Located along the southeastern coast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale makes for a fun weekend trip. Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” because of its many waterways, Fort Lauderdale boasts year-round sunny weather, fun watersports, and beautiful beaches.
Planning a trip can be a hassle, especially if you have only a few days. But don’t worry, I got you covered. Keep reading to find out how to make the most out of your weekend trip to Fort Lauderdale, where to eat, and what hotels to stay at. In my opinion, it’s the best 3-day Fort Lauderdale itinerary out there 🙂
Side Note: This post was written by Daria, a south Florida expert. This way, you can make sure you are reading the best one weekend guide to Fort Lauderdale on the internet. Check out the author’s bio at the end for more about Daria!
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Fort Lauderdale?
The greater Fort Lauderdale area is served by the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which has hundreds of daily flights to many destinations in the United States, Canada, and South and Central America.
Will you need a car in Fort Lauderdale?
If you are going to spend your weekend relaxing in one of the beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale, check out some restaurants and enjoy the beach or go paddle boarding, scuba diving, or snorkeling, you don’t need a car in Fort Lauderdale.
You can get an Uber from Fort Lauderdale to your hotel, and explore the Fort Lauderdale Promenade on foot.
However, if you want to explore some of the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale like Dania Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea, Pompano Beach, or go further to Delray Beach, you will need a car. For this 3-day itinerary, I definitely recommend renting a car! DiscoverCars has some of the best deals!
Fort Lauderdale has an extensive public transportation system, including the Sun Trolley and Broward County Transit. Consider using these options to get around the city easily and cost-effectively, if you don’t have a car rental.
What is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is during the shoulder seasons. It’s a perfect time to avoid crowds and high prices and enjoy the best of the city without having to pay premium rates for accommodations, food, and transportation.
November is a great time to visit Fort Lauderdale. This is the first month after the hurricane season in Florida when the weather is sunny and mild, but the busy season hasn’t arrived yet.
Likewise, May is a good month for your trip to Fort Lauderdale – the spring break season is over and the city is transitioning into the slow season, so you can take advantage of more favorable prices and great weather before it starts getting hot.
Weather in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout much of the year. The city experiences distinct wet and dry seasons:
- Wet Season (Summer): The wet season in Fort Lauderdale typically lasts from May to October. During this period, you can expect hot and humid weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Rainfall is more common in the afternoon and evenings, while mornings are often sunny and warm.
- Dry Season (Winter): The dry season lasts from November to April. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit Fort Lauderdale, as the weather is generally drier and more pleasant. Temperatures are still warm, but the humidity is lower compared to the wet season.
Where should I stay in Fort Lauderdale?
The most popular and arguably best place to stay in Fort Lauderdale is the beach area aka Fort Lauderdale Boulevard where you can find some of the best beachfront resorts like Ocean B, Westin, Maren, and Ritz Carlton. However, it’s also one of the most expensive options, which will cost hundreds of dollars and go over a thousand dollars for a night at one of the suites.
This is not ideal if you are a budget or even mid-budget traveler, and are not ready to shell out thousands of dollars on your weekend.
Here’s a little secret: You can find great budget hotels just a few blocks behind major resorts along the beach in Fort Lauderdale. These small hotels offer basic amenities like parking, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi, and make a perfect stay if you are not looking to spend a ton of time in your hotel and plan to explore the area.
For example, Tranquilo is a great boutique hotel within walking distance from Fort Lauderdale Beach that offers inexpensive prices and has an outdoor swimming pool. Although it doesn’t have the amenities of a big resort, it has just enough to enjoy a comfortable stay with nice spacious rooms.
Another alternative is to book one of the hotels near the airport in Fort Lauderdale. This is a more suitable option for those travelers who have a car because you will be a few miles away from the beach, as well as stores and restaurants.
Dania Beach, a small town near Fort Lauderdale Airport is home to many budget hotels like Wyndham, where you can save a good chunk of money if you plan to spend a weekend in Fort Lauderdale.
Finally, you can also stay in downtown Fort Lauderdale which will put you close to Las Olas, the most happening street in Fort Lauderdale where you can find some of the best restaurants in town like YOLO, Rocco’s Tacos, and Bombay Darbar.
Fort Lauderdale Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly option: Hotel Tranquilo
- Mid-range option: Premiere Hotel
- Luxury option: Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale
- Dog-friendly stay: The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
3-Day Fort Lauderdale Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Fort Lauderdale
Morning:
Start your weekend trip with an adventurous morning snorkel. You can book a guided tour, or rent some gear and head to one of the popular snorkel spots. The Vista Park Reef is a local’s favorite with the coral reef located just 1,000 feet from shore. Pompano Beach and Hollywood North Beach Park both offer great snorkeling sites as well!
Afternoon:
Grab a delicious meal at one of Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront restaurants. If you are in the mood for some Mexican food, head to Lona Cocina or if you’d prefer a delicious brunch head to Nanou, a French bakery just a few blocks from Fort Lauderdale Promenade
After enjoying your meal, drive to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a tropical oasis in the middle of Fort Lauderdale’s urban jungle. Here, you can enjoy kayaking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. The park also has several easy hiking trails and a 2-mile loop, perfect for jogging, rollerblading, and walking.
It’s also a great place to avoid tourist crowds, especially during the off-season, when the place is frequented mostly by locals.
Evening:
End your first day in Fort Lauderdale with a fancy dinner in Las Olas. You’ll find a good variety of restaurants that offer different cuisines from Cuban to Italian and Japanese to classic American dishes.
Tip! Be sure to check out the Fort Lauderdale sightseeing pass before booking any activities to see if you are able to save money!
Day 2 in Fort Lauderdale:
Morning:
Book a tour to explore Everglades National Park which covers a large portion of southern Florida, stretching from Lake Okeechobee in the north to Florida Bay in the south.
The Everglades is known for its rich biodiversity including alligators, American crocodiles, manatees, Florida panthers, and a variety of bird species. It is considered a globally significant ecosystem and has been designated as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
You can book an exciting airboat or kayaking tour of the Everglades online through GetYourGuide or with one of the local tour companies.
Afternoon:
By the time you get back from the park, it’s going to be early afternoon. Time to grab lunch in Las Olas or along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard and continue your day.
For some culture, head to NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale which features a diverse collection of artwork, including contemporary and modern art, as well as artworks by artists from the Caribbean and Latin America.
Evening:
Check out local bars and restaurants at the Fort Lauderdale Promenade. I recommend heading to McSorley’s, an Irish pub that has great beer and food, and one of the best rooftops in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
After dinner, you can head to the Elbo Room, a longtime staple of the Fort Lauderdale bar scene that serves only alcohol and is well known for its social scene.
You may also like: Adventurous Things to do in Florida
Day 3 in Fort Lauderdale:
Morning:
Rise and shine! Your third day in Fort Lauderdale is an exciting one! In the morning, you can book a parasailing session along the Florida coastline if the weather provides the right conditions, or do some kayaking or paddle boarding if the water is calm enough.
Afternoon:
If you have a car rental and want to explore Florida beyond Fort Lauderdale, drive up or down the coast to visit places like Dania Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale by the Sea, or Pompano Beach. Dania Beach, in particular, makes a great stop thanks to its gorgeous pier where you can watch local fishermen.
Evening:
Depending on where you decide to go during the afternoon, you can finish your day with a delicious dinner along the beach or in one of the restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Other things to do in Fort Lauderdale
In case you need more ideas of things to do Fort Lauderdale, here are some other places you can visit during your visit:
- Museum of Discovery and Science: Ideal for families and science enthusiasts, this museum offers interactive exhibits covering various scientific topics, including space exploration, ecology, and technology.
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: A historic home-turned-museum, Bonnet House showcases the art, history, and architecture of the early 20th century in South Florida. The lush gardens surrounding the property are a treat to explore.
- Stranahan House Museum: As the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale, the Stranahan House serves as a historical museum, providing insight into the city’s past and the lives of its early settlers.
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic Riverwalk, which runs along the New River. You’ll find parks, gardens, and cultural attractions along the way.
- Water Taxi Tour: Explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and canals by taking a water taxi tour. It’s a fun and unique way to see the city from a different perspective.
Tip! Be sure to check out the Fort Lauderdale sightseeing pass before booking any activities to see if you are able to save money!
Where (else) to Eat in the Fort Lauderdale:
- SoBe Vegan – SoBe is one of the best vegan restaurants in Fort Lauderdale that has delicious vegan comfort food like burgers, wraps, mac, and cheese, as well as healthy options like veggie bowls with falafel and hummus.
- Coconuts: A popular spot in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Coconuts offers a diverse menu with a focus on fresh seafood and tropical flavors.
- S3 Restaurant: Combining sushi, steak, and seafood, S3 provides a stylish dining experience with an oceanfront patio.
- El Vez: If you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine, El Vez offers a modern twist on classic dishes in a lively atmosphere.
- Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria: This vibrant Italian eatery is known for its wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and lively bar scene.
- Boatyard: Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Boatyard offers a seafood-focused menu with a nautical-themed ambiance.
- YOLO (You Only Live Once): A trendy restaurant and lounge with a diverse menu and a popular happy hour.
Other Tips to know before visiting Fort Lauderdale:
Plan for the Weather: Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Be prepared for humidity and occasional rain showers, especially during the summer months. Pack light, breathable clothing, and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
Be aware of the hurricane season: Fort Lauderdale hurricane season is from September through early October and this time of the year usually sees severe rainstorms and winds which could be life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of Florida’s hurricane season, and monitor local views, so you can plan your trip for the right time.
Don’t miss out on the water taxi tour: Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as the “Venice of America” due to its intricate canal system. A water taxi tour is a unique way to see the city, and you can hop on and off at various stops to explore different attractions.
High season is the most expensive time to visit Florida – During the high season, prices on accommodations, gear rentals, and tours are the highest. If you plan to visit South Florida from December through March, make your reservations beforehand to avoid the high prices.
Fort Lauderdale is not just the beaches: Fort Lauderdale has several interesting museums, such as the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and the Museum of Discovery and Science. Consider adding them to your itinerary to gain insights into art, history, and science.
One Weekend in Fort Lauderdale Map
One Weekend in Fort Lauderdale isn’t enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in the Fort Lauderdale that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Fort Lauderdale itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Fort Lauderdale!
What else would you add to this Fort Lauderdale weekend trip?!
Other Nearby Getaways
- Adventurous Things to do in the Florida Keys
- One Weekend in Sarasota
- One Weekend in Tampa
- Miami Weekend Trip
About the Author!
Daria is an adventure travel blogger who spent a while exploring South Florida and the Fort Lauderdale area. Daria covers her adventures on the DiscoveryNut.com as well as ExploreBajaCalifornia.com
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