18 Romantic Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Updated 2024

romantic things to do in ft lauderdale
Zoe
Zoe 
Updated
| 9 min read

Discover another side of summer and yourself in the lovely city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, plenty of amazing accommodations are available here - from fabulous hotels to beautiful Vrbo vacation rentals. A range of things to see and do will keep you and your partner busy. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront, there is a wide variety of things to do here. Just two miles (3.2 km) north of Port Everglades, you can experience Fort Lauderdale’s landscaped beachfront promenade, with its signature white wave wall and brick paved path. Or make a stop at the Stranahan House, a preserved 1900s home furnished with antiques of the era. Discover the best romantic things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida here!

1. Great power boat ride (from USD 75.0)

Looking for fun date ideas for Fort Lauderdale? Invite your special someone on a romantic boat tour so you can enjoy a magnificent view of the coastline. Admire the clear blue waters of the ocean and enjoy complimentary beverages as you and your date take in the beauty of Fort Lauderdale. See the grand mansions from the comfort of your boat and let your host take you to spectacular places. This tour will undoubtedly make your vacation more romantic.

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Great power boat ride with a captain

Duration: 2 hours

2. Experience authentic Peruvian cooking (from USD 39.0)

Have you always been curious about Peruvian cuisine? Explore the authentic flavors of Peru through this engaging activity. Learn to make a delicious cocktail using Pisco, Peru’s very own liquor. You will also learn about the fascinating history of ceviche, which will enhance your experience. You will be taught different techniques so you can prepare delicious ceviche. Afterward, enjoy your delectable meal together with your special someone. If you are keeping an eye out for Fort Lauderdale activities for couples, check this one out! It will definitely be a unique and memorable date night for both of you.

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Peruvian Ceviche Cooking Class

Duration: 2 hours

31 reviews

3. Enjoy the intimacy of private sailing (from USD 150.0)

Scratching your head for cool date ideas in Fort Lauderdale? Ride a sailboat to see notable places such as Millionaire’s Row and Port Everglades. This way, you and your partner can experience real tranquility and enjoy engaging activities like sailing, snorkeling, and even fishing. Seeing the sights and having fun on your vacation will definitely be better with your favorite food and drinks, so feel free to bring some. Go enjoy the day with your loved one like true Fort Lauderdale locals!

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Private Sailing Charter

Duration: 4 hours

94 reviews

4. Have a glowing night at Fort Lauderdale (from USD 45.0)

Try the unique experience of riding a glowing kayak at night and see the city in an entirely different light. Get a vibrant view of the beautiful buildings in the city. You and your partner will also appreciate the view of the many establishments from the water. You will see different restaurants, parks, and museums that you should consider visiting together. Don’t forget to document your most precious moments during this tour. This is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Fort Lauderdale at night.

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Glow Night Kayak at Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 1.5 hours

1666 reviews

5. Book tickets to see the Mai-Kai Polynesian dinner show (from USD 47.0)

Soak up the ambiance of the classic tiki bars of the 1950s and 60s with this Mai-Kai Polynesian dinner show at Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Watch a live performance of dancing, singing, and the Samoan Fire and Knife dance by authentic Polynesian dancers here! From just for 46.99 USD, you get to enjoy a delicious three-course meal as you watch the show!

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Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show Ticket

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

6. Rent a Scoot Coupe in Fort Lauderdale (from USD 94.0)

Those searching for unique things to do in Fort Lauderdale will enjoy this activity. Travel the city of Fort Lauderdale in style and rent a 50cc Scoot Coupe or 150cc scooter. Rent for an hour, a day, a week — or anywhere in between! You can choose from multiple departure times throughout the day, too. Do take note that riders must be at least 16 years old to drive and 18 years old to rent for this activity. From just 46.64 USD, you’ll get a lifetime worth of fun memories in return!

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Scoot Coupe Rentals in Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 1 hour

13 reviews

7. Dine at Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood Florida (from USD 38.0)

Have an amazing, one-of-its-kind dinner at Hard Rock Café in Hollywood, Florida. Enjoy some classic American cuisines at a fixed-price, with music-themed dinner options available for your choice as well. Dine at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and witness the rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia here!

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Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood Florida

Duration: 2 hours

58 reviews

8. Enjoy a Jungle Queen riverboat dinner cruise and show

Cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River and enjoy a delicious shrimp and barbecue dinner on this 4-hour cruise. Board the Jungle Queen Riverboat and see the luxurious mansions and yachts along Millionaire’s Row, stretching from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center to the Intracoastal Waterway. This river cruise travels to a tropical isle for an endless dinner offering barbecue ribs, chicken and shrimp with all the trimmings. For just 54.95 USD, you can also witness the hilarious variety review stage show.

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All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

Duration: 4 hours

723 reviews

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry

9. Enjoy a SEABOB snorkel rental and excursion (from USD 139.1)

enjoy a seabob snorkel rental and excursion

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale, consider this activity. Florida’s quirky personality is best experienced in this thrilling activity: SEABOB snorkeling and excursion. This novel device, the SEABOB, is said to be a cross between a scooter and a jet ski. Participants get to experience life underwater in this excursion, with the SEABOB taking you up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) underwater. Get the chance to swim alongside marine life and catch a glimpse of the marvelous world underneath the sea. Worried about safety? You’ll get an instructor who’ll show you how to operate the device and then a guide will accompany you on the tour. This is, perhaps, an unconventional activity for couples but one that’s fun and unforgettable.

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Fort Lauderdale: Ultimate SEABOB Snorkel Rental & Excursion

Duration: 2 hour

1 review

10. Go on a Fort Lauderdale guided electric bike tour (from USD 60.0)

Fort Lauderdale is a very romantic place to visit and few things beat touring this destination than on an electric bike. Unlike conventional bikes, electric types are easier to ride since they require less effort. Thus, you’ll be able to ride farther and see more of this beautiful city. However, you can adjust the bike to manual mode if you prefer the exercise. The tour will take you to all the popular Fort Lauderdale tourist attractions like Colee Hammock Park, Stranahan House, and Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. You’ll also get to stop at Fort Lauderdale Beach and spend some time enjoying the lovely views of the ocean.

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2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour

Duration: 2 hours

2 reviews

11. Explore the city with a Hollywood Beach Segway tour (from USD 64.0)

Explore Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood beach on a Segway. This nifty little contraption is an ingenious device that’s a scooter and a hoverboard rolled into one. Electrically powered, all you need to do is maneuver the paths along the stunning Hollywood Beach as you take in the breathtaking views. A quick training on how to operate the Segway is offered beforehand and adequate safety equipment is provided. This tour lasts for about two hours, and you’ll be a part of a small intimate group of not more than eight. Get a chance to ride down the romantic Hollywood Beach Boardwalk or visit Dania Beach Pier. You’ll also be able to see historic sites like Garfield Street Paddleboard Courts.

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Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Beach Segway Tour with Ice Cream

Duration: 2 hours

5 reviews

12. Visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL - Bonnet House 16
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jrozwado used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The charming Bonnet House is a historic building that has been standing for over a century and is today a part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The plantation-style home is nestled on a lush, oceanfront estate that boasts a colorful garden, the perfect stop for a romantic day out. With several plant species from five different ecosystems, a stroll through these gardens is like a walk through different parts of the world. From a maritime forest to mangrove wetlands to even a desert garden, you’ll get varied experiences in one destination. Also, take some time to tour Bonnet House Museum and hear the stories about the previous owners of the house, Helen and Frederic Clay Bartlett.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States

Website: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 16 USD onwards

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13. Catch a performance at Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Romantic things to do in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Source: Photo by Flickr user osseous used under CC BY 2.0

If your loved one enjoys live performances, then a great place to visit for an evening of entertainment would be Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This grand destination has been Fort Lauderdale’s home of the arts since its inception in 1991, and it remains Broward County’s main stop for lovers of music, dance and theater. Whether it’s classical music, dance performances, a pop concert, or a play, Broward Center for the Performing Arts has hosted it. Check out their website and plan a visit to experience Fort Lauderdale’s thriving art scene.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Address: 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States

Website: Broward Center for the Performing Arts

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14. Explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (from USD 64.0)

Escape from the city center cacophony to this tranquil destination, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. A nice place for an intimate excursion, this park is well known for its subtropical coastal plant life as well as a diverse fauna population. To explore this stunning park, you can choose to hike the Coastal Hammock Trail that cuts through a tropical hardwood ecosystem. Though only a 20-minute hike, this is perfect for couples looking for a sedate experience. If walking isn’t your thing, you can consider a guided Segway tour along the Intracoastal Waterway within the park. Or you can rest in a campsite since there’s also the option of camping for those who wish to spend the night under the stars.

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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Segway Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

8 reviews

15. Go for the Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale kayak tour (from USD 75.0)

Fort Lauderdale’s Seven Isles is known as one of the city’s best places to live and it’s also a popular stop among tourists. Straddling the Intracoastal Waterway, this neighborhood boasts a magnificent waterside location that lends it an awesome view as well as a serene aura. This tour brings you to the isles allowing you to admire the luxurious mansions along the waterway that make up the neighborhood. This is also your opportunity to paddle a kayak as you unwind on the soothing waters. Also, find out more about the local flora and fauna which you’ll have a chance to admire on this tour.

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Kayaking Tour of Fort Lauderdale's Seven Isles

Duration: 2 hours

114 reviews

16. Enjoy a fun boat cruise (from USD 165.0)

A boat cruise is, no doubt, romantic, and there’s no better way to experience this than by hiring a private sailboat. This charter service in Fort Lauderdale allows you to sail aboard your very own 12-meter (40-foot) sailboat and admire the beauty of the coast from the water. Whether you’re just a couple or traveling in a larger group, you can enjoy the luxury offered aboard this vessel, which will take you past several popular sites in the city. Choose either the two-hour or four-hour cruise and prepare to have fun with your loved one.

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Fort Lauderdale Private Sailing Charter Experience

Duration: 4 hours

310 reviews

17. Grab a bite at The Foxy Brown

Stack of banana pancakes in a plate on white background
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

This local restaurant’s motto is ‘be nice’ and this explains their excellent service in a wonderful ambiance. The Foxy Brown captured the attention of locals with their sumptuous brunch menu, one of the best in the city. But other than brunch, you can also enjoy a delectable breakfast with options like banana pancakes, waffles, or avocado toast downed with a breakfast mimosa. If you’re planning a date night, then consider having dinner and drinks at The Foxy Brown. A favorite choice is their daily steak dish and good things are also said about their seafood delights.

The Foxy Brown

Address: 723 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, United States

Website: The Foxy Brown

Opening hours: Sun: 9:30am - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 11:30am - 10pm; Sat: 9:30am - 10pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Wed)

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18. Go tandem bike riding in Fort Lauderdale (from USD 11.0)

go tandem bike riding in fort lauderdale
Source: www.viator.com

Explore Fort Lauderdale at your own pace with a convenient tandem bike rental. From just 10.60 USD, you get to choose your preferred convenient pickup time as well. Take a ride through Hugh Taylor Birch Park, down the wooded trails, and along the Intracoastal Waterway. This family-friendly activity is indeed great for all ages!

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Tandem Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale

Duration: Flexible

2 reviews

Breathe in the romance here in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. Home to the Bonnet House, which houses many lush and historic art and the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a tropical area with diverse wildlife, there are a wide variety of romantic spots for couples and a range of activities to suit every budget. From luxurious sailing charters to free things to do in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are also numerous hotels, some of which are romantic hotels and near airports, and beach resorts you can rent to lengthen your vacation. Planning a romantic getaway and not sure where to go? This city will not disappoint!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Zoe, a friend to dandelions and a book enthusiast, firmly believes in the power of love to shape the world. Frequently found in bookstores or on planes, she is consistently en route to her next...Read more

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