Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” because of its extensive network of canals and waterways. Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, it offers a mix of beautiful beaches, boating culture, upscale dining, and relaxed coastal living.

Compared to nearby Miami, Fort Lauderdale is slightly more laid-back while still offering nightlife, shopping, and water activities.

Best things to do in Fort Lauderdale – beaches, boating & coastal city experiences – Book flights, hotel, and rent a car by Expedia.com

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Top things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale blends beach life with marina and city experiences:

Fort Lauderdale Beach – Wide sandy shoreline with clear Atlantic water
Las Olas Boulevard – Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries
Boat tours through the canals – “Venice of America” experience
Yacht cruises & sunset tours – Popular along the Intracoastal Waterway
Water taxi – Scenic transportation between key spots
Snorkeling & scuba diving – Offshore reefs and shipwrecks
Everglades day trips – Airboat tours nearby
Port Everglades cruises – Major cruise departure port

Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale

December–April: Ideal weather, peak season
May–June: Warm, fewer visitors
July–September: Hot and humid, lower hotel prices
October–November: Good balance of weather and value

Winter and early spring are the most popular travel periods.

How many days do you need in Fort Lauderdale?

2–3 days: Beach, Las Olas, canal boat tour
4–5 days: Add Everglades or boat excursions
6+ days: Combine with Miami or the Florida Keys

Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach: Direct beach access
Las Olas area: Dining and nightlife
Intracoastal waterfront: Marina and boat views
Near Port Everglades: Ideal for cruise departures

Fort Lauderdale vs other Florida destinations

Fort Lauderdale: Beach + boating + relaxed city vibe
Miami: More nightlife and international energy
Clearwater: Gulf Coast sunsets and calm waters
Key West: Island charm and tropical atmosphere

Fort Lauderdale stands out for its canals, marinas, and boating culture.

Book tours and activities in Fort Lauderdale

Boat tours, yacht cruises, and Everglades trips are popular year-round.

👉 Explore tours and activities in Fort Lauderdale here:

Book the Best of Fort Lauferdale

Frequently asked questions about Fort Lauderdale

Is Fort Lauderdale family-friendly?

Yes. Beaches, boat tours, and nearby parks make it suitable for families.

Is Fort Lauderdale better than Miami?

It depends on your preference. Fort Lauderdale is calmer and more relaxed, while Miami is more vibrant and nightlife-focused.

Do you need a car?

Yes, although the Water Taxi is useful for short distances.

What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?

Its beaches, canals, boating culture, and Las Olas Boulevard.

The concept of AmerExperience guides

After more than 30 years in international travel, I know this for sure:

The hardest part of traveling isn’t getting there — it’s knowing what’s truly worth doing once you arrive.

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👉 Explore the best things to do in the USA:

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Warm regards,

Lassi Pensikkala

Destination expert & travel writer

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About the author

Lassi Pensikkala — With three decades in the travel industry, Lassi has worked as a professional travel guide, destination management entrepreneur, and international travel consultant, serving 700+ B2B clients from 55 countries. His experience spans global mega-events (Formula 1, football world championships, international trade fairs, and congresses) as well as incentives, themed group tours, and tailor-made cultural journeys. This expertise was built over 20+ years as the founder and operator of a destination management company in Germany. He is the author of 37 Europe travel guides, 60 USA destination guides, and a growing collection of world guides on AmerExperience.com. Learn more

Lassi Pensikkala is the creator of AmerExperience.com, founder of SegurosAmer.com, and an international business developer with over four decades of global experience. Hailing from Finland, Lassi has lived and worked across Europe and Latin America, driven by a deep curiosity for cultures, languages, and meaningful human connection. He writes regularly, offering thought leadership on topics such as travel, golf, and international cross-cultural business. You can follow his work on Telegram, connect with him on LinkedIn, or read his articles and updates via Google News, Flipboard, and other social media platforms. ⸻ Expertise • International Business Development • Creator of AmerExperience.com and SegurosAmer.com • Strategic consulting for cross-border ventures • Avid golfer and advocate for golf psychology ⸻ Education Lassi studied Foreign Trade at the Business College of Turku, Finland, and later graduated as economist MSc (Econ) from the University of Hamburg, Germany, where he also pursued studies in Psychology and Sociology. ⸻ Language skills Multilingual in English, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Finnish ⸻ Life philosophy “Live freely, seek knowledge, and be open to the richness of life’s experiences.” Lassi’s passion for exploration started early. Growing up during the golden era of Rock’n Roll, student movements, and the first moon landing, he experienced the unique Nordic freedom of crossing borders without passports — a freedom that still inspires his global lifestyle today. For him, true freedom means exploring new lands, embracing diverse cultures, and forming real connections with people around the world.