It’s time to wrap up summer with one last getaway, and Ft. Lauderdale is the perfect destination. With delicious dining, picturesque ocean views and endless opportunities for adventure, this coastal city offers something for every type of traveler. Before your calendar fills with back-to-school commitments, consider a flight from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Seasonal Benefits and Timing
Ft. Lauderdale’s high season occurs during the winter months, making late summer its shoulder season. This means fewer crowds, lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere for visitors looking to enjoy the destination before school starts.
While summer is the area’s rainiest season and falls within hurricane season, it also brings unique benefits. Visitors can enjoy uncrowded beaches, clearer waters and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but they’re typically brief and often followed by sunshine, making it easy to continue your plans.
Because many travelers prefer Ft. Lauderdale’s mild spring weather, the back-to-school season is an excellent time for budget travelers to visit. You’re more likely to find great hotel deals, lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds at many of the area’s top attractions.
Summer Activities and Experiences
The end-of-summer season offers unique benefits for visitors to Ft. Lauderdale. As an Atlantic Ocean beach destination, water temperatures are at their warmest during the summer months, creating ideal conditions for activities like jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing and even a Snorkel and Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour.
Summer is also an excellent time to visit Everglades Holiday Park or explore the area’s mangrove wetlands. Thanks to seasonal rainfall, the landscape is especially lush and vibrant. Higher water levels can attract a variety of bird species and other wildlife, increasing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters.
Visitors can also experience the beauty of Ft. Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway by water taxi, boat tour or private charter. After a day on the water, unwind with waterfront dining at one of the destination’s many exceptional restaurants, where scenic views and fresh flavors create the perfect ending to a summer adventure.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Ft. Lauderdale is filled with activities for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families before the school year begins. Whether you’re looking for nature-filled adventures, beachside fun or unique entertainment, there are countless ways to create lasting memories together.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore. Visit Butterfly World or Flamingo Gardens to experience beautiful plants, wildlife and tropical landscapes. If hiking, kayaking or wildlife spotting appeals to your family, be sure to add Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to your itinerary. For an even more exciting outdoor adventure, take an airboat tour in the Everglades and get up close to native Florida wildlife.
Ft. Lauderdale also offers an abundance of beach and water activities, including snorkeling at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where colorful marine life and coral reefs await. Families can also spend the day building sandcastles, relaxing on the beach or watching seasonal beachside fireworks along the coast.
When it comes to entertainment, Ft. Lauderdale has something for everyone. Discover hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science for a fun and educational outing or browse the unique shops and attractions at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. For a memorable dining experience, visit Jet Runway Cafe, where you can watch planes take off and land while enjoying your meal.
Arts, Entertainment and Culture
If you’re searching for activities beyond the beach, Ft. Lauderdale has you covered. The city features a wide variety of arts, entertainment and cultural celebrations that visitors can enjoy throughout the summer. For even more ideas, check out the Greater Fort Lauderdale Summer Guide for seasonal events and attractions.
For starters, Ft. Lauderdale has a vibrant art scene. Along with numerous art festivals and cultural celebrations held throughout the year, the city is home to impressive galleries and museums. With diverse collections and research-driven exhibitions, the NSU Art Museum is one attraction you especially won’t want to miss.
This destination also has no shortage of live music and live performances. From large music festivals to intimate concerts and shows, the city caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. The Tortuga Music Festival, a three-day event featuring country, rock and roots music, is one of Ft. Lauderdale’s most popular attractions.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place in the fall and draws around 100,000 visitors each year. August is an especially great time to visit if you’d like to experience the city’s arts, entertainment and cultural attractions with fewer crowds.
Accommodation Options
Ft. Lauderdale offers a wide range of accommodation options to fit every travel style. For a comfortable stay, choose from beachfront hotels, vacation rentals or other lodging options near popular beachside cafes, patio dining spots and upscale dining establishments known for their fresh seafood. Travelers interested in a vacation rental investment can also use tools like an Airbnb calculator to explore the area’s rental potential.
For those arriving by boat, Ft. Lauderdale’s reputation as a premier yacht haven helps create a truly memorable stay. Yacht Haven Park & Marina caters to both RV travelers and yacht owners with convenient amenities and plenty of recreational opportunities. Combined with its beautiful waterfront view and relaxing atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for visitors seeking both comfort and convenience.
Travel Tips and Local Guidance
Getting around doesn’t stop once you arrive at your destination. Knowing how to navigate a new city can make your trip even smoother. Fortunately, Ft. Lauderdale has plenty of transportation options to help visitors explore with ease.
Throughout your stay, you can take advantage of Broward County Transit, which provides service through local public buses. LauderGO!, formerly known as the Sun Trolley, is another convenient and free transportation option. If you prefer more flexibility, rental cars and ride sharing services are readily available throughout the city.
Need to travel by water? Ft. Lauderdale’s extensive network of navigable waterways has earned it the nickname “The Venice of America.” Hop aboard a water taxi to conveniently travel between waterfront restaurants, boutique hotels and attractions along the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can also enjoy easy access to boating and water sports, while those arriving by boat can take advantage of the services and amenities offered by the area’s many marinas.
Outdoor Adventures and Recreation
Whether your family enjoys exploring national parks, spending time on the water or visiting amusement parks, there are endless ways to enjoy one last getaway before the school year begins.
A lakeside vacation is another popular choice for families. With lake activities like kayaking, dock fishing, hiking and private boat rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These trips also provide a chance to slow down and reconnect. From campfires to family-friendly lawn games, there are a number of opportunities to relax and spend quality time together.
While beach activities are a major draw for coastal destinations, there are plenty of options beyond the shoreline. Families can cool off at outdoor pools, enjoy a match on the pickleball courts or spend the day at local amusement parks featuring exciting attractions like dual waterslides. Outdoor recreation is a great way to make the most of a family getaway, but where you stay can be just as memorable as the adventures themselves.
Unique and Themed Stays
If you’re hoping to switch up your next family vacation, there are lots of unique cultural experiences and themed stays to consider. Near Ft. Lauderdale, families can enjoy adventures like ziplining, guided hiking tours or even falconry sessions that offer insight into the history, behavior and biology of birds of prey.
You can also fulfill your tree house fantasy by booking a unique treehouse stay through Airbnb. Another memorable option is embarking on backcountry horse trips, which provide a one-of-a-kind way to explore scenic landscapes and the outdoors.
History-loving families may enjoy visiting Native American petroglyphs studied by archeologists or exploring preserved frontier forts that bring the past to life. These destinations offer both educational value and adventure, giving children the chance to learn about American history before returning to school.
While it’s important to explore all your travel options, Ft. Lauderdale remains an ideal destination, offering a balanced mix of family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences and beachside fun.