Two Day Fort Lauderdale Travel Itinerary

Whether it’s a week stay or a two day weekend, this Fort Lauderdale travel itinerary should give you some guidance and things to do during your stay!

By the end of this article, you’ll have a great idea of some activities, fun things to do, and places to see while visiting Fort Lauderdale!

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?

With a year round subtropical climate, there’s not really a bad time to visit Fort Lauderdale, per say. But each season does come with its challenges.

December – February: aside from Christmas and the holiday season, this is likely the least busy time of year. Temperatures are warm during the day but may drop into the 50s or 40s (Fahrenheit) at night and in the mornings. The tail end of February is when the weather turns and spring breakers start trickling into the city.

March – May: Spring break! Likely the most beautiful time of year with steady temperatures in the 70s – 80s °F and clear, sunny skies. As such, this is the busiest time of year and the most expensive time to come. Just beware of the crowds!

June – August: summer kicks in and the thermometer is cranked up. It’s hot and humid – with a daily afternoon shower & thunderstorm. Travel to the area is typically a tad bit cheaper. Many Florida locals travel through the area to get down to the Florida Keys.

September – November: Hurricane season is in full swing. It can be gorgeous here, or it can be dangerous. Flights are likely the cheapest, proceed at your own risk. By November, you’re usually in the clear and it stays quite beautiful. (I typically will travel during hurricane season, flights are insanely cheaper.)

Fort Lauderdale Budget Travel Tips

Bring a Water Bottle

Bring a water bottle everywhere you go – saving money on buying refreshments.

Not to mention, the heat can be dangerous and dehydrating. And if that doesn’t get you, the booze will. Drinking fountains are regularly available and we’re huge advocates of minimizing plastic use as a lot of plastic washes ashore here.

RECOMMENDATION: Hydro Flask makes our favorite eco-friendly water bottles for travel. Check one out here on Amazon.

Food for Cheap

Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale can be expensive. A cheaper option is to visit the deli in Publix Supermarkets. They’re found everywhere and you can get all sorts of eat-in options for much cheaper than a restaurant.

Finding Affordable Accommodation in Fort Lauderdale

Hotels, particularly those near the cruise ports and the beach, can be expensive. A cheaper option? Stay on the outskirts of the city in an AirBnB. Plus, if you sign up through this link, you’ll save up to $55 on your first stay!

Finding Cheap Flights to Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is home to one of the largest airports in the country (FLL). Use a tool like Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. If none pop up, try nearby airports Miami (MIA) and West Palm Beach (PBI)

Getting Around The City and Beach

You can break Fort Lauderdale down into two main sections: downtown and the beach. Within one, it’s easy to get around by foot and still see and do what you’d like.

However, getting from one to the other is a bit of a trip for walking (believe me, I’ve done it). If that’s the case, rent a bike at one of the many Broward BCycle Stations situated around the city.

Or, simply grab an Uber or Lyft!

NOTICE: Sign Up for Uber through this link to save on your first 3 rides!

Making the most of your trip to Fort Lauderdale

The city is known for its gorgeous beaches, blue water, scuba diving, kayaking and paddling, and boating lifestyle. To put it simply, if visiting Fort Lauderdale you NEED to get on the water.

The itinerary is split into two, fun-filled days culminating in trips to the ocean! Sunrise until well past sundown. This is adventure travel, after all, isn’t it?

Fort Lauderdale Travel Itinerary: Day One

Start your day with a south Florida sunrise along the beachfront promenade in Fort Lauderdale Beach!

Coffee and light bites on Las Olas Boulevard

After sunrise, head into downtown to Anne’s Florist Coffee and Wine Bar. A Fort Lauderdale local favorite, the small florist serves freshly brewed coffee and tasty pastries to start your day off right.

Explore Downtown to the Riverwalk

While you’re there, explore downtown and get some exercise! The Riverwalk starts just south of Las Olas and runs alongside New River. Marvel at the mega-yachts passing by before checking out the Historic District of Fort Lauderdale just up the river.

Other options: Museum of Science and Discovery (great for kids), NSU Art Museum

Rent a Broward BCycle

Rent a Broward BCycle ($5 per half hour, $25 max for the day) to head towards the beach. The cycle route has bike lanes for a safe ride and you can ditch the bike anywhere you find a station!

Once to Fort Lauderdale beach, bike north to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a must for any Fort Lauderdale visit. The park is situated directly between the ocean and the intracoastal waterway. Not to mention, hiking trails, a bicycle loop, a lagoon to paddle, and even its own restaurant & bar! The entry fee to the state park is $2 for pedestrians and bikers.

NOTE: A BCycle Station is right on the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and the A1A.

Grab lunch in Hugh Taylor Birch at Park & Ocean

Our favorite restaurant in terms of ambience in Fort Lauderdale; Park & Ocean rests in the thick of a tropical hammock while overlooking the crystal blue water of the Atlantic. Oh, and they have good food and cheap drinks for before or after a beach day!

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at the beach!

Enjoy the south Florida sunshine anywhere along the beach! Jet ski, kayak, and paddle board rentals are readily available. Or head up to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to snorkel one of the only coral reefs accessed from the beach in the United States!

Head into town for an evening of food and drinks

Las Olas Boulevard is certainly not short of any dining options. However, for an affordable, yet delicious option, check out Quarterdeck just south of town. It’s a great medium of fancy and casual.

NOTE: for nightlife, Himmarshee Village (2nd Street) are your typical bars and clubs. For more casual options, Las Olas Boulevard a few blocks away is your spot.

Fort Lauderdale Travel Itinerary: Day Two

How about day two of a beautiful sunrise?! How often do you get to see the sunrise anyway?

Book a morning boat charter after breakfast

After your morning breakfast and sunrise, it’s time to get out on the water! Whether it’s diving, snorkeling, or booking a fishing charter, it’s imperative you enjoy the south Florida waters while visiting!

Scuba Diving: many operations are in Fort Lauderdale to learn to dive or go out on a two tank dive during the day. The scuba diving here is underrated with some of the best ship wrecks in the country! Check out our full list of dive shops of Fort Lauderdale.

Snorkeling: Sea Experience runs multiple snorkel boats a day visiting a vibrant coral reef just off the shore.

Fishing Charters: fishing charters are plentiful in Fort Lauderdale. Head to Fishing Booker to find the best one for you!

Other Options: party boats, kayaking, the Water Taxi, sailing charters, rent your own boat, or the Jungle Queen.

Tour the Bonnet House after your day trip

One of the most historic buildings in South Florida: the Bonnet House! The grounds of the estate are the most pristine in Fort Lauderdale with biodiversity seen no where else in Florida.

The history of the building is unique, too. With ties to some very famous artists giving the house a flavorful vibe!

More Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips + Favorites from a local

Other Noteworthy Locations to Consider Visiting:

• Flamingo Gardens
• Everglades Holiday Park
• Hillsboro Lighthouse
• Hollywood Broadwalk
• Taking the Bimini Rider to the Bahamas

Our favorite local restaurants:

• Nuevos Cubanoas 925
• Tacos el Papi
• Bokamper’s Sports Bar
• Quarterdeck

Favorite Bars in Fort Lauderdale:

• Blondies at the Beach
• Elbo Room
• Original Fat Cat’s
• Township
• Glitch Arcade Bar

Favorite Beach:

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Favorite Dive Site:

Hammerhead Reef and the Mercedes Shipwreck

Fort Lauderdale Travel Itinerary Planning Resources