Flamingo Gardens
An oasis of natural beauty smack in the heart of Broward County, Flamingo Gardens is 60 acres of tropical paradise. Winding trails guide you through some of Florida’s last preserved everglades, flourishing with native flora, towering trees dripping with orchids, and tranquil ponds hosting gators, turtles, and—you guessed it—flamboyances of flamingos. Beyond the nature trails, Flamingo Gardens hosts the Wray Home Museum, one of the oldest residences in Broward. This 1930s mansion gives you a taste of classic Florida architecture and even showcases some original furnishings from its founding family. The estate hosts regular seasonal events like an annual Veggie Fest and Orchid & Plant Shows. If exploring every nook and cranny still isn’t enough, sign up for a narrated guided tram tour through the gardens.
Address: 3750 Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
Phone: (954) 473-2955
Downtown Las Olas
If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, artsy district brimming with local flavor, downtown Las Olas is a must-visit. This neighborhood’s namesake olas or “waves” can be found along the tree-lined Las Olas Boulevard. Here, you’ll stumble upon hip galleries, eclectic boutiques, and sidewalk bistros tucked between impressive examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Stop in at local favorites for one-of-a-kind finds like handcrafted jewelry and vibrant paintings featuring South Florida scenery. Dining options range from casual sidewalk cafes to upscale restaurants matched only by their killer happy hour offerings. On a warm Florida evening, live musicians fill the air with everything from Latin jazz to acoustic folk-rock as people gather at open-air plazas. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Rivera Walk Arts District, a stunning riverfront promenade lined with towering banyan trees and 20+ impressive sculptures. Tour the district and gaze upon metalwork portraying everything from manatees to mermaids crafted by celebrated artists. Downtown Las Olas definitely deserves a half-day (or more!) to truly experience its laid-back sophistication.
Address: 412 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 258-8382
Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop
Imagine an enormous 88-acre flea market that’s been a Fort Lauderdale tradition for over 50 years. That’s the Swap Shop, home to over 800 vendors, a 14-screen drive-in movie theater, and more oddities than you can fathom. It’s an eccentric, maze-like adventure of a place that budget-conscious travelers adore. Wander the miles of covered stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods to vintage collectibles and random garage sale masterpieces. You’ll stumble upon unique finds like a wood carving stall or authentic Venezuelan street food you can’t get anywhere else. Souvenirs not your thing? Hop on a carnival ride like the Super Cyclone Coaster or take a spin on South Florida’s largest indoor go-kart track. The Swap Shop is infinitely quirky and endlessly entertaining. Come for some big-ticket finds or just for the unmatched people-watching. Either way, this is classic, no-frills Florida at its finest.
Address: 3291 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: (954) 791-7927
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Fort Lauderdale is a 180-acre natural oasis. Towering palms, lush tropical hammocks, and tranquil beaches await at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It’s the ideal destination for outdoor adventuring without the hours-long drive. Rent a canoe or kayak from the park’s outfitter to cruise along a protected lagoon. If you’d rather explore by land, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails weave through this pristine reserve. The park even boasts its own freshwater marshes teeming with wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for herons, turtles, or maybe even an elusive bobcat! For a more leisurely afternoon, claim your own secluded patch of beach and watch as sunbathers and families with kites dot the Florida sand dunes. It’s a refreshing tropical sanctuary mere minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s lively cityscape.
Address: 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 564-4521
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
If you’re searching for an elegant glimpse into South Florida’s golden age, Bonnet House is a historic gem. This breathtaking 35-acre estate has played host to some of America’s most celebrated artists, travelers, and even presidents. Now preserved as a house museum, you can tour the main plantation-style home along with its whimsical gardens and historic outbuildings. Marvel at the eclectic Bonnet House itself, from its wide verandas and loggias to its Art Deco and Baroque interiors decorated with antiques from around the world. Stroll through the lush gardens lined with lily ponds and orchid islands. You’ll encounter everything from a hidden gazebo and elaborate shell museum to a miniature village of wildlife art. Due to the estate’s small size and delicate nature, Bonnet House is limited to guided group tours only. This estate is one of Broward County’s most prized cultural treasures and a real step back in time.
Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 563-5393
NSU Art Museum
Fort Lauderdale has plenty of culture on display beyond the beach scene. The NSU Art Museum is where you’ll find a world-class collection of over 6,000 works spanning from the 19th century through today’s cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Inside the iconic modernist building, stark white galleries rotate with stunning exhibitions. One day you may encounter vibrant Pop Art and the next find yourself transported into surreal landscapes crafted from paint, photography, and multi-media. The museum’s impressive assemblage of contemporary Latin American and Cuban art is among its most celebrated. Beyond the galleries lies a sculpture park dotted with larger-than-life abstract figures. Here, you’re welcome to interact with and even touch many of the outdoor displays. If skies are clear, catch a guided tour of the sculpture park and hear the stories behind each piece. The NSU Art Museum is a true creative haven in the heart of South Florida.
Address: 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 525-5500
Xtreme Action Park
Get your adrenaline pumping at Fort Lauderdale’s most extreme adventure park! Xtreme Action Park is a towering, monumental playground filled with heart-pounding aerial activities to thrill all ages. Start with the Trapeze School, where you’ll train with experienced instructors before attempting daring high-flying tricks into a safety net. If that’s not enough air for you, strap into a winged harness and take flight at the Wind Tunnel. It’s safe simulated skydiving for all skill levels! But the main event here is the Air Challenge Course, a dizzying series of obstacles suspended 15 to 50 feet above the ground. Clamber across tightropes, balance beams, cargo nets, and ziplines—it’s full-body workout punctuated by adrenaline rushes! Test your mettle tackling increasingly difficult sections, knowing there’s a safety harness attached around every turn.
Address: 5300 NW 12th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 491-6265
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of side streets and garages housing garage-built hot rods and classic American muscle cars. But for the cream of the crop, you’ll have to visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. This massive 30,000 square-foot space is a sprawling gallery filled to the brim with two centuries’ worth of immaculately restored cars. Get up close with gleaming Lincolns, Cadillacs, and Corvettes from the 1940’s. Vintage race cars, celebrity cars, and even rarities like a 1905 Electric Rauch & Lang share the floor. Every vehicle is more pristine than the last—in fact, all are in perfect running condition! Oogle the curvaceous fenders, intricate engravings, and plush interiors while learning fun facts about their provenance. The museum’s latest acquisitions are regularly rotated in, so you can tour again and again. It’s where Fort Lauderdale’s proud automotive heritage takes center stage.
Address: 1915 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 779-5799
Plan Your Trip With Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company
There’s a whole different side to Fort Lauderdale waiting to be unearthed. Let your friendly locals at Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company shuttle you around these hidden hotspots. Rent one of our spacious party buses and cruise in climate-controlled comfort with TV’s, thumping speakers, coolers for drinks and snacks, and plenty of room for your whole crew. Your dedicated on-board party host will handle all the driving logistics while you sit back, relax, and take in the flavors of the real Fort Lauderdale. We’re not just transportation—consider us your all-inclusive entertainment system on wheels! Give us a ring at 954-369-0981 and let’s get this party started.