In Greater Fort Lauderdale, there’s always something for Everyone Under the Sun to experience. This summer, Visit Lauderdale unveils what you need to see and do, and the inside scoop on how to access free offerings and exclusive savings to create memories that will last all season long.
Sporting Attractions
Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi could have gone anywhere in the world, yet he chose Fort Lauderdale, signing with Inter Miami CF. Messi, considered to be the greatest player of all time, generated international headlines with this move and will undoubtedly draw sell-out crowds with a global fanbase flocking to Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK stadium. In a massive win for the team and Greater Fort Lauderdale, the 36-year-old Argentinian forward and recent FIFA World Cup champion joined the David Beckham-owned soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale.
The historic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and International Swimming Hall of Fame complex, home to Florida’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool that opened in 1926, has undergone a $47 million renovation. A major highlight for the new venue is a 27-meter dive tower with springboards and nine platform levels. And upon request, visitors can also take their experience to great, new heights with the “Top of the Tower” tours with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale beach.
Summer Discounts and Specials
Visit Lauderdale’s 101 Days of Summer campaign has 101 ways to experience the area’s best offerings. Map out your summer staycation with the help of this curated list, which is chock-full of 101 local unforgettable experiences that showcase the diversity of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 31 vibrant communities. Check out VisitLauderdale.com/Summer to plan your best summer ever.
South Florida Adventure Pass offers unlimited entry to four major attractions now through September 30, 2023. Tickets are $55 for adults and $45 for ages 3-12. Existing Adventure Pass subscribers can renew at a discounted rate of $45 for adults and $35 for children.
- Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston features majestic airboat rides in the Everglades
- Flamingo Gardens in Davie features botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary
- Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale offers interactive exhibits and an outdoor science park
Show Your Badge
Looking to save money at Greater Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, restaurants, retailers and more? Then sign up for Visit Lauderdale’s “Show Your Badge” program. This free mobile passport provides special savings on food, drinks, activities, and more. Offerings include free appetizers, BOGO deals, and discounts on meals and attractions.
Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail
With so many breweries now calling Greater Fort Lauderdale home, the free Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail mobile passport makes it easy to discover the area’s thriving brewery scene and enjoy exclusive deals and discounts at 13 Ale Trail stops. Users can collect points redeemable for limited-edition Visit Lauderdale swag.
Transportation, Mobility and Accessibility
There are even more options to travel to Greater Fort Lauderdale now that Brightline, Florida’s high-speed train, has added new stations in Boca Raton and Aventura. In mid-September 2023, even more options will come online as a new service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) will make its debut.
Convenient shuttles connect travelers from Brightline’s downtown Fort Lauderdale station to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and a partnership with Uber called Brightline+ allows guests to book shared rides. Traveling on Brightline is fully accessible to users of all abilities and easily accommodates guests using wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices..
LauderGo! Micro Mover
The City of Fort Lauderdale introduced the Micro Mover, a free, convenient, and sustainable mobility option to help residents and visitors get around downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas and the beach. Users can download the ‘Ride Circuit’ app to book their ride
New Cruise Lines and Terminal at Port Everglades
Disney Cruise Line is bringing its magic to Port Everglades. Beginning this November, The Disney Dream will homeport year-round in a specially designed cruise terminal dedicated for Disney Cruise Line guests.
Luxury Hotel Accommodations
Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center will soon break ground on a massive $1 billion redesign and expansion. Plans for the transformative legacy project include a new, 256-room, five-star luxury hotel, four condominium towers.
Wilton Manors, a mecca for the LGBT+ community, will soon welcome its very first hotel called the Wilton Hotel & Pool Club. This upscale 123-room, full-service boutique hotel will be conveniently located at the Five Points intersection of Wilton Drive and N. Dixie Highway. With a stylish design that includes outdoor murals, an inviting lobby and a spectacular rooftop dining experience, pool, meeting rooms and coffee bistro, the property will be a beacon of hospitality where commerce, culture and community converge for all.
Dining and Brewery Scene
Fort Lauderdale’s newest rooftop restaurant Olive & Sea, is elevated above the glistening Intracoastal at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel. With a modern Eastern Mediterranean flair, Olive & Sea features dishes that are infused with the soulful, bright, fresh flavors of the Middle East.
2ONE2 Breeze Lounge at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is Fort Lauderdale’s latest oceanfront rooftop destination. This hidden gem combines the VIP allure of an exclusive, limited access experience with an inspired cocktail and culinary program.
With a new location in Fort Lauderdale, Sweet Green is leading a movement to reimagine fast food with menu items made from scratch. Featuring fresh, plant-forward, earth friendly food, the casual restaurant aims to empower its customers, team members and partners to be a positive force in the food system.
La Fuga is now open at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Chef Michael Mayer infuses local South Florida flavors with classic Italian staples to create a fusion of crave-worthy, contemporary dishes.
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there’s good reason, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Courtesy Pierson Grant PR
