Located on the southern coast of Florida about 30 miles north of Miami, you’ll find the beautiful city of Fort Lauderdale. This Floridian destination sometimes gets overshadowed by Orlando and Miami Beach, but it can certainly hold its own when it comes to things to do and see. Find rental car deals at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport and once you’re behind your temporary set of wheels, there will be much to explore. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, culture and arts scene — a wonderful city for families and adults-only getaways alike.
Where to Stay
This beachy city has plenty of places to rest your head, ranging from basic accommodations to luxury hotels.
- The Aqua Hotel at 3016 Windamar Street — A nice, clean, affordable option close to the beach.
- The Victoria Park Hotel at 855 NE 20th Avenue — Great value with a pool, hot tub and onsite restaurant.
- The Alhambra Beach Resort at 3021 Alhambra Street — Perfect for a relaxing, romantic experience.
- The Pillars Hotel at 111 N Birch Road — An elegant, peaceful stay with an amazing pool and beautiful gardens.
Restaurants to Try
One of the most fun parts of any vacation is trying out the local food scene. Fort Lauderdale doesn’t disappoint.
- Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show at 3599 N. Federal Highway — Feast on delicious Polynesian food and enjoy live entertainment from local performers. Reservations recommended.
- Market 17 at 1850 SE 17th Street — Healthy farm to table food and great beer and wine in an upscale environment.
- Steak 954 at 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd — Fine dining at the W Hotel with a jellyfish aquarium and ocean views.
- Coconuts at 429 Seabreeze Blvd — Casual seafood right on the water. Great for dinner or Sunday brunch.
- Bob & Wilson’s at 450 E Las Olas — Excellent coffee and a casual soup and salad lunch.
- Greek Islands Taverna at 3300 N Ocean Blvd — Family owned Greek eatery with outdoor seating and an impressive menu.
Top Attractions
From landscaped parks and sandy beaches to historic sites and family fun, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone.
- Flamingo Gardens — Over 3,000 species of tropical and native plants, the 1930s Wray Home Museum, the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bird of Prey Center.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach — Clean, warm sand, seasonal swimming, a lively atmosphere and beachside restaurants and bars.
- Las Olas Boulevard — 65 shops, 10 art galleries and over 30 spots for al fresco dining and drinks.
- Riverwalk Park — A charming stroll along the river with the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.
- Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum — A collection of classically beautiful antique cars. Perfect for a rainy day.
- Gondola Rides — Las Olas Gondola offers scenic tours daily, including a “Lovely Romantico Tour.”
- Bluefoot Pirate Adventures — Fun pirate ship tours for the whole family, plus birthday party and private event rentals.
Day Trips
Staying in Fort Lauderdale for a week or longer? Hop in your rental car and explore one of these nearby destinations.
- Miami Beach — About an hour’s drive. A completely different scene from Fort Lauderdale and absolutely worth checking out.
- Boca Raton — About 30 minutes away. Beautiful beaches, parks, tourist attractions and the Town Center Mall.
- Delray Beach — About 28 miles north. Fine dining, upscale shops, and two miles of gorgeous beaches.
Fort Lauderdale’s lush tropical waterfront in the midst of its downtown urban metropolis is truly unique. Pick up a rental car at FLL Airport and explore everything this city has to offer.
Compare rental car rates at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport and start planning your Florida getaway.