Fort Lauderdale is the relaxed, sunny heart of Broward County, half an hour north of Miami. Once famous for spring break, it is now better known for its long, palm-lined beach promenade, the boutiques and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, and hundreds of miles of canals lined with yachts, which earn it the nickname “the Venice of America”. Port Everglades, one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, sits right next to the airport, so many visitors stay a night or two before or after a cruise. The Water Taxi, Brightline trains and a compact downtown make it easy without a car. The best months are November to April.
Right now in Fort Lauderdale
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- Mon 12 Oct Columbus Day
Top tours in Fort Lauderdale
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Fort Lauderdale at a glance
- Best for: beach days without South Beach’s crowds, boats and canals, cruise departures, Las Olas dining and shopping, and easy trips to Miami and the Everglades.
- How long: 2 days for the beach, Las Olas and a Water Taxi ride; 3–4 days with Miami or the Everglades.
- Best time: November to April, with highs of 76–83 °F (24–28 °C) and 3–4 rainy days a month. Summer is hot with afternoon storms, and it is hurricane season.
- Getting there: fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), less than 2 miles (3 km) from Port Everglades; Brightline and Tri-Rail trains from Miami and the Palm Beaches.
- Getting around: the Water Taxi on the canals, free LauderGO! shuttles, Broward County Transit buses, ride apps and taxis.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, driving and general safety are on our United States travel guide.
Fort Lauderdale’s neighborhoods and who each one suits
The city lies between the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean on one side and downtown on the New River on the other, with Las Olas Boulevard running east from downtown to the beach across the islands.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
The barrier island along State Road A1A, with a wave-shaped wall and promenade separating the road from the sand. Hotels range from big resorts to small 1950s motels, with beach bars and restaurants across the street. The best base for beach lovers and families; quieter stretches lie north towards Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
Las Olas Boulevard and the Isles
Las Olas is the city’s main street of shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants with outdoor tables, busiest in the evening. Its eastern end crosses the “Isles”, fingers of land lined with canals, waterfront homes and private docks. Good for couples who want to stroll and eat well.
Downtown and the Riverwalk
Downtown’s towers line the New River, with a riverside walkway, the arts and entertainment district around the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Brightline station. It is practical for train travelers and business visitors, a short Water Taxi or shuttle ride from the beach.
Near the port and the airport
17th Street and the Harbor Beach area, between the beach and Port Everglades, have many hotels that offer cruise packages and transfers. Practical for a night before sailing; otherwise the beach or Las Olas are more fun.
Top things to see in Fort Lauderdale
Prices, rules and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
Fort Lauderdale Beach and the promenade
A long, wide strip of golden sand backed by palms and the famous white wave wall along A1A. Walk or cycle the promenade, watch the cruise ships head out from Port Everglades in the late afternoon and swim in front of a lifeguard tower. Las Olas Beach, where the boulevard meets the sea, is the liveliest spot; the beach is calmer further north. Beach rules are listed below.
The Water Taxi and the canals
The best way to see the “Venice of America” is from the water. The Water Taxi runs hop-on, hop-off boats on the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway, with more than 30 stops including the beach, Las Olas, the Riverwalk and hotels, past mansions and superyachts, with routes also to Hollywood and Pompano Beach. According to the operator, boats run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and on the Fort Lauderdale Beach route they arrive every 30 to 46 minutes; check the live boat tracker. All-day, evening and multi-day passes are sold on the operator’s website.
Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk
Stroll Las Olas from downtown towards the Intracoastal for boutiques, art galleries and pavement dining, then join the Riverwalk along the New River. By the river at the downtown end of Las Olas, the Stranahan House, a 1901 trading post turned home, is the city’s oldest surviving building, and the History Fort Lauderdale museum tells the story of the frontier town.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
A plantation-style artists’ home of the 1920s set in a rare survival of coastal subtropical forest between the beach and the Intracoastal, with monkeys in the trees, orchids and a quirky art collection. Guided and self-guided tours are available; check the house’s website for hours and prices.
More to see
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: a green oasis of hammock and lagoon by the beach, with trails and kayaks.
- NSU Art Museum: modern and contemporary art downtown, including a large Latin American collection.
- Museum of Discovery and Science: hands-on science and an IMAX cinema on the Riverwalk, great for children.
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk: a long, lively beachfront path a few miles south.
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: a small beach town to the north with reefs close enough to snorkel from shore.
Museums
- Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
- Museum of Discovery and Science
Historic centres
- Las Olas Boulevard
Parks and gardens
- Bonnet House
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Beaches
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
Beach rules and beach safety
According to the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Ocean Rescue, alcoholic drinks are prohibited on the beach, as are glass bottles and glass containers. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the sand, except for service animals and the designated Canine Beach. You may not dig holes or put up tents, canopies or fencing, play amplified sound that disturbs others, or bring grills, generators or vehicles onto the sand, and fishing from the beach is only allowed from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. In 2026 the city also tightened rules on open containers and outdoor alcohol sales in its entertainment districts, including the beach area; check the city’s website before spring break.
Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower. Florida beaches use a statewide warning flag system: green for low hazard, yellow for moderate surf or currents, red for high surf or strong currents, red with a crossed-out swimmer when the water is closed, and purple for dangerous marine life such as jellyfish. Rip currents are the main danger: if you are caught, swim parallel to the shore before heading back. The Florida Department of Health’s Healthy Beaches program tests the water and posts swimming advisories, more often after heavy summer rain. In spring and summer sargassum seaweed may wash up on Atlantic beaches; it can smell and irritate the skin, so check local conditions before you go. Sea turtles nest on the beach from spring to autumn: keep away from marked nests and do not use flashlights on the sand at night.
Other things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Boats, diving and fishing
Fort Lauderdale is a yachting capital, with boat rentals, sightseeing cruises along the canals, sport-fishing charters and diving on the reefs and artificial wrecks just offshore. The reefs off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pompano Beach are good for snorkelling in calm weather.
Food and nights out
Eat seafood with a view on the Intracoastal or along A1A, try the dining rooms of Las Olas, and head to the Himmarshee Street area downtown or the beach bars for a night out. Many restaurants are reached by boat, and the Water Taxi’s evening pass makes a fun way to bar-hop.
Day trips and onward travel
Miami and Miami Beach
Brightline reaches downtown Miami in about half an hour, and Tri-Rail is the cheaper, slower commuter option. See our Miami and Miami Beach guides for Little Havana, Wynwood, Vizcaya and the Art Deco district.
The Everglades and the Florida Keys
The western edge of Broward County is Everglades marshland, with private airboat parks a short drive from the city. For Everglades National Park, the Shark Valley entrance on the Tamiami Trail is about an hour and a half away. As of October 2026 the National Park Service charges $35 per private vehicle for 7 days, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and over unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Key Largo is about two and a half hours by car. See our Everglades National Park and Florida Keys guides.
Cruises and the Bahamas
Port Everglades handles multi-day cruises to the Caribbean and beyond, and a daily ferry service to the Bahamas, so a short island trip is possible without flying. Adults need a government-issued photo ID to enter the port, and a passport for international sailings.
Nearby destinations
- Miami Beach36 km
- Miami41 km
- Everglades National Park107 km
- Naples165 km
- Florida Keys218 km
- Key West241 km
- Sarasota273 km
- Orlando294 km
Getting there and getting around
From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport
FLL is just south of downtown and, according to Port Everglades, 1.8 miles (2.9 km) from the cruise port. Broward County’s airport lists these options: BCT bus route 1, along Federal Highway, from Stop G at the Rental Car Center; free shuttle buses from the arrivals level (GTA-1 at Terminal 1, GTA-2 between Terminals 2 and 3, GTA-3 between Terminals 3 and 4) to the Tri-Rail station at Dania Beach; and a Brightline airport connector shuttle from the same arrivals stops, daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Taxi estimates published by the airport are $18–$21 to Port Everglades and about $80 to South Beach in Miami. Ride-app pickups are on the arrivals level. Miami International Airport, 27 miles (43 km) south, is an alternative with more international flights.
Port Everglades for cruises
Port Everglades advises allowing 45 minutes to an hour from landing at FLL to reaching your cruise terminal, including baggage claim and the transfer. Everyone 18 and over needs a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport, at the security checkpoint, and vehicles may be searched. Cruise parking is in port garages on sailing days; check rates with Port Everglades. Many hotels near the port and the beach offer cruise shuttles.
Brightline, Tri-Rail and buses
Brightline’s downtown Fort Lauderdale station is on NW 2nd Avenue, next to the Broward County Transit central terminal. Express trains run south to Aventura and MiamiCentral, and north to Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport; fares vary by date and class (SMART and PREMIUM), so book ahead. Tri-Rail links Fort Lauderdale with Miami and West Palm Beach along an inland line of 18 stations. Broward County Transit buses cover the county, and the city’s LauderGO! community shuttles and the LauderGO! Water Trolley across the New River are free.
Driving and tolls
I-95, I-595, US 1 and Florida’s Turnpike all reach the city. According to Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, tolls on the Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway are cashless: they are charged to a SunPass or a compatible transponder such as E-ZPass, or billed by TOLL-BY-PLATE to the car’s owner with an administrative fee. Rental cars cannot use TOLL-BY-PLATE, so check your rental company’s toll program and fees, or add the plate to your own SunPass account. Beach parking is metered and fills up at weekends; most beach hotels charge for parking.
When to go and how long to stay
Fort Lauderdale is warm all year, with a dry, sunny season from November to April and a hot, humid wet season from May to October, when afternoon thunderstorms are frequent but short. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport weather station: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 0.10 in (2.5 mm) of rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 76–78 °F (24–25 °C) / 61–65 °F (16–18 °C) | 3–4 | Sunny, dry and mild; busy cruise season | Beach, boat trips, the Everglades; peak prices |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 80–86 °F (26–30 °C) / 66–74 °F (19–23 °C) | 3–7 | Warm and mostly dry until the rains begin in May | Beach days, diving, snorkelling |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 88–90 °F (31–32 °C) / 77–78 °F (25–26 °C) | 10–11 | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms | Lower hotel rates, warm sea, morning beach time |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 88 °F falling to 81 °F (31 to 27 °C) / 77 °F falling to 68 °F (25 to 20 °C) | 11 in September, 5 in November | Peak hurricane season early on; drier by November | Boat Show, deals, quieter beaches |
The airport averages about 61 in (1,548 mm) of rain a year, with June the wettest month at about 9.6 in (243 mm).
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. If you travel in these months, follow forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service office in Miami, know your evacuation zone from Broward County emergency management, obey any evacuation orders, and consider travel insurance; cruise itineraries may change around storms.
Events worth planning around
- Late October: the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the world’s largest, reported for 28 October to 1 November 2026 at the Bahia Mar marina and other sites. Hotels and roads by the beach are very busy.
- December: the Winterfest Boat Parade of lit-up boats on the New River and the Intracoastal.
- March: spring break, with stricter alcohol and beach rules on busy weekends.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 4 days
2 days: day one, the beach, the promenade and a sunset drink on A1A; day two, a Water Taxi tour of the canals, lunch on Las Olas, the Riverwalk and Bonnet House.
3 days: add Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and snorkelling at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or a day in Miami by Brightline. 4 days: add a day at Shark Valley in the Everglades.
Weather month by month
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale and the hotel tax
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: resorts and small motels across from the sand; the most popular choice.
- Las Olas and the Isles: boutique hotels and marina resorts close to the restaurants.
- Downtown: near Brightline and the arts district; good for train travel.
- 17th Street, the port and the airport: practical for cruises and early flights.
Florida prices are shown before tax. As of October 2026, a hotel room in Fort Lauderdale carries Florida’s 6% sales tax, Broward County’s 1% surtax and Broward’s 6% tourist development tax: 13% in all. Restaurant meals pay the 7% sales tax. Many beach hotels add a daily resort fee and charge for parking. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s fees rule in force since May 2025, mandatory fees such as resort fees must be included in the total advertised price; taxes may be shown separately. Book early for the Boat Show and the winter cruise season.
Practical tips for Fort Lauderdale
- Plan cruise days early: allow at least an hour from the airport to the ship, more at busy weekends.
- No drinks on the sand: alcohol and glass are banned on the beach.
- Use the free shuttles: LauderGO! and the Water Trolley save on parking.
- Sun and storms: the sun is strong all year, and summer storms bring lightning; get off the beach when you hear thunder.
- Tipping: 18–20% in restaurants; check the bill for an added service charge.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Fort Lauderdale
Bring swimwear, sandals, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen, plus snorkel gear if you plan to swim over the reefs. Light, breathable clothes work all year; add a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and the occasional cool winter evening, and a compact umbrella from May to October. Cruise passengers should keep passports, ID and medicines in hand luggage. Insect repellent is a must for the Everglades.
Fort Lauderdale travel FAQ
How far is Fort Lauderdale airport from Port Everglades?
About 1.8 miles (2.9 km). The airport lists taxi estimates of $18–$21, and Port Everglades suggests allowing 45 minutes to an hour from landing to your cruise terminal.
Can you drink alcohol on Fort Lauderdale Beach?
No. Alcoholic drinks and glass containers are prohibited on the beach under the city’s rules. Drink at the bars and restaurants across A1A instead.
How do I get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami without a car?
Take Brightline from the downtown station to MiamiCentral, or the cheaper Tri-Rail commuter train. Brightline fares vary by date and class.
What are the Water Taxi hours?
According to the operator, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with boats on the Fort Lauderdale Beach route every 30 to 46 minutes. Check the live tracker and buy an all-day or evening pass online.
What is the hotel tax in Fort Lauderdale?
As of October 2026, 13%: 7% sales tax plus Broward County’s 6% tourist development tax. Resort fees and parking come on top.
Are dogs allowed on Fort Lauderdale Beach?
Not on the sand, except service animals and the city’s designated Canine Beach. Check the city’s website for Canine Beach days and permits.
Is there a bus from FLL airport?
Yes. Broward County Transit route 1 stops at the Rental Car Center (Stop G), and free shuttles run to the Tri-Rail station. A Brightline connector shuttle runs daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
When is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Every autumn; the 2026 show is reported for 28 October to 1 November. Expect full hotels and heavy traffic near the beach.
When is hurricane season in Fort Lauderdale?
From 1 June to 30 November, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Follow forecasts and evacuation orders, and consider travel insurance.
Is Fort Lauderdale better than Miami Beach?
It depends on what you want. Fort Lauderdale is calmer and good value, with canals and an easy cruise port; Miami Beach has the Art Deco district and big nightlife. They are close enough to combine.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Airport transport and taxi estimates: Broward County Aviation Department (FLL); cruise port facts: Port Everglades (Broward County); beach rules: City of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue; public transport and LauderGO!: City of Fort Lauderdale; Water Taxi hours: Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale; hotel taxes: Broward County and the Florida Department of Revenue; Everglades fees: National Park Service; tolls: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise; beach flags: City of Miami Beach Ocean Rescue (statewide system); hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; resort fees: Federal Trade Commission; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport station. The Boat Show dates, the 2026 alcohol ordinance and travel times come from press or general references and are flagged for checking. Prices, hours and timetables change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
Also: NOAA NCEI normals 1991–2020, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)