Ultimate Guide To Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you are looking for a tropical vacation that is a little less expensive than the nearby Caribbean Islands than head to Florida. Fort Lauderdale offers inexpensive flights year round and is an underrated beach destination. From the white sand beaches to the culinary delights, you will love what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. This guide to Fort Lauderdale, Florida is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good beach day.

This post is all about your guide to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

When To Go To Fort Lauderdale

It is best to visit Fort Lauderdale in the winter or spring because the weather will be amazing. The fall and summer are considered hurricane season so try to avoid these times. You will also face extreme heat and humidity in the summer and fall.

Winters can get a little chilly in Florida, and sometimes the weather is not great for the beach, so if you are wanting a beach holiday opt for the spring.

About Fort Lauderdale

CURRENCY : US dollar // Cards are widely accepted throughout the city

SAFETY : Overall Fort Lauderdale is a safe place to visit, especially if you are staying in a resort. There are parts of the city that you should avoid. Avoid the northwest side of the city. There isn't anything to see in that part of the city anyway.

PLUGS : Type A and B

Getting Around Fort Lauderdale

Obviesty if you are planning on staying in a resort the whole time you are in Fort Lauderdale then renting a car is not necessary. If you are planning to explore the city then renting a car may be in your best interest because ubers can be expensive.

In terms of public transportation you can hop on the free water trolly or the sun trolly.

You will need a transfer to your hotel if you are not renting a car. I recommend this one.

Where To Stay In Fort Lauderdale

Budget Fort Lauderdale Hotel

$ Tropi Rock Hotel - The Tropi Rock Hotel is a lovely option if you are on a budget in Fort Lauderdale. Located close to the beach the Tropi Rock Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, spacious rooms with a deck area, fitness center, and more.

Mid-Range Fort Lauderdale Hotel

$$ Hilton Beach Resort - The Hilton Beach resort is perfect for a beach vacation. Offering great amenities, an exciting atmosphere, three restaurants, an outdoor pool, and more you cannot go wrong with this beachside hotel.

Luxury Fort Lauderdale Hotel

$$$ Four Seasons - The Four Seasons never disappoints. With the comfortable rooms, amazing service, and amenities, you will never want to leave this luxury hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

What To Do In Fort Lauderdale

Go To The Beach

This one is quite obvious, but this guide to Fort Lauderdale would not be complete without the beach. There are a few beaches in Fort Lauderdale to choose from. The best ones are Las Olas Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Las Olas Beach is located right next to Las Olas Blvd, which is a lively street with insanely good restaurants and shopping. Other than the great location, Las Olas Beach is absolutely gorgeous with clear water and stunning views.

Fort Lauderdale Beach is gorgeous with it's clear water and lively environment. There are restaurants and shops in the surrounding areas, so you will not go hungry on your beach day. Be sure to go to sunrise at Fort Lauderdale beach, it is beautiful.

Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is one of the best places to go in Fort Lauderdale because of the lively nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. Home to unique boutiques with items you will not be able to find anywhere else along with more popular stores like Lululemon and Lily Pulitzer.

Las Olas is a wonderful place to grab dinner. The best restaurants on Las Olas are El Camino and Wild Sea.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

If you are looking for a break from the city or to experience the south Florida nature then head over to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is located in the center of Fort Lauderdale and offers biking, hiking, camping, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and so much more.

Read about Hugh Taylor Birch State Park here.

Go snorkeling

Snorkeling is a must while in Fort Lauderdale. There are various tours to choose from, I found this snorkeling tour to be fairly priced and really enjoyable. There are many coral reefs in the Fort Lauderdale area.

If you decided to snorkel without a tour be carefully of marine life and rip currents. The best places to snorkel in Fort Lauderdale are the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

I strongly encourage doing a tour though because Florida's weather and ocean can be extremely unpredictable and is must more safe guided by a professional.

go fishing

There is nothing much better than being on a boat in Florida. Going on a fishing trip is perfect for anyone who wants to get out into nature. Fishing in south Florida is unique because of the distinctive fish you can catch that you would not be able to find anywhere else in the country.

This fishing tour is fairly priced and will bring you to all of the best fishing spots in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Explore Lauderdale By The Sea

Lauderdale By The Sea is a lovely little town just north of Fort Lauderdale. Downtown Lauderdale By The Sea is lined with restaurants and shops that must be explored. Lauderdale By The Sea is also known to be a great snorkeling spot because of a shipwreck that is easily seen by doing a snorkeling tour.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Once a winter vacation home for a wealthy settler, the Bonnet House and Gardens is a gorgeous estate located right on the beach. If you are looking for a beautiful photo opt or to be taken back in history than the Bonnet House is for you.

You can enter the property for $25 dollars.

Where To Eat In Fort Lauderdale

Breakfast & Coffee

Hatch - Hatch is a great place for anyone looking for brunch. You can order anything from tacos to pancakes at Hatch.

The Alchemist Cafe - The Alchemist Cafe is an adorable cafe that serves amazing coffee and breakfast in a lovely environment. Known for the outdoor garden, The Alchemist cafe is a must visit while exploring Fort Lauderdale.

Dinner & Lunch

El Camino - El Camino, located on Las Olas Blvd, is one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and my favorite. This mexican joint is inexpensive and serves up some delicious tacos and margaritas. El Camino is perfect for a family dinner or drinks.

Kao Bar and Grill - Kao is a lovely Argentine restaurant located in Hallandale Beach. This restaurant serves up amazing food in a unique environment.

Where To Go Out

El Camino - If you visit El Camino after 9pm it pretty much turns into the best tequila bar ever, with tacos.

Cove Brewery - Cove Brewery is a great place to grab drinks post surf. Located on Deerfield Beach, it's safe to say the Cove Brewery has the ultimate Socal surfer vibe.

Ultimate Guide To Fort Lauderdale Wrap Up

I hope that you can plan a great trip to Fort Lauderdale with my guide to Fort Lauderdale. If you think I missed anything or want to add something please leave me a comment below.

If you liked this post all about my guide to Fort Lauderdale I think you will love my Miami Guide and my Delray Beach Guide.

Happy Travels,

Daisy