Fort Lauderdale travel guide for British visitors — beaches, Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk, dining, and why it's a smarter alternative to Miami.
Fort Lauderdale: Miami's Smarter Neighbour
For UK visitors it works well as a base for a Miami trip, especially with Brightline trains running between the two, or as the start of a drive to the Keys. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also a common arrival point on transatlantic flights via US hubs.
For British visitors, Fort Lauderdale makes an excellent base — fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (often cheaper than Miami), stay in beachfront accommodation, and day-trip to Miami whenever the mood strikes.
The Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a continuous stretch of golden sand running alongside the A1A highway. It's wider, cleaner, and less crowded than South Beach. The beachfront promenade (the "Wave Wall") runs for miles and is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Free beach access — Public entry points every few blocks
Lifeguards on duty — At staffed stations during daylight hours
Beach equipment — Chairs and umbrellas available to rent
Water sports — Paddleboarding, jet skiing, snorkelling, parasailing all available from beachfront operators
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A surprising pocket of coastal nature at the northern end of the beach strip. Mangroves, a freshwater lagoon, nature trails, and kayak rentals — all within walking distance of the high-rise hotels. Feels like stepping into old Florida.
Las Olas Boulevard
The heart of Fort Lauderdale. A tree-lined boulevard connecting the beach to downtown, Las Olas is packed with:
Independent boutiques and galleries
Excellent restaurants (see dining section below)
Outdoor cafes and wine bars
Evening dining with a sophisticated, walkable atmosphere
Las Olas feels like a smaller, warmer version of a European boulevard — which is exactly why British visitors tend to love it.
The Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale's New River Riverwalk connects arts venues, parks, and restaurants along the waterfront in a mile-long linear park:
NSU Art Museum — Contemporary art in a striking building
Fort Lauderdale History Museum — Local history from Seminole and Tequesta cultures through to modern development
Stranahan House — The oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale, a preserved pioneer home on the New River
Esplanade Park — Green space with river views, farmers markets, and community events
The Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of navigable waterways — canals, rivers, and the Intracoastal Waterway. This earns it the "Venice of America" nickname and creates unique activities:
Water taxi — A network of water taxis connects neighbourhoods, restaurants, and attractions along the waterways. An excellent alternative to driving and a sightseeing experience in itself
Boat tours — Various options from historical narrations to party boats
Kayak and paddleboard — Explore the canals under your own power
Mega-yacht spotting — Fort Lauderdale is a major yachting centre. The Intracoastal is lined with very large private yachts, especially around the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October
Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale
Miami (30 miles south)
An easy day trip by car or the Brightline train (high-speed rail, about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Central). See our Miami guide for details.
The Everglades (45 minutes west)
Airboat tours, wildlife, and a completely different perspective on Florida. Several operators run from the western outskirts of Fort Lauderdale.
Boca Raton (25 miles north)
Upscale beach town with well-kept beach parks. Red Reef Park and Spanish River Park have beautiful beaches. Mizner Park is a charming shopping and dining district.
Palm Beach (55 miles north)
Old-money elegance. Worth Avenue is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the US. The Flagler Museum, Henry Flagler's 1902 mansion Whitehall, tells the story of the railway that opened up South Florida. The Breakers hotel is iconic. Window-shopping and gawking at architecture is free and entertaining.
Where to Eat
Fort Lauderdale punches above its weight for dining:
Las Olas Boulevard
Louie Bossi's Ristorante — Italian, buzzing atmosphere, excellent pasta and thin-crust pizza
Wild Sea Oyster Bar — Fresh seafood, raw bar, craft cocktails
Timpano Italian Chophouse — Upscale Italian-American with a glamorous vibe
Casa Sensei — Asian fusion on the waterway with a sunset dining deck
Beach Area
Casablanca Cafe — Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful 1920s Spanish-style building on the beach
The Wharf — Open-air waterfront food hall with rotating food trucks, bars, and live music
Casual and Local
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor (Dania Beach) — An old-fashioned ice cream parlour open since 1956, known for very large sundaes; good for families
Rok Brgr — Gourmet burgers and craft beer
Lester's Diner — A proper old-school American diner, open 24 hours
Practical Fort Lauderdale Tips
Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) is served by Norwegian, JetBlue, and connecting flights from UK airports. Often significantly cheaper to fly into than Miami
Getting to Miami: Brightline train is excellent — 30 minutes, comfortable, affordable. Or drive via I-95 (30-45 minutes depending on traffic)
Driving: Easier than Miami, less congested, easier parking. Most attractions are accessible within a 20-minute drive
Accommodation: Beachfront hotels are typically 20-40% cheaper than equivalent Miami Beach hotels. Excellent chain and independent options
Weather: Identical to Miami — warm year-round, wettest June-September
Nightlife: More relaxed than Miami. Las Olas and the beach strip offer plenty of bars and restaurants. For clubbing, head south to Miami
Family-friendly: Very. The beach, the water taxi, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and day trips to the Everglades all work brilliantly for families
floriday.uk is an independent travel guide. Always verify opening hours, prices, and availability before visiting.