25 Best Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale on a Cruise [Port Guide] (2024)

If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale before or after your cruise, you’re in luck. Fort Lauderdale is a favorite cruise port for many cruise travelers, especially if your cruise departs from Port Everglades!

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Fort Lauderdale cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

Fort Lauderdale Florida is located on the Atlantic Ocean about 30 miles north of Miami. Nicknamed “The Venice of America” because of its 165 miles of inland waterways, the greater Fort Lauderdale area has a variety of exciting excursions for cruisers visiting this area.

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

The cruise port in Fort Lauderdale is known as Port Everglades. Port Everglades is less than two miles away from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 30 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Port Everglades has eight ship berths and is the starting point for many cruise lines including 5-21 day Caribbean itineraries, short 3-5 night cruises to the Bahamas as well as cruises to Mexico and the Panama Canal (and more).

There are three entrances into Port Everglades, with a security station at each entrance.

Related: 30 Do’s and Don’ts for Cruise Embarkation Day

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

Time Zone

The time zone in Fort Lauderdale Florida is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Weather

During the hot season, which runs from June to October, the average high temperature in Fort Lauderdale is 87 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels in the high 70th percentiles.

During the cool season, which runs from early December through March , the average high temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels in the low 70th percentiles.

It’s not uncommon to have cooler, breezy days during winter months. Be sure to check the weather and consider bringing a light sweater or sweatshirt for embarkation day.

On Foot

This large and busy port is not easily walkable. You will need to enter and exit the port area in a car, bus, or on a train.

Public Transit

There are many public transportation options in and near Port Everglades including taxis, the Brightline and Tri-Rail train services, and the Broward County Transit (BCT) bus services.

Rideshare

Both Uber and Lyft are licensed and available at Port Everglades.

Car Rentals

Several car rental companies offer rentals at the Cypress Garage/Rental Car Center located within Port Everglades.

Parking

There’s on side parking available at Port Everglades Cruise Terminal. The current price is $20 a day for regular cars and $25 a day for oversized vehicles. There are also off-site parking and cruise and hotel parking options available.

Best Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale Before or After a Cruise

Fort Lauderdale is well-known for its coastal beauty, luxury shopping, and high-end living. Whether you want to learn about the locals, enjoy the beaches, or shop-til-you-drop, there are many activities available to suit every taste.

Here are some of the best Fort Lauderdale activities and shore excursions.

1. Take a Water Taxi on the Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the tip of south Florida and is the reason why Fort Lauderdale is called “The Venice of America.”

Fort Lauderdale is home to gorgeous waterfront mansions, restaurants, and thousands of yachts that you can view via a free public water taxi.

Catch a water taxi from the hotels along the Intracoastal (near the cruise terminal) up to Las Olas. While there are private boat tours to see the homes of the rich and famous, this is an inexpensive way to get a glimpse into high-end living in Fort Lauderdale.

2. Eat Fresh Seafood on the Intracoastal

Many restaurants on the Intracoastal waterfront boast fresh delicious seafood. A couple favorites include The 15th Street Fisheries (try the conch chowder and lobster roll) and Coconuts (try the Scoobies and coconut shrimp).

Grab a taxi or Uber to get to these restaurants, which are about 15 minutes from the Port.

3. Enjoy the Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale

You can spend several hours along the lovely Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. Besides people watching from benches, you can also admire the million-dollar yachts parked nearby, or enjoy a bite to eat.

The New River Cafe has great coffee and lunch options and you can utilize public water taxis to get around. This is a great and inexpensive way to spend a day.

4. Visit Fort Lauderdale Beach

Located just 20 minutes from the cruise port, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a public beach and has plenty of included amenities. At Fort Lauderdale Beach, you’ll find restrooms, outdoor showers, and beach volleyball courts, perfect for a beach day!

There are also many dining venues by the beach and bike rentals if you want to explore the areaon your own. Overall, Fort Lauderdale Beach isan amazingsport to enjoy a nice beach day with the family.

5. View Art and Browse Boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard

If you like specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants, you’ll love Las Olas Boulevard. Located 15 minutes from Port Everglades, this street runs perpendicular to the ocean and includes numerous boutiques, art museums, and many delicious dining options.

Be sure to stop by Riverside Hotel, the oldest hotel in Fort Lauderdale!

6. Visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum.

Just off Las Olas Boulevard near 6th Avenue, the Stranahan House is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale. You can take a guided tour through the home, which was built in 1901 by Fort Lauderdale’s founding father, Frank Stranahan, and his school teacher wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan.

You’ll enjoy learning about the history of Fort Lauderdale in this beautiful home nestled amongst modern buildings. It is located about a 15-minute drive from Port Everglades.

Related: Premium VS Contemporary Cruise Lines: Pros, Cons and What to Expect

7. Explore Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park protects the southern 20% of the original the Florida Everglades. Located less than an hour from Port Everglades, this is an enjoyable excursion for cruisers who want to see flora and fauna unique to this part of the world.

The best way to see the Everglades is on an airboat tour. You’ll have the chance to view native plants as well as wildlife including alligators, herons, turtles, fish, iguanas, and even pythons.

8. Designer Shopping at Sawgrass Mills Mall

Wishing for luxury goods on a budget? Sawgrass Mills Mall is an enormous designer luxury outlet mall with over 2 million square feet of shops including Ferragamo, Gucci, Armani, and Versace. You could easily spend a whole day both shopping and dining at Sawgrass.

Sawgrass Mills Mall is located less than 30 minutes from the port. There are many shuttle services available. However, be sure to factor in time for pick-ups and drop-offs that could eat into your shopping time.

9. Picnic at Volunteer Park

Nearby Sawgrass Mills Mall is a great park for little ones to stretch out their legs and run around. Volunteer Park has a paved walking path and boardwalk that looks out onto wetlands as well as a “Camp Everglades,” a playground designed with a fun Florida theme.

Volunteer Park is a 7-minute drive from Sawgrass Mills Mall and 23 minutes from Port Everglades.

10. Enjoy the Outdoors at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

This 180-acre park is nicknamed “Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park. It is a wonderful green area that sits on the edge of the Intracoastal waterway with walking and biking trails, beach access, water sports and even an outdoor cafe with live music and food.

This is a great place to spend the day in nature for a low price. The state park has a $6 per vehicle entrance fee or costs $2 per person. It’s located 20 minutes from Port Everglades.

11. Get Hands-on at the Museum of Discovery and Science

This hands-on museum is a great excursion for cruisers with children. With a range of interactive exhibits including Florida EcoSystems, a Science Theater, a Sea Otter aquarium, and maker spaces for engineering, magnetics, and weather, the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the MODS make for an exciting day.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is a short 12-minute drive from Port Everglades. Prices range from $22-27/per person and include all of the exhibits plus one IMAX feature movie.

12. Sunbathe at Las Olas Beach

If you are looking for a Florida beach day, Las Olas is the perfect place. Like other white sandy beaches in Florida, Las Olas Beach has convenient public restrooms, restaurants, and shops across the street.

This beach is only 15 minutes from the port, and there are chairs, umbrellas, and other beach equipment available for rental.

13. Take a Segway Fort Lauderdale Tour

Take an exhilarating tour through Fort Lauderdale city streets on a Segway scooter. There are several different customizable Segway tours available whether you want to look at yachts, mansions, wildlife, or a combination.

Your tour guide will share interesting information during your 1–2 hour-long tour.

14. Get a taste of Island Life at the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar and Store

Located on Las Olas Boulevard, this popular bar has refreshing drinks (try the frozen Mai Tai) and delicious eats (try the poke bowl and fish tacos).

The live music and friendly staff create a wonderful atmosphere to begin or end your cruise vacation.

15. Get Away from Crowds at Pompano Beach

Cruisers wanting a calmer and less crowded beach experience can head up north to Pompano Beach, about a 20-minute drive from Port Everglades.

This wide beach has calm waters with chairs and umbrellas for rent. There is also an excellent fishing pier and restaurants nearby.

16. Take Your Flock to Flamingo Gardens

You can have a unique experience of feeding flamingos at this 60-acre botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary.

Flamingo Gardens is located about 22 minutes from Port Everglades and features over 3,000 species of plants and trees native to Florida as well as local wildlife including flamingoes, crocodiles, river otters, panthers bobcats, and many types of birds.

The cost for Flamingo Botanical Gardens ranges from $17-24, and there are VIP tours and feeding experiences available for an extra cost.

17. Sip and Sail on a Riverboat Tour

Cruising on a double-decker Jungle Queen Riverboat Tour is a unique way to experience “The Venice of America” and see the large yachts and mansions nearby.

There are 90-minute daytime riverboat tours as well as a nighttime Tropical Isle Dinner and show with a sightseeing cruise. This 4-hour experience will take you to a private island with an all-you-can-eat rib dinner.

The Jungle Queen Riverboat tour departs from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 12 minutes from the Port Everglades.

18. Earn Your Peg Leg at Bluefoot Pirate Tours

Parents of children from ages 4-10 can set sail on a fun pirate adventure. Your mini Blackbeards will love learning pirate words, discovering a message in a bottle and even fighting off Barnacle Bill with real “water cannons.”

Will you capture the pirates’ booty or end up in Davy Jones’ Locker? Try this excursion and see.

19. Stroll through the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars

Car enthusiasts will enjoy an outing to this antique car museum located in nearby Sunrise, Florida.

You can do self-guided or VIP tours of the museum which has over 55 classic cars from 1906 to 2020 that are beautifully restored and meticulously maintained.

The Dauer Museum is less than a 30-minute drive from Port Everglades.

20. Immerse yourself in Florida History at History Fort Lauderdale

This complex located in downtown Fort Lauderdale has three museums including the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society Museum, a 1907 Pioneer House Museum, and a 1899 Schoolhouse Museum.

Both self-guided and guided tours of the complex are very affordable, and children under six are free.

Visiting History Fort Lauderdale is a great way to learn about the history of the area from the Tequesta First Nation people, to a wartime fort, to the modern city we see today. It is located 18 minutes from Port Everglades.

Related: 16 Awesome Things to Do in Miami – Before or after your cruise

21. Learn Naval History at Naval Air Station Museum Fort Lauderdale

This small museum is packed with historical exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia. Learn about its origins as a WWII Naval Air Station and history as a training site for notable naval aviators.

U.S. Military enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the original flight simulator, the Link Trainer, and everyone will be intrigued by the mystery of Flight 19 which departed from this location and disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945.

There is no charge for the museum. It’s located about 14 minutes from Port Everglades and will take somewhere from 30 minutes to an hour to tour.

22. Bike the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Take a stroll along a classic beach boardwalk in nearby Hollywood Beach. Located about 25 minutes from Port Everglades, this 2.5-mile promenade offers a fun spot for beachgoers and people watchers.

You can rent a bike or walk along the waterfront, stopping to enjoy the gorgeous beach at your leisure. There are restaurants along the way with offerings from tacos to ice cream to steak.

23. Admire art at the NSU Art Museum

This large museum has a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works of art including the nation’s largest collection of art by American painter William Glackens.

Located 17 minutes from Port Everglades, the NSU Art Museum has free admission and extended hours on the first Thursday of every month.

24. Sip Champagne on a Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing and scenic evening cruise on a catamaran. As you cruise past “Millionaires’ Row,” your tour guide will dish about the lavish houses and yachts you’re passing.

Enjoy views of the coastline and sunset while sipping champagne and enjoying music. You’ll love the views and the outstanding photos you’ll take in this perfect lighting.

The Champagne Sunset Cruise departs from the Spirit of Lauderdale Catamaran and Yacht Charters, about 22 minutes from Port Everglades.

25. Tour the Bonnet House Museum

Fort Lauderdale has many historic homes including this delightful 35-acre estate. The Bonnet House was built in the 1920s as a winter home for Chicago-born artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett.

The are self-guided and paid tours available. The Bonnet House estate includes eclectic art, a historical home, and expansive gardens. The Bonnet House Museum is located about a 25-minute drive from Port Everglades.

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FAQ:

What is the best time of year to visit Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has lovely temperatures year-round, but to avoid humidity and get a bit of cool air, the best time of year to visit is between January and April.

How far is downtown Fort Lauderdale from the cruise port?

The area considered downtown Fort Lauderdale is about 20 minutes from Port Everglades.

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Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

Fort Lauderdale has an eclectic mix of high-end living and beachfront leisure. Whether you are embarking on a cruise from Port Everglades or looking for activities to do on an extra day pre or post-cruise, you won’t want to miss out on all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

Have you been to Fort Lauderdale yet? Please let me know your favorite things to see or do in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Stephanie

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