Stay Another Day: Fun Activities in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Try one of these five things to plan when you have extra time in this Florida city.

Elise Schoeningby Elise Schoening
November 2, 2020
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Home for more than 2,000 years to the Tequesta tribe, the Greater Fort Lauderdale region now calls itself the Yachting Capital of the World. The city is home to fewer than 200,000 people, and the area is rich with things to do for the visitor. Here are five great ways to pass the time for meeting professionals who choose to tack on an extra day.

All photographs courtesy of Visit Lauderdale.

Paddle Under the Stars

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Nicknamed the “Venice of America” because of its extensive canal system, Fort Lauderdale is best explored by kayak. In addition to daily tours through the city’s waterways at 10 a.m., Park & Ocean offers Friday sunset outings and full-moon tours every month, which take visitors on a one-hour meander through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at moonlight.

Surf Side

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Enjoy a fresh seafood meal with a view at the Oceanic restaurant in Pompano Beach. Opened in late 2019, the Oceanic offers mouth­watering dishes such as conch chowder, Peruvian ceviche and cashew-crusted salmon. 

Flamingo Flamenco

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Flamingos, alligators and bears oh my! For a glimpse of Florida’s native plants and wildlife, head to Flamingo Gardens. Spread across 60 acres, this botanical oasis and wildlife sanctuary houses more than 3,000 exotic and rare plants, along with more than 90 species of birds and animals, many of whom are injured or not able to be sent back out in the wild.

Cool Cars

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Step back in time at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. The 30,000-square-foot facility features the largest collection of Packard cars alongside historical memorabilia, such as old gas-station signs and car horns, dating to the early 1900s.

Local Purveyors 

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Lined with more than 120 specialty shops, art galleries, museums, salons and spas, Las Olas Boulevard is a must-visit destination for every traveler passing through Fort Lauderdale. The mile-long Boulevard runs from Las Olas Beach to the heart of the city.