Qué hacer en Fort Lauderdale: Principales atracciones, actividades divertidas, lugares para niños y distancia a Miami

Ft. Lauderdale es el secreto mejor guardado del sur de Florida

Cuando los turistas empiezan a planear una escapada a Florida, suelen pensar en Orlando (Walt Disney World), Tampa/St. Pete, Miami, el Panhandle de Florida, los Cayos de Florida, Sarasota, Nápoles y la isla de Sanibel. Sin embargo, la mayor ciudad del condado de Broward, que también incluye Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs y Pompano Beach, ofrece tantas cosas maravillosas que hacer que se perderá el tren si no la visita.

El área metropolitana de Ft. Lauderdale no sólo ofrece abundantes actividades al aire libre para los visitantes, sino que cuenta con el 18º aeropuerto con más tráfico del país (MIA es el 10º), Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), con 26 aerolíneas que ofrecen vuelos directos a más de 150 destinos en EE.UU., Canadá y el Caribe. Entre las principales aerolíneas de FLL se encuentran JetBlue, Spirit (aunque la aerolínea se ha ido reduciendo en los últimos años debido a dificultades financieras), Southwest, Delta, United, Allegiant y Frontier. Si puede evitar el ajetreado Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (MIA) ahorrará tiempo, estrés y dinero.

¿En qué punto de la costa atlántica se encuentra Ft. Lauderdale? Esta ciudad de casi 200.000 habitantes goza de una ubicación céntrica en el sur de Florida, con el centro de Miami a 29 millas al sur y West Palm Beach a 46 millas al norte. En el área estadística de Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-West Palm Beach viven 6,3 millones de personas, lo que la convierte en la sexta área metropolitana más grande del país. Dada su singular extensión, la región tiene aproximadamente 110 millas de largo de norte a sur, pero sólo de cinco a 20 millas de ancho, dependiendo de su ubicación. Esto se debe a que la zona está limitada geográficamente por el Océano Atlántico al este y los pantanos de los Everglades al oeste. Con más de 300 millas de vías navegables y canales, la zona de Ft. Lauderdale es ideal para pasear en barco, hacer esquí acuático, moto acuática o recorrer tranquilamente las mansiones que bordean la Intracoastal Waterway. Esta red acuática le ha valido a Ft. Lauderdale el sobrenombre de la "Venecia de América".

Cosas divertidas que hacer en Ft. Lauderdale y el condado de Broward

El turismo es un gran negocio en Ft. Lauderdale, con más de 13 millones de visitantes al año. Hay tantas oportunidades increíbles para jugar al aire libre aquí que no es posible enumerarlas todas, pero aquí están algunas de nuestras favoritas. También hemos incluido algunas opciones de interior para tener en cuenta durante las inclemencias del tiempo, o para ver deportes profesionales.

Playa

Pase tiempo en la playa, donde nadar, hacer footing, bucear, montar en moto acuática, practicar parasailing, jugar al voley-playa y tomar el sol son sus pasatiempos favoritos. Asegúrese de aplicarse abundante crema solar con factor de protección 30 o superior antes de salir para evitar quemaduras dolorosas y peligrosas. Sólo en Ft. Lauderdale hay 24 millas de costa, así que encuentre su lugar perfecto y relájese.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Practique snorkel en Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, donde un arrecife de coral natural de tres niveles asombra a buceadores y submarinistas. Este espectacular lugar se encuentra a sólo 100 metros de la costa del pintoresco pueblecito que hace que los visitantes se hagan una idea de lo que era la relajada Florida de antaño. No es necesario un barco para explorar el hermoso arrecife.

Dania Beach

Si desea encontrar una playa menos concurrida, qué le parece Dania Beach, que está a sólo unos minutos al sur del aeropuerto FLL. Conocida por su hermosa arena, su muelle pesquero y sus tiendas, podrá alquilar un kayak, nadar o comer al aire libre mientras disfruta de la brisa marina.

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

Con 50 restaurantes, 30 tiendas y tres parques a lo largo de sus 3,2 km de sendero peatonal revestido de ladrillos, el Hollywood Beach Broadwalk también incluye hermosas vistas costeras del océano Atlántico. Pasee, alquile una bicicleta o salga a correr mientras pasa unas horas aquí.

Amerant Bank Arena

Go to a Florida Panthers NHL ice hockey game at the Amerant Bank Arena in the village of Sunrise, located 19 miles due west of downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The 82-game (41 home games) NHL regular season runs from October through April, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs taking place immediately thereafter.

Grapefruit League

From mid-February to late March Florida hosts Major League Baseball’s 15-team Grapefruit League as they prepare for the upcoming season. Five teams play along the “Treasure Coast”, within a reasonable distance to the north of Ft. Lauderdale. These are the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals who train in West Palm Beach, 46 miles away; the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals who hold camp in Jupiter, a drive of 60 miles; and the New York Mets who get in shape 90 miles away in Port St. Lucie. Die-hard fans of these teams won’t hesitate to make the drive, and if it doesn’t matter who’s playing when you go, West Palm Beach is a great option.

Anne Kolb Nature Center

In Hollywood, the Anne Kolb Nature Center features a fun observation tower climb to take in a great view of the mangrove estuary and surrounding area where wading birds and other wildlife make their homes. There is also an elevator in the tower for those who prefer not to climb the stairs.

Snake Warrior’s Island

Snake Warrior’s Island is a 53-acre natural area in Miramar frequented by bird lovers. Located along the Great Florida Birding Trail, a concrete trail passes by man-made wetlands with diverse vegetation which includes red maple, oak, strangler fig, cypress, pickerel weed, duck potato and more.

Broward County Parks

If you’re looking for a relaxing day in one of the beautiful local parks, admission to all Broward County Parks is FREE Monday through Friday (holidays excepted).

The Museum of Discovery & Science

The Museum of Discovery & Science is conveniently located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. This museum is chock full of fun for the entire family, but your kids will be especially enamored with it. Inside the museum (separate fees apply) is the AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Another popular museum in town includes the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a 100+ year-old South Florida oceanfront mansion filled with incredible artworks by world-renowned artists. Visitors can tour the museum’s colorful gardens on foot, by kayak, or paddleboard, with guided tours also available.

NSU Art Museum

At the NSU Art Museum (Nova Southeastern University) in lively downtown Ft. Lauderdale, visitors can explore more than 25,000-square-feet of exhibition space featuring contemporary art, Latin American art, and since 2024, the museum is the permanent home of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “Surrounded Islands” public art project that premiered in 1983 in Biscayne Bay.

Airboat Rides

An exciting airboat ride through the Florida Everglades is an experience that won’t be forgotten. Available every day of the week with advance reservations required, Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale offers private excursions on Captain Wayne’s 300 horsepower custom vessels. The tours feature knowledgeable guides, certified captains, stunning photographic opportunities, and are definitely great for families traveling with kids.

Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi

With so much driving necessary to get around this sprawling area, taking a ride on the yellow boats of the Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi is an ideal way to spend half a day, or even more. Sailing the intracoastal waterway is relaxing, scenic, and one of the best ways to explore this area without having to be behind the wheel. Water Taxi offers a combination Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Beach Tour as well as a Pompano Beach Tour, so wherever you’re staying in Broward County there’s a convenient starting point for you. In fact, with a total of more than 30 boarding spots, you can hop-on and hop-off as many times as you’d like. There’s no better way to see the beauty of the “Venice of America”.

Riverwalk

Riverwalk is Ft. Lauderdale’s answer to San Antonio’s attraction of the same name, but to be honest, Riverwalk is more attractive, visitor-friendly, and energetic (IMHO). This tourist magnet is an ideal place to visit during the day or night, with beautiful parks adjacent, walking paths that accent the local plantings, and a fuller mix of museums, shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Exciting events are scheduled here frequently, and visitors can even rent beach cruiser bicycles or e-bikes to explore more of the New River riverfront.

Coastal Yacht Tours

How about renting a luxury yacht to cruise the intracoastal waterway while you’re here? If there are several people in your party and you want to splurge on a special experience, consider contacting Coastal Yacht Tours, known for treating their customers like royalty aboard their beautiful vessels. They offer a selection of packages for daytime cruising, sunset dinner cruises, and unique events if you are in Ft. Lauderdale to celebrate an important occasion.

Jet Ski Rentals

What’s a Florida vacation, unless you’re going to Orlando, without some fun in the water? There’s always time for swimming at the hotel pool or a dip in the Atlantic Ocean but renting a jet ski and zipping around the inland bays or taking a guided tour of the Intracoastal Waterway is a memorable experience that you may very well want to repeat before heading home. Two of the top-rated companies in the area are Jet Ski Fort Lauderdale and Falcon’s Jet Ski Rentals in Hollywood.

Things To Do Nearby In Miami

Miami Marlins MLB baseball

Miami Marlins MLB baseball games are played at Loan Depot Park in the Little Havana neighborhood, two miles west of downtown and 24 miles from Ft. Lauderdale. The 81-game home schedule runs from late March through September, with the playoffs and World Series taking place in October.

Miami Heat

Miami Heat NBA basketball games take place at Kesaya Center on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, and 28 miles south of Ft. Lauderdale. The Heat play 41 home games from October into April, with the playoffs following in late April and May.

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins NFL football games kick-off at Hard Rock Stadium in northern Miami-Dade County. The NFL season starts in early September and ends in early January, with the playoffs and Super Bowl following in January and early February. Each team plays eight or nine home games during the season. The University of Miami Hurricanes also plays their Division I football games here.

Inter Miami

Inter Miami CF MLS soccer, 29 miles, matches are played at the newly-opened Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, across from main entrance to Miami International Airport, and six miles west of downtown. Teams play a total of 34 games each season, with 17 at home and the same number on the road. The season runs from late February through October with the playoffs following in November and early December.

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix

The annual Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix takes place in early May at the Miami International Autodrome in northern Miami-Dade County, and just 19 miles from downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The exciting weekend of events attracts racecar enthusiasts from around the world, with the marquis race taking place on Sunday. The 3.36-mile track is specially built for the circuit, with 19-weaving curves laid out in the Hard Rock Stadium parking lot.

Recommended Hotels In All Price Ranges In Ft. Lauderdale

When planning your vacation to such a sprawling region it’s critical to find a hotel that’s conveniently located to as much of the Ft. Lauderdale area as possible. Our go-to hotel booking website has long been Travelated with hundreds of great properties available around the state. Specifically in Broward County, some of the best prices are to be found in the centrally located Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Beach/Pompano Beach area. Some of our favorites are listed below, but we do suggest logging onto the Travelated website to find the best place for you and your traveling companion(s).

Ft. Lauderdale:

1. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

Dirección: 525 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 33304, FL, US

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Dirección: 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 33304, FL, US

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

3. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Dirección: 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, 33314, FL, US

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

4. AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

Dirección: 3029 Alhambra Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33304, FL, US

AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

5. The Westin Fort Lauderdale

Dirección: 400 Corporate Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 33334, FL, US

The Westin Fort Lauderdale

6. Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort

Dirección: 4060 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 33308, FL, US

Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort

7. The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Dirección: 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33304, FL, US

The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

8. Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton

Dirección: 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 33316, FL, US

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton

Hollywood:

1. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Dirección: 1111 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 33019, FL, US

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

2. Hollywood Beach Marriott

Dirección: 2501 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 33019, FL, US

Hollywood Beach Marriott

3. Costa Hollywood Beach Resort - An All Suite Hotel

Dirección: 777 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 33019, FL, US

Costa Hollywood Beach Resort - An All Suite Hotel

4. Caribbean Resort Suites

Dirección: 332 Garfield Street, Hollywood, 33019, FL, US

Caribbean Resort Suites

5. Hollywood Beachside Boutique Suite

Dirección: 609 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 33019, FL, US

Hollywood Beachside Boutique Suite

6. Hotel Sheldon

Dirección: 1000 North Surf Road, Hollywood, 33010, FL, US

Hotel Sheldon

Pompano Beach:

1. Club Wyndham Santa Barbara

Dirección: 1301 South Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, 33062, FL, US

Club Wyndham Santa Barbara

2. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

Dirección: 1200 North Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, 33062, FL, US

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

3. Canada House Pompano Beach

Dirección: 1704 North Ocean Boulevard , Fort Lauderdale, 33062, FL, US

Canada House Pompano Beach

4. Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

Dirección: 125 North Riverside Drive , Fort Lauderdale, 33062, FL, US

Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

5. Club Wyndham Sea Gardens

Dirección: 615 North Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, 33062, FL, US

Club Wyndham Sea Gardens

Reconnect. Relax. Refresh At South Florida’s Beaches

Whether you are seeking a laid-back and quieter time close to the inviting Atlantic Ocean beaches, or an active getaway with plenty of play time in or close to the water, you just can’t do any better than Ft. Lauderdale. South Florida has so much to offer vacationers that your most complex decisions may just be deciding what’s on today’s agenda. And when it’s time to eat, since some of the best seafood restaurants in the U.S. are located here. Come alone or with a significant other or bring the entire family. Fun in the sun is guaranteed for all.