11 Must-See Cities Near Fort Lauderdale

Are you looking for the top nearby cities in the greater Fort Lauderdale area? If so, you’ve landed on the right article.

In this post, I’ll cover the most popular cities to visit within spitting distance of the “Venice of America.”  One of my personal favorite cities near Fort Lauderdale is Deerfield Beach, but I’ll let you decide which is yours! 

These South Florida metropolises have plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches, art galleries, and miles of inland waterways to boardwalks, lighthouses, and scenic piers.

These must-see cities near Fort Lauderdale are perfect for day trips or longer getaways. 

1. Miami

Miami tops the list of best cities to visit near Fort Lauderdale, United States.

This culturally diverse city boasts a balmy coast, vibrant nightlife, a booming entertainment district, and incredible activities.

The best part? Miami is only 28.9 miles (a 39-minute drive) from Fort Lauderdale.

I love getting out on the water when I’m in Miami. There are few better ways to enjoy the gorgeous coast of the Atlantic Ocean than from a yacht or kayak.

Paddle through mangroves on these kayak tours and rentals, or treat yourself to several hours of luxurious fun on these private boat tours.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some Miami dolphins.

If you love partying, want to celebrate a special event, or need a dazzling way to get from Point A to B, these Miami party buses do the job admirably.

On a budget? Not to worry! There are plenty of excellent free things to do in Miami.

2. Hollywood

Skip the crowds and familiar vibes of Fort Lauderdale Beach for the delightfully quirky and welcoming community of Hollywood, Florida.

This city has incredible restaurants, a four-mile boardwalk, and a spacious and beautiful beach. Its proximity to Fort Lauderdale makes it ideal for a quick day trip.

Hollywood is only a 20-minute drive away. Visitors to this city and its tourist attractions will travel 10.9 miles each way (a total distance of 21.8 miles).

The hotels, shops, restaurants, and green spaces along the boardwalk are great places to see in Hollywood.

TY Park is a fabulous spot for a picnic, grill-out, nature walk, and paddle-boarding on the lake.

3. Deerfield Beach

Deerfield Beach is another of the best must-see cities near Fort Lauderdale.

It is located in Broward County and is only 24 minutes away from downtown Fort Lauderdale by car (17.3 miles).

There’s plenty to see in Deerfield Beach. The mile-long beach is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. It’s one of the best places to go swimming or surfing.

Other popular attractions include the 975-foot-long Deerfield International Fishing Pier. Anglers will have a pleasant time fishing here.

If you’re looking for skiing opportunities, check out Ski Rixen USA, a cable park perfect for skiing, slaloming, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and surfing.

4. Coral Springs

Performing arts, recreational activities, and delicious cuisine await at Coral Springs.

This tranquil suburb is only 34 minutes (29.2 miles) from the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Major attractions include the 5-acre Sawgrass Nature Center and the Coral Springs Center For The Arts.

Sawgrass Nature Center is home to various reptiles, mammals, birds, native Florida plants, and a wildlife hospital.

It’s an excellent place to learn more about native wild creatures.

The Center for Performing Arts hosts jazz and pop concerts, Broadway productions, comedians, and family-oriented events.

Don’t miss the Coral Springs Museum of Art or tasty food paired with craft beers at The Cook and the Cork.

5. Pompano Beach

Nature reserves, golf courses, antiques, and fun events define Pompano Beach.

This city is only 19 minutes (11.2 miles) from the downtown area of Fort Lauderdale, making it one of the closer places to visit from the Venice of America.

This vibrant community is a fantastic spot to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.

But if you prefer not to get wet, hit Greg Norman Signature Pines Golf Course or search for great deals at the Hillsboro Antique Mall and Café.

Are you interested in music? The Great Lawn hosts year-round open-air events such as Music Under the Stars.

6. Coconut Creek

Coconut Creek is a fabulous spot to visit if you love learning and the outdoors.

This city is only 29 minutes (17.1 miles) from Fort Lauderdale and has labeled itself the “Butterfly Capital of the World.”

Given its nickname, you won’t want to miss a trip to Butterfly World.

It’s the largest bird and butterfly park in the world, housing over 20,000 butterflies from across the planet.

The Research Facility offers intriguing insight into the life cycle and metamorphosis of the butterflies.

Nearby Tradewinds Park is a 600-acre park complete with barnyard animals, pony rides, and a mini steam train running on the weekends. You can also play disc golf, soccer, cricket, and baseball.

7. Lauderdale By The Sea

Want to visit a delightfully quaint beach town on a barrier island? If so, put Lauderdale by the Sea on your list.

This fabulous town is located east of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Lauderdale by the Sea is only 7 miles away from Fort Lauderdale (a 19-minute drive).

It’s a top spot to snorkel above the coral reef, explore the SS Copenhagen shipwreck, meander the walkable downtown, and explore Commercial Boulevard.

Other things to do in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea include shopping at the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Farmers’ Market (open Sundays, December through May) and cruising the streets on a bicycle. 

8. Boca Raton

No matter your interests, you will find something to love at Boca Raton. This seaside city is only 28 minutes (20.5 miles) from Fort Lauderdale.

Don’t miss a stop at Red Reef Park in Boca Raton, a 67-acre park with vast swaths of greenery, shallow water, nature trails, boardwalks, pavilions, picnic areas, and playgrounds. This is a top spot to swim, fish, snorkel, and surf.

Shoppers will enjoy Mizner Park, while cultural enthusiasts will love the Boca Raton Museum of Art. 

If you need time to cool off, consider watching a show at Wick Theatre, stopping by a trendy restaurant, or shopping in the Town Center.

9. Sunrise

Classic cars, stars, and more await at Sunrise, Florida. Sunrise is only 27 minutes (10.7 miles) from Fort Lauderdale.

This city is home to the Fox Observatory, a neat place to observe the stars and planets. The observatory is open to the public from sunset until midnight.

While you’re there, check out the restored telescope that belonged to Dr. Joseph Dennison Fox.

Another fascinating thing to see in Sunrise is the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars. Learn about the history of the automobile and see a bunch of classic cars.

This collection started as a private collection by Eddie and Joanne Dauer but grew into a museum in its own right.

10. Dania Beach

Natural shorelines, mangroves, a gorgeous pier, and antique shops are only a few attractions at Dania Beach, a community only 13 minutes (5.1 miles) from Fort Lauderdale.

Explore the extensive mangrove forests via kayak.

Visit the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts to see an impressive collection of glass and ceramic pieces. And shop for antiques along US Highway 1.

The pier in Dania Beach is a stunning 1,000 feet long and an incredible spot to catch the sunrise or sunset.

If you’re interested in a unique sport, consider picking up a wicker cesta and challenging your travel-mates to a few rounds of jai-alai. 

11. Lighthouse Point

Hop in your car and head to Lighthouse Point for a lovely day on the coast. This picturesque city is only 25 minutes (15.5 miles) from Fort Lauderdale.

The first thing you’ll want to see is the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, a striking lighthouse that dates back to 1906.

Plan ahead, and you might nab the opportunity to visit and climb the lighthouse. 

Another great thing to do is walk along the Intracoastal Waterway in Frank McDonough Park.

Stroll along the paths, enjoying the gorgeous vistas, watching boats pass, and taking deep breaths of the refreshing ocean air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cities Are Near Fort Lauderdale Airport?

Dania Beach, Hollywood, and Sunrise are three cities near Fort Lauderdale Airport. 

Dania Beach is 7 minutes from the airport, Hollywood is 20 minutes from the airport, and Sunrise is 29 minutes away.

All three offer fun activities, ranging from shorelines lush with mangroves to a four-mile-long boardwalk to a 1,000-foot pier.

Other towns and neighborhoods to consider include Pembroke Pines, the town of Davie, and the city of Wilton Manors on Wilton Drive.

Conclusion: Must-See Cities Near Fort Lauderdale

Whether you’re interested in wildlife, watersports, antique shops, or obscure sports, I hope this list of must-see cities near Fort Lauderdale has given you great information.

This geographic area offers an abundance of natural treasures, from gorgeous white-sand beaches to the extensive canal system of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Boat tours, kayak tours, party buses, performing art centers, nature preserves, and eye-catching lighthouses are only a few of the attractions in these cities.

So, what’ll it be? Will you visit Butterfly World in Coconut Creek?

Will you catch a jazz concert in Coral Springs, or try your hand at cable skiing at Ski Rixen USA in Deerfield Beach?

No matter which destination you choose, you’re sure to have a blast.

 

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