Attractions and Places To See around Lauderdale - Top 20

Lauderdale offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Minnehaha Falls, a powerful 53-foot waterfall, especially impressive after rainfall. There are also beautiful lakes like Lake Nokomis, which spans 204 acres and features a popular paved trail, and Como Lake, originally a wetland now known for improved water quality. Beyond these, Fort Lauderdale is famous for its extensive canal system, beautiful beaches like Fort Lauderdale Beach and Dania Beach, and the nearby Everglades National Park for wildlife spotting.

Yes, Lauderdale has several family-friendly options. Minnehaha Falls is a great spot for all ages, with a trail leading to views from below. Como Lake and Lake Nokomis offer pleasant environments for walks and outdoor activities. The Museum of Discovery and Science is a favorite for hands-on learning, and Flamingo Gardens provides a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary experience. Snyder Park is also a versatile outdoor space with walking trails and a butterfly garden.

The area around Lauderdale is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes like the Reservoir Woods Loop or the Mississippi Gorge Trail loop, or try moderate to difficult running trails such as the Franklin Avenue Bridge loop. Cycling is popular on paths like the Midtown Greenway and the Luce Line Trail. For more options, explore the easy hikes, running trails, and general hiking routes available in the region.

Yes, Lake Nokomis features a 7.3-mile paved trail that is wheelchair accessible, perfect for enjoying the lake views. The Midtown Greenway also offers dedicated biking and walking trails that are separated from the street, providing barrier-free riding and walking.

Fort Lauderdale is rich in history and culture. Visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the city's oldest surviving structure, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, an artistic and ecological estate. The New River Inn, part of the Fort Lauderdale History Center, is another significant landmark. For cultural experiences, explore the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, or the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Fort Lauderdale, known as the 'Venice of America,' is best experienced from its waterways. Consider taking a Water Taxi Tour to see mansions and yachts, or embark on a scenic cruise with the Jungle Queen Riverboat, which has been operating since 1935 and offers narrated tours and dinner options.

While specific dog-friendly trails are not detailed in the guide, Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale is a versatile outdoor space that includes a bark park, making it a great option for visitors with dogs.

Cycling is a popular activity around Lauderdale. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile former railroad corridor with dedicated biking and walking trails, offering efficient, barrier-free riding. The Lake Nokomis Trail is another excellent option, a 7.3-mile paved path popular for biking, walking, and inline skating. Additionally, the Luce Line Trail offers 76.7 miles of varied surfaces for cycling across multiple counties.

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 180-acre oasis between the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for walking trails and paddling. Secret Woods Nature Center is another gem, a 57-acre preserve with diverse ecosystems ideal for birdwatching. For a quieter beach experience, Las Olas Oceanside Park offers a peaceful spot away from the crowds.

Yes, wildlife viewing is a significant attraction. Everglades National Park, accessible via airboat tours from Fort Lauderdale, is a prime location to spot American alligators, manatees, and over 350 species of birds. Secret Woods Nature Center also offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting within its diverse ecosystems. Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with a variety of animals.

Fort Lauderdale boasts a vibrant arts scene. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale showcases compelling exhibitions of 20th and 21st-century art. For live performances, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and concerts. You can also explore the FATVillage Arts District with its galleries and studios, or visit the Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery for local artisans and live music.

Beyond the art and history museums, Fort Lauderdale offers some unique museum experiences. The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum displays a collection of Packard automobiles from the early 1900s to the 1940s. The Stonewall National Museum & Archive is dedicated to celebrating and preserving LGBTQ+ history and culture through exhibitions and events.