From art walks to ocean dives, explore the best of Fort Lauderdale — one season at a time.

Sun-soaked and salt-sprayed, Fort Lauderdale is Florida’s coastal gem where canals outnumber streets and palm-lined boulevards hum with life year-round. Whether you’re visiting in July or January, the Venice of America shifts with the seasons — and so should your itinerary. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale, no matter when you go.

Winter (December – February): Sunshine and Sophistication

1. Stroll Las Olas Boulevard
Winter in Fort Lauderdale is all about effortless style. The humidity drops, the skies clear, and Las Olas Boulevard hums with open-air cafes, art galleries, and boutique stores. Grab a latte at Ann’s Florist Coffee Bar, then wander down to the waterfront for an alfresco lunch.

2. Cruise the Canals
Mild temperatures make this the perfect time to hop aboard a water taxi. Glide past yachts, mansions, and mangrove-lined waterways while soaking up stories about the city’s glamorous past.

3. Take in the Las Olas Art Fair
Each January, this street transforms into a kaleidoscope of creativity with over 200 national artists exhibiting paintings, sculptures, and photography under the winter sun.

Spring (March – May): Bloom and Breeze

4. Hit the Beach — Before the Crowds
Spring means warm water and gentle breezes. Fort Lauderdale Beach, with its signature wave wall and broad promenade, beckons for morning walks and lazy afternoons.

5. Explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Nature thrives in spring, and so can you. Rent a kayak or bike through this lush coastal park where you can spot turtles, herons, and the occasional iguana among tropical greenery.

6. Dive the Shipwreck Trail
The Atlantic is calm and clear, ideal for diving the area’s renowned artificial reefs — from the SS Copenhagen to the 400-foot cargo ship Captain Dan. It’s one of Florida’s best-kept underwater secrets.

Summer (June – August): Tropics in Full Swing

7. Seek Shade in the Museum of Discovery and Science
When the afternoon heat kicks in, step into cool, interactive exhibits — or catch an IMAX film that’ll make you feel like you’re exploring the Everglades from the sky.

8. Sunset Kayaking on the Middle River
The golden hour light bounces off glassy waterways, making for one of the most serene — and photogenic — experiences in the city. Many outfitters offer guided eco-tours that reveal Fort Lauderdale’s wild side.

9. Cool Down with a Craft Beer Crawl
The city’s brewery scene is bubbling up fast. Sample local favorites like Funky Buddha’s Floridian wheat beer or Tarpon River’s hoppy IPAs — best enjoyed under a canopy of string lights on a humid summer night.

Autumn (September – November): Calm Before the Festive Rush

10. Join the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Come October, the world’s largest in-water boat show takes over the city’s marinas. Even if you’re not shopping for a superyacht, the spectacle of polished hulls, champagne tents, and global glamour is unforgettable.

Bonus Tip: Experience the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
As the summer crowds thin, the Riverwalk comes alive with open-air concerts, outdoor theater, and breezy evenings perfect for a stroll along the New River.

Final Thoughts

Fort Lauderdale doesn’t just have a season — it has seasons of character. From art-filled boulevards in winter to tropical waterways in summer, this is a city that reinvents itself with the tide. Pack light, bring curiosity, and let the rhythm of the water guide you.

Fort Lauderdale Through the Seasons: 10 Unmissable Experiences