Karen & Brian
Things To Do
Visit Lauderdale Website (resources)
This website is an excellent resource to help you plan your trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Explore free things to do, breweries/distilleries, hidden gems, dining, upcoming events, shopping, night life, things for kids, etc. We have also posted our personal favorite things to do below.
Rooftop @1WLO
A popular rooftop bar in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale with amazing views of the city!
Sparrow Fort Lauderdale
One of our favorite go-to rooftop bars downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL
A staple in South Florida. Get your gamble on, maybe catch a show at the theatre, and there are free light shows where the guitar hotel building itself displays cool visual effects!
Shooters Waterfront
The perfect place to grab brunch; we have been going here for many years. Enjoy food and drinks dockside off the intercoastal waterway. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations.
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
A trip to Florida wouldn't be complete without checking out the beaches! This is the main beach near the downtown Fort Lauderdale area, and it connected to Las Olas Blvd.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Recreational activities include canoeing, bicycling, fishing, swimming, Segway tours and group camping. Next to Fort Lauderdale Beach and also is connected to the intercoastal waterway with amazing views of the water and fancy mansions.
Museum of Discovery and Science
If you are bringing children, the museum is a great place to take them! Offers interactive, hands-on exhibits on topics like physics, Florida ecosystems, and space exploration for all ages, along with a live animal collection, and educational programs.
Las Olas Boulevard
Our usual stomping grounds for a nice night out. Las Olas Boulevard is the vibrant heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale, boasting exceptional dining and retail shopping options, as well as world class art galleries, museums, and unique boutiques. Connects to Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Sawgrass Mills Mall
If you're looking for some shopping, visit South Florida's internationally renowned shopping & dining mall, featuring an unsurpassed collection of the most coveted designer luxury outlets. It's rather large and easy to get lost!
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Stranahan House is the home of Fort Lauderdale pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Built in 1901 as a trading post and converted into a residence for the Stranahans in 1906, the house is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
Open-air hangout, featuring food trucks, bars, live music, a dance floor, a deck and intercoastal river views. Fun during the day and at night.
Water Taxi
Fort Lauderdale offers an extensive Water Taxi system for exploring the city's waterways, providing scenic tours of mansions and businesses. It's also a literal taxi, so it can drop you off at different locations in the city.
Kaseya Center (Miami Heat)
The day after the wedding (2/21), there is a home game versus the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 PM EST. Get tickets in the "view" link.
Funky Buddha Brewery
Funky Buddha Brewery is home to the largest taproom in South Florida. This place has had a place in our hearts for many years. Try the "Floridian" (Brian's favorite) or the "Hop gun IPA"! Seasonal beers available.
Yellow Green Farmers Market
One of our FAVORITE places to go and bring visitors. Your one stop shop in trying foods from different cultures globally and buy fresh local produce. Highly recommend. Only open on the weekends.
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
Best tacos in Fort Lauderdale, hands down.
Embarcadero 41 (Peruvian)
If you're looking for authentic Peruvian food, look no further!
La Birra Bar (Burgers) - Fort Lauderdale
This has been the most awarded burger in the WORLD. You heard us. Come here for some of the best damn burgers you've ever had. Try Brian's favorite, the "Only Fans".
Marina Village Fort Lauderdale Beach
Relaxed waterfront spot on Fort Lauderdale Beach, featuring various kiosk-style eateries serving tacos, burgers, pizza, etc., plus a bar shaped as a yacht (The Shorely), turning out cocktails. Must go through the Bahia Mar Marina for parking; otherwise, there's public parking across the street on the beach.
Glitch Bar
If you're a gamer, this is the place to go. Buy a drink or meal, and you get full access to their large selection of arcade options.
Wynwood Art District
Wynwood is known for its vibrant outdoor street art and murals. Located in Miami, come for its eclectic mix of galleries, shops, trendy bars, restaurants, and breweries. The district transformed from an industrial area into a celebrated urban arts and culture hub, attracting visitors for its unique cultural experience and lively atmosphere.
Pizza Craft Pizzeria & Italian Specialities
One of our favorite local pizza joints. Also has an intimate speak-easy themed bar tied to it called "Apothecary 330". One of Brian's usual go-to spots for a high-end cocktail or old fashioned.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale
Finest Fort Lauderdale Craft Cocktail Bar with speakeasy ambiance. Come here if you want a variety of rum drinks. In downtown Fort Lauderdale next to "The Wharf".
Heritage (Italian)
One of our favorite places for date night. Amazing authentic Italian cuisine in a small spot. Pasta, paninis, pasta, etc. this is the place for it. The owner is relatives with one of the hockey players on the world champion Florida Panthers.
Hatch
Another favorite spot for brunch offering breakfast, pancakes, burritos, and other brunch staples in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap: Fort Lauderdale
Buzzing eatery for Southern classics, scratch-made desserts and craft beer. Come here for some Savannah, GA classic cuisine.