With its golden sunshine, refreshing ocean breeze, and vibrant urban life, Fort Lauderdale is a destination brimming with unique experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you're seeking peace in nature or planning a day filled with cultural attractions, this city is ready to surprise you at every turn.
Everglades Holiday Park
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Everglades, Everglades Holiday Park offers a thrilling blend of nature and adventure. Just outside Fort Lauderdale, this park invites guests on 60-minute guided airboat tours through a lush ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Glide across the water as expert captains introduce you to alligators, exotic birds, and native flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
One of the park’s biggest draws is the live alligator show by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team—famous from the Animal Planet series. Anglers will also find a haven here, with a bait and tackle shop offering gear, licenses, and supplies. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs to remember your adventure. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and thrill seekers alike, Everglades Holiday Park delivers an unforgettable escape into the wild.
🌐 evergladesholidaypark.com
📍 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
💰 Starting from $39.99
Butterfly World
Located in Coconut Creek, Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park on Earth—and it truly feels like stepping into a magical realm. Over 20,000 butterflies soar freely through lush tropical gardens, offering a peaceful, dreamlike experience for visitors of all ages.
The park features an insectarium, a bug zoo with live species, and interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds. Don't miss the "Jewels of the Sky" and "Tropical Bird Aviary"—home to brilliantly colored birds flying overhead. The on-site shop also sells garden plants and nature-themed gifts to help you bring a piece of the magic home. Whether you’re a nature lover, parent, or curious explorer, Butterfly World is a feast for the senses.
🌐 butterflyworld.com
📍 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
💰 Starting from $32.50
Source: https://stranahanhouse.org/
Stranahan House
Step back in time at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest standing structure in Broward County. Built in 1901 by pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan, this charming house once served as a trading post, post office, town hall, and family residence.
Through guided tours, guests learn about the city's founding days, the Stranahan family legacy, and Fort Lauderdale’s fascinating evolution. The museum also hosts educational programs and special events, making it an ideal visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
🌐 stranahanhouse.org
📍 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
💰 Starting from $13.00
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Overlooking the scenic New River, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of South Florida's premier cultural venues. Hosting over 700 performances annually, it offers everything from Broadway musicals to opera, ballet, concerts, and multicultural shows.
Beyond performances, the center provides workshops, lectures, and educational programs—including one of the largest arts education initiatives in the country. Each year, over 150,000 students benefit from its youth-focused programming. For anyone passionate about the performing arts, this center is a true gem.
🌐 browardcenter.org
📍 201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
💰 Visit the website for details
Source: https://junglequeen.com/
Jungle Queen Riverboat
A beloved Fort Lauderdale icon since 1935, the Jungle Queen Riverboat offers unforgettable sightseeing cruises along the city's scenic New River—dubbed "America's Venice."
Daytime tours come with guided narration about the area’s rich history and culture, while evening tours offer something extra special: a private island BBQ dinner and live Polynesian-style entertainment. Perfect for families, groups, and celebrations, the Jungle Queen also features a full-service bar on board to complete your experience.
🌐 junglequeen.com
📍 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
💰 Visit the website for details
Source: https://www.boceanresort.com/mermaids-at-the-wreck-bar/
The Wreck Bar
Inside the B Ocean Resort lies one of Fort Lauderdale’s most unique venues—The Wreck Bar. This nautical-themed bar, inspired by a sunken Spanish galleon, is famous for its underwater mermaid shows viewed through giant porthole windows.
By day, guests can enjoy brunch and bubbly during the “Mermaids & Mimosas” show. By night, the atmosphere shifts for adults-only events like “Siren Serenade,” featuring dazzling performances and moody ambiance. Ideal for birthdays, proposals, or just a splash of something extraordinary, The Wreck Bar is an unforgettable experience.
🌐 mermaids-at-the-wreck-bar
📍 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
💰 Visit the website for details
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a tranquil 180-acre sanctuary in the heart of the city. It offers biking and hiking trails, canoe and paddleboard rentals, picnic areas, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Visit the Terramar House—built in 1940 by Hugh Taylor Birch—which now serves as a museum and visitor center. After exploring, grab a bite at Park & Ocean, the park’s beachside restaurant and bar. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, it's the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
🌐 floridastateparks.org/HughTaylorBirch
📍 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
💰 Starting from $6.00 per vehicle
Go Riverwalk
Stretching along the banks of New River, Go Riverwalk is a dynamic cultural and recreational hub at the heart of Fort Lauderdale. It hosts year-round concerts, festivals, and art events, making it a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Adventurers can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes through Riverwalk Activities. Surrounded by parks, eateries, and shopping, it’s a must-see for those wanting to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant social scene.
🌐 goriverwalk.com
📍 888 East Las Olas Blvd, Suite 210, Fort Lauderdale
💰 Free
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is the beating heart of Fort Lauderdale’s cultural and commercial scene. This lively stretch is packed with luxury boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and live music bars.
Stroll the boulevard to catch street performers, sip coffee at ocean-view cafés, or attend seasonal events like art fairs and holiday parades. With walkable access and the charming Sun Trolley service, Las Olas offers something for everyone.
🌐 lasolasboulevard.com
📍 Thoroughfare in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
💰 Free
After experiencing the many unique adventures Fort Lauderdale has to offer, if you're looking to unwind and embark on a captivating journey through art, there's a perfect stop waiting for you: Craft for Art.
This one-of-a-kind workshop is one of Florida’s most special destinations for creating Turkish mosaic lamps. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful, creative escape as you're treated to delicious Turkish delight and freshly brewed Turkish tea. It’s the perfect moment to relax, recharge, and embrace the joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
Source: https://craftforart.com/
Craft for Art
After a day of discovery in Fort Lauderdale, unwind your spirit and ignite your creativity at Craft for Art—a one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamp workshop. Sip on traditional Turkish tea, savor delicious lokum, and immerse yourself in a peaceful artistic journey.
Craft for Art combines centuries-old mosaic craftsmanship with modern flair. Guided by skilled instructors, guests design and build their own mosaic lamps using vibrant glass pieces, leaving with a glowing creation that’s both personal and beautiful.
For those who can’t attend in person, special “home kits” are available to recreate the experience from the comfort of home. Whether it’s a solo visit, a group celebration, or a special event, Craft for Art offers an enchanting space to relax, create, and connect.
🌐 craftforart.com
📍 AR Workshop Cooper City, 2631 N Hiatus Rd, Cooper City, FL 33026
💰 Starting from $79.00
If you ever find yourself wandering the colorful streets of Fort Lauderdale or crafting your own mosaic lamp after reading this, feel free to share your journey with us in the comments — who knows, you might just inspire someone else too.
