Creating Really Awesome Free Trips: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Creating Really Awesome Free Trips is back, and it will happen most Thursday’s from now until the end of August. Hopefully you will find a few fun, free family friendly things to do in a city near you! Or use these lists to plan an unforgettable road trip the whole fam can enjoy!

As many of you know I moved from Austin, TX to Fort Lauderdale, FL in February 2012. (Lots about the move here and here) Although it’s far from friends and family, Andy and I have found lots of fun, free things to do here… We’ve even made a few new friends!  Our very favorite thing to do here is the 23 miles of beach which is why that’s #1 on the list!

 

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach- It’s beautiful, free, and I can do it for days!  I think it does cost to park, but we always walk down. That’s one of Sunny’s good qualities : ) The lifeguard stands look like UFO’s… I like that. Bring a picnic or grab a slice of pizza on the beach. Our pizza place of choice is Primanti Brothers.  We also love Guacolmole’s for a mid day smoothie! Hours of free entertainment…

2. West Lake Park- This is a Broward county park with free entry and parking. There are 3 hiking trails, an observation tower (you can have a picnic up there), and you get to see critters in the mangroves.
west lake park florida

3. Las Olas Farmers Market- This happens every Sunday on Las Olas from 9am-1pm. A fun atmosphere and a chance to try a juicy local orange or grapefruit.

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4. Las Olas Boulevard- We like walking around at night… Art galleries stay open late, there are tons of restaurants, and the people watching is superb. Kilwin’s icecream and Yogurt Ur Way are pretty tasty too (but not free).
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5. Art Scavenger Hunt- I have not actually had the privilege of doing this.  I’ve heard it’s really fun and it only happens one weekend a year, typically in November.   This is a piece from the 2010 scavenger hunt that was never found.

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6. Water Taxi- This isn’t free, but there is a good deal! If you go after 5:00pm, any day of the week, it’s half price. That’s $10 a person. Fort Lauderdale isn’t called the Venice of the West for nothing! The taxi driver gives you lots of info about the ginormous mansions and yachts on the water. You can get on and off at any of the water taxi’s 12 stops for $10. Did I mention it’s BYOB or W. This is me and my grandmother on the water taxi…

water taxi ft lauderdale
7. Ft. Lauderdale Sun Trolley- There are 2 weekend routes and 3 weekday routes. Wait anywhere along the route, wave your hands, and the next trolley will pick you up! Some routes are free and some cost 50 cents. It’s a fun way to see Fort Lauderdale and a lot cheaper than taxis.
free things to do in ft. lauderdale

8. Antique Car Museum-This museum houses 22 pre WW2 cars. The oldest car on display is from 1909, has to be cranked by hand, and has gas lanterns as headlights! It sounds like a neat museum because you’re allowed to touch the cars and it’s FREE!

antique car museum ft. lauderdalesource
9. Historical Walking Tour- It’s free! Tours begin on Sundays at 2:30pm in the lobby area of the New River Inn and run from October – May only. Learn about the neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale along the New River prior to the 20th century! This is on my to do list!

 

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10. Gulfstream Park- Have you ever been to a horse race? It’s fun! And free to sit in general admission (the walking room, tiki hit, or apron). Parking is also free. Check the racing calendar to plan your trip to the track… bring a few bucks to bet on your favorite horses!

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Have you ever been to Fort Lauderdale? What did you think? Did I miss anything? I am certainly not an expert, after all, I’ve only lived here for 5 months…

Comments

  1. I absolutely LOVE Fort Lauderdale! My husband and I have been there on vacation four times already and even got married there because this is our favorite place on earth. It might sound ridiculous, but it is actually our biggest wish to move to FLL and we’re trying to figure out a way how to make this dream come true. Such a beautiful place with many great things to do and see, it probably never gets boring! You’re a lucky girl to live there ;)

    • Your wedding pics are beautiful :) I am lucky to live so close to the beach! It easy to take it for granted when you live here… Thank you for the reminder!

  2. I currently live in FLL and can’t think of much else. Shout out to your #9…my husband works there :)

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