Fort Lauderdale Beach
The main thing to do in Fort Lauderdale however, is to visit it’s beach — regularly ranked among the best in the country. Stretching over six miles, it boasts brilliant white sands, gently waving palms, and epic views over the ocean.
Aside from lounging on the picture-perfect beach, locals and tourists can enjoy fun watersports, which include jet-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many others.
Bordering the beach are countless restaurants, bars, and hotels. The delightful promenade is also a treat to cycle or stroll along while taking in the lively yet laid back ambience. In addition, its strip offers fantastic nightlife and entertainment with its numerous nightclubs and music venues packed during spring break.
Las Olas Boulevard
Running through the center of downtown is Fort Lauderdale’s most famous and popular street: the lively Las Olas Boulevard. Lined by a host of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, it is the heart and soul of the city, attracting locals and tourists alike.
What was once a dirt track just over a century ago, now stretches from the serene sands of Las Olas Beach to happening areas packed with upmarket boutiques, bistros, and bars. On the way, it passes over the glinting waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, and past glitzy mansions and sparkling yachts.
As well as superb shopping and dining, Las Olas Boulevard is also known for its nightlife and has many great clubs, theaters, and music venues to check out.
Las Olas Boulevard
Running through the center of downtown is Fort Lauderdale’s most famous and popular street: the lively Las Olas Boulevard. Lined by a host of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, it is the heart and soul of the city, attracting locals and tourists alike.
What was once a dirt track just over a century ago, now stretches from the serene sands of Las Olas Beach to happening areas packed with upmarket boutiques, bistros, and bars. On the way, it passes over the glinting waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, and past glitzy mansions and sparkling yachts.
As well as superb shopping and dining, Las Olas Boulevard is also known for its nightlife and has many great clubs, theaters, and music venues to check out.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Just ten minutes drive up the coast you can find the pretty property of Bonnet House, that like Las Olas Beach, lies between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, the historic house showcases exquisite art, period pieces, and fine furnishings.
Built in 1920, the plantation-like property exhibits striking architecture with the massive main house flanked by an art studio, music studio, and guest house. Decorating its elegant rooms are the artworks and personal possessions of its former wealthy owners, artists Frederic Clay Bartlett and Evelyn Fortune Lilly.
Besides viewing art and architecture, guests can explore the rest of the expansive estate which encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems. Alongside subtropical gardens and orchids are beaches, dunes, and wetlands—each habitat appearing more attractive than the last.
Las Olas Beach
Right next to the park is the popular Las Olas Beach, one of the main places locals head to for sun, sea, and sand. Although it may not have as many amenities, the idyllic beach lies just a stone’s throw from all of Las Olas Boulevard’s enticing tourist attractions.
Lined by gently waving palm trees and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic, the beach’s soft sands are perfect for lounging on. Watersports gear, deck chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Alongside the beach is a bustling boardwalk with countless cafes, restaurants, and shops.
A peaceful place during the day, in the evenings a raucous party atmosphere often takes hold, particularly when students are in town for spring break.