VIDEO: Exploring the Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale

Consistently rated as one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, the Bonnet House is a historic reminder of the nature that once existed along the South Florida coast.

Exploring Fort Lauderdale as it gets colder outside

As the weather starts to turn this winter and the ocean adventures aren’t as sunny and warm, it may be time to turn your sea legs in and stay on land for a bit. However, in a place like South Florida, natural settings are a dime a dozen. Where’s an ocean lover like yourself supposed to go?

The Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale

Tucked away in the midst of the sprawling hotels and beachfront condos on Fort Lauderdale Beach sits a 30 acre plot of land called the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The structure serves as a reminder of the wild nature that once dominated the area. Amazingly, it wasn’t too long ago that Fort Lauderdale was an uninhabited tropical jungle and the Bonnet House was but one of the few structures present in the area.

Today, the Bonnet House stands tall after 100 years of existence inviting visitors to the colorful halls filled with storied art and french architecture. The original owner, Frederic Bartlett and Helen Birch were gifted the grounds from Helen’s father, Hugh Taylor Birch, a famous naturalist who also gifted the State of Florida the grounds for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale.

The house was an expression of the young couple’s creativity and love for nature. You can find an art gallery, music room, and ocean-themed game lounge throughout the building. Outside of the house, monkeys would even roam the treetops and every so often will make an appearance today. (We don’t know if that’s entirely true but still look up just in case it is. They certainly used to be there, at least).

After thoroughly exploring the grounds, we headed on over across the street to the aforementioned Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Inside is a restaurant called Park & Ocean which serves up some good food and cold drinks with an ocean view! Have fun!