Fort Lauderdale Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-hour Layover Highlights

Morning: Arrive FLL, taxi to Fort Lauderdale Beach, promenade walk, casual beachfront breakfast.

Afternoon: Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi to Las Olas Boulevard for scenic canal views. Evening: Dinner on Las Olas, stroll Riverwalk, consider Water Trolley. Night: Return to FLL for connecting flight or overnight.

Quick Trip Focus

Beach experience.
Iconic Water Taxi ride.
Las Olas dining and atmosphere.

Weekend Getaway & One Week Experience

Explore the city's attractions at a relaxed pace or comprehensively.

Day 1: Beach & Las Olas

Morning: Fort Lauderdale Beach (swim, sunbathe). Lunch: Casual near beach. Afternoon: Las Olas Boulevard (shops, galleries, cafes). Evening: Fine dining on Las Olas, drinks.

Activities

Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Explore Las Olas shops.
Visit art galleries.
Enjoy evening entertainment.

Check GetYourGuide.com for local tours and activities to enhance your weekend.

Day 2: Downtown & Culture

Morning: Museum of Discovery and Science or NSU Art Museum. Lunch: Downtown. Afternoon: Historic Stranahan House, Riverwalk stroll, Water Taxi.

Cultural Highlights

Museum of Discovery and Science.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
Historic Stranahan House Museum.

Day 3: Nature or Shopping

Option A: Morning trip to Everglades (airboat tour, wildlife). Option B: Sawgrass Mills for outlet shopping.

Choices

Everglades airboat tour.
Sawgrass Mills shopping.
Evening departure from FLL.
Wildlife viewing.

One-week Comprehensive Experience

Combine weekend plan with more in-depth exploration and day trips.

Extended Stay Ideas

Bike ride along promenade.
Paddleboarding in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
Day trip to Miami (Art Deco, Wynwood, Little Havana).
Kayaking or snorkeling.

Longer Stays

For stays longer than two weeks, consider renting a vacation apartment or condo.

Value & Local Experience

Rental offers better value and a more local experience.

Explore Neighborhoods

Focus on discovering different local areas.

Community Immersion

Engage in local activities at a leisurely pace.

Optimized Planning

Tailor your itinerary based on the length of your stay to fully enjoy Fort Lauderdale's diverse attractions.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore downtown Fort Lauderdale's history.

Sites

Stranahan House Museum.
Old Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum.
Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum.
Day trip to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami.

For more cultural insights, explore local events and guided historical walks.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the flavors of Fort Lauderdale.

Gourmet Adventures

Fresh seafood breakfast on the beach.
Enjoy seasonal Stone Crab.
Happy hour specials on Las Olas.
Authentic Cuban food in Miami's Little Havana.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Seek thrills and nature's beauty.

Outdoor Pursuits

Jet skiing, parasailing on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Full day Everglades airboat tour and nature walk.
Snorkeling or diving to artificial reefs.
Kayaking or paddleboarding in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Consider a deep-sea fishing charter for an authentic Florida experience.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Fun for all ages in Fort Lauderdale.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Museum of Discovery and Science.
Butterfly World or Flamingo Gardens.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi ride.
Pirate-themed boat tour.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Immerse in Fort Lauderdale's artistic and architectural scenes.

Artistic Exploration

NSU Art Museum.
Galleries on Las Olas Boulevard.
FAT Village Arts District (Art Walk).
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens' artistic blend.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Focus on relaxation, health, and well-being.

Rejuvenation

Sunrise yoga on the beach.
Spa day at a luxury hotel.
Tranquil gardens of Bonnet House.
Nature walk in Secret Woods Nature Center.

Personalized Journey

Design your trip around your passions, whether it's history, food, adventure, family fun, art, or wellness.

Budget-Based Plans

Fort Lauderdale caters to various budgets.

Backpacker's Guide

Accommodation

Stay in hostel dorms or budget motels.

Transportation

Use Broward County Transit buses and free Water Trolley. Walk or cycle.

Meals & Activities

Prepare meals, seek budget eateries. Focus on free attractions like beaches and parks.

Mid-range Traveler's Itinerary

Comfortable travel with good value.

Balanced Approach

Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or private rentals.
Mix casual and mid-range dining experiences.
Use ride-sharing and Water Taxi.
Combine with occasional public transit.
Include 1-2 paid attractions or group tours.
Good value for a well-rounded trip.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and experiences.

Premium Offerings

Stay in 4-5 star beachfront resorts.
Enjoy fine dining on Las Olas.
Utilize private car services or luxury ride-shares.
Book exclusive spa treatments.
High-end shopping.
Consider private yacht charters.

Value-focused Recommendations

Travel Season

Visit during shoulder season (May, Oct, Nov) or low season (Jun-Sep) for lower prices.

Dining Deals

Take advantage of happy hour specials and early bird dinner deals.

Attraction Passes

Purchase passes for multiple paid activities, combine with free ones.

Smart Spending

Fort Lauderdale welcomes all budgets; strategic planning allows for a fulfilling trip regardless of spending level.

Seasonal Specialties

Fort Lauderdale’s appeal changes with the seasons.

Winter December - April

Peak season with dry, comfortable weather.

Winter Activities

Ideal for all outdoor activities, beach time.
Boating and Everglades tours.
Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Many outdoor festivals and events.

Book accommodation well in advance during this popular period.

Summer June - September

Low season, hot and humid, with daily afternoon thunderstorms.

Summer Strategies

Best for budget travelers seeking deals.
Focus on indoor activities (museums, shopping).
Be prepared for rain and hurricane season.
Enjoy less crowded beaches.

Festival or Event-Centered Visits

Plan your trip around specific events.

Events

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Oct/Nov).
Las Olas Art Fair (Jan/Mar).
Check the city's events calendar.
Book accommodation accordingly.

Off-season Exploration Strategies

Embrace the heat and humidity for unique experiences.

Beat the Heat

Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Have indoor backup plans for afternoon rain showers.
Take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.
Water Taxi a pleasant way to sightsee when hot.

Seasonal Considerations

Peak Season Prep

Higher demand means booking flights and stays early.

Hurricane Season

June 1 to November 30. Monitor forecasts, consider travel insurance.

Fort Lauderdale Itineraries