With the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show bringing the yachting world to Florida, there is plenty to discover beyond the docks. From newly opened waterfront resorts and standout restaurants to rooftop bars, golf clubs and Halloween celebrations, Rachel Ingram rounds up the best places to stay, eat, drink and explore in the city...
With FLIBS in full swing, the yachting elite have moored up in the yachting capital of Fort Lauderdale. Outside of the show, the city has often been side-stepped for its glossier neighbour, Miami, but an influx of new openings and renovations is turning the tide on the city’s hospitality scene.
The "Venice of the Americas" has experienced something of a regeneration of late, with new luxury branded hotels including the 32-acre waterfront resort Pier Sixty-Six, a $1 million golf club and the billion-dollar renovation of Bahia Mar Yachting Center among its standout developments within recent years. From the trendiest restaurants and bars for a post-show outing to the newest hotels and activities for an extended stay, we reveal the hot spots that make Fort Lauderdale a must-visit destination in its own right.
Where to sleep, eat and drink
Fort Lauderdale is slowly but surely tempting international names down the coastline from hotel-rich Miami. From the Ritz-Carlton and Conrad to the W and Marriott, world-famous hospitality brands have made a home in the city.
The city's newest five-star hotel, opening its doors in January 2025 following a $1 billion renovation, is the 32-acre waterfront resort Pier Sixty-Six. Highlights include the re-opening of the tower’s famous rotating bar, a reimagined rooftop bar, a wellness spa, a shopping and dining promenade with 12 dining venues, three swimming pools and a marina with 164 berths.
Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale opened its doors in 2022 to much fanfare. The hotel’s 22-story curved building, designed by Miami architect Kobi Karp and inspired by superyachts, stands out on the skyline, while its culinary offering is already causing a buzz amongst foodies.
The hottest table of the moment is at Four Seasons' MAASS, a contemporary American restaurant with a wood-fire concept where ingredients are cooked on an open-fire hearth. At the helm is Chef-Owner Ryan Ratino, who has won Michelin awards for his culinary concepts – book the Chef’s Counter for the ultimate, immersive culinary experience. Oenophiles should also get in line, because MAAS has an award-winning wine list.
The hotel's signature restaurant Evelyn's Fort Lauderdale is another tempting choice, offering modern Mediterranean flavours with ocean views. The kitchen, headed by Chef Brandon Salomon – previously at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach – serves up a hearty offering of fresh catches from Florida waters.
Next door, on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, rooftop bar Nubé is mixing creative craft cocktails inspired by the sky and the sea. A picturesque spot for a sunset, its glass terrace offers panoramic views of the beach and ocean.
For a Florida Riviera-style riverside dining experience, head to Boatyard, which features a coast-chic indoor and outdoor dining area. Visit for its locally sourced menu, cool ambience, cosy nautical décor, and special offerings such as Sunday brunch.
Another option is House on the River, occupying a pretty duo of historic buildings that were once private homes. Inside, there are several charming dining rooms filled with antique furniture, but we recommend booking a spot on the picturesque, canal-side terrace for a long, leisurely lunch.
Located on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale, TIMBR is a modern American dining destination with an atmospheric setting where rustic charm meets contemporary sophistication.
Things to do
For active visitors, there are plenty of options. The city is in close proximity to some of Florida’s best golf clubs and courses, including the lavish Shell Bay Club which opened in 2023 with a $1 million membership initiation fee. Access is only permitted with a member but there are plenty of other courses that offer day passes, such as Jacaranda Golf Club and the Country Club of Coral Springs.
Keen to practice your swing at night? New high-tech driving range Topgolf Pompano Beach features over 100 hitting bays where players can challenge each other to fun games.
For those who prefer to relax, Fort Lauderdale is home to myriad wellness centres and spas, including The Spa at Auberge Beach. Open since late 2023, the wellness centre and med spa provide advanced holistic treatments in a tranquil setting. The Four Seasons hotel also features a luxury spa offering signature treatments such as ebb and flow massages and hydraderm facials.
What’s happening for Halloween
Outside of FLIBS, there’s plenty to entertain across Fort Lauderdale. On 31 October, the largest annual Halloween costume party in the Southeast, Wicked Manors, returns to the city. A hit with yachties, the event sees thousands of partygoers dress up and head the streets for an evening of spooky fun and entertainment. On 7th November, the second annual Day of the Dead celebration will take place at Esplanade Park. Visitors can anticipate traditional performances, live music and dancing, food stands and family-friendly activities such as face painting.
If you're looking for something lively, Saturday Fright Fever is being hosted at the Empire Social Lounge, which promises a 1970s disco-themed Halloween party starting at 8.00pm on 31 October.
Read More/News anchors: Day three at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2026