Fort Lauderdale in a Day: Sun, Fun, and Discovery

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by Mia

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Fort Lauderdale 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Fort Lauderdale, a city that promises a blend of sun-kissed beaches and enriching cultural experiences. Your one-day journey begins at the iconic Fort Lauderdale Beach, where two hours of pristine sands and ocean views await. Feel the city's heartbeat as you soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline. Next, dive into excitement with BlueFoot Pirate Adventures for an hour of thrilling water sports and captivating boat tours that are sure to make a splash. After your high-seas escapade, slow down the pace at Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, a lush city park offering a serene backdrop for a leisurely hour-long walk amidst the bustling downtown area. Continue your cultural exploration at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, where you'll spend an hour stepping back in time to discover the rich history nestled within its walls. Conclude your day with a visit to the Museum of Discovery and Science, dedicating an hour to interactive exhibits that ignite curiosity and wonder. This compact itinerary is designed to maximize your Fort Lauderdale experience, blending relaxation, adventure, and education into a single, unforgettable day.

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Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in Fort Lauderdale
TOP 1
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
hotelStar
4/5
111 reviews
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TOP 2
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
hotelStar
5/5
101 reviews
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TOP 3
Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Weston
Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Weston
hotelStar
3/5
99 reviews
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Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center
hotelStar
4/5
101 reviews
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The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
hotelStar
4/5
100 reviews
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Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Cypress Creek
Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Cypress Creek
hotelStar
2/5
117 reviews
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Day 1: Sun, Sea, and Science in Fort Lauderdale

1

Fort Lauderdale Beach

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Kickstart your Fort Lauderdale adventure with the city's crown jewel, Fort Lauderdale Beach. As the first stop of the day, bask in the morning sun and let the ocean breeze invigorate your senses. This pristine city park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Spread out a towel and soak up the sun for a couple of hours, or take a leisurely stroll along the iconic wave wall and promenade. With its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, Fort Lauderdale Beach is an idyllic start to your day.

Attraction Info

  • Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
15th Street Fisheries
15th Street Fisheries
3.8/5 · 6 reviews
3.8 km from attraction
Steak 954
Steak 954
3.5/5 · 2 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
Burlock Coast
Burlock Coast
/5 · 0 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Casa D'Angelo
Casa D'Angelo
4/5 · 2 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
Cafe Vico
Cafe Vico
5/5 · 2 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
8 min,3.26 km
2

BlueFoot Pirate Adventures

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After soaking up the sun, set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with BlueFoot Pirate Adventures. As the second destination of your itinerary, it's time to embrace the spirit of the high seas. This family-friendly excursion offers a unique water sports experience, complete with treasure hunts and engaging pirate tales. The interactive boat tour lasts an hour and is guaranteed to be a hit with both the young and the young at heart. Don't forget to capture the panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale's coastline as you cruise along!

Attraction Info

  • 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-8:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

15th Street Fisheries
15th Street Fisheries
3.8/5 · 6 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
2.8 km from attraction
Canyon Restaurant
Canyon Restaurant
/5 · 0 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
Burlock Coast
Burlock Coast
/5 · 0 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
Steak 954
Steak 954
3.5/5 · 2 reviews
1.7 km from attraction
Casa D'Angelo
Casa D'Angelo
4/5 · 2 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
13 min,7.17 km
3

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

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Continuing the day's journey, make your way to the lush landscapes of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. As a serene city park nestled in the heart of downtown, it's the perfect spot to unwind after your high-seas adventure. Stroll along the picturesque riverfront, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps grab a bite at one of the many eateries dotting the area. With its charming walkways and scenic vistas, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale offers a tranquil retreat amidst the city bustle.

Attraction Info

  • 888 E Las Olas Blvd #210, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

15th Street Fisheries
15th Street Fisheries
3.8/5 · 6 reviews
2.2 km from attraction
La Fuga
La Fuga
/5 · 0 reviews
3.0 km from attraction
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
3.0 km from attraction
Casa D'Angelo
Casa D'Angelo
4/5 · 2 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
Burlock Coast
Burlock Coast
/5 · 0 reviews
3.0 km from attraction
Steak 954
Steak 954
3.5/5 · 2 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
5 min,0.37 km
4

Historic Stranahan House Museum

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Step back in time with a visit to the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the fourth stop on your Fort Lauderdale itinerary. This well-preserved museum serves as a window into the past, showcasing the rich history of the city's founding family. Explore the charming interiors and learn about the early days of Fort Lauderdale through guided tours that last about an hour. The Stranahan House is not only a historical treasure but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the community's pioneers.

Attraction Info

  • 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Tue, Fri-Sat,1:00pm-4:00pm
5 min,1.24 km
5

Museum of Discovery and Science

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Conclude your day with a journey of discovery at the Museum of Discovery and Science. As the final attraction of the day, this science museum offers a world of exploration for curious minds of all ages. Engage with interactive exhibits, marvel at the wonders of the natural world, and experience the thrill of an IMAX film. Whether you're interested in Florida's ecosystems, space exploration, or the marvels of engineering, the museum provides a captivating educational experience to round off your Fort Lauderdale adventure.

Attraction Info

  • 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Thu, Sat,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,12:00pm-5:00pm
3.8/5101 Reviews
3.8/5101 Reviews
Fort Lauderdale City Center
Fort Lauderdale
|0.34km from Museum of Discovery and Science
4.4/5103 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent103 Reviews
Fort Lauderdale City Center
Fort Lauderdale
|0.64km from Museum of Discovery and Science
4/5103 Reviews
4/5Very Good103 Reviews
Fort Lauderdale
|0.66km from Museum of Discovery and Science
4.1/5102 Reviews
4.1/5Very Good102 Reviews
Fort Lauderdale
|0.66km from Museum of Discovery and Science

Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale-2024

TOP 1
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach
5/5 · 1 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 9,312 review
Highlights:
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, USA, is a very famous beach. With beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate, tourists can lie on beach chairs to bask in the sun and blow the sea breeze.
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TOP 2
Miami Beach
Miami Beach
4.6/5 · 271 review
Highlights:
Miami Beach is a narrow island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, separated from the city of Miami by a bay. Kilometers of white and soft beaches make it a Miami resort, complete with hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment and other facilities. The Miami Beach Art Festival in December every year is a comprehensive art festival that integrates arts and crafts exhibitions and theatrical performances. Not to be missed is the wonderful art show that will be staged in Miami Beach.
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TOP 3
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
4.6/5 · 147 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 7,194 review
Highlights:
The Vizcaya Museum and Garden is the private manor of the industrial giant James Deering. The whole building is Italian Renaissance style, built by the sea. There are 70 rooms of different styles on three floors. of fine art. The 10 acres of outdoor gardens are elegant and peaceful, with well-manicured plants, European fountains and sculptures, and it is also a good place to enjoy the unrivaled sea view of Biscayne Bay. The private manor has hosted dignitaries and celebrities from various countries for many times. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here. It has become a popular location for wedding photos and art photos.
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TOP 4
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami
4.6/5 · 164 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,862 review
Highlights:
Bring your family to the Metro Miami Zoo for a great day filled with fun activities and interesting animals. The zoo features over 2,000 animals and over 100 exhibits, giving you the opportunity to observe the animals in natural settings. The extensive walkways make it easy for you to wander through the zoo at your own pace and enjoy beautiful plants between animal exhibits. If you bring small children, the Children’s Zoo even gives the little ones the opportunity to get up close and personal with many species in an educational environment.
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TOP 5
Miami Beach - South Beach
Miami Beach - South Beach
4.5/5 · 239 review
Highlights:
Miami South Beach stretches for several kilometers. Under the bright sunshine of Florida, the soft and white sand, the blue water, the colorful lounge chairs, the hot bikinis, and all kinds of seaside scenery can make you feel relaxed and happy. You can swim, surf, and dive in the clear waters, where seaweed and white coral are clearly visible in the waves. Or find a shade under a coconut tree and lie on a beach chair listening to the beat of the waves. In the evening, you will also be impressed by the magnificent sunset and the view of the city at the beginning of the lanterns. There are many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops near the beach, and South Beach is also known as "Party Beach", and the night here is lively and colorful. The nearby commercial street is full of branded stores, boutique clothing stores and characteristic Cuban souvenir shops, all worth a visit.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Fort Lauderdale 1 Day Itinerary