Top 5 Can’t Miss
Wide, clean, and sparkling, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are an integral part of any visit.Local restaurants, art galleries, curated shops, and more are found along the pedestrian-friendly Las Olas Boulevard.The city is home to stylish, five-star hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, where you’ll immediately feel at home as you’re offered a glass of bubbly or chilled water in a sustainable aluminum bottle. This feeling extends throughout the property’s common areas and in the private guest rooms.Fort Lauderdale’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Maas, offers both chef tastings with thoughtful wine pairings and a la carte options.Water taxi rides along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway make for a fun sightseeing experience.

When I first started dating my now-husband, Steve, over a decade ago, I didn’t expect Fort Lauderdale to become such a recurring character in my life. But Steve’s family lived in the area, and when he invited me to join him for Thanksgiving to meet his family, I, of course, jumped at the opportunity.

In addition to being excited about the relationship milestone, I was equally thrilled to escape New York City just as the weather was starting to turn chilly. Although Steve’s family lived inland, he promised we could stay at one of the hotels lining Fort Lauderdale’s A1A, the scenic coastal highway that runs along much of Florida’s Atlantic coastline. That first hotel has since closed, and in many ways, the city has transformed. Once the initial thrill of warm-weather holidays and meet-the-family nerves wore off—and after I’d spent plenty of time with my toes in the sand—I began to see a more layered destination. The beachfront evolved, with sleek five-star hotels and upscale restaurants popping up. The arts district took on a new life as its own dedicated neighborhood. And somehow, a few old dive bars and beach shops managed to hang on. Slowly, I started to get excited about what a long weekend in Fort Lauderdale could hold.

Most notably, for me, a New Yorker who considers finding her next great meal an art, I found myself back home gushing to friends and family about all the great food we had experienced on our most recent trip to Fort Lauderdale. But don’t just take my word for it. Local expert Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, has strong opinions on this up-and-coming Florida city. Move over, Miami: There’s a new sunshine scene-stealer in town.

Best Hotels & Resorts

A guest room inside the Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale.

Four Seasons Hotels

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

For an upscale suite stay, the Conrad is a standout, where you’ll wish you could stay longer. “You won’t find softer hotel sheets in any other luxury hotel,” writes Travel + Leisure contributor Lydia Mansel—and probably not a better ocean-view ping-pong table either.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

Opened in 2023, this glamorous yet understated property quickly became one of the hottest stays in town. Expect warm, five-star service, spacious rooms, and marble bathrooms, plus a stylish lobby.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

This central beach property delivers the kind of excellent service Ritz-Carlton loyalists have come to expect from the brand. Post up at one of the hotel’s beach chairs if you’re feeling a toes-in-sand day, and don’t forget to inquire about the complimentary water taxi service.

W Fort Lauderdale

Fans of the W know they’re in for a good time when they stay at one of the hip brand’s properties, and those lucky enough to spend the night at the Fort Laurderdale location beeline for the the WET Deck pool, where you can relax on a lounger with a frozen cocktail in hand.

Pier Sixty-Six

After a billion-dollar renovation earlier this year, this iconic property opened its doors once again–this time with a glow-up of the signature rotating rooftop lounge, the Pier Top.

Best Things to Do

The iconic white wave wall along Fort Lauderdale’s beach.

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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

This “beautifully preserved slice of old Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit for travelers with a keen interest in culture and history,” says Morejon of the historic 1920s home, whimsical art estate, and tropical garden escape located just off the beachfront.

Historic Stranahan House Museum

The city’s “oldest surviving structure serves as a gateway to our beginnings,” notes Morejon. The house, dating back to 1901, belonged to Frank Stranahan—considered Fort Lauderdale’s founding father—and visitors today can learn more through a guided tour of the home, which contains many original furnishings.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

“Anyone with an appreciation for live performances should be sure to check the schedule,” Morejon says of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The downtown Fort Lauderdale venue hosts a full slate of Broadway tours, ballets, operas, comedy shows, concerts, and community performances across its two main theaters.

Beaches

“The pristine golden sands remain a draw for the city,” Morejon admits. Even if the beaches are just one part of the South Florida city’s identity, you can’t do wrong whiling away a couple of hours on the sand, whether that’s going for a long stroll, swimming in the ocean, or working on your tan.

Best Restaurants

Interior dining room at Daniel’s: A Florida Steakhouse.

The Louis Collection

Maass

Deserving of its Michelin star, Maass, located in the Four Seasons, is perhaps best known for its chef’s counter tasting experience where guests get to choose their chopstick holders and steak knife. The cocktail program is excellent, but the wine pairing is the real move here.

Heritage

As a New Yorker, I take my pizza seriously, so when I stumbled into Heritage last year and tasted their pizza (and stuffed peppers, pasta, chopped salad, and olive oil cake), I knew I’d found something special. I’ve been back to the Bib Gourmand spot on every visit since, and can’t wait to return.

Daniel’s: A Florida Steakhouse

Morejon says Daniel’s “helped elevate the dining scene in downtown.” The full dinner experience is worth it, but if you only have time to visit during happy hour, you simply must order the wagyu smash burger and perhaps a paloma.

Best Time to Visit

Aerial view of Fort Lauderdale.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is from October to May when the weather is about as glorious as it gets: sunny skies, warm temperatures, and (relatively) low humidity. Summer is considered low season due to the heat (and the start of hurricane season), but that also means fewer crowds and better hotel deals.

That said, Fort Lauderdale is built to handle the heat. Most restaurants, bars, and shops have strong air conditioning, and between dips in the ocean (or your hotel pool) and time spent exploring the city’s scene beyond the beach, you might find the summer weather surprisingly manageable.

If you’re visiting around Thanksgiving, consider signing up for the Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, a scenic 5K that winds along A1A with ocean views the whole way. Whether you run, jog, or walk it, the reward is the same—a beachside brunch or a cold drink after crossing the finish line.

How to Get There

An airplane flying over a sign pointing to the Fort Lauderdale airport.

Arkadiusz Warguła/Getty Images

Fort Lauderdale is easy to reach, with plenty of direct flights from major cities across the U.S. You can drive, but keep in mind that Florida is a big state, so if you’re coming from out of state, especially the north, expect a long haul to reach South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the most convenient option; it’s compact, easy to navigate, and just a short drive from the beach and downtown. Miami International (MIA) and Palm Beach International (PBI) are alternatives, but they’re farther from the city center and usually less ideal, unless you find a significantly better fare or flight time from your departure city.

Neighborhoods to Visit

A pedestrian walkway around the water in Fort Lauderdale.

Kelsey Glennon/Travel + Leisure

Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas

“Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas remain at the center of the action, constantly evolving with new residential towers, office spaces, and public areas that foster genuine human connection,” says Morejon.

Sailboat Bend

A historic neighborhood west of downtown, near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the New River, Sailboat Bend “offers tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a more relaxed pace,” says Morejon. It’s convenient location “just beyond the urban core,” makes it an easy add to any Fort Lauderdale itinerary.

FAT Village

Morejon calls the the Flagler Arts and Technology area the “heart of the city’s creative artists, teeming with murals, art galleries, and regular art walks that highlight the city’s growing role as a cultural destination.”

How to Get Around

Bicycles parked on Fort Lauderdale seafront.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Ride-shares and car services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Fort Lauderdale area. They’re both plentiful and inexpensive.

You don’t need a car if you’re flying in from out of town, but if you prefer being behind the wheel, you can certainly rent one. Be aware that parking near the beach is difficult, and most of the hotels along the strip charge somewhat steep daily valet fees.

There’s also a water taxi that takes passengers across three interconnectable routes in Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale. It’s a fun tourist activity, and a cool way to see some of South Florida’s best destinations, but it’s also a functional means of transport, “connecting many popular neighborhoods, restaurants, and hotels,” notes Morejon.