Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a coastal city that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this coastal city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great resorts and amazing beaches.
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.
6 Reasons to Visit Fort Lauderdale
1. Resorts
Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.
2. Beaches
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.
3. Food
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.
4. Nightlife
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.
5. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
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.
6. Shopping
For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Fort Lauderdale. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (83°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (89°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the resorts, and the nightlife scene.
Summer Weather in Fort Lauderdale
Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
July | 28°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
August | 28°C (83°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
September | 28°C (82°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Fort Lauderdale, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery.
Autumn Weather in Fort Lauderdale
Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
October | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
November | 23°C (73°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
December | 21°C (69°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Fort Lauderdale, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 20°C (67°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Fort Lauderdale
Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
January | 20°C (67°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
February | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
March | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Fort Lauderdale worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Fort Lauderdale. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Fort Lauderdale
Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
April | 24°C (75°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
June | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Fort Lauderdale
Lots of Tourists
Fort Lauderdale sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Fort Lauderdale might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Fort Lauderdale here or see if Fort Lauderdale is expensive here.
Related
What is Fort Lauderdale most famous for?
Fort Lauderdale is most famous for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. The coastal city is very popular for its resorts and beaches. It is also known for its great food and nightlife. And many visitors also come to this coastal city for its scuba diving & snorkeling and shopping. It is often described as luxury, high energy, scenic, bustling, and spirited.
What is the most famous sight in Fort Lauderdale?
The most popular sight in Fort Lauderdale is The Local Beaches. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Fort Lauderdale on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Local Beaches and other attractions here.
How touristy is Fort Lauderdale? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?
Fort Lauderdale is a very touristy coastal city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Family Friendly Boat Cruise and Swim: $55
- Venice of America at Night Tour: $60
- Little Havana Walking Tour + 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Ride: $185
- Helicopter Tour in Miami: $193
- Exclusively Private Snorkel Adventures Training & Tours Ultimate: $79
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Bicycle Tour: $85
- 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $50
- Explore Fort Lauderdale Beach on a One Wheel Private Experience: $75
How long should I spend in Fort Lauderdale?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Fort Lauderdale has a variety of activities such as resorts and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Fort Lauderdale?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fort Lauderdale?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Fort Lauderdale?.