article Destinations, Florida, InFocus: Fort Lauderdale, USA

FREE FORT LAUDERDALE, LET US COUNT THE WAYS

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tropical paradise offers a sweet retreat for all who visit. Better still, there are countless free ways to explore local gems, annual events, and worldclass art venues and attractions, no matter the interest or party size.

Here’s how to discover the Venice of America’s 31 vibrant communities at no extra cost:

Beaches

Enjoy a day or days of fun in the sun at eight distinct beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale, spanning 39 km:

  • Meditate as you watch the sunrise on beautiful Deerfield Beach, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s cove-like beach with a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts and surf lessons
  • Hillsboro Beach boasts the brightest lighthouse on the East Coast that you can take pictures in front of. (There are monthly tours for a fee through the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society)
  • Heading south, enjoy Pompano Beach, a favourite spot for families with playgrounds, a fishing pier, dive shops and boat charters
  • Catch the Old Florida “beach village” vibe of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s kilometre-long hamlet and snorkel (no boat needed) from the shore along three-tiered reefs
  • Stroll, jog or bike along the Fort Lauderdale beachfront promenade, a charming cosmopolitan spot
  • Dania Beach is home to some of the least crowded stretches of shoreline, and a favourite for kayaking, swimming, and picnicking
  • Hollywood is retro-cool and laid-back with a 4-km Broadwalk that is ideal for walking, cycling (try a fun-cycle) and jogging
  • In Hallandale Beach, visitors can enjoy beautiful stretches of beach and exciting nightlife.

Art Walks & Public Art

Multiple Greater Fort Lauderdale communities come together to celebrate local creativity with food, drink, live music, street performances, interactive exhibitions and more:

  • Fort Lauderdale Artwalk, last Saturday of the month starting at 6 p.m. in the MASS District (844 NE 4th Ave.)
  • Downtown Hollywood Artwalk, third Saturday monthly, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a walking tour of the mural project and a collection of curated outdoor murals by local, national, and international recognized artists – located at 1945 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
  • Keep an eye out for fascinating public art including Thrive, the colossal installation by Daniel Popper at 301 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale (next to The Wharf).
NSU Art Museum

Free Festivals & Events

  • Las Olas Art Fair – January, March, October, downtown Fort Lauderdale
  • IGNITE Broward – January, pop-up art installations in Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach
  • Fort Lauderdale Air Show – May, Fort Lauderdale beach
  • Stonewall Pride – June, Wilton Manors
  • Wicked Manors – Halloween, Wilton Manors
  • Christmas on Las Olas – November
  • Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – second Saturday in December, along the Intracoastal Waterway
  • Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade – second Friday in December
  • Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade – in December.

Live Music

  • Indulge in live music at Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, three nights a week, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Dance under the stars with free concerts at Hollywood Beach Theatre on the Hollywood Broadwalk on Wednesday through Sunday.
  • Take in the breeze, waterfront views and smooth tunes along Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk at the Sunday Jazz Brunch on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can bring your own food and beverages.

Sports

  • Take a free surf lesson on Saturday morning in Deerfield Beach, courtesy of Island Water Sports
  • Watch the Florida Panthers NHL practice sessions in October through April at the new Florida Panthers IceDen in Fort Lauderdale.

Free Admission

  • Visit the Plantation Historical Museum and Coral Springs Museum of Art
  • Explore the worldclass NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale with free admission and extended hours the first Thursday of every month from 11 am. to 7 p.m.
  • Peruse local art exhibits at the Art & Culture Center/Hollywood for free on the third Sunday of each month.

Getting Around

The LauderGo! MicroMover is a free, eco-friendly shuttle that operates daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Riders can use the “Ride Circuit” app to request a ride anywhere within the service area, which covers downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale beach. You can also get a free ride along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale with the LauderGO! Water Trolley, running daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.