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.

44 things to do · 214 upcoming events · 59 places to eat · Updated September 2026

This Weekend in Fort Lauderdale

Fri 11Sun 13

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

44 places
  • Park · Free

    Snyder Park

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

    FreeDogs OK
  • Local spring substitutes, Fort Lauderdale

    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.

  • Warm Mineral Springs, Fort Lauderdale

    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 dogs
  • 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 passDogs OK

Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale

59 spots
Nothing else within 15 mi