Living here
Where locals actually eat, shop, take the kids and spend a Saturday — from Miami-Dade to Martin County. Filter by who is coming with you, what day it is and what you feel like spending.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Hands-on science floors, an otter habitat and a giant-screen theater. Toddler zone downstairs, flight and physics exhibits upstairs.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Modern and contemporary shows downtown, a block from Las Olas. Quiet weekday mornings.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Touring Broadway, symphony and comedy on the New River. Valet or park at the Riverwalk garage and walk.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Outdoor juried art shows take over Las Olas Boulevard several weekends between November and March.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Working artist studios and galleries in converted warehouses just north of downtown — gallery walk nights and open studios monthly.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Las Olas gallery with major names — from pop and street art to established contemporary masters.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Sidewalk tables, steakhouses, sushi and Italian along a walkable mile between downtown and the beach.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown bar strip beside the Riverwalk — busiest Thursday through Saturday.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Open-air riverfront bar with food stalls and DJs. Dog-friendly and family-friendly until evening.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Two miles of lifeguarded sand with the wave wall, bike lanes and hotel bars across the street.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
180 acres of hammock, a lagoon for kayaks and a tunnel under A1A to the beach. Shade on hot days.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Walk the New River park, then ride the water taxi between downtown, Las Olas and the beach — day passes are cheap.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Indoor go-karts, roller rink, bowling, ropes course and arcade under one roof — the teenage birthday default.
Miami · Miami-Dade
NBA basketball downtown on the bay, October through spring. Brightline from Fort Lauderdale beats the traffic.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
The largest in-water boat show in the world, every autumn across seven sites. Book hotels months ahead.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Chef Angelo Elia's upscale Tuscan restaurant known for handmade pasta and white truffle dishes.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Supper-club style Italian steakhouse with live entertainment on weekend nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian classics on a lively Las Olas patio.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Long-running Las Olas restaurant and lounge with New American fare and a popular bar scene.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
W Hotel steakhouse overlooking the Intracoastal with a striking jellyfish tank at the bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Seafood-forward New American menu inside the Marriott Harbor Beach with ocean views.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Dockside seafood shack on the Intracoastal — arrive by boat or car for grouper sandwiches at sunset.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Nautical-themed waterfront restaurant with New Orleans-inflected seafood and a big dock bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale steak-and-seafood chain outpost with live jazz most nights near Galleria Mall.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Farm-to-table American comfort food and craft cocktails in a converted 1930s cottage.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Classic Las Olas sidewalk-cafe spot for steaks, seafood and people-watching.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
High-energy Mexican cantina on Las Olas with tableside guacamole and an enormous tequila list.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood seafood grill on Las Olas known for fresh fish sandwiches and raw bar.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Oceanfront seafood institution north of the city with a private beach boardwalk.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Cozy Northern Italian trattoria off Las Olas favored by locals for handmade pasta.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale Italian-American chain restaurant inside the W Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Rock 'n' roll themed sushi restaurant on Los Olas known for its creative rolls.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Cozy Southwestern restaurant near Wilton Manors known for its creative game dishes.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Iconic 1938 beachfront dive bar at the foot of Las Olas, a Spring Break legend still slinging drinks.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Retro-neon cocktail lounge with pinball and a jukebox in the Flagler Village arts district.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
1920s-themed speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a rooftop deck in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Craft-cocktail gastropub on Las Olas Boulevard known for its extensive bourbon and whiskey list.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Rooftop lounge atop the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach with ocean views and DJ nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront sports bar and grill co-owned by former Dolphins players, with patio seating on A1A.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Craft brewery and taproom in the Tarpon River neighborhood with a large outdoor beer garden.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood craft brewery near the Sistrunk corridor with rotating taps and food trucks.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Riverfront gastropub and bar on the New River with a large craft-beer list and weekend DJs.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Country-western bar with line dancing, mechanical bull and karaoke nights.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wilton Manors sports bar and neighborhood hangout with pool tables and game-day crowds.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront tiki bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach with tropical drinks and live cover bands.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale enclosed mall with Neiman Marcus, Saks and Macy's near the beach and Sunrise Boulevard.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Tree-lined boutique and boutique-jewelry strip through downtown Fort Lauderdale with sidewalk cafés.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Sunday riverfront market along the New River with produce, crafts and local vendors.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
One of the world's largest flea markets, with a drive-in theater and carnival rides on site.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Flagship boating and marine supply superstore near the marine industry hub of the Yachting Capital.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
New and used marine gear, sails and boating equipment consignment warehouse near the 17th Street Causeway.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Design and antique showroom corridor along Federal Highway south of downtown.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Neighborhood Sunday market with local vendors, produce and coffee in Flagler Village.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Historic waterfront estate with lush gardens, swans and a whimsical plantation-style house.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Fort Lauderdale's oldest surviving structure, a riverfront trading post turned house museum.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Classic sightseeing riverboat tour along the New River past mansions and mangroves.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Airboat rides and live gator wrestling shows on the edge of the Everglades.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Museum celebrating aquatic sports history alongside Fort Lauderdale's iconic pool.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
The Broward Center's intimate second stage for cabaret, comedy and chamber music on the New River.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Renovated mid-century theater in Holiday Park hosting touring plays, comedy and concerts.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Broward Center's main hall for Broadway tours, ballet and the Symphony of the Americas.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Broward's resident orchestra performing classical and pops programs at the Broward Center.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Ballet performances staged at the Broward Center as part of Miami City Ballet's touring season.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
LGBTQ history and art museum and archive on the Broward College campus, with rotating exhibitions.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown science museum that hosts rotating art-meets-science installations and family exhibits.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront plaza and promenade at the foot of Las Olas Boulevard with easy beach access.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Lakeside city park with a dive lake, trails and shaded picnic groves.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Pedestrian tunnel connects the park's lagoon and trails directly to the beach.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Lakeside park with a fishing dock and paved walking loop near the beach.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown riverfront green space along the New River with fountains and boat views.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball courts under one roof.
Dania Beach · Broward
Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and an arcade minutes from Fort Lauderdale airport.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Five-story IMAX screen inside the Museum of Discovery and Science showing science documentaries and blockbusters.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Jungle-themed mini golf with waterfalls, gemstone mining and an arcade on US-1.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Indoor electric go-kart racing with junior karts for younger racers, air-conditioned track.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Bouldering and roped climbing gym with youth programs and beginner-friendly walls.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Riverfront promenade with periodic free family movie nights and a nearby splash pad at Esplanade Park.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Shaded park with mountain-bike trails, a lake for catch-and-release fishing and a big playground.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Historic hand-carved carousel with rides for young children in a downtown park.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Downtown library with a dedicated children's floor, weekly storytime and a rooftop terrace.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Padded indoor jungle gym, ball pits and a toddler section for rainy or scorching afternoons.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Short airboat rides and a gator-wrestling show geared toward families with young kids.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Kid-friendly touring shows and puppet performances staged on weekend mornings downtown.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
MLS matches featuring Lionel Messi at the waterfront Lockhart Stadium site.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Upscale daily-fee course on a former country club site, near the airport.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Public hard courts and clinics on the site of former pro tournaments, near the beach.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Additional yacht and superyacht displays spread through Bahia Mar in late October.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Marina hosting recurring billfish and sailfish tournaments through the winter season.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Beachfront country-music festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach every April.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Contemporary art fair with galleries and installations along the New River each winter.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Illuminated yacht procession down the Intracoastal, a signature Fort Lauderdale holiday tradition.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Oceanfront marathon and half-marathon along State Road A1A every February.
Fort Lauderdale · Broward
Military and civilian aerobatic display over Fort Lauderdale Beach each spring.
Beaches and parks are nearly empty before noon, museums are quiet, and restaurants that need a month's notice on Saturday will seat you at 6pm on a Tuesday. Libraries run free story times for little ones, and breweries do trivia midweek.
Green markets and art fairs on Saturday mornings, boats out by ten, dinner on Las Olas or Atlantic Avenue, and live music downtown. Book attractions online the night before — walk-up lines are the only real hassle.
Everything doubles: polo in Wellington, the Kravis and Broward Center seasons, street art fairs, the boat show in autumn and Art Basel in early December. Traffic and reservations get tighter, so plan ahead.
Storms usually pass in an hour. Keep an indoor backup on the list — a science museum, an indoor mall, a go-kart park — and swim in the morning, not at three in the afternoon.
Choosing between neighborhoods? Where you land decides how much of this you actually do on a weeknight. Compare the areas, look up schools or ask me what a normal week looks like in the area you're considering.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change — check the venue before you drive. Tell me if a favorite spot is missing and I'll add it.
