Fort Lauderdale, Florida features both beaches and nearby rivers to explore. People staying in Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals can enjoy easy access to boats, jet skis, and other water sports. There are plenty of outdoor attractions in the city, as well as indoor activities perfect for a rainy day. Whether you’re on a trolley, in a boat, or riding a Segway, you’re never far from the fun at this beloved beach destination.
1. Visit the Rivers on a Paddle Board or Kayak
One the notable features of Fort Lauderdale is that it not only has beautiful ocean views, it also sits on a large network of rivers and canals. To traverse the rivers, rent paddleboard or kayaks from Blueskies Florida. The company provides maps if you want to go it alone, and it also has guides if you want someone to show you the way.
2. Ride Around On a Segway or Scooter
If you want to get to know Fort Lauderdale a little better before walking around, speed things up by renting a segway or scooter from Fun Center Tour and Rental. It offers lessons before you ride, and the rental company’s guides give you the history of the area while you ride around.
3. Take a Riverfront Cruise
One of the best ways to view the amazing homes that sit on the rivers in Fort Lauderdale is on a ride with Riverfront Cruises. The mansions and amazing landscapes on these tours are hidden from street view, and the tour guides let you know who owns the homes and spectacular yachts you pass along the way.
4. Help the Kids Burn Off Some Energy
For people traveling with children, few attractions can keep everyone busy on a rainy day in Fort Lauderdale like Xtreme Action Park. The park has a skating rink, bowling, go-carts, arcade games, and several other activities for vacationers of all ages. There is a concession area in the park with kid-friendly foods like hot dogs and chicken fingers.
5. Act Like a Pirate
BlueFoot Pirate Adventures not only has ships in colorful colors flying pirate flags, but the staff onboard dress and talk like pirates. These tours start off with face painting and tattoos, making it even more fun for the kids on your family vacation.
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6. Go Sailing
Sailing on a catamaran with Tropical Sailing is a wonderful way to enjoy a bright, sunny day on your Fort Lauderdale vacation. Its tours visit several area islands, and they dock so you can try your hand at paddle boarding or swimming in the ocean. There are snacks and drinks on the boats, so you only have to worry about remembering the sunscreen.
7. Head Out On a Jet Ski
Doctor Jet Ski and Water Sports Rental is right on the beach, so it’s easy to rent a jet ski or other water equipment and get yourself out on the water. The company offers lessons for use of jet skis and kayaks, and it also rents equipment like beach chairs so you can relax and look at the ocean when you’re done with a day on the water.
8. See the City on a Party Bike
Use combined pedal power to see the city by joining a CP Tours Cycle Party. People on the tour pedal away while the guide steers the vehicle and points out places to see and things to do in Fort Lauderdale. The company offers specialized tours around the city’s breweries or restaurants, or you can build your own custom experience.
9. See the Everglades By Airboat
Get a close-up view of crocodiles, exotic birds, and other Everglades wildlife by hopping on a tour with Fort Lauderdale Airboat Rides. The boats accommodate children and adults, so these tours are a great way for the entire family to learn about the incredible ecosystem of the area.
10. View the Ocean From Above
Parasailing with Aloha Watersports lets you see great views of the Fort Lauderdale area while also getting a new perspective on the ocean life below. The company also rents waverunners and offers lessons and advice for first-timers.
11. View the Fish and Reefs Up Close
Take an afternoon to go snorkeling with Yolo Boat Rentals and let their Coast Guard-certified captains show you the way. There is a rope to hang on to if you don’t want to venture too far off on your own, and the company has all the equipment you need for your trip down into the sea.
12. Take a Lazy Riverboat Ride
Hop aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat for a ride through the exclusive neighborhoods that border the Las Olas River. The company runs a private island where tours stop for dinner and a variety show, and where vacationers can see some of the local flora and wildlife up close.
13. Spend a Day at the Museums
If the weather isn’t cooperating or you need things to do out of the sun, head to the museums of Fort Lauderdale to explore local history. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens features a fabulous mansion filled with artwork and surrounded by more than 350 acres of garden species native to the area. The Stranahan House is right in the center of the city, and it is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale.
14. See Fort Lauderdale By Trolley
If you head to Fort Lauderdale without a vehicle, jump on board Sun Trolley to get back and forth from your vacation rental to the beach, or take it to the grocery store if you want to do your own cooking or stock up on drinks for the fridge. The trolley offers all-day tickets so you can hop on and off as many times as you like to eat or play.
15. Enjoy a Relaxing Gondola Tour
Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America due to its canal systems, and taking a ride with Las Olas Gondola Tours is a great way to top off a day spent in the sun. You can bring your own food and drinks on your trip, with the company providing ice, wine glasses, and water.
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