I’ve created two options for one day in Fort Lauderdale, depending on what you are looking for. There are plenty of interesting things to do in and around Fort Lauderdale in one day, so even if you pick and choose from each plan (or stay longer and do them all), you are sure to have fun during one day in Fort Lauderdale. I was on a budget, so I planned for all of these activities but chose just a few.
One Day in Fort Lauderdale (and the surrounding small towns)
Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by tons of cute towns al within 20 minutes, from Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Miramar to Dania Beach and Davie. Fort Lauderdale has a few nice things to do, but some of the best things (in my opinion) are in the surrounding area.
Downtown Hollywood Murals
If you are an early riser like me, not too much is open early in the morning in Fort Lauderdale – or the surrounding cities. That is why morning is a perfect time to explore the murals in Hollywood, FL. They are part of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project (map) and an enriching and fun sight to see. If you happen to visit on a weekend later in the day, you can go on a complimentary walking tour. If you wander for long enough (or go on this walking tour), you can visit some of the shops in Hollywood as well.
Fun Fact: Downtown Hollywood is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Yellow Green Farmer’s Market
If you are visiting Fort Lauderdale over the weekend, the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market is an enjoyable stop. It’s 20 minutes away in Hollywood, FL, but there’s something for nearly everyone at this wonderful market. There’s art, photography, jewelry, clothes, accessories, plants, make up, and of course food (most places have at least one vegan option). Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, it is fun to walk around.
Price varies, but admission is free. Plan for 1-2 hours. Vegans might be interested in taking another 20 minute detour to Vegan Delights in Miramar, FL for sandwiches, sweet and savory pastries, or vegan candies.
Secret Woods Nature Center
Obviously, many people are going to want to visit a beach in Florida, but that can be done anywhere in Florida (on a coast) at any time, so I would not stress about getting to a beach if you only have one day in Fort Lauderdale (but there is an option below in the second one day in Fort Lauderdale itinerary for a beach stop).
Instead, visit Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach just outside of Fort Lauderdale. The first “urban wilderness” in Florida, Secret Woods is a 56-acre floodplain of cypress and mangroves with tropical hammocks. It’s not all quiet nature sounds since it is urban, but it is a nice place to explore for a few hours during one day in Fort Lauderdale (and the surrounding cities).
There are several trails in the area, including a loop to a butterfly island (technically just an area), jaunt to the nature center, and two more well marked trails: the New River Trail (floodplain and mangroves) and Laurel Oak Trail (upland forest, cypress swamp, and giant land crabs).
Free. Plan for 1-2 hours.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is also just outside of Fort Lauderdale in Davie, FL just 20 minutes from Secret Woods Nature Center. I have a full guide to visiting Flamingo Gardens that includes some information and pondering on if Flamingo Gardens is ethical, so be sure to check that before visiting. Flamingo Gardens is a non-profit animal sanctuary and botanic garden.
Price varies $13-20. Plan for 2-4 hours (depending on how many things you do and how long you spend exploring).
Parlour Vegan
Parlour Vegan in Plantation, FL is a must stop 15 minutes from Flamingo Gardens on the way back to Fort Lauderdale. They have a rotating menu based on different holidays and seasons, and when I went they had Cinco de Mayo specials – SO GOOD. Vegan versions of choco tacos (except much better flavors and pink and purple taco waffle shells), tacos, and their usual fare of baked goods were featured, and I would go back often if I could.
Price varies. Plan for 30 minutes.
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
At this point in the day, you’ll finally head into Fort Lauderdale to walk along the Riverwalk. You can also visit the famous Thrive sculpture on the corner of Brickell Ave and W Las Olas Blvd near the river. You can wander the path along the river, go downtown, or see the stores and galleries along Las Olas Blvd at this time.
Pay for parking varies by hour. Plan for 1-2 hours if you include some shops.
Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar
For a fun night out in Fort Lauderdale, Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar is one of the go-to spots, especially for LGBTQ+ people. It’s in Wilton Manors, FL and features drag shows, 2 for 1 drinks, and other entertainment daily and nightly.
Sawgrass Trailhead
Now, no matter which activities you choose to do, this last one is absolutely do not miss. It may be hard to believe, but there is an awesome entrance point to the Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. There is a trail right off the Sawgrass Expressway at Atlantic Blvd with an endless sight of the Everglades and the sunset. It’s labeled as Sawgrass Trailhead at Atlantic Boulevard on Google Maps. You can also search for Conservation Levee Greenway, Tamarac, FL 33321. When driving here, it seems as though you are getting on the freeway, but you are not! Just make sure to pull in the parking lot and enjoy.
One Day in Fort Lauderdale (Staying in the city)
If none of the above interest you, there’s even more options within Fort Lauderdale city limits. Shopping? Plenty. Nature? That too! History? Covered.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
To make the most of one day in Fort Lauderdale, you might want an early start. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park opens at 8am and has trails, a visitor center, fishing, wildlife, water activities, and more strewn throughout the five different natural areas of the park: Coral Reef and Dunes, Maritime Hammock, Coastal Dune Lake and Terramar, Tropical Hardwood Hammock, and Mangrove Forest.
Price: $2-$6. Plan for 1-2 hours.
The Beach
If none of that is appealing to you (or you really want to go to the beach!), then Fort Lauderdale Beach is right next to the park. Be extra careful during the summer months as South Florida is a hub for loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds. There will be signs and markings for those areas as well as other sensitive life, but please be mindful.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
After a couple of hours in nature, more of the city will be awake, like the famous Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Originally the land of the Tequesta, this land has hundreds of years of history. However, Bonnet House, named after the bonnet lilies on the property, came about in 1895 when Hugh Taylor Birch bought the land. The property was given to Helen, his daughter, and her husband Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919 and building the house began in 1920.
In 1925 Helen passed away, but by 1931 Bartlett remarried. He and Evelyn Lilley, his new wife, decorated the house with much of what visitors see today. Frederic died in 1953, and Evelyn gave Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983. Now a historic landmark and on the list of National Register of Historic Places, the house draws global visitors.
Nowadays, visitors can enjoy gardens, art, history, and some of the last remaining native South Florida barrier island habitat. Orchids, migratory birds, and tons of greenery can be expected outside the house, while ornate decor and paintings await visitors inside.
Fun fact: Bonnet House was the primary shooting location for the adorable movie Hoot and a shooting location for The Glades, The Bachelor, and the finish line for season 7 of The Amazing Race.
Variable price, $0-$25. Plan for a 2-hour visit.
Choose-your-own museum
One Day in Fort Lauderdale usually provides enough time to see a museum or two – there are a few options, depending on what visitors are interested in. From art and history to science, there are many options.
NSU Art, Young at Art, or Museum of Discovery and Science
For art lovers, the NSU (Nova Southeastern University) Art Museum provides both an opportunity to see art and stop by the busy Las Olas Boulevard (full of more shopping and dining experiences – time ranges from 1 hour to all day). The museum’s permanent collection ranges from the 19th to 21st century and lauds over 7500 pieces. They also supplement their collection with unique exhibitions, so stay updated on their website. Families with young kids may be more interested in Young at Art Museum in Broward Mall. If art is not your first choice, the Museum of Discovery and Science may be a better choice ($0-$24; too much for me!).
Price varies: $0-$12. Plan for 1.5-2 hours.
Stonewall National Museum Archives
Another museum option is the Stonewall National Museum and Archives (SNMA). Despite its name, it is not where all the information or artifacts from the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York is located. Rather, its name draws inspiration from the riots and is utilized to recognize the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation. Founded in 1972, SNMA is one of the largest LGBTQ+ archives and libraries in the United States. They have rotating exhibits for visitors to see (in addition to more than 30,000 books, DVDs, and more.
Price: Free unless you want to check out an item. Time varies depending on reading speed and interest in exhibits.
Other museum options include The Stranahan House, Naval Air Museum, Fire & Safety Museum, and more if you want even more options.
The Riverwalk
After exploring the museums, head to The Riverwalk for a stroll along New River. There are several access points, and you can explore Las Olas Boulevard at this point as well. There are galleries, restaurants, and museums – plus you can stop at one of the 10 parks, the 9/11 Monument, or take a trip down the river (as an activity, tour, or taxi!). Daniel Popper’s famous Thrive statue is also near the Riverwalk on the corner of Brickell Ave and W Las Olas Blvd. After strolling for a while, take a peek in Vegan Fine Foods for a snack or meal. CLOSED. Pura Vida has some vegan options in the area.
The Wreck Bar
For night activities, the Wreck Bar has unique and cool show options (albeit expensive) featuring mermaids and mermen. You can go to an adults-only burlesque show or work in a family friendly show earlier in the day.
Price and time varies, but there is typically a food credit built in.
The Glitch Bar
Alternatively or additionally, The Glitch Bar is an arcade bar full of retro and indie games. Even if you are not interested in drinking, there are many fun games from Donkey Kong and pinball to the popular Killer Queen.
Price: $7+ (minimum to play games). Over 21 only after 8pm.
Vegan Food in Fort Lauderdale
There are some great options for vegan food in Fort Lauderdale, including Vegan Delights and Parlour Vegan Bakery listed earlier.
Vegans have plenty more options too, from DMT Kitchen (catering – and mostly desserts, cheeses, and milks), Green Bar and Kitchen (burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more), Leaves & Roots Lounge (think bar snacks), SoBe (all day breakfast, salad, and burgers), PLANTA Queen (Asian inspired and fancy), Earth’s Goddess Holistics and Juicebar (for vegan groceries and a restaurant area), PS Green Vegan Express (burgers, empanadas, tacos, juice, etc.), and quite a few more (including lots of juice/smoothie/bowl places). There’s also The Rabbit Hole in nearby Pompano Beach for elevated vegan comfort food. Many of these places serve breakfast and dinner as well, and they run the gamut of options for most moods.
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