There's something about Fort Lauderdale that instantly shifts your pace. Maybe it's the sea breeze brushing against your face as you stroll the shops along Las Olas Boulevard. Or the clink of a cocktail glass on a rooftop bar as the sun sinks behind the horizon. Maybe it's the way the city blends beachside elegance with urban energy so effortlessly. Whatever it is, Fort Lauderdale is tailor-made for unforgettable weekends. And if you're looking to make this celebrated area your next weekend escape—or wanting to explore what is already your own backyard—our guide to weekend activities near Fort Lauderdale will help you plan the perfect three-day retreat.
Friday: Rooftops, Retail, and a Taste of the Night
Start your weekend with that aforementioned walk down Las Olas Boulevard—Fort Lauderdale's signature strip, where galleries spill into the streets and boutique storefronts tempt your wallet at every turn. Whether you're after traditional swimwear or an edgy addition to your after-five wardrobe, the street feels like a living, breathing fashion editorial. It's shopping, yes, but it's also people-watching, patio lingering, and absorbing that unmistakable South Florida charm.
For something grander, The Galleria offers the comfort of climate control and the luxury of names like Neiman Marcus and Michael Kors. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, head west to Sawgrass Mills, a sprawling designer outlet mecca where Gucci, Prada, and Versace mingle with cafés and casual dining.
But as the sky starts to glow pink, the only place to be is above it all.
Rooftop @1WLO brings a polished crowd and panoramic city views—best paired with a Violet Sky cocktail and small bites like Margherita Flatbread or Buffalo Chicken Empanadas. If you want to stay by the water, Nubé Rooftop, billed as the highest rooftop bar in the city, on Fort Lauderdale Beach, is a sultry standout, where sunset gives way to DJ-fueled revelry. Prefer something more casual? McSorley's Beach Pub offers all the charm of an Irish bar with a breezy rooftop view of the A1A coastline.
For something grander, The Galleria offers the comfort of climate control and the luxury of names like Neiman Marcus and Michael Kors. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, head west to Sawgrass Mills, a sprawling designer outlet mecca where Gucci, Prada, and Versace mingle with cafés and casual dining.
But as the sky starts to glow pink, the only place to be is above it all.
Rooftop @1WLO brings a polished crowd and panoramic city views—best paired with a Violet Sky cocktail and small bites like Margherita Flatbread or Buffalo Chicken Empanadas. If you want to stay by the water, Nubé Rooftop, billed as the highest rooftop bar in the city, on Fort Lauderdale Beach, is a sultry standout, where sunset gives way to DJ-fueled revelry. Prefer something more casual? McSorley's Beach Pub offers all the charm of an Irish bar with a breezy rooftop view of the A1A coastline.
Saturday: Sun, Sand, and Elevated Seafood
Mornings in Fort Lauderdale are made for beach rituals. Whether you're laying down a towel at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea—where snorkelers drift above nearby reefs—or strolling the quiet sands of Hillsboro Beach, there's no wrong choice here. Each beach has its own personality: the boardwalk buzz of Hollywood Beach, the fun for all ages vibe of Pompano, the more hidden elegance of Dania Beach. And of course, there's Fort Lauderdale's own namesake beach, where the city meets the sea in effortless harmony.
After a few hours of sand, sea, and sun, you'll want to regroup for lunch. Lona Cocina & Tequileria is a go-to for elevated Mexican cuisine with oceanfront views. Or head to Coconuts on the Intracoastal for coconut shrimp and a cocktail while boats glide by.
Come evening, it's time to dress up and settle in for a meal worth remembering. Steak lovers will gravitate to Steak 954, where they serve dry-aged cuts under moody lighting with an ocean backdrop. For those who crave refined Italian, Casa D'Angelo and Bistro Mezzaluna both deliver standout pasta dishes, impeccable service, and award-winning wine programs.
But if you're in the mood for something dramatic, book a table at Chima Steakhouse, where Brazilian rodizio meets white-tablecloth dining and service is an art form.
Nightcap? Return to The Easton, where the rooftop poolside lounge transforms into a high-energy late-night hangout. Or take it easy at Casablanca Café, housed in Fort Lauderdale Beach's oldest building—sip something smooth and let the live piano set the tone.
After a few hours of sand, sea, and sun, you'll want to regroup for lunch. Lona Cocina & Tequileria is a go-to for elevated Mexican cuisine with oceanfront views. Or head to Coconuts on the Intracoastal for coconut shrimp and a cocktail while boats glide by.
Come evening, it's time to dress up and settle in for a meal worth remembering. Steak lovers will gravitate to Steak 954, where they serve dry-aged cuts under moody lighting with an ocean backdrop. For those who crave refined Italian, Casa D'Angelo and Bistro Mezzaluna both deliver standout pasta dishes, impeccable service, and award-winning wine programs.
But if you're in the mood for something dramatic, book a table at Chima Steakhouse, where Brazilian rodizio meets white-tablecloth dining and service is an art form.
Nightcap? Return to The Easton, where the rooftop poolside lounge transforms into a high-energy late-night hangout. Or take it easy at Casablanca Café, housed in Fort Lauderdale Beach's oldest building—sip something smooth and let the live piano set the tone.
Sunday: Tee Times, Brunch Plates, and Coastal Escapes
On Sundays, the tempo slows—but the experiences don't.
Golfers can sneak in a morning round at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, where two pristine 18-hole courses await. Plantation Preserve is a more relaxed option with lush, well-conditioned fairways meandering amongst pocket lakes and serene marshland. Looking for a challenge? Colony West has history on its side—its original par-72 layout was once deemed too difficult for the pros. The executive Glades course offers more of a reprieve and an opportunity to work on your short game.
If brunch is more your speed, Blue Moon Fish Co. delivers one of the city's most celebrated spreads—think crab claws, made-to-order omelets, and views that remind you why people book one-way tickets to South Florida.
And if you're ready for a little exploring before the weekend ends, you've got options. Head south for an art-filled stroll through Miami's Wynwood Walls or a performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Or go north to Delray Beach, where the buzz of Atlantic Avenue and serenity of and Morikami Museum create a uniquely Floridian contrast.
Want a nature fix? The Everglades are less than an hour away and are always unforgettable. Take an airboat ride through sawgrass prairies, spot gators sunning along the banks, and listen to the sounds of wild Florida before returning to the coast.
If you'd rather stay close, Boca Raton's Mizner Park offers boutiques and open-air charm, while Gumbo Limbo Nature Center connects you with sea turtles and shaded coastal trails.
Golfers can sneak in a morning round at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, where two pristine 18-hole courses await. Plantation Preserve is a more relaxed option with lush, well-conditioned fairways meandering amongst pocket lakes and serene marshland. Looking for a challenge? Colony West has history on its side—its original par-72 layout was once deemed too difficult for the pros. The executive Glades course offers more of a reprieve and an opportunity to work on your short game.
If brunch is more your speed, Blue Moon Fish Co. delivers one of the city's most celebrated spreads—think crab claws, made-to-order omelets, and views that remind you why people book one-way tickets to South Florida.
And if you're ready for a little exploring before the weekend ends, you've got options. Head south for an art-filled stroll through Miami's Wynwood Walls or a performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Or go north to Delray Beach, where the buzz of Atlantic Avenue and serenity of and Morikami Museum create a uniquely Floridian contrast.
Want a nature fix? The Everglades are less than an hour away and are always unforgettable. Take an airboat ride through sawgrass prairies, spot gators sunning along the banks, and listen to the sounds of wild Florida before returning to the coast.
If you'd rather stay close, Boca Raton's Mizner Park offers boutiques and open-air charm, while Gumbo Limbo Nature Center connects you with sea turtles and shaded coastal trails.
Bonus: Mark Your Calendar
Fort Lauderdale isn't just a weekend town—it's a festival town, too. If your visit aligns, try to catch:
- Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (January): A must for culinary adventurers.
- Florida Renaissance Festival (Feb–Mar): Whimsy, jousting, and handcrafted goods in a forested setting.
- Science Festival (March): For curious minds of all ages—interactive, family-friendly, and endlessly fun.
- Tortuga Music Festival (April): A beachfront concert series where sustainability and sound go hand in hand.
- Fort Lauderdale Air Show (May): Watch elite pilots and precision teams dazzle over the ocean.
- Winterfest Boat Parade (December): A holiday-season spectacle with decked-out yachts cruising the Intracoastal.
Explore More of the Fort Lauderdale Luxury Lifestyle with a Trusted Local Expert
What makes Fort Lauderdale so compelling isn't just the sun or the skyline—it's the way the city seems to flex to your mood. Want a luxury weekend of spa appointments, white tablecloths, and boutique shopping? Easy. Prefer a flip-flop day trip with oyster happy hours and live music on the water? Just as seamless.
From golf greens to rooftop lounges, oceanfront brunches to day trips through the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale proves that you don't have to travel far to feel like you've gotten away.
If you're interested in a more permanent move or ready to upgrade your current local lifestyle, and want to learn more about the area's current luxury home market, contact the We Can Help Network today to start your Fort Lauderdale real estate journey.
From golf greens to rooftop lounges, oceanfront brunches to day trips through the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale proves that you don't have to travel far to feel like you've gotten away.
If you're interested in a more permanent move or ready to upgrade your current local lifestyle, and want to learn more about the area's current luxury home market, contact the We Can Help Network today to start your Fort Lauderdale real estate journey.
