Attractions Nearby Fort Lauderdale, Day Trips and Excursions

(Fort Lauderdale, Florida - FL, USA)

With Hollywood (FL) and Miami both within reasonable driving distance of Fort Lauderdale, visitors wanting a change of scenery and attractions needn't go to too much trouble for a taste of something different.

Attractions in the neighboring cities are similar to those at Fort Lauderdale, in that they are heavily inclined towards nature themes and make use of Florida's scenic and interesting natural environment to provide visitors with trips that are both fun and educational.

Anne Kolb Nature Center

Address: 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Florida FL, 33019-4701, USA
Tel: +1 954 926 2410
Anne Kolb Nature Center in nearby Hollywood, Florida, offers visitors a range of indoor and outdoor nature-based activities. The Center's exhibit hall features a multi-level aquarium that is home to a variety of water life from around the world, while outside in the 1,500 acres / 607 hectares of mangrove wetland are walking and biking trails. Other attractions include an observation tower where visitors can get a prime vantage point over this unique natural area, which is home to a wide range of birds and indigenous fish species.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Hollywood North Beach Park

Address: 3601 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida FL, 33019-3807, USA
Tel: +1 954 926 2480
Extending north from Hallandale Beach Boulevard to North Beach Park is Hollywood's public beach where the ever-present Florida sunshine ensures that the fun rarely comes to a halt. Clean white sands offer pleasant sunbathing, while other popular attractions include water sports for those feeling a little more active. Located nearby are shops, bars and cafés for those wanting to escape the sun or take a late afternoon stroll.
Open hours: daily - sunrise to sunset
Admission: free

Miami Metro Zoo

Address: 12400 Southwest 152nd Street, Miami, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 305 251 0400
Miami MetroZoo has had something of a troubled history since its conception back in 1948, but it still remains one of Miami's more popular attractions. Within easy reach of Fort Lauderdale, Miami Zoo is cage free and animals are permitted to roam and behave more or less as they might do in their natural habitats. Visitors are not permitted to interact with the animals in any way, but are provided with key vantage points from which to observe their behaviour.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Quiet Waters Park

Address: 401 South Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, Florida FL, USA
Tel +1 954 360 1315
Contrary to the name, this popular attraction is far from quiet and includes a high-tech water center with a collection of tunnels and slides. Within the 430 acres / 175 hectares that the park covers there is a large lake where boating and cable waterskiing are popular pastimes. Further attractions at Quiet Waters Park, close to Fort Lauderdale, including overnight camping under the stars in a number of designated areas. Running, walking and biking trails are also available at the park.
Open hours: daily, 24 hours
Admission: charge

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Address: 5400 North Highway 27, Fort Lauderdale, Florida FL, 33329, USA
Tel: +1 954 389 0202
Take a trip through the natural beauty that is Florida's Everglades on propeller driven airboats that can travel at speeds of up to 35mph. Tours are guided and include regular stops where visitors have the chance to see some of the animal and plant life that is indigenous to the area and learn some interesting background about the wildlife.
Open hours: tours run daily by appointment only
Admission: charge

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Address: 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Florida FL, 33019-4701, USA
Tel: +1 954 926 2410
Situated near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is an 86-acre / 35-hectare resort with a wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions. Inside the complex is the casino covering a massive 130,000-square-feet, as well as a spa and fitness center, while outside there's plenty of space for relaxation in the tropical pool area that features poolside cabanas and a giant water slide.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge