Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Fort Lauderdale?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Fort Lauderdale?
Most visitors spend three to seven days in Fort Lauderdale when visiting. The scenic coastal city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the beaches, the nightlife, the beautiful scenery, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Fort Lauderdale, on the southeastern side of Florida, has beautiful beaches and charming boat canals. This is one of the most walkable beach communities in Florida and there's a promenade that runs along the coastline. The city also has many ritzy hotels and it attracts its share of luxury vacationers. Couples, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday will appreciate this beach area.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Fort Lauderdale? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Fort Lauderdale?
With one week you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Fort Lauderdale as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the nightlife, and the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Fort Lauderdale
When visiting Fort Lauderdale, you can't miss the Local Beaches as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
This coastal city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale ($74)
Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable city. With only a day in the coastal city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.
The beautiful beaches await you in Fort Lauderdale, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster ($150)
- Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour ($75)
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour ($114)
Fort Lauderdale is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster ($150)
- Mini Powerboat Rental ($99)
- Airboat Rides Florida Everglades Captain Wayne ($99)
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided Snorkel Experience in Fort Lauderdale ($55)
- Atlantic Ocean Snorkeling Experience ($79)
- 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale ($161)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour ($114)
- Chocolate and Dessert Tasting Tour in Fort Lauderdale Florida ($40)
Shopping in Fort Lauderdale is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Fort Lauderdale, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Fort Lauderdale. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Fort Lauderdale?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Fort Lauderdale, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Lounge on the beach, enjoy the evening activities, admire the wonderful scenery, and explore the underwater world on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Fort Lauderdale as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
How to spend 2 weeks in Fort Lauderdale
With 2 weeks in Fort Lauderdale, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the coastal city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this coastal city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster ($150)
- 4-Hour Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter ($165)
- 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early) ($25)
- Mini Powerboat Rental ($99)
- Fort Lauderdale’s Tropical Kayak Tour and Island Adventure ($99)
More Info
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