Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its sunny beaches and scenic waterfront, but there's so much more to this vibrant city when it comes to outdoor activities. From tranquil nature reserves to thrilling water sports, the area offers endless opportunities to enjoy Florida’s beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate. Whether you're looking to explore on foot, by bike, or by boat, here are some of the best outdoor activities near Fort Lauderdale for adventurers of all kinds.
Everglades National Park
No visit to South Florida is complete without a trip to Everglades National Park, one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world. Located just west of Fort Lauderdale, the park offers visitors the chance to explore its vast wetlands, home to a wide range of wildlife including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
One of the most popular ways to explore the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These fast and thrilling rides skim across the water, offering a close-up view of the park’s wildlife and natural beauty. For those seeking a quieter experience, kayaking or canoeing through the park’s many waterways is another fantastic option. Guided tours are available to help visitors learn more about the ecology and history of this unique area.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking to experience the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes, the Everglades offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale.
One of the most popular ways to explore the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These fast and thrilling rides skim across the water, offering a close-up view of the park’s wildlife and natural beauty. For those seeking a quieter experience, kayaking or canoeing through the park’s many waterways is another fantastic option. Guided tours are available to help visitors learn more about the ecology and history of this unique area.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking to experience the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes, the Everglades offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a hidden oasis that provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This 180-acre park is nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy biking along the scenic paved trails, hiking through lush tropical hammocks, or simply relaxing by the park's freshwater lagoon. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for those who want to explore the calm waters, while the park’s beach access allows for a perfect day of sunbathing and swimming.
The park is also home to abundant wildlife, including gopher tortoises, raccoons, and numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience nature without venturing far from the city.
Visitors can enjoy biking along the scenic paved trails, hiking through lush tropical hammocks, or simply relaxing by the park's freshwater lagoon. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for those who want to explore the calm waters, while the park’s beach access allows for a perfect day of sunbathing and swimming.
The park is also home to abundant wildlife, including gopher tortoises, raccoons, and numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience nature without venturing far from the city.
Las Olas Beach and Water Sports
Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Las Olas Beach is the perfect destination for those who love water sports and beachside activities. Whether you're interested in paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, or simply lounging by the water, Las Olas Beach offers something for everyone.
For adventurous visitors, renting a jet ski or parasailing above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean provides a thrilling way to enjoy the Florida coastline. Paddleboarding is also a popular activity, offering a more relaxed way to explore the waters while soaking in the beautiful scenery.
The beach itself is well-maintained with soft sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming or sunbathing. After a day of beachside fun, visitors can explore the nearby Las Olas Boulevard, known for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
For adventurous visitors, renting a jet ski or parasailing above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean provides a thrilling way to enjoy the Florida coastline. Paddleboarding is also a popular activity, offering a more relaxed way to explore the waters while soaking in the beautiful scenery.
The beach itself is well-maintained with soft sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming or sunbathing. After a day of beachside fun, visitors can explore the nearby Las Olas Boulevard, known for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Anne Kolb Nature Center
For nature lovers and eco-enthusiasts, the Anne Kolb Nature Center in nearby Hollywood is a fantastic destination for outdoor exploration. Located in the West Lake Park area, the nature center spans over 1,500 acres of mangrove wetlands, making it one of the largest urban parks in Florida.
Visitors can explore the park’s trails, observation towers, and boardwalks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here, allowing you to paddle through the peaceful mangroves and observe the area’s rich wildlife, including herons, egrets, and even manatees.
The Anne Kolb Nature Center also features an interactive exhibit hall where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem, making it an educational as well as recreational experience. It’s the perfect place for families and nature enthusiasts to spend a day immersed in Florida’s natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the park’s trails, observation towers, and boardwalks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here, allowing you to paddle through the peaceful mangroves and observe the area’s rich wildlife, including herons, egrets, and even manatees.
The Anne Kolb Nature Center also features an interactive exhibit hall where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem, making it an educational as well as recreational experience. It’s the perfect place for families and nature enthusiasts to spend a day immersed in Florida’s natural beauty.
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a scenic pathway that runs along the New River, offering a beautiful setting for walking, jogging, or biking. Often referred to as the "Venice of America" because of its intricate network of canals, Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk is a great way to explore the city while enjoying the outdoors.
As you stroll along the riverfront, you’ll pass by parks, art galleries, and historic sites, making the Riverwalk an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon. There are also plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafes along the way, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views of the river.
For a unique experience, consider taking a water taxi along the river to see the city from a different perspective. The Riverwalk is a wonderful blend of metropolitan and natural landscapes, offering a relaxing outdoor activity right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
As you stroll along the riverfront, you’ll pass by parks, art galleries, and historic sites, making the Riverwalk an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon. There are also plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafes along the way, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views of the river.
For a unique experience, consider taking a water taxi along the river to see the city from a different perspective. The Riverwalk is a wonderful blend of metropolitan and natural landscapes, offering a relaxing outdoor activity right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, located just south of Fort Lauderdale in Dania Beach, is a beautiful and tranquil destination. This protected coastal park features pristine beaches, mangrove-lined waterways, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Popular activities at the park include swimming, picnicking, and fishing along the shore. Kayaking and canoeing through the mangroves are also popular here, providing a peaceful escape into nature. The park’s location along the Atlantic Coast makes it a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with coral reefs and marine life just offshore.
This state park is named after two civil rights activists, making it not only a natural haven but also a place of historical significance. It’s a serene destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in a less crowded, more natural environment.
Fort Lauderdale is a city that offers much more than just sun and sand. From exploring the unique ecosystems of the Everglades to enjoying water sports on the beach or walking along the scenic Riverwalk, there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy near Fort Lauderdale.
Popular activities at the park include swimming, picnicking, and fishing along the shore. Kayaking and canoeing through the mangroves are also popular here, providing a peaceful escape into nature. The park’s location along the Atlantic Coast makes it a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with coral reefs and marine life just offshore.
This state park is named after two civil rights activists, making it not only a natural haven but also a place of historical significance. It’s a serene destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in a less crowded, more natural environment.
Fort Lauderdale is a city that offers much more than just sun and sand. From exploring the unique ecosystems of the Everglades to enjoying water sports on the beach or walking along the scenic Riverwalk, there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy near Fort Lauderdale.
Call Fort Lauderdale Home
For those considering making Fort Lauderdale their home, We Can Help Network is here to assist you in finding the perfect property near these exciting outdoor destinations. Reach out to them today to start your journey toward owning a piece of paradise in this beautiful region.
