By Maria Montalbano | ONE Sotheby's International Realty
One of the best things about living in Fort Lauderdale is that the weekend starts the moment you step outside. With year-round sunshine, miles of coastline, and a calendar packed with events, there is never a shortage of things to do here.
I have lived in South Florida for over 30 years, and I still discover new restaurants, trails, and experiences on a regular basis. Whether you are a long-time resident or just exploring the area, this guide covers the best ways to spend a weekend in and around Fort Lauderdale.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area offer an incredible range of weekend activities year-round
- Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk, and Fort Lauderdale Beach are the main hubs for entertainment, dining, and relaxation
- Nearby destinations like Hollywood Broadwalk, Deerfield Beach, and the Everglades add even more variety to your weekends
- Annual festivals and events make every season in Fort Lauderdale feel fresh
Hit the Beach (But Make It Interesting)
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the obvious starting point, and for good reason. The wide stretch of sand along A1A is clean, accessible, and backed by a pedestrian promenade lined with cafés, bars, and shops. But the beach experience here goes well beyond laying out a towel.
Rent a paddleboard from one of the many outfitters along the shore. Book a snorkeling trip to the reef just offshore. Or head north to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for a more low-key vibe, where the pier and local restaurants give the area a small-town coastal feel.
Beach spots worth exploring
- Fort Lauderdale Beach along A1A, with its signature wave wall and wide promenade
- Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, a quieter beach town known for shore diving and reef snorkeling
- Deerfield Beach, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a popular fishing pier
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can kayak, hike, and access the beach through a coastal hammock trail
Explore Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk
Las Olas is Fort Lauderdale's main street, and it earns that reputation. A stroll down the boulevard takes you past independent boutiques, galleries, and some of the best restaurants in South Florida. On weekend evenings, the energy picks up with live music at outdoor spots and packed patios along the strip.
Just a few blocks north, the Riverwalk runs along the New River and connects many of the city's key cultural destinations. The NSU Art Museum, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Museum of Discovery and Science are all within walking distance of each other.
What to do along Las Olas and the Riverwalk
- Browse the galleries and boutique shops that line Las Olas Boulevard
- Stop into one of the area's top restaurants for brunch, happy hour, or a long dinner
- Walk or bike the Riverwalk trail from the arts district to Esplanade Park
- Catch a live performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Get on the Water
Fort Lauderdale is the Yachting Capital of the World, and even if you do not own a boat, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water on any given weekend. Water taxis cruise the Intracoastal and connect key spots like Las Olas, the Galleria, and the Convention Center.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available along the Intracoastal and at several parks. Sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing charters, and even gondola rides through the canals round out the options.
Ways to enjoy Fort Lauderdale's waterways
- Take the Water Taxi for a scenic ride connecting the beach, Las Olas, and downtown
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard along the Intracoastal Waterway
- Book a sunset or evening cruise through the canals to see waterfront homes and yachts up close
- Try a deep-sea fishing charter departing from Port Everglades or Bahia Mar
Plan Around Fort Lauderdale's Best Events
The events calendar in Fort Lauderdale is stacked year-round. Every season brings something worth planning your weekend around, from beachfront music festivals to neighborhood art walks.
In the spring, the Tortuga Music Festival takes over Fort Lauderdale Beach with three days of live music and ocean conservation programming. Fall brings the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-water show in the world. And nearly every Friday, the free Friday Night Sound Waves concert series brings live music and food vendors to the beach.
Annual events to put on your calendar
- Tortuga Music Festival (April): A three-day beachfront music and conservation event
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October): More than 1,500 boats on display at marinas across the city
- Friday Night Sound Waves (recurring): Free live concerts on Fort Lauderdale Beach, running seasonally
- IGNITE Broward (February): A 10-day festival of large-scale light and art installations throughout the city
Day Trips That Are Worth the Drive
One of the advantages of living near Fort Lauderdale is how much is within a short drive. Head south 30 minutes and you are in Miami's Wynwood Arts District or on South Beach. Go west and you are in the Everglades, where airboat tours and nature trails offer a completely different side of Florida.
To the north, Boca Raton and Delray Beach offer charming downtowns with great dining and shopping. And if you want to get out on the ocean, the Bahamas are just a short boat ride or flight away.
Top day trips from Fort Lauderdale
- Everglades National Park: Airboat tours, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails about 45 minutes west
- Hollywood Broadwalk: A 2.5-mile oceanfront boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and bike rentals
- Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue: A walkable downtown strip packed with restaurants, galleries, and live music venues
- Boca Raton: Home to Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and some of the best dining in Palm Beach County
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weekend activity in Fort Lauderdale for families?
The beach is always a hit, but the Museum of Discovery and Science is a fantastic option for families with kids. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park also offers a great mix of trails, kayaking, and beach access in one location.
Are there free things to do in Fort Lauderdale on weekends?
Yes, plenty. Friday Night Sound Waves is a free concert series on the beach during season. The Riverwalk hosts free events throughout the year, and the city's parks and beaches are always open. Art walks and community markets pop up regularly as well.
How far is Fort Lauderdale from Miami or the Everglades?
Miami is about 30 to 45 minutes south depending on traffic. The Everglades are roughly 45 minutes to an hour west. Both make for excellent day trips, and the Brightline train connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando for car-free travel.
Start Your Next Fort Lauderdale Weekend
Whether you have lived here for years or you are just starting to explore, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area offer something new every weekend. If you are thinking about making this lifestyle permanent, I would love to help you find the right home. Reach out to
Maria Montalbano at ONE Sotheby's International Realty and let me help you find your place in South Florida.
