Exploring Fort Lauderdale & Hollywood
Discover Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood with this easy-to-follow guide featuring beautiful beaches, scenic waterways, Las Olas Boulevard, the Hollywood Broadwalk, waterfront dining, and unforgettable South Florida experiences. Best HotelsBest Tours3 Day Fort Lauderdale & Hollywood Itinerary
Day 1
Begin on Fort Lauderdale Beach, stroll the beachfront promenade, and visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Finish the day shopping and dining along lively Las Olas Boulevard.
Day 2
Experience the city’s famous waterways aboard the Water Taxi or a sightseeing cruise. Explore Riverwalk and downtown Fort Lauderdale, then enjoy dinner overlooking the Intracoastal.
Day 3
Head south to Hollywood Beach for a relaxed day along the oceanfront Broadwalk. Rent bikes, enjoy the beach, browse local shops, and stay for live music, waterfront dining, and sunset.
Local Tips
✅ Use the Water Taxi as both transportation and sightseeing along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
✅ Stay near Fort Lauderdale Beach for polished resorts or Hollywood Beach for a relaxed Broadwalk atmosphere.
✅ Allow extra travel time between the two cities during rush hour and busy weekends.
✅ Reserve popular waterfront restaurants and boat tours before peak-season visits.
✅ Park once near the Hollywood Broadwalk and explore the beach, restaurants, and shops on foot or by bike.
Best Time to Visit
November through April offers warm, less humid weather, though winter and spring are busiest.
How Long to Stay
Three to four days is ideal for both beaches, the waterways, Las Olas, and the Hollywood Broadwalk.
Walkability
Beach districts and Las Olas are walkable individually; a car or rideshare helps connect the two cities.
Family Friendly
Calm beach days, boat tours, the Broadwalk, museums, and parks make the area family-friendly.
Pet Friendly
Many hotels and patios welcome pets; Hollywood also has a designated dog-beach area with set hours.
Parking
Expect paid garages, meters, hotel valet fees, and limited beachfront parking during busy periods.
Average Daily Budget
Plan on approximately $275–$650+ per day, depending on beachfront lodging and dining.
Weather
Winters are warm and drier; summers are hot, humid, and prone to afternoon storms.
Top 4 Fort Lauderdale & Hollywood Hotel Suggestions
From refined Fort Lauderdale beachfront luxury to lively Hollywood resorts, these four hotels offer distinctive ways to experience South Florida’s coast.
LUXURY
Conrad Fort Lauderdale
A polished all-suite oceanfront resort with spacious accommodations, a pool deck, dining, and a prime beach location.
CLASSIC BEACH RESORT
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
A relaxed private-beach resort with pools, tennis, dining, and a quieter setting near the Fort Lauderdale inlet.
HOLLYWOOD BEACH
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
A lively resort directly on the Broadwalk with multiple pools, dining, entertainment, and an easy vacation atmosphere.
FULL RESORT
The Diplomat
Beach Resort
A large oceanfront Hollywood resort with lagoon and infinity pools, dining, spa experiences, and direct beach access.
Top-Rated Fort Lauderdale Tours
Boat Tours
water Taxi
Everglades Tours
Food Tours
Snorkeling
Fishing Charters
Best Food & Drink
1. Coconuts
Casual waterfront seafood and Intracoastal views near Fort Lauderdale Beach.
📍 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
2. Louie Bossi’s
Lively Italian dining with a beautiful courtyard on Las Olas Boulevard.
📍 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
3. Boatyard
Seafood, steaks, and dockside dining along the Intracoastal.
📍 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale
4. GG’s Waterfront
Upscale seafood and beautiful Intracoastal views in Hollywood.
📍 606 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood
5. JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
An elevated dinner inside Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.
📍 1111 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood
What to Pack
From beach days and poolside essentials to travel favorites, discover the products we recommend to make your Florida vacation more comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
Beat The Florida Heat
Cooling towels, fans, water bottles, electrolyte packs and more.
Family Travel Favorites
Parent-approved travel products for kids, babies, and family trips.
Resort and Pool Must Haves
Everything for pool days, spa days, and relaxing Florida vacations.
Luxury Vacation Upgrades
Sometimes it’s the little upgrades that make a vacation feel truly luxurious.