Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale grew from a 19th-century trading post into a breezy waterfront city threaded with canals, yacht marinas, and golden beaches. Beyond its seaside glow, you’ll find mid-century modern gems, the artful Bonnet House, and leafy parks that invite slow, scenic strolls.

Today, Fort Lauderdale blends beach time with boat life: hop on the Water Taxi, sip sunset cocktails overlooking the Intracoastal, and wander Las Olas Boulevard’s galleries and cafés. When you’re ready for wild Florida, the Everglades are just a short ride away—serene at sunrise, electrifying when an airboat skims the sawgrass.

Practical notes: Sunscreen and hats are essential year-round, and hurricane season typically runs June–November. Beach parking is metered and often cashless; rideshares are plentiful. Expect 18–20% tipping at restaurants and bars, and book boat tours and Everglades excursions early in peak season.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is all about easy days: morning walks on the sand, a café stop on Las Olas, and a lazy boat ride past Millionaire’s Row. The city’s compact footprint makes it simple to settle in and truly relax.

• Top sights: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Riverwalk, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Best for a relaxing vibe: Water Taxi day-pass wandering, sunset cruises, spa time, and a half-day nature escape to the Everglades.
• Dining scene: Dock-and-dine seafood shacks, Italian on Las Olas, beach-view cafés, and standout brunches.
• Fun facts: With 300+ miles of waterways, Fort Lauderdale hosts one of the world’s largest boat shows—and its canals are lined with mangroves and mansions alike.

Where to stay (mid-budget friendly picks and splurges):

• The Victoria Park Hotel – A boutique, wallet-friendly favorite in a leafy neighborhood near the beach and Galleria.
• Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club – Private beach feel, two pools, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe close to Port Everglades.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale – Polished service and ocean views right on A1A for a spoil-yourself stay.
• Browse more stays: VRBO in Fort Lauderdale | Hotels.com Fort Lauderdale

How to get here: Fly into FLL (10–20 minutes to the beach area; rideshare often $15–30) or MIA (35–60 minutes depending on traffic). Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival, Beach Unwind, and a Sunset on the Water

Morning: Travel day. Grab a snack for the plane and aim to arrive early afternoon. If you land at FLL, it’s a quick hop to your hotel—drop bags and slip into beachwear.

Afternoon: Ease into vacation mode with a slow walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Rent loungers or roll your towel near the wave wall and palm-lined promenade. For a light late lunch, try Coconuts for peel-and-eat shrimp and their cult-favorite “Scoobies” blue crab, or Casablanca Cafe for Mediterranean-leaning plates in a 1920s house with ocean views.

Evening: Toast your first night with a gentle sunset cruise. Depart from Bahia Mar Marina and watch the skyline glow while you glide past yachts and palm silhouettes.

Book: Sea Rocket Sunset & Intracoastal Cruise (about 75 minutes; relaxing narration, photo ops of Millionaire’s Row). Afterward, grab gelato at Gelato-go Las Olas or a quiet nightcap at The Wilder if you want a stylish but mellow lounge.

Day 2: Water Taxi Wandering, Bonnet House, and Las Olas Evenings

Morning: Start with coffee at Wells Coffee (excellent cold brew) or Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar (floral, European café vibes). If you like a leisurely brunch, The Foxy Brown serves classics like their playful Captain Crunch French toast and short rib benedict.

Afternoon: See the “Venice of America” at your own pace with an all-day hop-on, hop-off Water Taxi ticket. Ride between the beach, Las Olas, the Galleria, and waterfront eateries while captains share local stories.

Book: Water Taxi All Day hop-on hop-off Tour. Pause for lunch at Shooters Waterfront (dockside fish tacos, a serene Intracoastal view) or Boathouse at the Riverside (shrimp and grits, breezy patio). Later, step ashore at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for tropical orchids, coastal dunes, and a surprising art collection. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park across the street is perfect for a short, shady trail or a kayak on the lagoon (entry about $6 per vehicle).

Evening: Stroll Las Olas Boulevard as the lights come on—peek into galleries, then linger over dinner. For house-made pastas and wood-fired pizza, Louie Bossi’s is lively but comfortable; for oceanfront ambiance, S3 offers shareable plates with beach views. Cap the night upstairs at Rooftop @ 1WLO for a breezy cocktail above the boulevard, or keep it ultra-chill with Morelia Gourmet Paletas (custom-dipped ice cream bars).

Day 3: Everglades Morning, Beach Break, and Departure

Morning: Go calm-to-wild with a half-day Everglades trip. Choose an early departure so you’re back by lunchtime—expect sawgrass horizons, birdlife, and the hum of the airboat.

Book: Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included (round-trip transport simplifies timing; typically 4–5 hours). Prefer to self-drive? Sawgrass Recreation Park offers flexible departures and a wildlife encounter.

Afternoon: Back in town, grab a casual lunch at Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant (stone crab in season, conch chowder, laid-back dockside feel). If time allows, slip in one last beach hour or a poolside rest at your hotel. Pick up a parting treat from Nanou French Bakery & Café or a bag of locally roasted beans from Wells Coffee before heading to the airport.

Evening: Departure day. If your flight is later, consider a final canal stroll along Riverwalk or a quiet tea at Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar. Leave extra time for airport security during peak season.

Insider tips for a relaxing rhythm: Aim for sunrise beach walks to beat midday heat, reserve sunset cruises in advance, and lean on the free LauderGO! community shuttles or rideshares when you’re giving the car a rest. The Water Taxi is both sightseeing and transport—use it as your “floating tram” between lunch, museums, and the beach.

Good-to-know costs (estimates): Water Taxi day passes are typically a few dozen dollars per adult; state park entry runs a few dollars per vehicle; sunset cruises vary with season. Check times and prices when booking to lock in your preferred slots.

Ready to plan flights and stays? Compare fares with Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then choose your base via Hotels.com or VRBO for a relaxing home base.

In three easy days, you’ll savor the best of Fort Lauderdale: soft-sand mornings, watery afternoons, and golden-hour cruises. The canals, the cuisine, and the nearby Everglades make this beach break feel both effortless and memorable—exactly the kind of trip you’ll want to replay.