Solo travel in Fort Lauderdale

Solo travel tips

• Stay on the beach strip or near Las Olas so you can walk to restaurants and bars.
• Sit at the bar at Las Olas restaurants for easy conversation.
• Use the Water Taxi day pass to sightsee and get around at the same time.
• Keep valuables out of sight on the beach; use a waterproof pouch when you swim.
• Wilton Manors is a welcoming, sociable base for LGBTQ+ solo travellers.

Where to stay

Great on your own

Experience · New River and Intracoastal

Water Taxi

Buy a day pass and use it as your transport between the Riverwalk, Las Olas and the beach; sit outside on the upper deck.

Time needed

2–4 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Iconic
• Views
• Couples
• Kids
• Photo spot

Experience · Fort Lauderdale Beach

Jungle Queen Riverboat

Choose the shorter sightseeing cruise for children; the evening dinner cruise is longer.

Time needed

1.5–4 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Kids
• Views
• Iconic

Historic site · Fort Lauderdale Beach

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Take the guided house tour, then walk the nature trails; it is a cool, shaded break from the beach across the road.

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• History
• Architecture
• Nature
• Couples
• Off the beaten path

Waterfront · Las Olas and Downtown

Riverwalk and Stranahan House

Time your walk for a drawbridge opening, when megayachts squeeze up the narrow river.

Time needed

1.5 hours

Cost

Low cost

• History
• Outdoors
• Free
• Views

Gallery · Las Olas and Downtown

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Combine it with lunch on Las Olas, two minutes' walk away.

Time needed

1–1.5 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Art
• Rainy day

Meeting people

• Dock and dine on the Intracoastal — Many waterfront restaurants along the Intracoastal and the New River have boat docks; even without a boat, a table by the water lets you watch the yachts go by. Arrive by Water Taxi for the full effect.
• Las Olas dinner stroll — East Las Olas Boulevard has dozens of restaurants with pavement seating; walk it before choosing, then finish with gelato.
• Fort Lauderdale Beach — Open-air bars facing the sand on A1A, often with live music, busiest on weekend nights.
• Las Olas Boulevard — Wine bars, cocktail lounges and late restaurants along the main strolling street.

Sensible precautions

Visitor areas are generally safe, but do not leave bags unattended on the beach or valuables visible in cars. Natural hazards matter more: swim near lifeguards and heed rip-current flags, protect yourself from strong sun, leave the beach when lightning approaches, and follow official guidance if a hurricane threatens between June and November.

Emergency number

911

Staying connected

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés and at the airport; mobile coverage is good across the county.

Questions travellers ask