The Best Travel Guide to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (UPDATED 2025) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Fort Lauderdale

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North America United States Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Overview

Fort Lauderdale, Florida The guide was updated: 2025-07-07

Fort Lauderdale offers something for every discerning traveler. By day, its sandy beaches and year-round mild weather invite relaxation. By night, Las Olas Boulevard transforms into a lively stretch of clubs, bars, and pubs. Add top-tier restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels, and it’s clear why this city is a haven for the stylish and adventurous.

Facts

Population:	184,709 (2025)
Currency:	US Dollar, 1 USD = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	The Sun Sentinel: www.sun-sentinel.com The Promenade Magazine: www.ftlauderdalenews.net WPLG (channel 10): www.local10.com
Website:	www.visitlauderdale.com
Opening hours:	In Fort Lauderdale, most businesses operate from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm, and on Sundays from noon to 6pm. However, smaller businesses, such as local shops or cafes, may have varying hours, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time.
Tourist information:	Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau 101 Northeast 3rd Avenue 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL +1 954 765 4466 Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm

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Section in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

There are many options for the adventure-seeker as well as the relaxed traveler. With museums, historical mansions, architecture, and even alligator-spotting swamp rides, all types of visitors will be entertained in Fort Lauderdale.

International Swimming Hall of Fame

International Swimming Hall of Fame

This aquatic center is a site for many international competitions. It has a 50-meter pool and contains photos and medals from historically important swimming events worldwide. You can also catch some vintage swimming movies there. A must-see for all swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, and water polo enthusiasts.

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

This modern art museum has many permanent collections including works by American artist William Glackens, artists of the northern European CoBrA movement, and contemporary works from more than 90 Cuban artists in exile around the world. Make time for the Picasso ceramics and the Indigo Room.

Stranahan House

Stranahan House

Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale's founding father, as a trading post and converted into a residence for the Stranahans in 1906, the Stranahan House is Ft. Lauderdale’s oldest standing structure and a perfect example of 'Florida Frontier' architecture. In its many incarnations, this building has been a post office, general store, town hall and today, is a small museum that teaches about South Florida Pioneer life.

Museum of Discovery & Science

Museum of Discovery & Science

Enjoy the 52-foot-tall Great Gravity Clock, the largest kinetic energy sculpture in the state. In Florida Ecoscapes, there is a living coral reef, bats, alligators, and more. This fun and interactive museum will please adults and children alike.

Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In Theater

Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In Theater

The Swap Shop has become one of the most popular attractions in the area and offers indoor as well as outdoor entertainment across over 80 acres. You can get a retro experience in one of the world’s largest drive-in cinemas and refresh yourself with farmers' products in the big food court. Additionally, in between movies you can go and get a bargain at the flea market, the largest daily flea market in the world, featuring over 2,000 stalls or stop by the video arcade.

Butterfly World

Butterfly World

Opened in 1988, Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world and the first park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to around 20,000 exotics butterflies and birds, and it is a great place to take your kids and spend a peaceful day surrounded by nature and these beautiful creatures.

Las Olas Beach & Boulevard

Las Olas Beach & Boulevard

Take off your shoes and walk right on the warm sand of Las Olas Beach. Should you ever get tired of relaxing in the sun or swimming in the azure blue sea, you can always grab a bite at the various restaurants along the beach or check out the luxury boutiques nearby.

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society aims to bring you closer to the city’s legends of the past. Follow the trails of national and economic development or simply get a glimpse of Broward County’s oldest hotel and estates in the historic district.

Fire & Safety Museum

Fire & Safety Museum

If you’ve always wanted to catch a glimpse of the heroic deeds of firefighters, Fort Lauderdale invites you to visit a small museum that provides a fascinating insight into the routine of some of today's heroes. The historic building, dating back to 1927, used to be a fire station and showcases old and new fire prevention techniques. An entertaining and educational experience for adults and children alike.

EZride Surf School

EZride Surf School

While Fort Lauderdale's waters aren't especially known for high waves, it's a perfect spot for surfing beginners. EZride Surf School equips you with everything you have to know about boards, techniques, and water safety, and provides lessons by professional surfers on a daily basis.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

As a leading cultural and arts venue, the Boward Center of Performing Arts hosts over 700 shows and events per year and has its own education program for art students in the U.S. Located in the Riverwalk Entertainment District, it is a venue of talent, music, and theater that provides an ideal opportunity for a magical experience watching an on-stage performance.

Sea Experience

Sea Experience

Whether you’re into scuba diving or snorkeling, the warm water conditions of Florida make it an ideal location for a glimpse under the water's surface. At Sea Experience, you can join a glass-bottom snorkeling trip or take scuba diving courses to get closer to the world of sea dwellers.

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens

Founded in 1927, the Botanical Garden in Davie is home to more than 3000 exotic animals and some of the tallest and oldest trees in Florida. The associated Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge for rehabilitated animals such as alligators, panthers, otters, peacocks, and flamingos. Join a narrated tram tour through the jungle and wetlands or discover the peculiarities of the tropic wildlife during special encounter shows.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Not far from busy Fort Lauderdale lies the town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. You can leave behind the rush of the Hollywood area, stroll along Anglins Fishing Pier and soak up the sun on its peaceful sandy beaches. Enjoy the small-town vibe as a day trip or check into one of the many quiet hotels in the area.

Jungle Queen Cruises

Jungle Queen Cruises

While there are many guided tours on the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterways, the Jungle Queen Cruises are probably the most famous ones. Old-fashioned sternwheeler ships travel the rivers and offer tours between 90 minutes and three hours. Not only gorgeous views but also dinners and shows on the riverboats will make this cruise a memorable experience.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Not far from the coast lies the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with its colorful flora and fauna. Tortoises, squirrels, and various birds can be found among its wildlife. As a visitor, you can explore the park by canoeing in the lagoon, cycling on paved roads, picnicking, or simply hiking among its trees and bushes.

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