The greater Fort Lauderdale area is one of our favorite in Florida, not only because its airport connects us with the world, but the city also offers so many different types of activities for any type of traveler. You can be a solo traveler, traveling with family or as a couple and you will find that Fort Lauderdale has something perfect to offer.
Because of its busy airport, most of our visits to Fort Lauderdale only last a few hours and on some occasions we opt for a long layover in Fort Lauderdale to better see the city. A recent layover gave us 17 hours to explore Fort Lauderdale, and there was still not enough time to enjoy all the activities in this vibrant city.
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We have chosen our favorite attractions for enjoy during a 12-hour layover in Fort Lauderdale or longer. Fort Lauderdale does have a bus system along with tours that can take you around the city, but if budget is not a concern we strongly recommend renting a car for the day to visit more areas.
Four Things to do in Fort Lauderdale: 1 Day Itinerary
1. Take an airboat at the Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Holiday Park is not located within Fort Lauderdale but it is only a 30-minute drive from the airport. If you are in the Everglades area it is a must to take an airboat tour to see wild alligators. The park is open everyday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Tickets for a 60 minute airboat tour, an alligator presentation and one Kodak group photo is $38.99 per person for adults and $26.99 for children.
2. Take photos and learn at the Flamingo Gardens
Only 15 minutes away from the Holiday Park is the botanical gardens and Everglades wildlife sanctuary. The Flamingo Gardens has 60 acres of over 3,000 species of tropical, subtropical and native plants. It is also a wildlife sanctuary for permanently injured and non-releasable birds and animals including alligators, a bear, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks and of course Flamingos. The Flamingo Gardens is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. General admissions is $24 for adults and $17 for children.
3. Swim and get tan at the Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach has the perfect boulevard adjacent to the sands, where you can enjoy some local delicacies for lunch. After grabbing lunch you can take a quick walk along the boardwalk and visit some of the small shops or admire the ocean.
If you are driving and need to park your car, there is ample street parking or if you are thinking about taking the catamaran sunset tour with Spirit of Lauderdale you can park at the hotel where they are located for only $5.
You need to make sure to enjoy the beach and swim in the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon on the Fort Lauderdale Beach.
4. Watch the sunset on board of the Spirit of Lauderdale
There is no better way to finish your long layover in Fort Lauderdale than by enjoying the sun setting over the water from a 50-foot long catamaran with the sunset tour with the Spirit of Lauderdale. It was the best way to finish an awesome day in Fort Lauderdale taking full advantage of a long layover. Take the opportunity to get out of the airport and enjoy a new city on your adventures.
If your trip is longer than 12 hours, and you are looking for a place to stay in Fort Lauderdale, I recommend you to check out cozycozy. This website compares all available accommodation types and It is especially useful for last-minute reservations, as it offers you the best price for the last minute reservation.
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