Last Updated on October 22, 2023
A city known for its miles of golden-sand beaches and intracoastal canals, Fort Lauderdale is a waterfront community bursting with opportunities to soak in all that Florida has to offer. This year offers the perfect opportunity to explore this southeastern city, as Fort Lauderdale will play host to thousands of athletes over the age of 50 at the National Senior Games in May! Whether you’re in town to compete in the games or looking to plan a vacation, here are some of our favorite spots to explore:
1. Beachfront Promenade
No visit to Fort Lauderdale is complete without catching some rays along its 24 miles of pristine beaches. When you’re done relaxing in the sun, take a bike ride or walk along the Beachfront Promenade. This stretch of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars features a brick-lined path and “wave wall” architecture.
2. Explore Fort Lauderdale on the Water
Fort Lauderdale’s nickname is “Venice of America”, with over 300 miles of inland canals known as the Intracoastal Waterway. Take a boat tour of “Millionaire’s Row”, enjoy a ride on the famous Jungle Queen, or try out a paddle board tour to view the city from the water.
3. Funky Buddha Brewery
For beer enthusiasts looking to try unique brews that you can’t find anywhere else, check out Funky Buddha Brewery. They don’t just serve up your standard ales, IPAs and lagers. Instead, they create concoctions like “Coconut & Coffee Porter”, “Piña Colada Cream Ale” and “Cookies & Cream Porter.”
4. Flamingo Gardens
These gardens contain 60-acres of Everglades wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can observe flamingos, peacocks, panthers, bobcats, eagles and more. The gardens also feature over 3,000 species of rare and exotic native plants, including the largest tree in the entire state: a Cluster Fig over 100 feet tall with a crown span that is 95 feet wide! 
5. Cap’s Place
There are lots of great waterfront dining options across the city, but one of the best spots to visit is Cap’s Place. It’s located on an island on the north side of Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal, where they have served up fresh native seafood and succulent steaks for over 85 years. What began as a casino and rum-running speakeasy is now recognized as a national landmark, and has reportedly served notables like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Al Capone and more!
6. Bonnet House Museum & Garden
This 1920s estate has been transformed into a museum that celebrates creative expression, photography, historic art and environmental conservation. Step back in time with a two-hour tour of this perfectly preserved house and grounds as you learn about the history and culture of South Florida. 
