Itineraries for Your Trip to Fort Lauderdale
2 Days in Fort Lauderdale for First Timers
When I first visited [Fort Lauderdale](https://www.viator.com/Fort-Lauderdale/d660(, I was focused on beach days and club nights, but on subsequent visits, I've explored so much more of this city, which is dubbed the "Venice of America." Taking the hop-on hop-off water taxis is my favorite way to get around the city, and I've gotten tons of great restaurant and activity recommendations from the guides aboard these boats.
When you have two days in Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty of time for my favorite activity: an airboat tour of the Everglades. If you want to see even more native animals, stop at Flamingo Gardens, where you can see birds of prey, alligators, and even a bear at the wildlife sanctuary.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the Everglades.
It's almost always warm and humid, so be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
One of the best ways to check out the "Venice of America" is on the water. You'll get to pass by all the mansions and yachts as you motor through the canals and along the Intracoastal Waterway. You can choose among many guided tours, and they are a great way to start your visit to Fort Lauderdale, with a little bit of history and recommendations on where to go during the rest of your stay.
After you've spent the morning on the water, you'll want to enjoy the afternoon hours IN the water. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a top pick, with vendors renting umbrellas and beach chairs so you can stake out your spot. Or head to Las Olas Beach, where you can shop when you've had enough time in the sun. Snorkeling excursions and Seabob rentals are also available for those wanting some fun in the water.
When night falls, you'll want to visit one of the many top restaurants in Fort Lauderdale serving up steak, seafood, and stunning ocean views. An easy way to travel around town without driving is via the water taxis. They make multiple stops, and your guide will point out interesting properties and yachts along the way. If you're still undecided, ask for restaurant recommendations or take in the sunset views.
A good start for your second morning in Fort Lauderdale is to walk along the Riverwalk to take in the sights from the shore. If you want something more interactive, book a Segway tour that takes you past spots like the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Some tours will swing by Port Everglades, the third-largest cruise port in the world.
The afternoon is a great time to catch some rays and see the city from the air. You can book a helicopter tour that will take you over the Everglades and past the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Or, head out on the water on a speedboat that will send you sailing into the air on a parasail.
You can't leave Fort Lauderdale without visiting Everglades National Park, and a night tour is an extra-fun way to see animals that might be hiding in the shade in the heat of the day. Airboats skim across the water and slow to spot animals with eyes that glow in the darkness.
