Reasons To Visit Fort Lauderdale Over Miami

Offering a different take on Southern Florida, Fort Lauderdale has all of the glamorous shopping and beaches without the Miami traffic. Here’s why it trumps the Magic City.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The beaches are paradise

Unlike Miami Beach where it’s always a racket, a party and where finding a free parking slot takes a half-hour, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are what they should be: a tranquil retreat to soak up some vitamin D without the claustrophobic feeling of large crowds.

Unique shops along Las Olas Boulevard

It’s not that Miami is devoid of creativity, there are a few quirky shops to peruse in Wynwood, but in Fort Lauderdale, these unique stores are easily accessible along Las Olas Boulevard. Prime example? Ann’s Florist. This store is a three-in-one, selling coffee, antique finds, and flowers. Grab a coffee and sit at an outdoor table to watch passersby. You’ll be thankful that you did.

Mecca for craft beer

Fort Lauderdale is a mecca for fine-tasting craft beer. Indulge in LauderAle, Khoffner Brewery, Funky Buddha and Craft Beer Cartel, to name a few. Hello, happy hour.

Locals are more fashionable

You’re most likely to catch people in suits rather than flip-flops and neon tank tops.

You can climb the Hillsboro Lighthouse

The historic lighthouse in the Hillsboro Inlet has one of the world’s strongest beams reaching a shocking 28 nautical miles! The lighthouse was built in 1907 in order to guide incoming ships safely around Hillsboro Point which proved a hazardous zone for navigation. You can tour the lighthouse on the following dates.

Marina

For those looking to reach their destination by boat, it’ll be easy in Fort Lauderdale. The marinas here are just as sprawling as those in Miami.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Conveniently, the airport in Fort Lauderdale caters to international flights too. (No need to fly into the Miami International Airport!)

Closer to the Everglades

The Everglades Holiday Park (the wildlife preserve and theme park) is just a short drive away from downtown Fort Lauderdale, which means more time spent hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching.

Cultural Centres

For a dose of culture, the city is home to a string of art galleries along Las Olas Boulevard and beyond. New River Fine Art sells acrylic sculptures, photography, fine art prints and even tapestries. Head to Artblend Gallery along East Oakland Park Boulevard to peruse an abundant collection of contemporary fine art, photography, and paintings. Finally, the long list of museums (such as the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Bonnet House) should keep you occupied for many days during your trip.

The streets are immaculate

If order and cleanliness are a plus, then this city definitely checks those two things off the list. Fort Lauderdale’s streets do seem slightly more well-groomed than Miami’s. However, the order does come with a price. There are cameras on all the streetlights to catch those who run a red light.

Easier to explore

Compared to Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a smaller city, making it easy for visitors to explore it fully.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.