Apr 8, 20213 min read

15 Best Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale – Hand Luggage Only – Travel, Food & Photog

Perched in the south-east of Florida,

Fort Lauderdale is a city that’s amazing to explore and one spot you shouldn’t miss whilst in the state.

It’s a city that in so many ways feels much less undiscovered than places like Miami; but one place that you definitely shouldn’t ignore. I mean, there are so many things to do in Fort Lauderdale that I almost guarantee that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

My first visit to Fort Lauderdale was incredible and to be honest, a total eye-opener. Now, as I mentioned, I’d always been swayed by those big-hitting spots like Miami, the Florida Keys and Orlando.

Thankfully, this was remedied with our recent trip over to the sunshine state for a little, relax, culture, mountains of food and some good-quality beach time (essential, am I right?). I’m actually quite disappointed that this was my very first visit to the city! I mean, how did it take me so long!

Anyway, before I ramble on I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale during your time in the city.

After all, It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting for a few days, a nice long weekend or a week of total relaxation, Fort Lauderdale has a proper mix of experiences, yummy foody joints and epic beaches that I promise you’ll love.

Take a look at some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, you’re going to have the best time.

1.) Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard has to be one of the most fun streets to visit whilst in Fort Lauderdale. Filled with everything from the best cocktail bars, foody haunts, some gorgeous little boutiques and a few museum spots, too. It’s one of those areas that’s amazing to visit in the early evening (after a long day of exploring). Whilst you’re there, make sure to pop into Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar, they serve a mean espresso. Obviously, I mentioned Louie Bossi (which is epic), but also try the Lobster Bar and Seagrill, which I loved (plus, it looks like a mini Grand Central Station inside… so cool!)

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3.) Eat everything at Louie Bossi

Okay, hands down, Louie Bossi is one of my top spots for food and it’s certainly up there with some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Perched on Las Olas Boulevard, it’s one of those Italian restaurants that’s so good you actually believe you could be in Italy. Make sure you try their homemade salumi boards and the tastiest spaghetti on this side of the Atlantic. honestly, it really is a gem of a restaurant. Just make sure to book your table in advance, this spot is really popular with locals.

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8.) Hop in a water taxi

Running approximately every 30 minutes or so, the water taxi in Fort Lauderdale is a great way to get onto the riverways and explore the city from a totally different perspective. The water taxi runs across some pre-defined routes through the centre of Fort Lauderdale, the gorgeous River Routes and the excitingly named, Margaritaville Express Route (which runs every hour). You can see the full schedule and routes taken, click here. Just don’t forget to get off at stop one, this is where Stranahan House is located.

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15.) Visit the quaint Stranahan House

Officially the oldest structure in the county, Stranahan House is one lovely spot to spend an afternoon and learn more about the heritage of Fort Lauderdale and some of the pioneers of the city, Frank and Ivy Stranahan. The house itself is open in the early afternoon and it’s a great little spot to visit when you’re in the neighbourhood.

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