7 Reasons Why You Need to Explore Fort Lauderdale Right This Minute

So much is going on up north these days. And by north, we mean ten miles away in sun-drenched Fort Lauderdale. There’s art and shopping galore, a new crop of fancy-schmany restaurants and more parks than, well, anywhere. Read on for seven sure-fire reasons why you should plan a day trip, stat. 

Think of FAT Village as Wynwood before it became, you know, sort of touristy. This small artsy enclave is overflowing with art galleries, creative studios and warehouse businesses. The last Saturday of every month, galleries stay open late and pop-up bars, food trucks and local vendors create one big block party. Whenever you decide to visit, don’t forget to snag a coffee at Brew Urban Café. Trust us, it’s worth it.

As Florida's gateway to the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale ranks number one nationwide for amount of parks (37 percent of the public land is dedicated to green space). Think oceanfront bike-riding, a number of water sports (kayaking! paddleboarding!) and countless spots to cozy up with a book. Out of them all, we suggest checking out Hugh Taylor Birch Park, Snyder Park or Esplanade Park first.

It’s hard to believe that in the early 1900s, Las Olas was just a dirt road that led all the way to the beach. Now the vibrant boulevard is chock-full of clothing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars and spas. Start on SE Third Avenue and East Las Olas and make your way east to guarantee you’ll hit all the good spots. Keep an eye out for Lobster Bar Sea Grille, the Blue Gallery, Hoffman’s Chocolate, and Ann’s Coffee Shop.

We’re not short on gorgeous beaches in South Florida, but some slices of shoreline are just too packed for us locals. We’re going to let you in on a secret, though: Fort Lauderdale beaches tend to be quieter. Put on your favorite ’kini and take your pick.

Rustic Italian with 2,500 bottles of wine in stock? Head to Cibo. A modern steakhouse? Look to Steak 954. An izakaya-style resto filled with sushi and cocktails? Try Monkitail. Coastal American? Point Royal. Farm-to-table? Go to Burlock Coast. The Zuma of Broward County? Yep, that exists too, and it’s called Etaru. Oh, and you’ve got to try a brewery—that’s where Funky Buddha comes in. We could go on, but we’ll let your appetite catch up.