Fort Lauderdale 5-Day Itinerary: Beach, Culture, and Waterway

The morning sun glints off the Intracoastal Waterway as a water taxi glides past mansions draped in bougainvillea. A great blue heron stands sentinel on a private dock. Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where 300 miles of navigable waterways have earned it the nickname "Venice of America," and where your perfect five-day escape awaits.

This Fort Lauderdale itinerary balances sun-soaked beach days with cultural discoveries, waterfront dining with neighborhood exploration. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, these five days will show you why this South Florida gem captivates visitors year after year.

Day 1: Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Boulevard

Start your Fort Lauderdale vacation itinerary where the city shines brightest—the beach. Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches for miles along the Atlantic, with its signature wave wall separating the sand from the pedestrian promenade. Arrive early to claim your spot, rent a beach umbrella from one of the local vendors, and settle in for a morning of swimming in the warm turquoise waters.

The beach here differs from Miami's scene-focused shores. It's cleaner, less crowded, and more family-friendly while still offering excellent people-watching opportunities. Take a stroll along the promenade, stopping at Sebastian Beach for some of the area's best waves if you're into bodyboarding.

When hunger strikes, head inland to Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale's most charming street. This tree-lined thoroughfare connects the beach to downtown, offering a mile of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Grab lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés—the people-watching is just as good as the food.

Spend your afternoon wandering the galleries and shops. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale sits at the western end of Las Olas, housing an impressive collection of contemporary works in a striking building designed by architect John Hejduk. Even if you're not a museum person, the architecture alone merits a quick visit.

As evening approaches, settle into one of Las Olas's waterfront restaurants for dinner. Many overlook the canal system, where you can watch boats drift by as you enjoy fresh seafood and a sunset cocktail.

Day 2: Waterways and the Intracoastal

No Fort Lauderdale itinerary is complete without experiencing the waterways that define this city. Today, you'll see Fort Lauderdale from its best angle—the water.

Begin with a Water Taxi day pass, which transforms the city's waterway system into your personal transportation network. The yellow boats stop at dozens of locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, from hotels to restaurants to attractions. It's part transportation, part sightseeing tour, and entirely delightful.

Take the water taxi to the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, a linear park stretching along the New River through downtown. Walk or rent a bike and explore the arts and entertainment district, passing by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the historic Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale's oldest surviving structure.

For lunch, hop off at Coconut Grove or ride to 15th Street Fisheries, where you can feed the tarpon from the dock while waiting for your table. Watching these massive silver fish breach the surface for food pellets never gets old.

In the afternoon, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways at your own pace. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers rentals and access to a mangrove-lined lagoon that feels worlds away from the nearby beach crowds. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees, especially during cooler months—these gentle giants frequent the warm waters throughout the Intracoastal system.

Day 3: Nature, Parks, and Everglades Adventures

Swap the beach for a different kind of Florida landscape today. Start your morning at Holiday Park, home to the Everglades Holiday Park airboat tours. A 60-minute airboat ride takes you deep into the River of Grass, where alligators sun themselves on banks and great egrets wade through sawgrass prairies. The experience is quintessentially Florida and provides excellent photo opportunities.

After your Everglades adventure, return to Fort Lauderdale for lunch and head to Anne Kolb Nature Center in nearby Hollywood. This 1,500-acre park preserves coastal mangrove wetlands and offers kayak rentals, a fishing pier, and an observation tower with panoramic views of the coast and Intracoastal.

For something different, visit the Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre wildlife sanctuary featuring a free-flight aviary, botanical gardens, and a historic home from the 1930s. The wading bird sanctuary here rescues injured birds, and you can get remarkably close to flamingos, peacocks, and native Florida species.

End your nature day with dinner at a local favorite. Chef Jean-Pierre's offers classic French cuisine with a South Florida flair—a perfect way to cap off an active day exploring what to do in Fort Lauderdale beyond the beach.

Day 4: Culture, Shopping, and Neighborhood Exploration

Today's Fort Lauderdale vacation itinerary ventures into the city's diverse neighborhoods and cultural offerings.

Start in Wilton Manors, one of the country's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities and a vibrant community just north of downtown. Grab breakfast at one of the trendy cafés along Wilton Drive, then explore the unique boutiques and galleries that line this walkable main street.

Next, head to the Flagler Village arts district in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This once-industrial area has transformed into a hub for street art, galleries, and creative businesses. The murals here rival those of Miami's Wynwood, but without the crowds. Walk the streets and discover building-sized artworks at every turn.

For shopping enthusiasts, The Galleria Fort Lauderdale offers upscale retail therapy, while the more eclectic Festival Flea Market Mall in Pompano Beach provides treasure-hunting opportunities across hundreds of vendor stalls.

Spend your late afternoon at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a charming beach village just north of Fort Lauderdale proper. This small-town-feel community prohibits high-rises, creating a throwback beach atmosphere with excellent snorkeling right off the pier. The town pier is also one of the only places in South Florida where you can snorkel directly from shore to explore a natural reef.

Return to Fort Lauderdale for dinner along the water, perhaps catching a live music performance at one of the city's many venues.

Day 5: Sunrise to Sunset—Your Perfect Finale

Your final day calls for savoring 5 days in Fort Lauderdale by revisiting your favorites and discovering any missed gems.

Start with a sunrise beach walk—Fort Lauderdale Beach faces east, making it ideal for catching the morning colors. The beach transforms during these early hours, peaceful and nearly empty save for joggers and shell seekers.

Treat yourself to a leisurely breakfast at a waterfront café, then consider one final water activity. Stand-up paddleboarding through the calm morning waters offers a meditative end to your trip, or book a half-day deep-sea fishing charter to reel in some final Florida memories.

Spend your afternoon revisiting a favorite spot or checking off something you missed. Perhaps return to that gallery on Las Olas, grab one more meal at the restaurant that captured your heart, or simply claim a beach lounger and read while the waves provide soundtrack.

As the sun begins its descent, find a waterfront perch for your final Fort Lauderdale sunset. The sky here puts on a show most evenings, painting the clouds in shades of coral and gold that reflect off the waterways and remind you why this city draws visitors back again and again.

Making the Most of Your Fort Lauderdale Itinerary

A few practical tips will help maximize your five days:

• Rent a car for flexibility, especially for Everglades trips and neighborhood hopping. Many vacation rentals offer free parking, eliminating downtown parking headaches.

• Book water activities early in your trip—if weather forces a cancellation, you'll have time to reschedule.

• Pack layers for air-conditioned restaurants and attractions, even in summer.

• Stay in a vacation home for more space, a full kitchen for beachside picnic prep, and amenities like air conditioning and laundry facilities that make extended stays comfortable.

Fort Lauderdale rewards those who look beyond its famous beach to discover canals, culture, and community. Five days gives you enough time to experience the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries—the waterfront restaurant locals love, the hidden art gallery, the perfect sunset spot.

Ready to plan your own Fort Lauderdale adventure? Explore our collection of vacation rentals throughout Fort Lauderdale, where homes with full amenities and prime locations make the perfect base for your itinerary. Your Venice of America awaits.