Las Olas Boulevard and Downtown
No tour of Fort Lauderdale is complete without a stroll down iconic Las Olas Boulevard. The beautiful palm tree-lined street is the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is home to boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. Visit the shops by day, then return at night when the boulevard really comes alive. Check out the waterfront bars and restaurants along the Intracoastal Waterway. Many places have outdoor patios perfect for drinks and people watching. If you visit in early December, experience the electricity of the annual Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant of Lights. While you’re downtown, walk through lively Huizenga Plaza and see the famous wave wall sculpture along the riverwalk. Don’t miss experiencing the yachts and boats passing by along the waterway. Then pop into the broward County Library or NSU’s Museum of Art for a bit of arts and culture.
Beachfront Hotels and Entertainment
You can’t talk Fort Lauderdale without mentioning the beach! Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches across 6 miles of beautiful golden sand and sparkling blue water. The beachside of route A1A is packed with luxury beachfront hotels like the W Fort Lauderdale and Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop by one of the hotels for a drink at an oceanfront bar or a meal at a beachside restaurant. Just north of the main hotel stretch, visit the Beach Community Center, known by locals as The Beach Hub. It’s a great spot to take an exercise class, let kids play at the playground, or host a community event in the ballroom. At night, check out the lively beach bars and dance clubs that give Fort Lauderdale its fun, youthful vibe. Places like Elbo Room and America’s Backyard known for live music and rowdy Spring Break crowds.
Historic and Cultural Flagler Village
Just inland from Fort Lauderdale Beach you’ll find the historic neighborhood Flagler Village, named after railroad tycoon Henry Flagler. The area’s signature waterfront architecture gives it a quaint, old-Florida feel. Today Flagler Village is one of Fort Lauderdale’s trendiest and fastest-growing neighborhoods. Walkable streets are lined with boutiques, breweries, art galleries, and some of the city’s hottest restaurants and bars. Stop for a locally roasted cup of coffee and browse the boutiques for the latest fashion and home decor. Don’t miss the FAT Village Arts District, the epicenter for Fort Lauderdale’s arts, music, and entertainment scene. Catch some live music or theater at venues like Cinema Paradiso and the Vanguard.
Relaxing Wilton Manors City Center
Continue your neighborhood tour by heading just north to Wilton Manors City Center. This leafy district is centered around Wilton Drive and is considered the “second downtown” of Fort Lauderdale. Stroll past the charming shops and restaurants towards the city’s prized green space, Colohatchee Park. Along the way, stop at funky dive Alibi for craft cocktails or Point Zero for relaxed al fresco dining. Finish your walk with a sweet treat from Delicious Raw Juice Bar. Out and proud Wilton Manors has long been Fort Lauderdale’s hub for LGBT nightlife. Make sure to experience it for yourself during a night out at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar or The Manor Complex.
Quiet and Quaint Poinsettia Heights
Ready to escape from the crowds? Make your way west across the Intracoastal to the peaceful Historic District of Poinsettia Heights. Wander the quiet streets while admiring the charming 1920s and 30s architecture. Many of the homes are restored to their original Mediterranean Revival glory. See the district’s Italian influence in the stucco walls, barrel tile roofs, and ornate stone accents. Stop for a picnic lunch under a poinsettia tree at Mickel Park in the center of the neighborhood. Let the kids play at the jungle gym while you take in the laid-back local atmosphere.
Trendy Warehouse District Near Port Everglades
Venture down towards Port Everglades to check out Fort Lauderdale’s former Warehouse District. Like many port cities, the area’s former industrial buildings have found new life as trendy shops, restaurants, art galleries, and creative office spaces. Grab lunch at RACKS Downtown Eatery + Tavern or Coffee & Cocoa Factory before browsing home decor at Dig This. Catch a comedy show at M.A.D. Cow Theatre Company or hear live jazz at Blue Jean Blues. In the evening, head to massive Mexican restaurant and tequila bar Lona Cocina or the area’s popular food hall Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery. End your night in the lively bars and clubs off Sistrunk Boulevard.
Upper East Side For Lauderdale Art and Dining
This vibrant commercial district north of downtown is one of Fort Lauderdale’s up-and-coming foodie destinations. The Upper East Side neighborhood stretches along North Federal Highway and is home to some of the city’s best locally-owned restaurants. Experience the diversity of Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene. Try Lebanese at Byblos or Argentinian cuisine and handcrafted cocktails at Callaro’s Steak House. For a romantic dinner, book a table at contemporary American restaurant S3. Walk off your meal while exploring Upper East Side’s art galleries and creative boutiques. Don’t miss the bright murals and street art that give the neighborhood its artistic spirit. Then catch a show at Galleria Cinema or have drinks on the deck at funky dive Poorhouse.
Natural Beauty at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
After exploring Fort Lauderdale’s lively urban neighborhoods, escape into nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The lush park protects one of the last coastal hammocks on Florida’s east coast. Stroll along the freshwater lagoon or walk through shady trails underneath towering oak trees dangling with Spanish moss. Let the kids enjoy the playground, volleyball courts, and half-mile sandy beach. Pack a lunch or picnic supplies and claim one of the shaded picnic areas. A lovely afternoon can be spent simply relaxing in a natural oasis while still being minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s amenities.
Book a Bus With Us
The best way to experience diverse neighborhoods and natural landscapes in Fort Lauderdale is by renting a charter bus from Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company. Our comfortable buses will transport your group around Fort Lauderdale for school field trips, family vacations, senior outings, and special events. Customize your rental bus to match your group size and your transportation needs. Choose from minibuses, midsize buses, intercity buses, or spacious 56-passenger coaches. All buses are equipped with luxury seats, A/C, TVs, and wifi to make your time on the road enjoyable. Leave the driving to our experienced team while you sit back and focus on your Fort Lauderdale adventure. Call Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company at 954-369-0981 to reserve your transportation today!