With sunny skies, warm weather and plenty of free and cheap things to do in Fort Lauderdale, this may be the ideal stop for your next budget-friendly trip. Whether traveling as a family, with kids or on a work trip, there is something for every age and interest.
Make the most of your time in the Sunshine State with this budget-friendly guide to local favorites and lesser-known spots in Fort Lauderdale.
Key takeaways
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Fort Lauderdale has many free and cheap things to do, as well as affordable lodging and dining options.
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Some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale are lesser-known, like the NSU Art Museum and the MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park.
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As a coastal city, there are plenty of free ways to enjoy the outdoors with beaches, boardwalks and piers nearby.
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If you’re looking for something to do other than visiting beaches, you can take an airboat tour of the Everglades, ride a water taxi or visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center.
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With Miami nearby, it’s easy to fit attractions in both cities into one trip.
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Finding a hotel, like Extended Stay America, with kitchens in every suite, free wi-fi and weekly rates can help stretch your budget even further on longer stays in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Spend the day at Fort Lauderdale’s beaches
Going to the beach is a fun and free thing to do in Fort Lauderdale. Take in some Vitamin “Sea” by going swimming in the ocean, playing in the sand or collecting seashells.
Some of the most loved beaches in this area include:
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Las Olas: Great if you want to be close to bars, restaurants and nightlife.
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Fort Lauderdale: Classic beach experience with lots of things to do and restaurants to try nearby. It can feel very touristy and busy.
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Deerfield: More laidback with a nice pier and restaurants nearby. Still can be crowded at peak times.
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Pompano: A relaxing beach that still offers things to do and places to eat. It’s most crowded around the pier.
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Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: A cute, quieter beach town with little restaurants and less touristy.
Whether you want to stay along the main strip or venture a little further, these beaches offer the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and a peaceful, free excursion when traveling with kids.
2. Picnic and play at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
What’s better than a beach? A beach combined with a park. Enjoy the grills, picnic tables, basketball and volleyball courts and playground at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. It’s one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale for families.
You can also save money by packing lunch to eat at the park. When staying at a hotel with a kitchen, you can prepare a picnic before you head out for the day. One less bill dining out equals more money in your pocket.
3. Hike or bike Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
If you’re looking for something other than the beaches, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits in the middle of Fort Lauderdale and offers a 1.9-mile park drive.
Here, you can bike, skate, fish, snorkel or swim. For those traveling with pets, leashed dogs are welcome here, making it a perfect pairing for a pet-friendly stay in the area.
This park is an affordable destination, with entrance fees of $4 to $6 per vehicle or $2 to walk or bike. Fees may change, so check the official Florida State Parks website to verify.
4. See gators at Everglades Holiday Park
If you’re fascinated by wildlife, the Everglades Holiday Park is the place for you. This is one of the most fun things to do near Fort Lauderdale. Get up close to alligators of all sizes in their natural habitat while you’re on a guided airboat tour.
Airboat tour pricing is around $42 for adults or $30 for children aged 3 to 11, plus taxes and fees. This is the perfect excursion for anyone who loves adventure, a day in the sun and chatting with locals.
5. Explore Las Olas Boulevard
Take a walk down Las Olas Boulevard and experience everything from open-air shops and restaurants to movie theaters and museums. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the weather, window shop and take in the gorgeous surroundings.
If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Blvd hosts a variety of free and ticketed events year-round. Be sure to do some research on the area before visiting to make sure your travel dates coincide with your desired events.
6. Take a relaxing stroll down the Riverwalk
Sometimes, the best way to explore a city is on foot. Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk offers a shaded, brick-paved path along the New River, with waterfront views and easy access to downtown attractions.
Stop by Stranahan House, a historical museum house we mention later on, browse the shops and restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard or simply enjoy a leisurely walk beneath the palm trees. The Riverwalk is free to explore, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your trip, start here and build your day around nearby free and low-cost attractions.
7. Tour the Historic Stranahan House Museum
Step back in time at Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving structure. Built in 1901 as a trading post by Frank and Ivy Stranahan, the house offers a glimpse into the city’s early days.
The Stranahan House is a perfect stop for history buffs looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale, where self-guided tours only cost around $13 for adults. Fort Lauderdale residents can also enjoy free admission on Wednesdays with valid ID.
8. Wander the gardens at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
For a quieter excursion, explore the 35-acre subtropical grounds of Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a former winter home for artists just steps from the beach. This historic home preserves a rare piece of old Florida’s history, art and natural landscape.
Wander through tropical foliage, admire the orchids and look for local wildlife along the way. The gardens-only ticket costs $15, offering a lovely addition to a budget-friendly couples vacation.
9. Get free admission at NSU Art Museum
The NSU Art Museum offers one of the best free things to do in Fort Lauderdale: On the first Thursday of each month, the museum offers free admission and extended hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through its “Sunny Days/Starry Nights” program. Regular adult admission is $16, while children 12 and under always enter for free.
Located on Las Olas Boulevard, the museum is easy to combine with an afternoon of shopping, dining or exploring downtown.
10. Ride the free LauderGO! Community Shuttle
Getting around Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have to mean paying for parking or renting a car. The LauderGO! Community Shuttle, formerly known as the Sun Trolley, offers free rides to popular areas in the city. Common stops include the nearby beaches, Las Olas Boulevard and downtown.
It’s a practical way to see more of the city without adding transportation costs to your budget. If you’re mapping out the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, check the current routes and schedules before heading out.
11. Paddle the mangroves at Anne Kolb Nature Center
Nature-loving families can trade the beach for the winding waterways of Anne Kolb Nature Center in nearby Hollywood. This 1,500-acre park features mangrove trails, an exhibit hall and a 68-foot observation tower with sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands.
Walking the trails is free, while the exhibit hall may charge a small admission fee. Canoe and kayak rentals cost extra, but they offer a closer look at the mangroves. It’s one of the more rewarding things to do with your family in Fort Lauderdale, especially if you want an outdoor adventure without the cost of a full Everglades excursion.
12. Learn something new at the Museum of Discovery and Science
Looking for things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids? The Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale features hands-on exhibits, interactive science displays and an IMAX theater that make learning fun for kids and adults alike.
It sits across from the Riverwalk, so you can easily pair a museum visit with a walk along the scenic waterways. To keep costs down, look into the museum’s discounted EBT/WIC admission and Bank of America’s Museums on Us free-admission weekends before you go.
13. See native wildlife up close at Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens in nearby Davie combines a 60-acre botanical garden with a wildlife sanctuary, offering a chance to get up close to Florida wildlife. Look for flamingos, panthers and otters, then explore the gardens and enjoy the narrated tram tour included with admission.
Tickets cost $24 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 11, and parking is free. For families searching for things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids, this outing offers plenty to discover without the expense of a larger wildlife park.
14. See the mansions by water taxi
Fort Lauderdale’s waterways are lined with impressive waterfront homes, marinas and restaurants, and the Water Taxi ride offers a front-row view. This paid service provides narrated, hop-on, hop-off trips with access to popular stops near Las Olas Boulevard, the beach and waterfront dining spots.
Prefer to keep transportation costs down? The free Water Trolley travels along the Riverwalk and serves eight stops, giving you a chance to enjoy the river scenery without buying a ticket. Either option offers a different perspective on the city’s famous waterways.
15. Immerse yourself in local creativity and culture at the FTL Artwalk
For an evening of art, music and neighborhood energy, head to FTL Artwalk in Fort Lauderdale’s MASS District. This free monthly event typically takes place on the last Saturday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m., with local artists, live music and food trucks bringing the streets to life.
It’s a relaxed way to discover the city’s creative side without spending much. If you’re looking for free things to do in Fort Lauderdale, check the current event calendar before visiting, especially in December when dates may vary.
16. Shop local at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Make a beach morning even better with a stop at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park. This market features local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and live music. Sign up for one of the community fitness classes to add a little physical activity into your day.
The market operates on Saturdays and most Sundays, though it’s worth checking the schedule before you go. Here, you can pick up fresh ingredients and snacks to enjoy later. If your room has a kitchen, our guide to cooking in a hotel room has practical tips for making the most of your market finds.
17. Catch a show at Revolution Live
A fun thing to do in Fort Lauderdale, Revolution Live is an intimate music venue that offers the opportunity to experience live music on a budget. It has hosted touring rock and indie acts since 2004, including performances from Lady Gaga and The Weeknd.
General admission for lesser-known performers often falls around $30, although major acts can cost more. Look at the upcoming calendar to find a show that fits your budget.
Start planning your Fort Lauderdale stay
From waterfront walks and art museums to wildlife encounters and live music, there are plenty of things to do in Fort Lauderdale that don’t require a big budget. Couples can enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Riverwalk, while families can fill their days with interactive museums, gardens and outdoor adventures.
Having a comfortable place to stay at the end of a long day makes exploring even easier. Extended Stay America offers practical amenities, like full kitchens in every suite, giving you the option to prepare meals and spend less on dining out. And if you decide to stay longer, the flexibility to extend your visit makes it easier to fit in a few more local favorites.
Book your hotel in Fort Lauderdale and make the most of your stay.
