Fort Lauderdale is More Than Just a Layover Destination

The Hard Rock complex also includes over a dozen restaurants, multiple bars. You can catch live events from music performances to comedians.

Riverwalk

Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk district is a new development for the continuous beautification of the city. You can stroll along the waterfront of the New River with several blocks of art, dining, shopping, and more.

The Riverwalk features multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops. Or, you can relax in the area to enjoy the scenic views of downtown and the river. You won’t have to do too much walking thanks to the water taxis available in New River. The boats stop at several locations along the waterfront while providing excellent views of the city.

The Riverwalk hosts many annual events and festivals, including a seafood festival. You’ll also have access to Las Olas, one of Fort Lauderdale’s prominent shopping streets.

Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park is an entertainment complex for the entire family. It has multiple venues with something suitable for everyone!

One of the highlight attractions of Gulfstream Park is the thoroughbred racehorse track. During the racing season, visit the track to bet on your favorite horse and enjoy the event. Just outside the venue is the Pegasus and Dragon statue, the largest equestrian statue in the world (third largest statue in the US).

For the kids, the complex includes a bowling alley and an arcade. Visitors also have lots of places to shop and dine. You’ll find everything from boutique shops to major name brand stores.

Everglades Boat Tours

The famous Everglades National Park is located just over an hour away from Fort Lauderdale, but you don’t have to travel that far to experience it. The Everglades Holiday Park is an excellent alternative that also features the same landscape and wildlife.

The Everglades Holiday Park hosts boat tours on airboats that speed through the wetlands for animals sightseeing. You cruise pass the grassy water while keeping an eye out for massive alligators floating near the surface. It’s also a fantastic place for bird watching.

Visitors spend an hour out on the water, or you can take a private tour. The park hosts other experiences like interacting with animals hands on.

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale?

Many people visiting Fort Lauderdale tend to stay near the airport to make it easily accessible for overnight layovers or transfers to Miami, but you’ll be missing out on a lot more if you restrict yourself to the area. 

Fort Lauderdale has some fantastic areas to find accommodation nearby the popular local attractions. Two of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale are:

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the top tourist areas with many hotel options. Most people like the area because you’ll be within walking distance to one of the best beaches. 

Downtown

Downtown is another trendy area to find various accommodations. You can focus your search around the river walk area or along Las Olas. The water taxi makes getting around downtown very convenient and fun!

Best Time to Visit Fort Lauderdale

You can’t beat an escape to sunny Florida and Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places to go to experience the great weather and beautiful beaches. 

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between November to April. The peak travel time is December to March, when you’ll hardly recognize that it’s winter. It’s a popular winter time getaway that maintains its warm climate.

The summer is also considered the rainy season in Fort Lauderdale, so you can expect daily rain showers from May to November. The rain typically doesn’t last all day, so you’ll still be able to take advantage of the local outdoor activities. Just keep an eye out for the high humidity. 

How Long Should You Stay in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is a travel hub giving airplanes access to Latin America, cruise ships access to the Caribbean, and party goers transferring to Miami. If your schedule permits, stay a few days in Fort Lauderdale because it has a lot to offer.

Fort Lauderdale is a major travel hub connecting travelers to multiple destinations. Whether you’re flying in the region or taking a Caribbean cruise, chances are you’ve seen routes passing through Fort Lauderdale. 

But Fort Lauderdale is more than just a place for your layover. Before rushing off to the next destination, spend some time discovering a gem in South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale is a trendy beach destination with lots of popular beaches to check out. It’s also a vibrant city for culture, entertainment, and dining. It has something for everyone whether you’re traveling for a winter getaway, a couple’s retreat, or a family vacation. 

We’ll take a look at the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale and what makes the city a must-visit in your travel plans.