Posted: October 3, 2025
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the highlight of the yachting calendar each fall, drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe. Known as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale is the perfect host city for such a prestigious event, offering not only world-class yachts and marine exhibits but also an endless variety of things to see and do. Learn more about attending the 2025 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Oct. 29 – Nov 2.
Whether you’re planning to extend your stay before the show begins or enjoy a few extra days afterward, Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of attractions, dining options, and cultural experiences to make your trip unforgettable.
Las Olas Boulevard
A trip to Fort Lauderdale isn’t complete without a stroll down Las Olas Boulevard! This lively street stretches from downtown to the beach and is considered the city’s premier shopping and dining destination. Along the boulevard, you’ll find boutiques like Maus & Hoffman and Tommy Bahama, as well as art galleries and sidewalk cafés. Stop for lunch at Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, a local favorite known for house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas, or enjoy modern American cuisine at Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille inside the Riverside Hotel. In the evening, Las Olas transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub, with rooftop cocktails at Rooftop @1WLO or live music at The Balcony, where New Orleans flair meets Fort Lauderdale energy.
Photo Credit: visitlauderdale.com
The Intracoastal By Water Taxi
For a unique Fort Lauderdale experience, spend time on the water exploring the city’s canals, often referred to as the “Venice of America.” The Water Taxi is a fun and convenient way to get around, offering hop-on, hop-off service at dozens of stops near hotels, attractions, and restaurants. You’ll cruise past impressive waterfront mansions and mega-yachts that define the city’s nautical lifestyle. For a more private outing, consider a sightseeing cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat, a Fort Lauderdale tradition since 1935, or book a chartered boat tour to take in the Intracoastal Waterway at sunset.
Fort Lauderdale’s Beaches
Of course, the beaches remain one of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest attractions, and Fort Lauderdale Beach delivers the quintessential South Florida experience. With its golden sand, turquoise water, and palm-lined promenade, the beach invites visitors to relax, swim, or simply people-watch. Popular spots along the beachfront include Coconuts, a casual restaurant with fresh seafood and a lively dockside atmosphere, and Elbo Room, an iconic bar that has been a local favorite since 1938. Whether you’re grabbing fish tacos and a cold drink after a swim or enjoying an evening cocktail as the sun sets, the beachside dining and nightlife options are as much a draw as the sand and surf.
Photo Credit: visitlauderdale.com
Culture and History
For those interested in culture and history, Fort Lauderdale offers several attractions beyond the shoreline. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens combines art, history, and nature on a beautiful 35-acre estate. Just a short drive away, the NSU Art Museum features a collection of more than 7,500 works with a focus on contemporary art. The Historic Stranahan House Museum, the city’s oldest surviving structure, offers guided tours that bring Fort Lauderdale’s pioneer history to life. Families may enjoy the Museum of Discovery and Science, where interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater provide a full day of entertainment!
The Culinary Scene
Dining in Fort Lauderdale is a highlight in itself, particularly when it comes to seafood. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, 15th Street Fisheries is a must-visit for fresh catches and beautiful waterfront views. At the Lauderdale Marina, Southport Raw Bar is beloved for its laid-back vibe and raw oysters, while Boatyard serves upscale seafood and steak in a sleek, nautical-themed space. If you’re looking for something more casual, head to YOT Bar & Kitchen or Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, where the burgers are legendary. For international flair, try Casa Sensei, which fuses Pan-Asian flavors with Latin American influences and even offers gondola dining experiences on the canals.
Vibrant Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Fort Lauderdale offers nightlife to suit every mood. If you want a lively scene, the bars and clubs along Las Olas and Himmarshee Street are packed with energy. If a more refined evening appeals, enjoy rooftop views and cocktails at Sparrow, located on the 25th floor of The Dalmar Hotel, or unwind with craft beer at Funky Buddha Brewery, one of South Florida’s most popular microbreweries. For something truly local, the legendary Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show has been entertaining guests since 1956 with tropical cocktails, a lush tiki atmosphere, and live performances!
Fort Lauderdale Day Trips
If you have extra time to explore beyond the city, Fort Lauderdale makes an excellent base for South Florida day trips. To the south, Miami offers world-famous nightlife, art in Wynwood, and the bustling streets of South Beach. North of Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach is home to upscale shopping on Worth Avenue and historic architecture. If you’re craving an adventure in nature, head west to the Everglades for an airboat tour that showcases Florida’s unique wildlife or continue south to the Florida Keys for a laid back island experience just a few hours away.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show may be the main reason for your visit, but the city itself is an attraction that should not be overlooked. From the elegance of Las Olas Boulevard to the charm of the Venice of America canals, the sun-soaked stretch of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the countless dining and nightlife options, there is something for everyone. With so many experiences packed into one destination, it’s clear why visitors often extend their stay and why many return year after year.
What makes Fort Lauderdale such an exceptional destination is how seamlessly it blends with the energy of the boat show. After a day spent exploring the latest yachts, marine technology, and industry innovations at FLIBS, you can easily transition into shopping, dining, or relaxing by the water. The city’s culture, natural beauty, and lively atmosphere enhance the experience of attending one of the world’s largest boat shows, giving visitors the perfect balance of work and play.
Learn More About Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale
Taking time to enjoy Fort Lauderdale will make your FLIBS experience even more memorable. It’s the perfect combination of world-class yachts and world-class city living, all in one place. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant for fresh seafood, a local bar for live music, or a hidden gem along the canals, the SYS team knows how to pair the boating lifestyle with the best of Fort Lauderdale. Contact us to learn more.