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Fort Lauderdale, FL, travel.
Fort Lauderdale is perfect spot in Florida for a beach getaway whether you want to while away the hours oceanside reading a book or going out for adventures on the water — like skim boarding, swimming, kitesurfing or fishing. You can even enjoy the views under the water snorkeling or diving around the reef spotting marine life, including sea turtles.
Out of the water, enjoy Fort Lauderdale restaurants, indulging on everything from international foods to simple dinners.
- Get to Fort Lauderdale by flying, driving or taking the Brightline train from Orlando or Miami. Once in Fort Lauderdale, get around by Water Taxi or rent a car. AAA members get exclusive discounts on car rentals.
- Stay in Diamond-designated hotels in Fort Lauderdale. All Diamond hotels are certified Inspected Clean by AAA's expert inspectors.
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
Fort Lauderdale
DESTINATION
Fort Lauderdale
On the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale is full of activities — mostly beach-themed outings as well as food and a bit of history. You can get around by the Water Taxi, a great option whether you have a vehicle or not. Spend some time relaxing at the beach or enjoying being in the water.
Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard, enjoying the coastal path, dining at the beachside restaurants and shopping. Head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park bounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, and don’t miss the Flamingo Gardens that are one part gorgeous tropical gardens and one part animal sanctuary for animals no longer able to survive in the wild.
DESTINATION
Hollywood
South of Fort Lauderdale is Hollywood, Florida. Hollywood has less crowded beaches than those of its neighbors Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and they are great for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. There are also plenty of things for families and couples looking to do. A must-visit spot is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, where you can jog, bike, walk or sit on a bench and people watch with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
Hollywood's greenspaces include playgrounds, lagoons and walking paths. In the evenings, adults can indulge at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino by playing games, enjoying live entertainment or heading out to a nightclub.
DESTINATION
Hallandale Beach
Don't miss out on Hallandale Beach on your Fort Lauderdale vacation. The white sand is soft, beaches are clean with bright blue water, and it's connected to the Intracoastal Waterway, making it easy to get to by the Water Taxi. The city has several green spaces including Joseph Scavo Park, where you can enjoy the walking paths and fitness equipment, and kids can play on the playground.
A popular attraction is the Gulfstream Park that hosts horse races. The complex also contains shops, restaurants and a casino, making it a fun place to spend the day or enjoy some nightlife.
DESTINATION
Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is one of the smaller destinations in the Fort Lauderdale area, but it has appeal all the same. The beach serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles March through October. Also at the beach, you can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding as well as fishing from the pier. Deerfield Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving with an artificial reef, Rapa Nui Reef, that also contains Easter Island-inspired sculptures.
While here, visit Quiet Waters Park. In addition to the urban park's walking trails and picnic areas, there are cable skiing and a water park. Quiet Waters Park is also home to the Florida Renaissance Festival that occurs on weekends throughout February and March.
DESTINATION
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach, named after the pompano fish, is a dream locale for visitors wanting to fish, snorkel or scuba dive. Fishing is available at the Fisher Family Pier, on the Intracoastal Waterway, and offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Divers will love the sunken shipwrecks that double as artificial reefs. Their proximity to shore makes them easy to get to, and the warm water means you can see vibrant sea life from tropical fish to colorful plants.
Also in Pompano Beach, you'll find a diverse set of restaurants like those in The Fishing Village by the pier. It's a perfect location to enjoy a delicious meal or do a bit of shopping before or after spending time on Pompano’s sandy beach.
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Why Travel & Book with AAA
AAA is there for you before, during and after your trip, so you can be sure you’ll have the best Fort Lauderdale vacation. Find Diamond-designated hotels in the best Fort Lauderdale vacation spots, and book your stay with peace of mind. Each Diamond hotel is certified Inspected Clean by AAA inspectors during annual, in-person evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and lively nightlife. Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard for boutique shopping and dining, relax on pristine beaches, or explore the lush Everglades on an airboat tour. Don't miss the arts scene at FATVillage or a cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Water Taxi is a fun and unique way to explore Fort Lauderdale, often called the “Venice of America” because of the many waterways. It's a hop-on, hop-off service that connects you to top attractions, restaurants and waterfront spots.
Fort Lauderdale is approximately 30 miles north of Miami, about a 45- to 60-minute drive, depending on traffic. You can also take public transportation, including the Brightline train, which gets you there in just over 30 minutes.
Some unmissable things to do in Fort Lauderdale include:
- The Historic Stranahan House Museum for history
- Flamingo Gardens for nature
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for outdoor lovers
- Fort Lauderdale Beach for sunbathing and water sports
- Jungle Queen Riverboat for sightseeing tours
Yes, Brightline offers fast and comfortable train service connecting Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
Sawgrass Mills, located in Sunrise west of Fort Lauderdale, is one of the largest outlet malls in the country. Packed with designer outlets, dining options and even entertainment, it’s a must-visit for those who enjoy shopping.
Yes, Fort Lauderdale has reefs, shipwrecks and underwater art for snorkelers and divers to enjoy. Plus year-round warm water makes it a popular activity all year. Diving spots include the SS Copenhagen shipwreck at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Rapa Nui Reef underwater reef in Deerfield Beach to name a few.
The Fort Lauderdale area has lots of kid-friendly attractions.
- Butterfly World has thousands of butterflies in a garden setting.
- The Museum of Discovery and Science has hands on activities that entertain.
- Gondola and riverboat cruises are a fun way to see the Intracoastal Waterway.
The best time to visit is during the winter and spring months (December to April), when the weather is sunny and pleasant. This is also the high season, so book early to secure the best accommodations and experiences.