A coastal city on the southeastern coast of the US state of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise boasting a pristine 7-mile beachfront. The city kisses the Atlantic coast and is 23 miles north of Miami.
As you step into this charming city with its upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels, you will be enchanted by Fort Lauderdale’s Venice-like network of canals and waterways. The crisscrossing of these waterways makes the city a truly incredible destination.
In this blog post, we will explore the best places to visit in Fort Lauderdale and provide you with a guide on things to do in Fort Lauderdale to make the most of your trip.
Top Places to Visit in Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Stranahan House
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Fort Lauderdale Beach
A 24-mile stretch of golden sands, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers diverse beaches for every preference and must be on your list of top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale. You can head to the stunning Blue Wave beach at Deerfield Beach from the lively promenade. You can choose between serene spots such as Dania Beach and adventurous destinations that include Pompano Beach. Fort Lauderdale Beach is located in proximity to 31 cities and towns, enabling easy access to the coastal communities.
Things to do at Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Bask underneath the warm sun along 24 miles of golden beaches
- Enjoy various water activities, including snorkelling and diving
- Explore lively promenades and beachside restaurants
- Visit the award-winning Blue Wave beach at Deerfield Beach
- Keep an eye out for sea turtle nests and support conservation efforts
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Las Olas Boulevard
One of the notable places to visit in Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas Boulevard. This bustling boulevard offers an array of delights, from fashion boutiques and art galleries to charming restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and bars. At Las Olas Boulevard, you will experience South Florida's most architecturally unique and eclectic shopping and dining district. As you stroll along the boulevard, you will explore cool breezeways and uncover hidden gems.
Things to do at Las Olas Boulevard
- Explore fashionable boutiques and art galleries
- Indulge in delightful dining experiences at outdoor restaurants and sidewalk cafes
- Experience the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of the district
- Enjoy picturesque views of the A1A beach and the Intracoastal Waterway while relaxing and stretching on the sugary sand
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Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
The moment you step inside the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, you will be transported back to the 1920s. The facility is an exquisite waterfront estate with a historical Caribbean-style plantation house. This house was originally built by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Helen Birch, for their winter retreat. The estate's 14 hectares of land, a gift from Birch's father, adds to its allure. Today, visitors can relish the legacy of art and history that graces Bonnet House.
Things to do at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Take guided tours through the breathtaking gardens home to exotic plants and learn about them
- Admire striking art pieces and artefacts
- Spot monkeys, parrots, and swans roaming the premises
- Get to know about the rich history of the estate
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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Fort Lauderdale's very own "Central Park", Hugh Taylor Birch State Park was a generous gift to the city by Hugh Taylor Birch, the father of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This urban oasis is located amidst bustling Miami, providing residents with a taste of wilderness, including opportunities to encounter gopher tortoises and access the Intracoastal waterway by boat. The park fosters a vibrant community spirit, from reading under the shade of palm and oak trees to inline skating.
Things to do at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Enjoy the tranquillity and “wilderness” of the park despite being within city limits
- Spot gopher tortoises and access the waterway by boat
- Engage in outdoor activities like inline skating and picnicking
- Visit the Terramar Visitor Center for exhibits on natural and cultural history
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Stranahan House
Fort Lauderdale's founder, Frank Stranahan, built Stranahan House in 1901, a significant landmark now. As the oldest standing structure in Broward County, Stranahan House has functioned as a trading post, post office, town hall, and residence for the Stranahans. With its wide porches, this wood-frame vernacular house offers a stunning view of the New River. It stands proudly as a historic house museum, inviting visitors to relive its rich past, and it is among the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale.
Things to do at the Stranahan House
- Take a guided tour of the historic Stranahan House
- Learn about the founding of Fort Lauderdale and its pioneers
- Admire the beautiful wood-frame architecture and wide porches
- Enjoy the stunning view of the New River
Best Time to Visit Fort Lauderdale
The prime time to visit Fort Lauderdale is from December to April when the weather is warm (high 50°F to mid-80°F). This period offers an ideal escape from bitter winter temperatures. Summer and fall bring rain and hurricanes, with the official hurricane season lasting from June to November. When you visit, pack with light clothing, hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen. But rest assured that there will be enough things to do in Fort Lauderdale whenever you come.
Travel Insurance for Fort Lauderdale
By now, you must have identified the best places to visit in Fort Lauderdale. You also must have planned the things to do in Fort Lauderdale, depending on the period of visiting the city.
There is one more aspect you should keep in mind, and that is travel insurance plans. It is crucial you avail of travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances. Ensure you choose a reputable insurance provider, and carefully review different policies before choosing what best fits your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.