What to Do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s culinary landscape reflects its maritime soul, where the finest restaurants command prime waterfront real estate and ocean-to-table dining reaches artistic heights. The city’s dining scene has evolved into something extraordinary, attracting award-winning restaurateurs who understand that outstanding cuisine requires exceptional settings.

Steak 954 exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. Located within the W Fort Lauderdale, this sophisticated steakhouse reimagines the traditional concept with thoroughly contemporary flair. The restaurant’s striking centrepiece—a captivating reef aquarium where live jellyfish drift gracefully as you dine—sets the tone for an experience that draws deep inspiration from the ocean. Here, dry-aged prime cuts and American Wagyu beef share menu space with locally caught fish, while panoramic ocean vistas transition from brilliant daylight to the magic of evening dining under the stars.

The waterfront dining tradition runs deep in Fort Lauderdale, with establishments like Shooters Waterfront, The Boatyard, and Coconuts representing decades of maritime hospitality. These venues have welcomed countless yacht crews and their guests, fostering a culture where dockside dining has become an essential element of the Fort Lauderdale experience.

Fort Lauderdale’s cultural landscape features institutions that would be the pride of any metropolitan area. The NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale stands as a premier destination, showcasing world-class exhibitions that reflect serious curatorial ambition. Current programming spans from contemporary installations to comprehensive retrospectives of major artistic movements.

Las Olas Boulevard serves as the city’s cultural spine, joining the urban core to the ocean while hosting an impressive collection of galleries, boutiques, and cultural venues. This thoroughfare, which historically connected travellers to the sea, now offers visitors exploring what to do in Fort Lauderdale some of the city’s most refined shopping options and unmatched artistic appeal. The boulevard’s carefully curated mix includes everything from contemporary art galleries to European fashion outlets such as Pina Boutique.

Fort Lauderdale’s luxury hotels offer experiences that extend far beyond traditional accommodation. The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences exemplifies this approach to hospitality, with comprehensive concierge services that curate bespoke cultural and entertainment experiences throughout the region.

Water experiences define what to do in Fort Lauderdale. Private yacht charters along the Intracoastal Waterway connect visitors to Fort Lauderdale’s maritime heritage, showcasing the sophisticated developments that line these famous waterways and offering perspectives on the city that can only be appreciated from the water.

Each autumn, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show transforms the city into the epicentre of the global yachting world. This gathering represents far more than a simple boating reunion—it is a celebration of maritime luxury, innovation, and lifestyle that draws enthusiasts from around the globe. For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of yachting events, FLIBS stands as one of the year’s premier gatherings.

The show spans multiple distinct venues, from impressive displays at Bahia Mar and Hall of Fame Marinas to the exclusive Superyacht Village, where the world’s most magnificent vessels create floating neighbourhoods of luxury. The event showcases everything from cutting-edge technology to timeless craftsmanship.

What sets FLIBS apart is its integration with Fort Lauderdale’s broader amenity ecosystem. The show becomes a catalyst for the city’s finest restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues to showcase their offerings to an international audience of yacht owners and industry professionals.

The Windward VIP Club offers premium experiences with early access, gourmet cuisine, and luxury activations, while water taxis provide seamless connections between venues. Fort Lauderdale’s appeal extends beyond any single experience—the city has evolved into a destination where opulence feels natural, where maritime heritage informs modern sophistication, and where every waterway tells a story of excellence. For those who appreciate life’s finer pleasures, the question of what to do in Fort Lauderdale becomes about embracing a philosophy that celebrates the very best of coastal living.