City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Situated on sparkling white sand between Pompano Beach and Miami Beach, the South Florida destination of Fort Lauderdale is at the top of every boater’s bucket list (if it’s not, it should be). Whether it’s the trendy shops, upscale bars and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, the luxury yachts along the Riverwalk, world-class offshore fishing or the famous sand of Fort Lauderdale Beach, you’ll find activities and attractions for the whole crew.
From the Atlantic Ocean to the New River and Stranahan River of the ICW, Fort Lauderdale is a water lover’s paradise. If you happen to own one of those luxury yachts, we can only assume it’s even more of a paradise for you. Let’s discuss some things to do in Fort Lauderdale from a private boat dock for rent.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Photo: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (Facebook)
Built in 1920, the 35-acre Bonnet House Museum & Gardens sits on prime beachfront property. Take a walk through the early 20th century with art, fountains, gardens and historic architecture. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open year-round (Isn’t everything in South Florida?) for self-guided tours.
Ecosystems within the park include the Atlantic Ocean beach, a freshwater swamp, mangrove wetlands, a maritime forest and a desert garden. Visit the hibiscus garden, orchid display and tropical flowers. It’s also home to migratory birds and other wildlife.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Photo: Sandy Allen
Take a break from captaining your own boat and book a cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat. In business since 1935, this fun sightseeing cruise sails along the mansions and luxury yachts of Millionaire’s Row on the New River. Choose from a 90-minute sightseeing cruise or a tropical isle dinner show with live entertainment and a comedy show. Tours leave from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center on A1A.
International Swimming Hall of Fame & Museum
Photo: International Swimming Hall of Fame (Facebook)
Located on the New River Sound, the International Swimming Hall of Fame & Museum offers stunning views of the ICW and the Atlantic Ocean. The center was designed with the purpose to preserve, educate and celebrate the sport of swimming and other watersports such as diving, synchronized swimming and water polo.
The architecturally amazing structure is home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, a restaurant, a library, a gift shop, a welcome center and a teaching pool. Competitions and training sessions are held in the Olympic-sized pools. Check out the diverse collection of exhibits and historic displays on the sport of swimming.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Photo: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale hosts exhibits on photography, painting, illustration, textiles and more by local and international artists such as Keith Haring, Kehinde Wiley and Pierre Alechinsky. Stop by the café and gift shop before heading back to a private boat lift for rent. The museum is located on trendy Las Olas Boulevard. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor murals on the sides of the building.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Photo: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park/Wikimedia
Situated between the ICW and the Atlantic, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is the Fort Lauderdale’s version of Central Park. The park was gifted to the city by Hugh Taylor Birch in the 1940s. It’s a terrific place to go fishing, walking, in-line skating, swimming and nature watching. Hang out under the shady oak and palm trees if you’re more into relaxing.
The park has a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms and a kayak/canoe launch. The Terramar House, originally Mr. Birch’s home, is now an interpretive center and museum. There’s a handy tunnel under the A1A to reach the beach side on the Atlantic.
We hope you’ve found some new places to visit the next time you’re in Fort Lauderdale or hanging out at a private boat slip for rent. Let us know your favorites!
