where is the best area to stay in fort lauderdale, florida?

Where is the best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Nicknamed the Venice of the US, Fort Lauderdale shimmers with canal waterways and fabulous sandy beaches. This is a city where the sun always shines, so outdoor pursuits are key. Whether you’re relaxing on a palm tree lined beach, cruising through the water on a catamaran, or sampling the delicious local seafood, you’ll enjoy a taste of the good life in this Florida city.

This area is teaming with marine life such as turtles and manatees, and you can tour the Everglades, a famous natural wonder, from here. Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard, and you’ll find contemporary art galleries, local shops, and excellent dining.

If you want to be where the action is, the best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale is the Central Beach area. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, with attractions like Bonnet House Museum and Gardens at your doorstep. Nearby, you can also cycle or stroll the trails at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. At night, you’ll find a host of vibrant bars and restaurants along the beach strip. This area is served by the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley which will take you to the Las Olas shopping area. Port Everglades, one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports, is also located nearby.

Other areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale: Lauderdale by the Sea, 17th Street Causeway, or Las Olas.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Fort Lauderdale, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, you may also be interested in where to stay in Miami, where to stay in Orlando, where to stay in Key West and where to stay in Tampa.

Central Beach, the best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale

Beaches / Nightlife / Without a Car

The place that we highly recommend for staying in Fort Lauderdale is Central Beach because it offers the best of this mesmerizing city. Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city in Florida and is famous for its beaches that attract thousands of people every year. The Central Beach, however, stands-out amongst all other beaches in the city. This beach has a lot to offer to the people staying here. There is so much to this beach that one can spend the entire day exploring it.

The best part about this beach is that it offers a variety of water activities including fishing, snorkeling, boating, etc. You can also take a ride in the boat or cruise to explore the exotic beach and its surroundings. The beach is covered with umbrellas, chairs, pine trees, picnic tables, etc for the people that want to spend their time on the beach. This beach gives a spectacular view at night when the sea wall is lit with colored rope lighting. The night scene in Central Beach is an unforgettable experience and people can enjoy music with wine and cocktails. Central Beach is the center of entertainment in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This area is perfect for stay with family and friends.

There are several restaurants, food stalls, and bars on the sand. Central Beach is a perfect place for families wanting to have some fun. You can also book a stay in one of the luxurious cruises on the Central Beach and take a tour of the majestic beach views and its surroundings. If you have a love for fishing then you can take part in fishing sports by getting on one of the boats on Central Beach. There are luxury electric motor boats available for booking on Valentine’s Day with a loved one. The tour on the boat is entertaining, informative, and exciting. The passengers can also see different wildlife during their ride on the boat. You can also have fun on cruise or water taxi tours in the evening. An amazing live jazz night is held in Casablanca Café every night. You can relax on the beach sand in day time by looking at the beautiful pelicans flying overhead. You can also go for a dive or enjoy snorkeling in the deep water. Overall, the Central Beach area in Fort Lauderdale is one of the most happening places to stay in the city. This place is perfect for families, couples, and singles that want to party and enjoy cruising trips on the beach.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach

Other areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale

17th Street Causeway

Cruises / On a Budget

Enjoying a stay in one of the beautiful hotels in 17th street Causeway is so easy! There are 14 well-appointed hotels to choose from plus a selection of other types of accommodation and they are within a ten mile drive (16km) of Fort Lauderdale International Airport. If you are planning a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, the port is within easy reach too. There is an attractive beachfront area with a number of restaurants and beach related shops and the Pier 66 Marina gives the opportunity to enjoy some sailing. Tempting though it is to stretch out in the sunshine by the hotel pool, there are a number of places of interest to visit.

The bascule drawbridge (Clay E.Shaw Memorial Bridge) is definitely one! The bridge opens on the hour and half hour and is interesting to watch. There is the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) which is a saltwater Olympic size pool and another fun option is the public pool situated right on the beach. The hotels have plenty of evening entertainment, but if you enjoy a lively night scene, Las Olas Boulevard is the place to go and is located just a few miles away.

Hotels in 17th Street Causeway

Las Olas

Shopping / Dining / Nightlife

Las Olas means ‘the waves’ in Spanish and this is the premier South Florida destination with excellent hotels. Las Olas is conveniently close to the gorgeous Fort Lauderdale beaches, the international airport (3 ml/5 km) and Port Everglades. Las Olas is an excellent place to stay for all the family and this is a thought shared by many celebs! At the eastern end of Las Olas Boulevard there are numerous canals. Many of the stunning waterfront properties are owned by celebs and there are boat trips available that reveal who lives where! Las Olas Boulevard is the focus of the neighborhood and has a vibrant collection of shops, art galleries and nightclubs.

If you are staying in Las Olas everywhere is within easy walking distance, but it is fun to catch one of water taxis or to hire a bicycle. There are boat trips to enjoy, good restaurants, the art house movie theater and the art museum. If you want to relax and be pampered, Las Olas has Spas, salons and beauty centers for both men and women.

Hotels in Las Olas

Lauderdale by the Sea

Beaches / Families / Couples

Lauderdale by the Sea is a charming and laid-back area located just north of Fort Lauderdale. It is a popular destination for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to all the amenities of Fort Lauderdale. The town is home to a beautiful beach, which is a major draw for visitors. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with crystal-clear water and soft sand. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Lauderdale by the Sea is also known for its lively commercial district, which offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, casual beachside dining, and live music at the town’s many eateries and bars.

Accommodations in the area range from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, with many offering ocean views and easy access to the beach. The town’s small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it easy to explore on foot or by bike, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy. Overall, Lauderdale by the Sea is an excellent choice for those looking for a laid-back beach vacation with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Hotels in Lauderdale by the Sea