Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A lively coastal city, Fort Lauderdale falls in Broward County, Florida, a place renowned for its beaches, boating canals, and flourishing arts and culture. Also dubbed the Venice of America, the city brings together natural charm and the hustle and bustle of an animated metropolis. Popular among cruise enthusiasts for its pristine beaches, exciting nightlife, wide cruise options, and plentiful local attractions, Port Everglades is also renowned as the gateway to popular cruise destinations. With easy access to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment hotspots and laced with a range of diverse attractions, Fort Lauderdale promises an enriching and fulfilling experience.

Fort Lauderdale Top Attractions and Activities

Las Olas Boulevard

A lively street brimming with shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, Las Olas Boulevard is often termed a vibrant cultural and social hub of Fort Lauderdale. Stretching from downtown to the beach, the boulevard offers a perfect stroll for shopping, dining, live entertainment, and cultural attractions like the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and the historic Stranahan House Museum. Whether you're a shopping enthusiast, a foodie, an art aficionado, or someone who wants to feel the pulse of South Florida, visiting Las Olas Boulevard is a must.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

If you are a beach lover, you cannot say no to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Why? The reasons are plenty. For starters, the beach is the perfect destination to chill and soak in the vibrant coastal energy. Its soft, white sand, crystal clear water, and palm-lined promenade conjure a perfect venue for swimming, boating, jet skiing, sunbathing, or simply lazing around. With plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the vicinity, Fort Lauderdale Beach has everything one needs for an exciting day by the sea.

Port Everglades

An ultimate cruise gateway, Port Everglades is renowned for bringing together high-capacity terminals, matchless locations, and seamless traveler access. Imagine all this arrayed for you, minutes from the top-ranking vacation city. Indeed, Port Everglades offers matchless ease, contemporary facilities, and hassle-free access to everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer. No wonder it is regarded as the gateway to both adventure and relaxation. 

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 

Spread over 35 acres of lush coastal land, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens was built by Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1920. A historic estate, it boasts a perfect blend of art, history and tropical nature. Though located very close to the beach, “Bonnet House” takes you on a quiet, reflective path, poles away from the bustling beach around the corner. The venue is also perfect for photography, weddings, and guided tours and is a favorite for history & art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and cruise travelers in the lookout for pre- or post-cruise activity close by. 

    

Museum of Discovery and Science

Reputed as one of Florida’s top science museums, the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is renowned for offering interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly fun that finds favor with both kids and grown-ups who love to explore physics, biology, aviation, engineering, space, and environmental science through interactive displays and activities. A favorite haunt for science enthusiasts, families, and even cruise visitors looking for an exciting day indoors.   

The Best Time to Cruise to Fort Lauderdale

The perfect time to visit Fort Lauderdale by cruise is during the winter and early spring months, especially from November to April. Warm, sunny days with average temperatures hovering between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), low humidity and scant rainfall make the time perfect for cruising as well as exploring the city. Winters also mark the beginning of the Caribbean cruise season, and as a result, there are always more ships, better itineraries, and newer vessels sailing from Port Everglades, giving you a wider selection of cruise lines and destinations. The top attractions in Fort Lauderdale, like Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Everglades tours, are at their best during this season, which is also perfect for outdoor dining, water sports, and beach lounging, making the cool, dry months the best time to cruise to Fort Lauderdale.