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Fort Lauderdale, Florida Attractions

Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers over 23 miles of Atlantic coastline, perfect for snorkeling and diving along reefs and wrecks. Pompano Beach, about 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has some challenges for experienced divers. You can fish in the Intracoastal Waterway; a particularly pleasant spot is from Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area. The recreation area is also a good place to hike and camp. Outside of the ocean, there's no better place to swim in all of Fort Lauderdale, Florida than the Aquatic Complex at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Water skiing is popular in Fort Lauderdale, Florida's protected waterways and canals.

With 300 miles of navigable waterways in the county, Fort Lauderdale, Florida has adopted the nickname "Venice of America." The newly launched Ride the Ducks tour in World  War II amphibious vehicles (yes, like the ones in Boston and Washington, DC) provides a smidgen of history, a waterside view of sprawling mansions, and an entertaining tour of the town.

Public transportation also goes by water here. The Venetian-like Water Bus makes 20 stops along the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River at hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. Cruise the New River aboard the Riverfront Cruise or Jungle Queen Riverboat.

Visit the 15th Street Fisheries, on the Lauderdale Marina, for a variety of fresh fish, spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, and conch chowder.

If the beach is crowded, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers an oasis. On the north end of the commercial strip, this 180-acre park is an island of greenery dropped into urban Fort Lauderdale, Florida. One has a sense of what Florida looked like 100 years ago.Canoeing, kayaking, and boat tours are available a short drive south at the West Lake Park and Anne Kolb Nature Center.

Another Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction to the west is Flamingo Gardens.  Originally developed as a citrus grove in the late 1920s, this not-for-profit center now aims to preserve South Florida's heritage through its 60-acre botanical park and wildlife sanctuary.

Along the New River, the Museum of Science and Discovery has interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater with a five-story screen. The Swap Shop claims to be largest indoor and outdoor flea market with live circus shows daily. Visit the trendy shops and paint ceramics on Las Olas Boulevard.

Be sure to check out Fort Lauderdale, Florida vacation rentals by owner houses, villas and condos for luxurious, yet affordable accomodations - many times less than the cost of a cramped, stuffy, less-than-clean hotel room.

Don't miss these Fort Lauderdale, Florida attractions:

BONNET HOUSE
900 N. Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.563.5393
   
Ponds with bonnet water lilies and tropical gardens surround this historic 1921 plantation-style waterfront home, whose artistic and innovative owners, famed artist Frederick Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn, made equally beautiful inside.  This Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction is a 35-acre oasis in the heart of the  beach area, surrounded by lagoons, fruit groves, a mangrove jungle, and a desert garden.  Of note are the loggias accented with inlaid shellwork, balconies enclosed with wrought iron from New Orleans, hand-painted ceilings created by the Bartletts, and artwork. 

Be on the lookout for playful monkeys swinging from trees.  An orchid greenhouse and shell museum are also on the grounds.Allow 2 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST: $10 for 75-minute house tours, $6 for grounds only. OPEN: Wed.-Fri. 10-3, weekends noon-4.
 
BUTTERFLY WORLD
Tradewinds Park
3600 W. Sample Road
Coconut Creek, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.977.4400
   
As many as 80 butterfly species from South and Central America, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and other Asian nations are typically found within Butterfly World, a 3-acre nature preserve inside Tradewinds Park.  The 2-story Tropical Rain Forest Aviary includes observation decks, waterfalls, ponds, and tunnels where thousands of colorful butterflies flutter unrestricted. A butterfly museum and insectarium display unusual insects and butterflies from around the world, and visitors can feed lorikeets in the Lorikeet Encounter.  Allow 1 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST: $15.95 adults, $10.95 children ages 4-12. OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-5.
 
IGFA FISHING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
300 Gulfstream Way
Dania Beach, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.922.4212
   
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum is a shrine to the sport of fishing.  This creation of the International Game Fish Association includes seven galleries including a tackle gallery, a re-created saltwater marsh and wetland with alligators and turtles, a children's Discovery Room, the World Fishing Hall of Fame, a marina, many interactive displays, and an extensive research library. In the Catch Gallery, cast off via virtual reality and try to reel in various species.  Allow 2 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction. COST: $4.99 adult, $3.99 children. OPEN: Daily 10-6.

LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
Las Olas Boulevard, between Federal Highway and the beach
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction

A refreshing change from the mega mall chain stores elsewhere in the city, this trendy boulevard has numerous specialty shops and restaurants.

LAS OLAS RIVERFRONT
1 block west of Andrews Avenue on Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.468.1541 Riverfront,                                        954.267.3699 Riverfront Cruise,                              954.462.5596 Jungle Queen Cruise

This meandering walk along the New River links movie theaters, entertainment, games for kids, shops, a flea market, and a surplus of places to eat, all in an open-air environment.  Enjoy a 90-minute Riverfront Cruise or the 3-hour Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise along mansion-lined canals.  COST:  Riverfront:  Free;  Cruises: approx. $14 for adult, $8 child ages 4-12.  OPEN: Daily 24 hours.  Riverfront Cruise launches every 2 hours from 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM; Jungle Queen launches at 10 AM and 2 PM.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE AND

BLOCKBUSTER IMAX THEATER
401 SW Second Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.467.6637 museum, 954/463-4629 IMAX

The aim of this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction is to show both young and old the wonders of science. The courtyard entrance builds excitement with Florida's largest kinetic energy sculpture, the 52-foot-tall Great Gravity Clock.  Inside exhibits reveal the mysteries of computers, ecology, energy, health, sound and space. The Florida Ecoscapes exhibit introduces visitors to Florida's 10 different ecosystems, including forests, coral reefs, swamps and sloughs.  Visitors can pet friendly stingrays and observe bats and a fascinating synthetic beehive.  The museum also breeds many endangered species, and several times a day the baby crocodile and sea turtle hatchlings are brought out for inspection.

Runways to Rockets features space science and a simulated flight to Mars.  The Manned Maneuvering Unit simulates weightlessness: sit in a high-tech NASA chair and use air jets to launch to a satellite.

With 30 exhibits, Playzone for the Mind and Discovery Center allow children to experience and discover physics principals such as gravity, light, sound, color and energy.

The Blockbuster IMAX 3-D theatre in house offers virtual-reality-type helmets and goggles (no more red and blue plastic glasses!) to compound the amazement of watching their five-story movie screen.

Allow 2 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST:  Museum $14 adult, includes one IMAX show; $9 adult museum only; $12 children ages 3-12. OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-6. 

Add these Fort Lauderdale, Florida attractions (and vicinity) to your list as time allows:

AFRICAN-AMERICAN RESEARCH LIBRARY AND

CULTURAL CENTER
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.625.2800
    
This $14 million gem provides more than 75,000 books, documents, and artifacts centering on the experiences of people of African descent. Gift shop and small café also on premises. COST: Free. OPEN: Mon. noon-8, Tues.-Thurs. 10-8, Sat. 9-5

ART AND CULTURE CENTER OF HOLLYWOOD
1650 Harrison Street
Hollywood, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.921.3275

This Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction is a multi-disciplinary art center offering theater performances, art exhibits, educational programs and workshops.  Allow 1 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction. COST: $5. OPEN: Galleries Tues. - Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4.
 

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Main entrance SR 9336 from US 1 at Florida City
Shark Valley and Everglades City entrances off of US 41
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
239.695.3311

This national treasure of 1.5 million acres of preserved subtropical wilderness is within easy driving distance of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  The park is home to more than 350 species of birds, alligators,crocodiles, snakes, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and more.  Everglades National Park boat tours include Mangrove Wilderness Tour and Ten Thousand Island Tour.  COST:  $25/$16 adult; $12.50/$8 child respectively.  OPEN:  Daily intervals 8:30 - 5. 

Numerous airboat tour operators are accessed along US 41.  Self-guiding bicycle, kayak and canoe trips originate in Flamingo; phone 239.695.3101. 

FLAMINGO GARDENS AND WRAY BOTANICAL

COLLECTION
3750 S. Flamingo Road
Davie, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.473.2955

This nearby Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction offers a wildlife sanctuary for alligators, crocodiles, river otters, and birds.  Visit a walk-through aviary, a plant house, and the pioneer Wray Home. A half-hour guided tram tour winds through a citrus grove and wetlands area. Allow 2.5 hour minimum for this Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST: $12 adult, $6 children ages 4-11; tram tour $3 adult, $2 children ages 4-11. OPEN: Daily 9:30-5:30; closed Mon. June-Sept.
 
 
HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE RECREATION AREA
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954-564-4521

This beautiful 180-acre park along the oceanfront preserves a freshwater lagoon system of mangroves and offers picnicking, fishing, beaching, hiking, biking, camping, swimming and canoeing.  COST:  Entry fee.  OPEN:  Daily 8 - sunset.

INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME
1 block south of Las Olas Boulevard, just west of SR A1A at 1 Hall of Fame Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.462.6536

Olympic diver Greg Louganis dove here, and you will want to take your best Olympic plunge, too, when you see the two very inviting 10-lane, 50 meter pools. For inspiration, take in a swim flick (featuring Esther Williams and other aquatic stars) at the complex's theater or visit the comprehensive exhibition of medals, photos, and other memorabilia of swimming contests past.  Allow 1 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST: $3 adult, free children under age 12.  OPEN: Daily 8-4, Mon.-Fri. also 6-8 PM.

JOHN U. LLOYD BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA
6503 N. Ocean Drive
Dania Beach, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.923.2833
   
This nearby Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction has a pine-shaded beach, a jetty fishing pier, a marina, nature trails, and canoeing. This is a great spot to watch cruise ships entering and departing Port Everglades. COST: $4 per vehicle. OPEN: Daily 8-sunset.
 

MUSEUM OF ART
One East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale , Florida attraction
954.525.5500

In an Edward Larrabee Barnes-designed building that's considered an architectural masterpiece, Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Art, fronting the New River, is one of Florida's best. The museum's permanent collection includes works by the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Dali and Warhol. Equally impressive are the growing collections of Cuban and ethnographic art, including large African and South American exhibits.  If you're visiting in the autumn, keep an eye out for the Hortt Memorial Exhibition & Competition, which showcases the best of area artists.  Allow 2 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  COST:  $7 adult, $5 children ages 10-18.  OPEN: Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5.

SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK
U.S. 27 north of I-595
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.426.2474

Fishing guides and airboat rides are available at this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction.  You'll see all sorts of plants and wildlife from birds and alligators to turtles, snakes, and fish. Included in the entrance fee along with the airboat ride is admission to an Everglades nature exhibit, a native Seminole village, and exhibits about alligators, other reptiles, and birds of prey. A souvenir and gift shop, food service, and an RV park with hookups are also at the park. COST: $19.50 adult, $17.55 children ages 4-12. OPEN: Daily 9-5.
 
 
STRANAHAN HOUSE
335 SE 6 Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.521.4736

This turn-of-the-century home on the New River has the honor of being the oldest home in Fort Lauderdale, and visitors can admire the period antiques inside and learn about the history of the area on a house tour.  Frank Stranahan was  a trader who built a small empire through dealings with the Seminole Indians.  The house, originally constructed in 1901 and expanded several times over the years, is a perfect example of Florida frontier design. Constructed from local pine, the house features wide porches, exceptionally tall windows and a Victorian parlor, as well as tropical gardens.  Allow 30 minute minimum.  COST:  $6 adult, $3 children under 12.  OPEN:  Wed.-Sat. 10-4; Sun 1-4.

WEST LAKE PARK
1200 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, Florida
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction
954.926.2410

Comprising 1,500 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, West Lake Park is one of Florida's largest urban nature facilities. Rent a canoe, kayak, or boat, or take the 40-minute environmental boat tour. Sightsee endangered species along the boardwalk through the mangrove swamp, and climb a 65-foot observation tower. More than $1 million in exhibits are on display at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, including interactive bird-call displays, and a trilevel aquarium. Allow 1 hour minimum for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction (and vicinity.)  COST: $1. OPEN: Daily 8-6.