Creating Really Awesome Free Trips is back, and it will happen most Thursday’s from now until the end of August. Hopefully you will find a few fun, free family friendly things to do in a city near you! Today, we’ve got a list of 10 fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Free Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As many of you know I moved from Austin, TX to Fort Lauderdale, FL in February 2012. (Lots about the DIY move and packing party.) Although it’s far from friends and family, Andy and I have found lots of fun, free things to do here… We’ve even made a few new friends! Our very favorite thing to do here is the 23 miles of beach which is why that’s #1 on the list!
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
It’s beautiful, free, and I can do it for days! I think it does cost to park, but we always walk to the beach. That’s one of Sunny’s, our Ft. Lauderdale apartment’s, perks. I love the iconic lifeguard stands and how they resemble UFO’s. Bring a picnic or grab a slice of pizza on the beach. Our pizza place of choice is Primanti Brothers. We also love Guacamole’s for a mid day smoothie! The beach is hours of free entertainment.
2. West Lake Park
3. Las Olas Farmers Market
The Las Olas Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 9am-4pm. A fun atmosphere and a chance to try a juicy local orange or buy goods from local artists.
4. Las Olas Boulevard
5. Bonnet House
Help preserve South Florida’s history and visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The gorgeous estate was built in 1920 as a retreat for a newly married couple from Chicago. The Bonnet House was given to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 and is preserved for all to see to this day. It’s closed on Monday and kids 5 and under get free admission.
6. Water Taxi
This isn’t free, but there is a good deal! If you go after 5:00pm, any day of the week, it’s half price. That’s $10 a person. Fort Lauderdale isn’t called the Venice of the West for nothing! The taxi driver gives you lots of info about the ginormous mansions and yachts on the water. You can get on and off at any of the water taxi’s 12 stops for $10. Did I mention it’s BYOB or wine. This is me and my Grand Martha on the Fort Lauderdale water taxi.
7. Ft. Lauderdale Sun Trolley
8. Fort Lauderdale boat parade
The boat parade happens every year in Fort Lauderdale, FL and can be viewed from bridges, balconies, and restaurants and hotels along the Intercoastal. Another great viewing spot is the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, but will need tickets to see the parade here. The boat parade takes place on December 14, 2024.
9. Historical Walking Tour
10. Gulfstream Park
Have you ever been to a horse race? It’s fun! And free to sit in general admission (the walking room, tiki hit, or apron). Parking is also free. Check the racing calendar to plan your trip to the track… bring a few bucks to bet on your favorite horses!
Have you ever been to Fort Lauderdale? What did you think? Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear…
Comments & Reviews
I currently live in FLL and can’t think of much else. Shout out to your #9…my husband works there 🙂
I absolutely LOVE Fort Lauderdale! My husband and I have been there on vacation four times already and even got married there because this is our favorite place on earth. It might sound ridiculous, but it is actually our biggest wish to move to FLL and we’re trying to figure out a way how to make this dream come true. Such a beautiful place with many great things to do and see, it probably never gets boring! You’re a lucky girl to live there 😉
Your wedding pics are beautiful 🙂 I am lucky to live so close to the beach! It easy to take it for granted when you live here… Thank you for the reminder!