10 Things to Do Near Fort Lauderdale Airport

The centrally located Fort Lauderdale airport is positioned close to the city center with many activities around. If you are not looking to stray too far from the airport while on your trip, here are some fun things to do near the Fort Lauderdale airport.

Those looking for things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport should make it a priority to visit Las Olas Blvd. The central roadway has been around since the city’s inception in the early 1920s. As you traverse the area, you’ll still encounter the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture prevalent in South Florida decades ago. 

The road is a major attraction for anyone looking to grab a bite to eat or to do shopping. Bars, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries begging to be explored are found throughout Las Olas Boulevard. After experiencing all the shops, the road quickly terminates at Fort Lauderdale Beach.

For those that want to experience the sandy beaches of South Beach but without the chaos, Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful place to visit. Arguably a better beach, the accompanying boardwalk provide many fun things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Stretching for miles, the beach offers warm, calm waters and fine sands. Regardless of the day, the vast size of this beach allows for great spacing between people, allowing the beach to avoid being crowded. 

Behind the row of iconic palm trees sit a variety of restaurants and shops. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite to eat or stroll after you’ve had fun on the water. To the South sits Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, offering facilities such as volleyball and basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic area.

The Bonnet House provides an exciting mix of art, history, architecture, and ecology. Situated amongst endless new housing developments, the Bonnet House has stood unchanged for over 100 years.

The Birch/Bartlett family’s winter home gives excellent insight into what life was like in South Florida throughout the 20s. Along your tour, you’ll see a collection of artworks by owner Freder Clay Barlett who was a prolific painter.

In addition to experiencing the life and art of the area, you’ll also be able to witness one of the last native barrier island habitats in the area, giving you a sense of what South Florida consisted of before development. 

The museum offers a bit of something for everyone, making it one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale near the airport.

If you like outdoor activities but don’t necessarily want to go to the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch Park is one of the best things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport. The park was initially bought by Chicago attorney Hugh Taylor Birch. Hugh initially purchased around 3.5 miles of beachfront property for about a dollar an acre. He would eventually build a home for himself on the land, which currently functions as the park’s visitor center.

The park acts as a calm oasis and is home to many oft-seen animals. Over 200 species of birds are found in the park, making it a prime location for bird watching. 

Plenty of experiences can be had within the park ground such as biking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. 

The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk snakes alongside the New River through the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. You’ll be able to watch the seemingly endless number of boats that travel up and down the New River and catch a glimpse of some of the largest yacht charters around.

As you go down the river, you’ll be treated to many calm parks interspliced with lively restaurants and cafes. If you are a fan of people-watching or just sitting somewhere picturesque, there are few better spots to unwind than along the Riverwalk. 

For those looking to expand their historical knowledge of the area, the Stranahan house is a must-visit. A product of Frank Stanagan, the house is the oldest standing building in Broward County.

Stranahan came to the area in 1893 before the city was even named. He quickly established trade relations with the Seminole Indians, setting the foundations for the city to come. The Stranahan House was built in 1901, with the lower level acting as a trading post and the upper level as a community hall. By 1906, the house grew to include a general store and a bank. Eventually, Stranahan converted the house into a residence. By 1911, Fort Lauderdale was officially incorporated, and Frank Stranahan’s little New River settlement would grow into the city we know today.

Today, the house serves as a time capsule into what life was like in the early days of Fort Lauderdale.

With a rotating list of tenets, you never know what events can be found at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. From ballet to rock shows, the center has it all. Located in a central location along the New River, the Performing Arts Center is convenient to get to and has plenty of things to check out in the surrounding area once your show is over.

Taking in the arts is another excellent activity near the Fort Lauderdale Airport. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale was founded in 1958 and houses more than 7,500 works in its 83,000-square-foot building and accompanying 25,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

Unlike the surrounding art museums, this one leans towards exhibiting art from the 20th century and newer. The artworks represent South Florida well, with features from Caribbean and South American artists. 

Additionally, the museum holds a large collection of the works of Picasso and the most extensive North American collection of CoBrA (Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam) avant-garde artworks.

The Jungle Queen remains a popular activity near Fort Lauderdale airport. The Fort Lauderdale excursion involves loading in a large vintage riverboat with hundreds of eager guests to cruise up and down the New River. Along the way you’ll learn some fun facts about the city and the buildings that border the New River.

If you have more time, the Jungle Queen offers an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner cruise, complete with live entertainment and music, great for a night with the family.

Fort Lauderdale is best experienced on the water. With the Las Olas River tour cutting through downtown, you’ll get the experience everything along the way. Pass through the Riverwalk and Las Olas Blvd, view the Stranahan House and other historic buildings, lead into Millionaires Row, and out into the Atlantic Ocean for an ocean-bound adventure. 

Flamingo Yacht Charters extends its availability to those seeking activities near the Fort Lauderdale airport. Our numerous and highly customizable services allow you to build your perfect getaway. Our luxurious yacht charter enables you to avoid crowds without missing anything that the city has to offer.

Those in a hurry can take advantage of a last-minute trip. Simply call us to make the most out of your trip to this city. Our large cabin is fit to store any luggage you may have with a short layover. 

Tour

Seeing Fort Lauderdale through the water is truly a different experience. Our tour takes you through New River as it cuts through the center of downtown Fort Lauderdale and some of the most extravagant homes you’ll ever see. The tour can be as engaging or laid back as you please, you dictate the pace. Past the New River, you’ll catch a glimpse of South Florida’s sandbar party culture and take in the gargantuan cruise ships that go in and out of Port Everglades daily.

Snorkel The Reefs

The Great Florida Reef finds its northern tip end right next to Fort Lauderdale. Reefs are a hotbed for biodiversity and a wonderful place to explore for any snorkelers. Off our coast, you’ll find plentiful corals, fish, and other marine life. 

Our snorkeling trip takes you through the best spots in the area. Our charters also provide all the equipment you need to go snorkeling, making last-minute trips possible.

Dinner on a Yacht

If you’re seeking an evening activity near Fort Lauderdale airport, there may be none better than an exclusive dinner cruise. With customizability in mind, we can meet your exact desires. Cater a meal and dine on our yacht for charter, allow our chef to prepare a course, or visit a waterfront restaurant by boat. The night is in your hands.

Without the need to cater to hundreds of people, Flamingo Yacht Charters can arrange everything to your exact desires. Simply provide us with a wishlist, and the boat will be fully stocked on the day of departure.

Fort Lauderdale has many great activities and sights waiting to be experienced by you. The best part is, you don’t even have to delve too deep into the city to find a great list of things to do.