Five Reasons Why Fort Lauderdale Is More Than Just a Cruise Port—It’s a True Vacation Destination

By  //  April 11, 2019

lots of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale

There are lots of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale, making it a true vacation destination. Below are just a few reasons why you should skip the cruise and plan your vacation around this unique city instead.

When most people arrive in Fort Lauderdale, they don’t arrive to stay. It is a popular cruise port, so many of the people who visit this city are only there for a day or two while they wait for the cruise to leave, or for their flight in the morning.

You’ll have your fair share of fun on a cruise, but don’t think hopping on a ship is all Fort Lauderdale is good for!

It turns out, there are lots of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale, making it a true vacation destination. Here are just a few reasons why you should skip the cruise and plan your vacation around this unique city instead.

Beautiful Beaches

There are a lot of great beaches in Florida, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Some of the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale include:

  • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a peaceful beach experience.
  • Hollywood Beach features a famous 2.5-mile boardwalk that was featured in the movie “Marley and Me.”
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach is the place to be and be seen with waterfront hotels and oceanfront patios.
  • Delray Beach and it’s Old School Square will make you feel like you stepped back in time.

The Everglades

Dream of going to Venice, but it’s out of your budget? You’re in luck! Fort Lauderdale is considered the Venice of America! That’s because it’s situated so close to Everglades National Park.

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades first-hand is to take an airboat ride. They are available during the day and at night, offering two totally unique experiences.

The park itself is massive. It takes up 1.5 million acres, which means there’s plenty to keep you busy. Take a stroll and look for wildlife, like the leatherback turtle and the Florida panther.

Museums and roadside attractions will teach you all there is to know about this unique park.

Shopping

Does your idea of going on vacation include a little shopping? There’s no better place to do it than Fort Lauderdale!

Sawgrass Mills is a popular destination. It’s so popular that it’s the second most popular destination in Florida after Disney World.

It’s also the biggest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States! From bargain stores like TJ Maxx to high-end brand names like Kate Spade and Coach, it contains over 350 stores that will keep even the most avid shopper busy all day, and night, long.

Need a break from all that shopping and walking? Sawgrass Mills contains multiple restaurants, like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s, in addition to entertainment, like an IMAX theater.

Watersports

With an ocean that’s within reach and an entire network of canals in the Everglades, it should come as no surprise that Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination for watersport enthusiasts.

There are a lot of watersports out there, and you can do most of them here! Hop in a kayak or a canoe, zoom through the waves on a jet ski, or give a paddleboard a try.

Not interested in doing a lot of work while you’re out on the water? Fort Lauderdale has you covered. From airboats to boats and ships, there are many ways you can head out on the water, enjoy the sun, and spot some wildlife.

Entertainment

What do you do at night when the sun goes down and the appeal of laying on the beach wears off? In Fort Lauderdale, you have multiple entertainment options.

Want to do a little gambling? Give the Seminole Hard Rock Casino a try. If you’d rather go out, there are plenty of nightlife spots to check out. For example, you can dance the night away at America’s Backyard or check out some live music at a local dive bar.

Don’t forget food and drink! You’ll find nationwide restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, but there are plenty of locally-owned restaurants that are beyond compare when it comes to fresh seafood dishes straight from the ocean.

Getting ready to plan your next vacation? Instead of treating Fort Lauderdale as a quick stop on your way to the cruise ship, consider it the bonified vacation destination it is.

Plan an entire week relaxing in this unique city, or take a few extra days off to explore the area before boarding your cruise. The more time you spend in Fort Lauderdale, the more you’ll fall in love!

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