Dingen om te doen in Fort Lauderdale: Topattracties, leuke activiteiten, kindvriendelijke plekken en hoe ver het van Miami is

Lauderdale is het best bewaarde geheim van Zuid-Florida

Wanneer vakantiegangers een reis naar Florida plannen, denken ze meestal aan Orlando (Walt Disney World), Tampa/St. Pete, Miami, de Florida Panhandle, de Florida Keys, Sarasota, Naples en Sanibel Island. Vaak gaat Ft. Lauderdale verloren in de mix met zo veel geweldige bestemmingen om uit te kiezen, maar de grootste stad in Broward County, waartoe ook Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs en Pompano Beach behoren, biedt zo veel geweldige dingen om te doen dat je de boot mist als je er niet naartoe gaat.

Niet alleen biedt Groot-Lauderdale een overvloed aan buitenactiviteiten voor bezoekers, het heeft ook de 18e drukste luchthaven van het land (MIA is 10e), Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) met 26 luchtvaartmaatschappijen die rechtstreekse vluchten aanbieden naar meer dan 150 bestemmingen in de VS, Canada en het Caribisch gebied. Grote luchtvaartmaatschappijen op FLL zijn JetBlue, Spirit (hoewel de luchtvaartmaatschappij de laatste jaren krimpt vanwege financiële problemen), Southwest, Delta, United, Allegiant en Frontier. Als je het hectische Miami International Airport (MIA) kunt omzeilen, bespaar je tijd, stress en geld.

Waar aan de Atlantische kust ligt Ft. Lauderdale? De stad met bijna 200.000 inwoners is centraal gelegen in Zuid-Florida, met het centrum van Miami 29 mijl naar het zuiden en West Palm Beach 46 mijl naar het noorden. In het statistische gebied Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-West Palm Beach wonen 6,3 miljoen mensen, waarmee het het op vijf na grootste metrogebied van het land is. Gezien de unieke uitgestrekte lay-out is de regio ongeveer 110 mijl lang van noord naar zuid, maar slechts vijf tot 20 mijl breed, afhankelijk van je locatie. Dit komt doordat het gebied geografisch wordt begrensd door de Atlantische Oceaan in het oosten en de Everglades wetlands in het westen. Met meer dan 300 mijl aan binnenlandse waterwegen en kanalen is het gebied rond Ft. Lauderdale ideaal om te varen, waterskiën, jetskiën of om een ontspannen tochtje te maken langs de landhuizen langs de Intracoastal Waterway. Dit waternetwerk heeft Ft. Lauderdale de bijnaam "Venetië van Amerika" opgeleverd.

Leuke dingen om te doen in Ft. Lauderdale en Broward County

Toerisme is big business in Greater Ft. Lauderdale met meer dan 13 miljoen bezoekers per jaar. Er zijn hier zoveel fantastische mogelijkheden om buiten te spelen dat het onmogelijk is om ze allemaal op te noemen, maar hier zijn een paar van onze favorieten. We hebben ook een aantal mogelijkheden voor binnen opgenomen die je kunt overwegen als het slecht weer is, of om naar professionele sporten te kijken.

Strand

Breng tijd door op het strand, waar zwemmen, joggen, snorkelen, jetskiën, parasailen, beachvolleybal en zonnebaden favoriete bezigheden zijn. Smeer je goed in met zonnebrandcrème SPF30 of hoger voordat je naar buiten gaat om een pijnlijke en gevaarlijke zonnebrand te voorkomen. Er is alleen al in Ft. Lauderdale 24 mijl kustlijn, dus zoek je perfecte plek en ontspan.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Snorkel in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea waar een natuurlijk koraalrif met drie niveaus snorkelaars en duikers versteld doet staan. Deze spectaculaire plek ligt slechts 100 meter uit de kust van het pittoreske dorpje dat bezoekers een indruk geeft van het relaxte Florida van vroeger. Je hebt geen boot nodig om het prachtige rif te verkennen.

Dania Beach

Als je op zoek bent naar een minder druk strand, wat dacht je dan van Dania Beach dat op slechts enkele minuten ten zuiden van de luchthaven FLL ligt. Het staat bekend om zijn mooie zand, vispier en winkels. Je kunt er een kajak huren, zwemmen of picknicken terwijl je geniet van de zeebries.

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

With 50 restaurants, 30 shops, and three parks along the 2.2-mile long brick-lined pedestrian path, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk also includes beautiful coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walk, rent a bike, or go for a run while spending a few hours here.

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

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

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

3. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

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

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

4. AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

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

AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

5. The Westin Fort Lauderdale

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

The Westin Fort Lauderdale

6. Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort

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

Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort

7. The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

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

The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

8. Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton

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

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton

Hollywood:

1. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

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

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

2. Hollywood Beach Marriott

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

Hollywood Beach Marriott

3. Costa Hollywood Beach Resort - An All Suite Hotel

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

Costa Hollywood Beach Resort - An All Suite Hotel

4. Caribbean Resort Suites

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

Caribbean Resort Suites

5. Hollywood Beachside Boutique Suite

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

Hollywood Beachside Boutique Suite

6. Hotel Sheldon

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

Hotel Sheldon

Pompano Beach:

1. Club Wyndham Santa Barbara

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

Club Wyndham Santa Barbara

2. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

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

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

3. Canada House Pompano Beach

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

Canada House Pompano Beach

4. Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

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

Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

5. Club Wyndham Sea Gardens

Adres: 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.