They are also within walking distance to all the action on Wilton Drive, home to all the gay restaurants, bars, and nightlife Wilton Manors has to offer. If you read the cruising section, you know to what I’m alluding.
Whether you’re into that or no, it’s definitely one of the best gay guesthouses in Fort Lauderdale.
4.
Big Cypress National Preserve
(1.5 hrs west)
Big Cypress is a sprawling wilderness teeming with wildlife. Think great music, craft beer, and laid-back beach vibes, all rolled into one.
7. Displays include flight simulators, live animal habitats, and even an IMAX theater.
Miami, Florida
(40 min south)
If Fort Lauderdale is laid-back chic, Miami is its flashy cousin:
Stroll through Little Havana for Cuban coffee and music
Snap pics of Wynwood’s street art
Or lounge on the iconic sands of South Beach
More must-sees include: Wynwood Walls, Ocean Drive, and the Vizcaya Museum
4.
Plus, with a massive food court and an 18-screen movie theater, you could easily make a whole day out of your visit.
3. The resort-like property has a heated pool,, 10 person hot tub, an onsite gym, a BBQ area, and a massive floating dock providing easy access to the Middle River for great paddle boarding and similar water activities.
It’s a place where people gather for Sunday brunch, evening dinner, or weekend cocktails, enjoying a meal or drink among like-minded residents and visitors eager to experience the best of the “gayborhood.” Rosie’s is a must-visit spot, known for its friendly service, great food, and delicious cocktails – it’s sure to impress!
Union Kitchen & Bar – For that polished date-night feel try this stylish, chef-driven restaurant also in Wilton Manors.
Chef-prepared specialties are available daily, and most desserts and freshly baked goods are made in-house. Hunters Nightclub begs to differ. And at night, it transforms into an over-the-top show with lasers, fire, fog, and music.
LGBTQ+ Attractions and Events
One couldn’t say that Fort Lauderdale is LGBTQ+-friendly—it’s an LGBTQ+ hotspot.
The Stonewall National Museum & Archives
The Stonewall National Museum & Archives is one of the largest LGBTQ+ history collections in the country. The center provides shuttle service from Fort Lauderdale, with pickup available at various Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens – Nestled on a 35-acre barrier-island estate, this early 20th-century plantation-style home is a taste old Florida.
Kennedy Space Center
(2 hrs north)
For a bucket-list space adventure, drive up to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast. Pair it with a cold drink and a sunset view—Florida dining at its best.
3. One of the largest outlet malls in the U.S., it boasts 350+ stores.
How could you not check it out while you’re here? It’s the place to see and be seen. Here’s a rundown of the must-dos while you’re in town:
1. Stands sell fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts.
9. An Uber or Lyft ride from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale costs around $25–$35 and takes 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
It’s worth noting that Fort Lauderdale isn’t particularly walkable, so you’ll likely need transportation to get around.
Las Olas Boulevard has that covered, with:
High-end boutiques
Indie art galleries
And restaurants as stylish as their patrons
And speaking of food, Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene punches way above its weight class.
At its core, Fort Lauderdale is where laid-back beach vibes meet urban sophistication.
The Best Things to do in Fort Lauderdale FL
Fort Lauderdale is packed with things to do on your vacation.
