Fort Lauderdale is a fun and festive beach-side city with endless things to do, from the Atlantic coast to the Downtown vibe, it takes Miami’s tempo, chills it out a bit, and draws you in. Check out 5 things to do in this sunny city!

The Beautiful Beaches

Fort Lauderdale espouses some of the most gorgeous beaches in the continental U.S. With soft white sand and gently waving blue water, it’s the perfect place to relax. While a tourist attraction, its also a local favorite, and despite its beauty remains relatively uncrowded. Parking is relatively easy to access and inexpensive as well.

The famous Elbo Room on the corner of A1A and Las Olas is a favorite of vacationers and regulars alike, offering a classic location with drinks and a view of the sea. Grab a cocktail, make some new friends, and then venture out with your towels and sunglasses for a swim, just across the street! In addition to this beach favorite, take a walk along the main drag to stroll past the other myriad restaurants and shops. Many offer drink specials, including two-for-one tropical drinks in 30+ ounce martini glasses!

If day turns tonight along the beautiful beach, you’re well taken care of. All along A1A the Fort Lauderdale nightlife begins to thrive early in the evening and continues until the wee hours of the morning!

Hit Up Downtown

After a day at the beach, put away your sunscreen and head out to Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant downtown. Himmarshee Street is a fun and walkable strip of modern restaurants, great bars, and local favorites with upbeat live music ranging from salsa to hard rock. As you walk along you’ll find an amazing array of food and drinks, everything from fried chicken, to seafood, to tacos and pizza – all of which impress!

Check out Taco Craft or Bull Market for a drink and dinner, and if you’re feeling the need to dance the night away, (or just grab some handcrafted cocktails), make a visit to Stache. From the street, this eclectic and unique location doesn’t advertise – just look for the Chinese lettering on the red marquee off 2^nd avenue, which is around the corner from Himmarshee Street itself. (Make sure to check out the upstairs “library”!)

Lastly, continue your walk behind the downtown/Himmarshee area to the riverfront and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk area, a long, winding riverside walkway that bends along the New River. Yachts stride up and down this stretch of calm waterway day and night, and the nighttime lights of the boats make for great romantic sightseeing on a crisp evening.

Take the Water Taxi

One of the best ways to get around the intracoastal is via the local water taxi. Hosted by charming and informative captains, these boats will take you through the winding waters of the local area, stopping at locations all the way from the Fort Lauderdale to the city of Hollywood, if you so choose! With stops all along the water, take your pick and hop on (and then, off!) wherever you’d like.
Make sure to stop at the 15^th Street Fisheries restaurant, as well as Bahia Del Mar, both excellent waterfront places to get great food and drinks. Try the fish dip at Bahia, not to be missed! After a day on the intracostal, you can exit the taxi at any one of their stops as well. Running day and night daily, the Water Taxi is a thriving attraction while getting around the city every weekend – so why not give it a try?

See a Show at the Broward Center

Located right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Sitting along a quaint section of the intracoastal, it brings in an impressive array of Broadway productions and concerts during the year. From The Lion King and Rascal Flatts to smaller, local productions, their rotating schedule is one to keep an eye on. Ticket prices are reasonable, especially considering the caliber of performances, and the venue is a tribute to theater itself.

The Broward Center features both a classically beautiful main theater, often a center for popular national and global acts that seats thousands, as well as a smaller theater (pictured above) that focuses on providing an environment for local artistic troupes – which we often prefer. With comfortable seating, both inside and out, you can spend intermission on the terrace with a nice glass of wine and good conversation. Check out their schedule while you’re in town and find any number of intriguing performances!

Brunch it Up!

Fort Lauderdale is definitely a brunch-friendly city! After a few days in the sun, sand, and festivities of the area, you’ll find that the mid-morning scene in Fort Lauderdale is a welcome repose for a weekend morning (or, afternoon!). There are so many great places to experience great food and a couple mimosas, its difficult to pick favorites!

For starters, check out the classic Foxy Brown on East Broward Blvd for great American fare and a covered back patio where you can relax with your bubbly drinks. Get there early for the best seating, it’s a popular spot for a reason – the food is delicious! If you’re looking for more of a downtown vibe, head back to Himmarshee and sit along the street at Public House while you people watch, a favorite among locals. Make sure to ask for a spicy Bloody Mary to accent your meal. For some Latin flavor, make your way to The Chimney House, located near the Broward Center, which serves some of the best Latin cuisine in the city. Also a great place to sit outside, make sure to order their house-made Sangria and a plate of Empanadas… amazing!

At every turn, Fort Lauderdale is a fun and exciting place, with beautiful beaches, world-class food, theater, and excursions. Bring a couple towels, some sunglasses and your spirit for adventure, and get lost in the sunlight!