood

Hidden gems

Riding the water taxi as a scenic, hop-on hop-off way to see the city.
Dining and nightlife in LGBTQ+-friendly Wilton Manors.
The Bonnet House, a historic estate and gardens by the beach.
Quieter beaches and nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Getting around

Fort Lauderdale's beach, Las Olas and downtown are fairly walkable, and the city's water taxi is a scenic and practical way to travel between waterfront spots. A rental car or rideshare is useful for reaching neighbourhoods like Wilton Manors, the airport and day trips to Miami or the Everglades. The Brightline train conveniently links Fort Lauderdale with Miami and West Palm Beach for car-free day trips.

Safety

Fort Lauderdale is generally safe in its main tourist areas, the beach, Las Olas, downtown and Wilton Manors, with normal big-city caution advised, particularly at night. Protect against the strong Florida sun, stay hydrated, watch for rip currents and heed beach flags when swimming, and note that hurricane season runs June to November, so monitor forecasts if visiting then.

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