12 Things to do in Fort Lauderdale (without ever stepping foot on the Sand)

We know it sounds ridiculous. Afterall, when you think of Fort Lauderdale how can you not think of the beautiful blue wave certified beaches, basking in the sun and taking a dip in the warm salty ocean.  And while your wandering feet might always be donning flip flops, the Fort Lauderdale Beach area offers a number indoor activities and budget and family-friendly options to fill your days and nights.

  • Enjoy a full day of discovery at the Museum of Discovery and Science featuring two floors of fascinating interactive exhibits and home of the five-story-high AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater - the BIGGEST screen in South Florida.
  • Shop 'til you drop at the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, South Florida’s premier shopping destinations featuring more than 100 specialty stores, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and several fine dining establishments.
  • Set sail on a three-hour fully narrated sightseeing cruise aboard the World Famous Jungle Queen for a waterside tour of the historic New River and Millionaire's Row, and a stop-off at their private tropical island.
  • Join the two-wheel revolution with Fort Lauderdale's Bike Sharing Program. Check out a Broward B-Cycle Bike and explore.
  • Step back in time and immerse yourself in a great period of American automotive history with a visit to the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. This authentic reproduction of a Packard showroom from the 1920's features 22 Packard motor cars from the 1900's to the 1940's, memorabilia and more.
  • Swim with the fishes, err Mermaids, before or after the famous Mermaid Show at The Wreck Bar located within B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
  • Plan a daylong Foodie Tour along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk between locations along the 3-mile long Wave Wall to walk off the calories between courses.
  • Get in a good workout at The Gym Fort Lauderdale, be it on the oceanview rooftop workout deck, or at one of their Yoga, Pilates, Zumba or Cycling classes.
  • Get one with nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park a tropical oasis steps from the sand, where you can paddle or canoe along a mile-long freshwater lagoon, hike along two short trails, learn about local plants and wildlife, bike or blade along the paved park road or picnic under the hammocks.
  • Take in one of the outstanding traveling exhibitions, view the collection, or participate in one of the ongoing programs at the NSU Museum of Art
  • Art lovers and Nature enthusiast will feel right at home at the Bonnet House estate. Guided tours lead visitors through the main house, outbuildings, extensive grounds, and one of the finest orchid collections in the U.S.
  • Find your Ohh's and Ahh's Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an impressive selection of resort spas ranging from upscale, European-style establishments to those offering a more holistic approach.
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