Outdoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale

From relaxing on sandy beaches to zooming around on jet skis, there’s never a dull moment. You can go paddleboarding, take boats tours, hike through peaceful holiday parks, or even try deep-sea fishing. So, if you’re ready to soak up the sun and make awesome memories, check out this list of the best outdoor activities Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

This sunny city in Florida has so much to do — from beaches and airboat rides to nature parks and fun festivals. Whether you’re here with family, friends, or just yourself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy outside. So, let’s dive into some of the coolest outdoor activities in Fort Lauderdale that will make your trip unforgettable.

Most Popular Outdoor Activity in Fort Lauderdale

Relax on the Beautiful Beaches

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches. With 24 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space to lay out a towel, read a book, swim, or just soak up the sun. Some of the best beaches to check out include Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale By The Sea, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach. Each beach has its own vibe. Don’t forget to catch a sunrise on Deerfield Beach — it’s amazing!

Take an Airboat Tour Through the Everglades

Everglades Airboat tours are a must if you are looking for adventure. You’ll zoom across the river of grasses at high speeds, maybe even up to 65 kph. Along the way, you’ll see alligators, birds, and other everglades wildlife. This is a great way to explore the biggest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.

Go Fishing Like a Pro

If you love fishing or want to try it for the first time, Fort Lauderdale is perfect. You can join a fishing trip off the coast and try to catch fish like tuna, sailfish, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are fishing charters ready to take you out on the water.

Feel the Thrill with Parasailing and Jet Skiing

Parasailing in Fort Lauderdale is an awesome way to see the beach and ocean from way up high. Imagine flying in the sky while the boat pulls you — it's a total rush! If you prefer to stay closer to the water, jet skiing is another fun way to explore the coast and get a splash of adrenaline.

Explore the Waterways by Boat

Fort Lauderdale isn’t called the “Venice of America” for nothing. The city is full of canals and waterways, making boat rides super popular. You can rent a mini powerboat, hop on a yacht tour, or take a public water taxi to see the city from a whole new perspective. You will pass stunning mansions, beautiful marinas, and iconic landmarks like the Stranahan House, the city’s oldest surviving structure.

Discover the Mangroves with Kayaking

If you’re looking for something more peaceful, go kayaking through the mangrove tunnels. These cool tree tunnels are home to lots of wading birds and fish. Paddling through them is like being in a secret water forest — it’s so quiet and beautiful. You can rent a kayak or join a guided tour to learn about the wildlife and plants.

Snorkel or Dive at Coral Reefs and Shipwrecks

Head to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where you can snorkel right off the beach and explore a living coral reef. Or if you’re up for a bigger adventure, check out Shipwreck Park in Pompano Beach. There are sunken ships and even underwater art — perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Stroll Down Las Olas Boulevard

If you want to take it easy, go for a walk along Las Olas Boulevard. This street is filled with cute shops, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and cool people-watching spots. You might enjoy Explore Bonnet House, Birch Park, and cruise through the city’s past!, do some shopping, or just enjoy the vibe.

Millionaire’s Row Cruise

Glide through the Intracoastal Waterways and Port Everglades on a sightseeing cruise while enjoying drinks on board. Get a glimpse of how the rich and famous live as you pass by Millionaire’s Row, home to some of the most extravagant mansions and mega yachts. This cruise offers a fascinating look at the luxurious side of the city and is a perfect addition to a full day of exploring Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.

Spot Sea Turtles on a Night Walk

If you’re visiting between March and September, you might get lucky and see sea turtles nesting on the beach. There are special sea turtle walks led by biologists where you can learn about these amazing creatures and how to keep them safe.

Visit Flamingo Gardens and See Wildlife

If you love nature, you have to visit Flamingo Gardens. This is a giant botanical garden filled with tropical plants and trees, and yes — flamingos! You’ll also see alligators, bobcats, and peacocks. It’s like a mini-zoo mixed with a beautiful garden, and it's been around since 1927.

Join a Biologist-Led Wet Walk

Go on a Sunset Helicopter Tour

For something totally different, how about seeing Fort Lauderdale from the sky? A helicopter tour from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach lets you see the sunset over the ocean and city skyline. It’s a breathtaking view you’ll never forget.

Free Outdoor Activities Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has tons of free outdoor activities too! Here are a few you can’t miss:

• Eight amazing beaches for swimming, volleyball, and surfing.

• Anne Kolb Nature Center with its observation tower and trails.

• Tree Tops Park for nature walks and picnics.

• Art Walks in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, with murals, music, and food trucks.

• Farmers’ markets every weekend for tasty local treats and crafts.

You can even hop on the free LauderGO! Water Trolley or eco-friendly shuttles to get around town without spending a dime.

Celebrate at Fun Festivals and Events

No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening in Fort Lauderdale. Some cool events include:

Las Olas Art Fair (January, March, October)

If you love art or just enjoy strolling around cool outdoor markets, the Las Olas Art Fair is a must-see! This huge art festival happens three times a year — in January, March, and October — right on Las Olas Boulevard, the most famous street in Fort Lauderdale.

There are food trucks and live music, so you can grab a snack or a drink while you explore. It’s free to walk around, and it's a great way to enjoy the sunny weather and lively vibe of Las Olas!

Fort Lauderdale Air Show (May)

Photo Credit @VisitLauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Air Show comes to town every May. This isn’t your typical day at the beach — during the show, some of the fastest and most powerful jets in the world zoom right over the ocean.

You’ll see fighter jets, military planes, helicopters, and parachute teams doing crazy stunts and tricks right over Fort Lauderdale Beaches.** You can watch from the beach, so bring your towel and sunscreen, and enjoy the show from the sand. Some people even rent boats tours to see the action from the water.

Stonewall Pride Parade (June)

Every June, Fort Lauderdale’s Wilton Manors neighborhood throws an epic celebration of LGBTQ+ pride called the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival. It’s one of the biggest Pride events in Florida, and it’s colorful, fun, and full of love!

Expect to see tons of people in costumes, glitter, and glow lights. If you love festivals that are all about joy, diversity, and being yourself, this is one to check out.

Winterfest Boat Parade (December)

Imagine a Christmas parade, but instead of floats on a street, you’ve got boats decked out in thousands of twinkling lights cruising along the water. That’s the Winterfest Boat Parade, one of the biggest and best boat parades in the country, happening every December in Fort Lauderdale.

The parade goes along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, and there are lots of spots to watch. Some people book dinner cruises to see it from the water, while others grab a seat along the riverbank.

Hollywood Candy Cane Parade (December)

If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area in December, head over to Hollywood Beach for the Candy Cane Parade, one of the oldest holiday parades in South Florida. This is a totally free, family-friendly event that brings out big crowds every year.

The parade runs along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, which is right next to the Atlantic ocean, so you can enjoy beach views and festive fun at the same time. Expect to see colorful floats, marching bands, dance teams, and, of course, Santa Claus himself! People line up early to grab spots on the Broadwalk, and lots of folks bring chairs and snacks to hang out while they wait.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it — Greater Fort Lauderdale in general and Fort Lauderdale in specific is packed with outdoor adventures. Whether you want to chill on the beach, explore nature, try thrilling water sports, or enjoy live music and festivals, you’ll find it all here. Make sure to check out a few of these fun activities to make your trip super special. And hey, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a camera — you’ll want to capture every awesome moment!