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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

What's going on in

Fort Lauderdale

Nearby: Dania Beach · Lauderdale-by-the-Sea · Hollywood · Pompano Beach

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is the big city of this coast without the Miami price tag: a beach promenade along A1A, Las Olas Boulevard for dinner, water taxis on the New River and the largest boat show in the world every fall. Panthers hockey, the Broward Center and Hard Rock Live keep the calendar full year-round.

22 things to do · 55 upcoming events · 50 places to eat · Updated September 2026 · events refreshed daily

This Weekend in Fort Lauderdale

Mon 7 – Thu 10

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

Beaches & Parks 6

Park · Free

Snyder Park

Lakes and trails plus the city's fenced Bark Park with a dog swim lake (7–7).

yes
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Local spring substitutes, Coral Gables / FTL / Riviera Beach

Swimming hole

Local spring substitutes

South Florida has no natural springs — they all sit north of Orlando. Local stand-ins: the spring-fed Venetian Pool in Coral Gables (1924 lagoon pool, $23, closed Mondays), the atoll pool at Matheson Hammock, the Snyder Park dog lake, and Peanut Island's snorkel lagoon.

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Warm Mineral Springs, North Port, ~2.5 hr

Swimming hole

Warm Mineral Springs

The one 'spring' on the southwest coast: 85°F mineral pool, spa vibe. Closest true spring to Fort Lauderdale.

no
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Beach

Canine Beach

The neighborhood dog beach. Fri–Sun only, evening hours (roughly 3–7 pm in winter, later in summer — hours conflict across sources; call 954-828-7275). Permit required, bought in person at Holiday Park with vaccination records.

$30/yr resident, $45 non-resident, $7 weekend pass yes
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Attractions & Activities 11

On the water

Pompano / Fort Lauderdale wrecks

'Wreck capital of Florida': Lady Luck (324-ft tanker with underwater art), Captain Dan, Guy Harvey, Rodeo 25, Tenneco Towers, SS Copenhagen. South Florida Diving Headquarters (night dives, lobster trips, a Halloween dive), Pompano Dive Center, Scuba Monkey.

~$85–100 two-tank
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On the water

Sea Experience

The easy one: 2-hr glass-bottom boat + snorkel trip and two-tank dives off Fort Lauderdale beach; Discover Scuba for first-timers. Walkable from Coral Ridge.

~$45–55 snorkel
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Las Olas Isles canals, Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas PaddleBoards, NE 20th Ave)

On the water

Las Olas Isles canals

Minutes from Coral Ridge. SUP/kayak plus mini powerboats; sunset paddles past the yachts in Oct–Nov are the sweet spot. Many outfitters allow dogs on boards on request.

From $30 for 90 min ask
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On the water

Sailing lessons

Fort Lauderdale Community Sailing / LYC (basic keelboat, Wednesday-night racing), Blue Water Sailing School (Bahia Mar; ASA liveaboard courses incl. Bahamas passages — Nov is prime), Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Palm Beach Sailing Club.

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Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, FTL / Hollywood / Pompano (30+ stops)

On the water

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi

The easy way to bar-hop the Intracoastal. Dog policy conflicts between sources (site says service animals only) — call.

All-day $38, evening $25 ask
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Jungle Queen Riverboat, Bahia Mar, Fort Lauderdale

On the water

Jungle Queen Riverboat

90-min narrated New River / Millionaire's Row cruise; 4-hr BBQ dinner & show cruise ~$70–80. Touristy, fun once.

~$30–35
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Shopping & Markets 5

Market

Swap Shop

Daily. Giant flea market + drive-in movies (~$8/car; dogs OK in your car) Outdoors and dog-friendly on a leash unless noted.

leashed
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FAQ: Fort Lauderdale

What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale this weekend?

Events in Fort Lauderdale include Build a Better World: The Future Begins with You (Sep 7, Fort Lauderdale), “Timeless Tropics: Florida’s Changing Landscapes” Fine Art Exhibit at History Fort Lauderdale (Sep 7–13, History Fort Lauderdale) and King Tides: Sept. 10-13 (Sep 10–13). The weekend strip at the top of this page is refreshed daily.

What are the best free things to do in Fort Lauderdale?

Free picks in Fort Lauderdale include Snyder Park and NSU Art Museum, MODS, Stranahan House, History Fort Lauderdale. Lakes and trails plus the city's fenced Bark Park with a dog swim lake (7–7).

Where can I eat on the water in Fort Lauderdale?

Waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale include Kaluz (Upscale casual, $$$), Sea Watch on the Ocean (Old-Florida oceanfront, $$$), Casablanca Café (1927 home, piano bar, $$$) and Coconuts (Fun seafood shack, $$).

Are there dog-friendly beaches or parks in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. Dog-friendly spots in Fort Lauderdale include Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (leashed), Snyder Park (yes), Canine Beach (yes) and Las Olas Isles canals (ask).

What towns are near Fort Lauderdale?

The closest towns to Fort Lauderdale are Dania Beach (4.9 mi), Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (5.4 mi), Hollywood (7.7 mi), Pompano Beach (8.0 mi), Sunrise (8.0 mi) and Hallandale Beach (9.8 mi). Each has its own guide on this site.