Fort Lauderdale is known for its perfect year-round weather and beaches. But, there is a lot more to this town than the sand and surf. In fact, you will find activities for every budget and interest. So, whether you are there on business or traveling with the family, do not forget to try out these top-rated activities and sights.
Go on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Spend your evening on an old-fashioned riverboat cruise. You’ll head down the New River and enjoy an all-you-can-eat shrimp and BBQ dinner. You’ll also enjoy a comedy show live on the boat as you travel through the tranquil waters. The scenery is gorgeous and constantly changing – and regardless of what the of the year you go, you will see something beautiful. Overall, the cruise lasts about four hours and everything is included in the price except your drop-off and pick-up, alcoholic beverages and any gratuity you want to leave to the servers.
Go on a Sailing and Snorkeling Day in the Key West
Fort Lauderdale is lucky enough to be close to the Key West region. You can spend a day snorkeling – regardless if you are a beginner or advanced snorkeler. In the calm waters of the Key West you’ll spend an entire day in the clear water and swimming side-by-side tropical fish. The trip lasts three hours and you’ll travel by a 50-foot sailboat.
During the cruise, you’ll also stop at the Hemingway House where you can explore the footsteps of the famous author. You will then head over to the historic Mallory Square, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Key West region.
This is a full day excursion and it does fill up fast. Because they have limited space on the boat, you will want to book your tickets as soon as possible.
Enjoy an Evening at the Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show
This throwback classic features tiki bars and the styling of the 50’s. This show has been a staple in Fort Lauderdale since 1956 and is still one of the most popular attractions to date. You can even come wearing your favorite Hawaiian shirt. The staff at the event are so warm and inviting and they serve an award-winning dinner course that features an appetizer, entrée, and a delightful little dessert. Don’t forget to fill up on the tropical drinks and you can even add a little extra alcohol to yours for an additional fee.
Even if you don’t have time for other sights and attractions, be sure to head over to the Mai-Kai for traditional Polynesian food and dancing. It is the best entertainment around and you’ll find even locals frequent here for some good food and fun.
Take a Day Trip to Key West
You don’t have to spend the day in the water to enjoy Key West. Instead, you can take a boat from Fort Lauderdale to Key West and enjoy the Caribbean scenery. Spend the day at local cafes, buy a piece of art from a street painter, and just enjoy the lively, tropical environment. In order to take this day trip cruise, you will need a minimum of two people at the time of booking. The trip features an all day tour of the area by boat and by trolley, and then ends with a boat ride back to Fort Lauderdale.
Skim the Everglades
There is a lot more to Florida than tropical beaches. The everglades are by far one of the most unique attractions and when you tour them by airboat, they can be exhilarating. You’ll see all the fish, turtles and of course, the alligators. This tour takes off from Sawgrass Recreation Park, which is about 25 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale.
The tour only lasts 30-minutes, but it is a great experience. The tour guides teach you about the ecosystem within the glades and what makes them unique. You’ll then head back to the park where you will get to see iguanas, gators, leopards and even panthers. If you’re daring enough, you will get the opportunity to hold a baby alligator.
See the Everglades at Night
The everglades change at night – and you can witness it with a nighttime airboat tour of the glades. This is one of the more thrilling experiences you will have during your stay in Fort Lauderdale. You’ll glide across the smooth waters in complete darkness, listen to the rustling of creatures making their way through the glades, and see all of the nocturnal creatures of Florida. There are plenty of mysteries to uncover in the depths of the glades and your tour guide will even tell you stories and teach you a little history about the area.
The tour doesn’t start until well after the sun has set and it lasts for about 60 minutes. While it is meant to be entertaining, it is also highly educational.
Enjoy a Sea Experience
You can see the wonders beneath the ocean by going on a Sea Experience tour. This tour features a 40-foot glass bottomed boat that travels along the Intercostal region. You’ll see coral reefs, tropical fish, thriving marine life and even a shark or two (if you’re lucky). You can even dive deep into the waters for a scuba trip and swim over to the famous wreck sites for an additional $55.
No matter how long you are staying in Fort Lauderdale, there is always something to do. From exploring the everglades to learning a little about a unique ecosystem to traveling over to the Keys, Fort Lauderdale has an activity to entertain all ages.
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