Fort Lauderdale’s luxurious beach resorts and five-star dining options might not scream “budget vacation destination,” but yacht rides and expensive spa retreats aren’t all our coastal destination boasts. It's easy to explore Fort Lauderdale Beach and area just beyond on a budget, and these 10 activities and events under $25 will ensure you experience the best that Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas have to offer without breaking the bank.
$25 and Under
Ride A Bike
While we are fully aware May is National Bike Month, the weather is much nicer for a bike ride in March, and with that, we celebrate Florida Bike Month, March 1 - 31. For just $5 an hour or a maximum of $25 all day, you can rent a Broward BCycle E-Bike from 8 convenient locations along Fort Lauderdale Beach and pedal power your day away. For those wanting to add a competitive angle to their ride, check out the #LetsGoBiking virtual challenge with the Broward MPO and compete for the chance to relax and recharge at W Fort Lauderdale.
Experience Yoga with a Mermaid
Join mermaid-by-night, Whitney Fair every Sunday on the beach at B Ocean Resort for an 11:00am Yin Yoga Class. There is no better way to start your Sunday Funday than a relaxing and restorative one-hour yin yoga class by the Atlantic Ocean! Yin yoga is great for all levels (including beginners and kids) because it’s a passive, slower-paced style of modern yoga. $20 yoga class (mats & towels are provided). After class, the world-famous Wreck Bar hosts their signature Mermaids & Mimosas Sunday Brunch (priced separately).
Immerse Yourself in Fort Lauderdale's History
The waterfront Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is one of Fort Lauderdale’s must-do attractions. Offering seven daily 1.5 hour tours, tickets are $20 pp ($8 for children 6-17) which includes access to the entire property, including the 1920’s estate, art museum, gallery, orchid greenhouse and more. A budget-friendly $10 ticket provides access to the tropical gardens only, where you can bring a picnic lunch or your sketch book and relax under the lush canopy watching the swans swim by.
Take a Ride in the Venice of America
All day passes for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi run $28, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss this quintessential Fort Lauderdale experience. Hop aboard the Water Taxi after 5 p.m. for the discounted “happy hour” rate, and you’ll enjoy unlimited rides in Fort Lauderdale for $18, plus drink specials on select boats until 10 pm. Add in the Cruise and Save Discounts when you show your ticket at Partner Locations and that's a Win/Win/Win.
$15 and Under
Explore the Local Culinary Scene
Fort Lauderdale Beach's culinary scene has exploded over the past few years, offering over 60 dining options along its 3-mile long oceanfront stretch. It's hard to find one that does it better however than The Ritz-Carlton's signature restaurant, Burlock Coast, and when you add in the creative $15 weekday Happy Hour from 5-9 pm it's certainly a reason to toast. Treat yourself to some big flavors for a little price, such as the Signature Burger & Beer on Monday or a mid-week Punched Out Wednesday combo of House Made Rum Punch & Oven Fired Naan Pizza.
$10 and Under
C'est Si Bon
We may be known as the Venice of America, but if you are looking for authentic cuisine from another famous coast, stop by Nanou French Bakery for breakfast and see why it's where the locals go. For under $10 the Pain au Beurre with Coffee and fresh Orange Juice or freshly made Baguette sandwiches at lunch are about as Parisian as it gets. Dine al fresco in their back patio and you can enjoy another authentic experience, Pétanque, the French version of Italy's Bocce Ball.
Lose Yourself In Nature
A short walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an oasis of the last Tropical Maritime Hammock in all of Broward County. There are many amenities visitors can enjoy, including renting canoes ($10/hr for up to 3 people), kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards to explore the mile-long coastal dune lake. For those on a budget the park entry fees are $4 per person or $8 for up to 8 in a car. For a more in depth experience, there is a rotating schedule of free interpretive Ranger Led Walks/Tours at 10:30 am every Friday.
Work Out with the Locals
You don't earn the nickname, FIT Lauderdale without a penchant for fitness, and with Mother Natures' refreshing ocean breezes and beneficial boost of Vitamin D, getting in a work out outdoors has long been a favorite local activity. This past February, the city launched the LO/OP FIT program, affording locals and visitors free and low-cost access to a dozen varied programs. Take one in and learn more at theLOOPflb.com
Plan A Doggie Date
Treat your best friend like, well, your best friend and plan a Sunday Funday Doggie Date at the beachside chic, S3 - where their two-legged companions can imbibe on $5.00 Tito's cocktails and pups will savor a deliciously decadent menu of their own with healthy, house-made treats. Keep an eye on their social pages for the monthly theme Bark Brunch, which typically benefits local animal shelters and non-profits.
FREE!
Leave the wallet at home and come enjoy a number of free events on Fort Lauderdale Beach. From the weekly Friday Night Sound Waves concerts (March 18 - July 1) to the popular Saturday Oceanside Park Farmers Market you can view online event calendar for current listings.
