Here’s a countdown of 20 fun-filled ways to spend some time in gorgeous Fort Lauderdale this summer:
1. Bet on a thoroughbred horse at Gulfstream Park, which also features sports and casino gaming, restaurants, bars, a four story clubhouse, and even an 800-seat theater.
2. Enjoy a round of golf on one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s world-class courses. There are roughly three dozen courses in the area, including several PGA and historic sites, such as Heron Bay Golf Club, Eagle Trace Golf Club, and Hollywood Beach Golf Club.
3. Venture out on a deep-sea fishing adventure. Then stop by the Rusty Hook Tavern afterwards to have the kitchen prepare your catch! Enjoy your fresh meal along with a selection of boutique wines or craft beers.
4. Some call Fort Lauderdale the “Venice of America.” So, make the most of the water and hop on the Water Taxi to cruise through waterways filled with mansions and superyachts—and then hop off to shop and dine along Las Olas Boulevard.
5. Take a bike ride along the 2.5-mile Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and marvel at the dramatic coastal views of the beach while you treat yourself to an ice cream.
6. See an authentic rodeo at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, the only South Florida city with an original western motif. Make sure to save room for some real Southern barbecue here, too.
7. Climb the 175-step spiral staircase in the historic (and octagonal) Hillsboro Lighthouse to see an amazing view from its 138-foot top. Tours are offered each month.
8. See a superstar live in concert at Hard Rock Live, a 7000-seat capacity entertainment venue or the Amerant Bank Arena, home to the Florida Panthers of the NHL.
9. Explore Fort Lauderdale’s glamorous past at the charming Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a historic and whimsical 35-acre estate located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale beach. Don’t miss the extensive orchid collection here.
10. Visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale to see its permanent collection of 7,500 works and exciting summer exhibits. The museum is free on the first Thursday of every month and there is even an on-site café.
11. Take a Segway tour along the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale and marvel at the mega yachts while you learn more about the area’s history.
12. Charter or bring your own boat and cruise the region’s extensive inland waterways. There is more than 300 miles of waterways in total!
13. Enjoy the cool summer air and cocktails among aerialists, stilt walkers, fun-house activations, and performances on Saturday nights at The Carousel Club, an open-air venue in Hallandale Beach.
14. Hit the velodrome—which is one of only three in the Southeastern U.S. and the only one in the state of Florida—at Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome in Cooper City.
15. Saddle up for a horseback ride at the Equestrian Center at Temple Park in the green suburb of Parkland or at American Horse Trails in Southwest Ranches, located in the heart of horse country.
16. Take a cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat, complete with humorous commentary, then debark on a tropical isle for an all-you-can eat BBQ ribs and chicken dinner and variety show. Family fun at its finest!
17. Reconnect with nature as you follow the boardwalk through 23 acres of pristine freshwater marsh, an equestrian center, and nature trails at Tree Tops Park in nearby Davie.
18. Enjoy a hike and an amazing look at wildlife at Snake Warrior’s Island Natural Area in Miramar, part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a collection of 489 sites throughout the state.
19. Try your luck at one of the area’s many casinos and choose from slots, baccarat, pai gow, and even harness racing betting.
20. Climb (or take the elevator) to the top of the 68-foot observation tower or follow the boardwalk to see wading birds and other native wildlife at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, which stretches 20 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway. There’s also a fishing pier and paddling trails nearby.
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