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7 Best things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport
Discover seven things to do near Fort Lauderdale airport, including visiting beautiful beaches on the East Coast and vibrant streets like Las Olas Blvd.
Famous for its stunning beaches, lively cultural scene, and boating canals, Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places to visit in the United States and one of the top spring break destinations. And what’s even better is Fort Lauderdale Airport — the gateway to South Florida. If you have an upcoming layover here, there are many things to enjoy while you wait for your next flight.
The airport is just minutes from the country’s best beaches, vibrant shopping centers, and world-class dining. So whether you have a long layover, a few hours to explore, or are interested in free things to do nearby, our guide covers the best attractions and things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport.
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1. Have a mini beach day at Dania Beach
Perfect for morning layovers (3+ hours)
Pack your swimsuit — an essential piece of clothing when visiting Florida — and take a dip at Dania Beach, one of the best free things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport. This beach is perfect for shorter layovers and for experiencing the beautiful shorelines of the East Coast without traveling far. It’s also conveniently just minutes from Hollywood Beach so you can take a quick detour there too!
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: Only a 10-minute drive from the airport and ideal for layovers of 3+ hours. Uber/Lyft rides cost around $10–$15, or you can rent a bike.
- Activities: Go for a quick swim, walk along the Dania Beach Pier, or grab a coffee at a beachside cafe.
- Cost: Entry to Dania Beach is completely free!
2. Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach for scenic views
Perfect for morning layovers (3+ hours)
Having a layover in Fort Lauderdale Airport and not taking the chance to explore Fort Lauderdale Beach is a crime! It’s one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in South Florida and the East Coast. Fort Lauderdale Beach features the ultimate Floridian experience with its sandy beaches, blue waters, lively social scene, and amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: A 15-20 minute drive from the airport and a direct Uber/Lyft will cost around $15-20 from the airport
- Activities: Walk along the happening beach promenade, admire the ocean views, and grab a bite at nearby cafes, such as Lulu’s Bait Shack and Casablanca Cafe.
- Cost: Beach access is free! However, you can ride in Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Sun Trolley for as little as $3 to explore the city’s famous areas, including Fort Lauderdale Beach.
3. Explore Las Olas Boulevard
Perfect for an afternoon layover (2+ hours)
One of the best things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport is to stroll and shop at Las Olas Boulevard. If you’ve got a couple of hours before your next flight, head to downtown Fort Lauderdale and Florida’s famous shopping district for the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and Florida charm.
This vibrant street in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale is also packed with Florida’s best local eateries. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection as you explore Las Olas Boulevard so you do not miss out on any iconic spots!
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: Only a 10-15 minutes drive from the airport and $12-$18 for an Uber/Lyft
- Activities: Stroll through the palm-tree-lined scenic boulevard, explore panoramic views of the nearby waterfront, or have a quick bite at the delicious eateries nearby, including YOLO and Gran Forno Bakery.
- Cost: Entry to Las Olas Boulevard is free. However, you may have to pay to enter certain areas, such as the NSU Art Museum ($16 entry).
4. Take a walk along the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District
Perfect for an afternoon layover (3+ hours)
If you’re planning to visit Fort Lauderdale and want to find the best things to do near the airport, visit the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. This district offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, art galleries and museums, and waterfront dining.
It’s perfect for an afternoon layover if you’re looking for a laid-back yet lively experience. The amazing weather in Florida year-round is the cherry on top, making it one of the best places to visit in the USA in December to escape the cold.
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: Only 11-16 minutes with an Uber/Lyft costing $12-$18. You can also choose to explore downtown Fort Lauderdale in a Sun Trolly that charges $1-$3 per ride.
- Activities: Walk along the New River’s waterfront and enjoy the lush green surroundings and historic landmarks, or chill at Esplanade Park — the perfect place to relax between flights
- Cost: Entry to the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District is free, but you may have to pay entry fees to explore other locations, such as art galleries and museums.
5. Recharge at the Flamingo Gardens
Perfect for afternoon layovers (4+ hours)
If you’re wondering what to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport during a layover, consider visiting the Flamingo Gardens — one of the most popular places in Florida — for a nature-filled escape. It’s a 60-acre tropical paradise with over 3,000 species of rare plants. Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see Florida’s native wildlife, including bobcats, hawks, otters, a black bear, flamingos, and other threatened and endangered species.
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: The Flamingo Gardens is a 25-30 minute ride from the airport ($20-$30 Uber/Lyft ride) and is ideal for more extended afternoon layovers.
- Activities: Witness the majestic flamingos and other exotic birds up close in the free-flight aviary, relax in the lush gardens underneath banyan trees, and tour the Wray Home Museum, a 1930s Southern-style home.
- Cost: $17-25 entry fee with free parking.
6. Explore the liveliness of The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
Perfect for evening layovers (3+ hours)
For travelers looking for free things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport, The Wharf is a top spot. The open-air waterfront along the New River boasts a lively, social atmosphere, various food trucks, live music, and scenic views — especially in the evening. The nautically themed areas include communal tables and shaded tents, which is a perfect way to relax after a long flight or during a long layover.
Whether you’re visiting for a layover or a longer stay, knowing what to pack for the USA can help you make the most of your time exploring places.
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is only a 15-20 minute drive from the airport ($15-25 Uber/Lyft)
- Activities: Relax by the New River, grab a quick bite at the gourmet food trucks and pop-up restaurants, or experience the many themed events year-round.
- Cost: Entry is free!
7. Tour Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Perfect for longer layovers (4+ hours)
If you’ve got a few hours to spare at a morning or early afternoon layover at Fort Lauderdale Airport, head to one of the best nearby attractions — Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Conveniently located near the airport, this historic estate was built in the 1920s and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich past of South Florida, including its role during World War II as an agricultural center.
Explore the beautifully preserved home that reflects the charm of the Greater Fort Lauderdale in the 20th century, its lush gardens, and unique art collections.
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport: Just a 20-25 minute drive from the airport ($15-25 for an Uber/Lyft ride)
- Activities: Explore the home filled with antique furniture and art, and stroll through the 35-acre gardens, including a lily pond and mangrove wetlands.
- Cost: $5-25 entry fee (varies from children to adults)
Explore things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport with Holafly
Exploring Fort Lauderdale during a layover becomes even easier when you stay connected. Fort Lauderdale Airport’s convenient location means you can access Florida’s best tourist attractions on layovers as short as 3 hours.
With a Holafly USA eSIM, you can navigate the nearby attractions, look up local eateries, and book Uber rides to explore Greater Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re visiting a historic estate, relaxing on a famous East Coast beach, or discovering wildlife sanctuaries, Holafly ensures you stay connected effortlessly for as little as $6.90/day!
- unlimited data
- fast internet
- no roaming charges
And, if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, Holafly offers eSIMs for destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, South America, and more — no SIM swaps needed!
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
