Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Lying on the Atlantic side of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale has a wealth of waterways so it is often referred to as the 'Venice of America'. The city itself is relatively small but within a short distance, there is plenty to entertain visitors of all ages. It's a city of beaches, watersports, outdoor activities, jazz concerts, shopping from the quirky to the high-end and elegant restaurants.

A taste of culture - Fort Lauderdale museums

While Fort Lauderdale doesn't have as many museums as other American cities there are two that should be on your itinerary. The NSU Art Museum is housed in a building with curvy outlines and spilled rainbow murals. Inside, the exhibits range from northern European art to American pop art and from Cuban art to contemporary photography. In contrast, is the Museum of Discovery and Science. This offers a hands-on experience for the whole family. Enjoy Gizmo City and Runways to Rockets, a towering kinetic-energy sculpture, an Everglades exhibit and a huge IMAX Theatre.

History and art

Bonnet House is just one of the many gracious houses that dot the city and surrounding countryside. With its museum and gardens, it is set in 35 lush acres of different ecosystems. These include mangrove wetlands, dunes and maritime forest. Look out for migratory birds, monkeys and manatees. Inside are art collections and exhibitions that showcase the house's 100-year history.

Promenades, beaches and beyond

Fort Lauderdale's beach is known as one of the cleanest in the nation. It has family and dog-friendly sections and is backed by a wide promenade dotted with palm trees. This provides a safe place for walkers, cyclists, skaters and runners. If this all sounds too energetic there are also plenty of cafes and bars, perfect for relaxing in with a drink while enjoying a spot of people watching. There are also plenty of opportunities for watersports such as fishing, jet-skiing, sailing, and parasailing.

Fort Lauderdale is part of the same reef system that stretches to the Florida Keys making it an ideal destination for snorkelling and scuba-diving. Divers can also take a 50-minute boat trip to explore the wrecks of the Mercedes freight ship and an artificial reef known as Tenneco Towers. This has evolved around an old oil platform. Look out for barracuda and parrotfish as you dive.

The great outdoors

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area is a tropical park containing mangroves and a freshwater lagoon. It is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna such as the golden leather fern and the gopher tortoise. Stroll or cycle the short Coastal Hammock Trail before picnicking on the beach or lunching in a beachside restaurant.

The sporting life

If you want to stay outside in the sunshine there are plenty of sporting opportunities in Fort Lauderdale whether you're watching or taking part. Enjoy a round or two of golf, watch the Florida Panthers play a National Hockey League game at the nearby BankAtlantic Centre or catch the Miami Dolphins at the HardRock Stadium. The International Swimming Hall of Fame is right on Fort Lauderdale Beach while the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Soccer League team play at Lockhart Stadium.

A walk along the river

Don't forget the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Riverfront is a giant boardwalk lined with shops, bars and restaurants and a lively hub when the sun goes down, and a must-on list of the most Fort Lauderdale things to do during your trip. It is also the starting point for river cruises. Riverwalk meanders its way along New River from Stranahan House to the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Take in a concert, pop into an art gallery or enjoy watching the sunset as you dine.

Something for the children

Young Art Love is a place full of adventure for the young at heart of all ages. Kids can visit a cave, discover a dig, build sand sculptures, create puppets, explore the world of Alice in Wonderland and learn about distant cultures. Flamingo Gardens with its alligators, black bears, panthers, flamingos and bobcats is a place to find out all about the native wildlife of Florida.

A year-round destination

With a subtropical rainforest climate, Fort Lauderdale and its beaches can be enjoyed at any time of the year although the months from May to October can be very humid and there is a risk of tropical rainstorms. Look for your next flight deal on BudgetAir now and book your Fort Lauderdale holiday. By booking in advance you can be sure of getting the weeks and accommodation that you want.