Your Weekend Guide to Fort Lauderdale: Top Attractions to Visit

Nestled in southeast Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a picturesque seaside city that is home to a thriving downtown scene, diverse cuisine, and beautiful ocean views.

Famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events, Fort Lauderdale has something to offer everyone, from shopping on Las Olas Boulevard or relaxing on one of its many beaches. If you’re thinking about moving to Fort Lauderdale, here are some ideas for a perfect weekend exploring this sunny city: 

Take a trip to Fort Lauderdale Beach

Nestled in the heart of the city, Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the best beaches the Sunshine State has to offer. Fort Lauderdale Beach features a pedestrian boardwalk with countless hotels, shops, and restaurants. Surrounding the beach, tourists can find smaller hotels, motels, and other lodging accommodations.

Toward the end of winter, Fort Lauderdale Beach typically grows busier, with more sun-starved vacationers hitting the sand. If you’d prefer a quieter scene, Las Olas Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Enjoy the sun at Dania Beach

To take in Florida’s sunshine and gorgeous ocean views, be sure to set aside an afternoon for rest and relaxation at Dania Beach. Located a few miles outside of Fort Lauderdale, the city of Dania Beach offers a unique small-town feel, with beautiful neighborhoods and award-winning Blue Wave Beaches. At Dania Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s laid-back gold coast vibe. Just make sure you pack sunblock! 

Explore the Flamingo Gardens

After relaxing all afternoon at Dania Beach, schedule a trip to the botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary at the Flamingo Gardens. The Flamingo Gardens is a treasure trove of exotic plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else.

The Flamingo Gardens features 60 acres of gardens with over 3,000 species of exotic and native plants, along with some of the biggest trees in Florida. Meanwhile, the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary provides residence to injured and non-releasable birds and animals, with alligators, bears, bobcats, peacocks, flamingos, and other exotic animals.

Travel back in time at the Museum of Discovery and Science

If you’re spending a weekend with the kids, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a must-see. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits and educational programs that the whole family will love. You can check out dinosaurs, look at real fossils, or explore Florida’s largest living coral reefs on display.

The Museum’s Storm Center showcases hurricanes and their impact on humans and the environment. It also offers one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences, including the Everglades Airboat Adventure and films at the IMAX theatre.

Relax at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

One of Fort Lauderdale’s landmarks, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, features a lush, green oasis, ideal for a picturesque afternoon walk or a romantic, sun-filled picnic with your significant other. If you’re looking for an adventure, the park offers the option to rent a canoe or bring your own paddleboard to explore the lagoon’s wildlife or go fishing.

The park also provides beach access, along with paved trails. History buffs should check out the Birch House Museum, which highlights the park’s history, as well as its ecological impact on Florida’s wildlife.

Tour the NSU Art Museum

Built in 1986, Fort Lauderdale’s NSU Art Museum showcases contemporary and 20th-century art. The NSU Art Museum is centrally located on Las Olas Boulevard in a unique modernist building, featuring a wide range of exhibitions throughout several floors, as well as a sculpture terrace. The museum is home to over 6,000 pieces, with a strong focus on Caribbean Culture.

In addition to its collection of ceramics by Picasso, the NSU Art Museum also includes over 500 works by American realist painter William Glackens, as well as a traveling exhibition of relics from the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Indulge your taste buds at Dune

Fort Lauderdale is a seaside city, with countless high-end restaurants offering great seaside cuisine. However, Fort Lauderdale is also famous for its rich cultural history, which means you’ll always be able to find diverse cuisine to satisfy your cravings.

One of the city’s most popular restaurants, Dune is located within the prestigious Auberge Beach Residences. Whether you’re craving Napa Valley wine, seafood, or Mexican, Dune has you covered. Having a date night? Be sure to grab a seat at Dune’s ocean bar, where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind multicultural dishes and drinks while taking in Fort Lauderdale’s most romantic views.

Catch the sunset at Las Olas Boulevard

As one of the most well-known streets in Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is filled with countless attractions—from cocktail bars and mom-and-pop shops to full-on museums.

 Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Boulevard is dynamic and vibrant, featuring gorgeous views of the beach at A1A. Las Olas Boulevard is ideal for dinin and is packed with a wide range of bistros and seaside cafes. Whether you’re searching for somewhere to eat for dinner or looking for unique souvenirs, Las Olas has you covered.

Las Olas is the perfect spot to catch the sunset, so be sure to squeeze a stroll down the Boulevard into your schedule after a long day of exploring your new city.

Rest up at home

There’s so much to explore in Fort Lauderdale, from kicking back on the beach to strolling the city’s vibrant downtown scene. If you’re planning to move to Fort Lauderdale to see everything this amazing city has to offer, you’ll want a comfortable, relaxing space to come home to. At Landing, we offer modern, furnished apartments in Fort Lauderdale equipped with all the basics you need during your stay, along with 24/7 concierge services and flexible leasing terms. Settling in a new city has never been more convenient. Find a fully furnished apartment in Fort Lauderdale today.