More than 28 million people visit Greater Miami each year, making it one of America’s most popular vacation destinations.
By comparison, Greater Fort Lauderdale, just up the coast, sees far fewer — around 10 million visitors a year. And many of those are people dipping into the city while waiting to board a ship from its Port Everglades cruise hub.
Here, we explain why Fort Lauderdale deserves more thorough attention, as it makes for a superb alternative to its glamorous neighbour to the south.
We reveal how Fort Lauderdale’s beaches rival those of Miami’s, how the food scene is becoming ever-more sophisticated, and why the city is one of the most fun to explore anywhere in America.
A vacation in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll discover, is also easier on the bank balance, and a smoother ride for families, too.
Plus, the city has its fair share of stunning hotels, with stays to suit every budget.
1. The beaches — just as beautiful, far less crowded
When it comes to beaches, Greater Fort Lauderdale harbors the classic temptations of Miami Beach (where the famous sands people think of as being in “Miami” are located) — but with fewer tourists.
Right across the 24-mile Atlantic beachfront, visitors are treated to postcard-perfect expanses of floury soft sand, romantic promenades peppered with swaying palms, and inviting shallows.
What’s more, there are options to suit your moods and sensibilities.
The main strip of sand is seven-mile-long Fort Lauderdale Beach, which has dedicated family and dog-friendly sections, and a glorious promenade.
Dania Beach is where you’ll find silky sands and nature trails; while snorkel-friendly reefs await at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
Head to Hillsboro Beach for a historic lighthouse and the highest density of sea turtles per mile on the east coast of Florida, and Deerfield Beach to stroll along a magnificent 976-foot-long fishing pier, the centerpiece of the spot.
Elsewhere, Pompano Beach has a fish-shaped pier stretching 900 feet into the Atlantic, while Hollywood Beach has a retro-Floridian vibe and a 2.5-mile promenade, one of the few in the U.S. that doesn’t run alongside a road.
Read more: See Miami in a new light: Six neighborhoods that might just surprise you
2. The food — excellent, without the scene
Miami’s culinary credentials are rightly lauded, with 14 restaurants in the city holding Michelin stars. But Fort Lauderdale’s food scene is anything but stale by comparison: it has been quietly shedding its casual dining reputation and even has Michelin Guide recommendations of its own.
What’s more, the city’s restaurants are easier to reserve, you’re less likely to be hustled off your table for another booking, and it’s not just the food that’s drool-worthy, the waterside views are, too.
The city’s Michelin poster child is Chef’s Counter at Maass at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, which holds a coveted star for dishes such as single-seared diver scallop over truffle puree, and Japanese rice with maitake mushrooms and Comté foam.
At dockside Coconuts, watch boats drift past as you savor lobster roll and peel-and-eat shrimp, while inviting water vistas are also served up at nearby Kaluz Restaurant, alongside the likes of fire-roasted octopus and steak meatballs. There’s also 15th Street Fisheries restaurant — a stop on the water taxi route (see below) — and Boathouse at the Riverside, which has a lush, tropical patio and a regular rotation of boaters stopping by for a bite to eat.
The city’s dining spine is Las Olas Boulevard, a 2.5-mile, pedestrian-friendly district stretching from downtown to the beach, where you’ll find a huge range of dining options, from Wiseguy Pizza to the Hollywood Donut Factory, and from Luigi’s Tuscan Grill to Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.
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3. Getting around is actually fun — thanks to water taxis
In Miami, getting from A to B can be a challenge. In Fort Lauderdale, it’s a joy — thanks to the water taxis.
They are a wonderful way to get around and explore the 300 miles of inland waterways that earn the city the nickname the “Venice of America.”
For a set price, you can hop on and off between 10am and 10pm, with the boats, which have onboard restrooms and beverages for sale, chugging along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River and stopping at many of the city’s key spots. These include Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Galleria Mall, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
At Stop F4, next to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, there’s even a floating dock that allows guests in wheelchairs or strollers to board the water taxi vessels regardless of the tide or water depth.
Tickets cost $38 for adults ($25 after 5pm) and $18 for children (ages 5-12, under-fives go free). A multi-day pass costs $140, while an annual pass costs $349.
It’s not fast — but that’s the entire point.
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4. It’s cheaper — and you’ll feel it
Both cities have top-tier accommodation options, great restaurants and cool bars — but you’ll pay less to enjoy them in Fort Lauderdale.
Sometimes a lot less.
For starters, you’ll find rooms in beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale for around $250-$400 per night, while in Miami Beach, a world of jet-setters and sophisticated brands, you’ll need to budget $400-$700 for an inviting ocean-view room.
Ditto for dining. In Fort Lauderdale, a fresh seafood meal — one of the city’s specialties — will cost around $20-$40. In Miami, you’ll need to fish $35-$60 out of your wallet for something of similar quality.
Drinks, too, are less of a bank-balance drain, with beers costing $8-$12 and cocktails $12-$16 in Fort Lauderdale, versus $10-$14 and $16-$22 respectively in Miami’s red-rope hotspots.
If you’re strategic, getting around can cost less, too. Instead of paying for multiple Uber trips and tours, just hand over $38 for the water taxi day pass, which doubles as transportation and sightseeing.
Read more: 9 of the US’s most epic beaches revealed
5. It’s easier for families — and there’s plenty to do
There’s no denying that Miami is a prized family holiday destination, but tantrums are less likely to ignite in Fort Lauderdale, because there’s less sprawl to navigate — everything is more closely meshed together — and the bustle is dialled down.
Parents will notice that the beaches are more serene — blaring speakers are rarer — with more room for sandcastle-building, ball-throwing and sand tennis. Getting around the city, far from being a hassle, can actually become a fun and interesting activity if Ubers are ditched in favor of the water taxi service.
What’s more, there are several attractions parents can turn to once the beach and water taxis have played their part.
One is the aforementioned Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 180-acre oasis a seashell’s throw from the beach, which features hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a freshwater lagoon that can be explored by canoe and paddleboard.
Another reliable hit is the 150,000-square-foot Museum of Discovery and Science, a wonderland for children that’s home to over 200 exhibits, an Imax 3D Theater and a dedicated interactive area for kids aged seven and under.
Read more: The best hotels in Miami, from chic Art Deco stays to family-friendly retreats
6. And the location… it’s close enough to dip into Miami
Having the beach on one side and the stunning Everglades National Park on the other are two huge boons of Fort Lauderdale’s location, the latter being a prime area to spot American alligators, manatees and over 350 species of birds.
The other major plus point? Miami is within easy reach for a day trip — Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have to be a full, all-or-nothing commitment.
The two cities are just 40-60 minutes apart in terms of driving time, while the Brightline high-speed train will whisk you from downtown Fort Lauderdale to Miami in just 30 minutes should you care for a stroll around its Art Deco neighborhood or an exploration of Little Havana.
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Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
Budget
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach, from $180
This property — formerly known as the Yankee Clipper — is set directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach and features two pools with private cabanas and rooms with private bathrooms and Keurig coffeemakers. Free wifi is available throughout. High-profile past guests include Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio.
Mid-range
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, from $250
Hotel Maren overlooks Las Olas Beach and is just a five-minute walk from the buzzy restaurants and shops on Las Olas Boulevard. The atmosphere is polished but not buttoned-up, with an impressive outdoor pool and modern rooms.
High-end
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, from $400
The dazzling Omni, positioned along the Intracoastal Waterway, has over 800 well-appointed rooms, a full-service spa, six restaurants and a rooftop pool deck. The views from the property out over the ocean are spectacular.
Read more: The Setai, Miami Beach, hotel review
