What To Do In Fort Lauderdale While At FLIBS
What To Do In Fort Lauderdale While At FLIBS
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) may be the main reason you are visiting this October, but there is also plenty to discover once you step away from the docks. Known as the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’, Fort Lauderdale is a city shaped by its waterways, but its appeal extends well beyond the marina.
From long stretches of Atlantic beach to historic estates, independent boutiques and the wild landscapes of the Everglades, there is plenty to fill the hours between yacht appointments. FLIBS runs from 28 October to 1 November, and whether you have an afternoon to spare or are staying a few extra days around the show, here are some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale while at FLIBS.
Stroll Along Las Olas Boulevard
For a change of scene after a day at the show, head to Las Olas Boulevard. Stretching from downtown towards Fort Lauderdale Beach, it is one of the city's liveliest areas, lined with independent boutiques, galleries and colorful streets.
It is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon, when the heat begins to ease, and the boulevard comes to life. Browse the shops, explore the galleries or take a stroll towards the beach.
Discover Bonnet House
Just a short distance from the beach, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a glimpse into a very different side of Fort Lauderdale. Built in the early 20th century as a winter retreat, the historic estate combines eclectic architecture with tropical gardens and artwork.
Allow a couple of hours to explore the house and grounds, which retain much of the character of old Fort Lauderdale. Its location also makes it easy to combine with a visit to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or some time on the beach.
Take To The Water
There is no better way to understand Fort Lauderdale than from the water. The city's network of canals and waterways passes waterfront homes, marinas, and an impressive collection of yachts, while the Intracoastal Waterway offers a different perspective on the city.
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is an easy way to get out on the waterways without committing to a full excursion. Alternatively, take a leisurely cruise through the waterways and see the city from a different perspective. After a day of yacht-watching, it is a fitting way to experience the city from the water itself.
Make Time For The Beach
FLIBS can be busy, so a few hours with your feet in the sand can provide the perfect reset. Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches along the Atlantic and is close enough to the main show sites that a beach walk, swim, or relaxed afternoon is easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
For a change of scenery, venture south towards Hollywood Beach, where the broad shoreline and famous beachfront promenade offer a more laid-back atmosphere.
Explore Hollywood's Art And Independent Shops
Just south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood makes an easy half-day excursion. Its downtown streets feature colorful murals by local and international artists, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer independent shops and galleries worth exploring.
The city's famous Hollywood Beach Boardwalk runs for almost 2.5 miles along the Atlantic, making it a good option for a leisurely walk beside the ocean. It is a worthwhile addition if you have already seen the main sights of Fort Lauderdale and want to venture beyond the city without going too far.
Visit Stranahan House
For a dose of local history, stop at Stranahan House on the New River. Dating back to 1901, it is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and offers an insight into Fort Lauderdale's early days, long before the city became synonymous with superyachts. Its location beside the river also makes it an easy addition to a walk around downtown or a Water Taxi journey.
Shop At Sawgrass Mills
If you have a few hours away from the show and fancy some retail therapy, Sawgrass Mills is hard to miss. Located around 30 minutes west of central Fort Lauderdale, the vast outlet shopping destination is one of the largest in the United States.
With hundreds of stores spanning fashion, accessories, homeware, sportswear, and luxury brands, it's especially useful for anyone looking to pick something up before heading home- or for a break from the show circuit. Set aside several hours if you want to explore properly; the complex's sheer size makes it easy to spend longer there than planned.
Escape To Flamingo Gardens
If you have a little more time, head west to Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. Its tropical gardens showcase South Florida's native landscape, while the sanctuary provides a home for permanently injured or unreleasable wildlife.
It offers a peaceful contrast to the energy of FLIBS and a chance to experience the subtropical landscape surrounding the city.
Take A Trip To The Everglades
For a more adventurous escape, the Everglades are within easy reach of Fort Lauderdale. The vast wetland ecosystem offers a complete change of scenery from the city's beaches and waterways, and airboat tours let you explore its waterways and look out for alligators and other wildlife.
A half-day excursion can work particularly well around a busy FLIBS schedule, giving you a chance to experience one of South Florida's most distinctive natural environments without sacrificing a full day at the show.
See A Different Side Of Fort Lauderdale
FLIBS offers a window into Fort Lauderdale's role at the heart of the global yachting industry, but spending a little time beyond the show reveals why the city has become such an enduring destination in its own right.
From the waterways and beaches to historic homes, vibrant neighborhoods, shopping, and the wild landscapes of the Everglades, there is plenty to explore between yacht viewings. Whether you have a spare afternoon or a few extra days, make time to step away from the show and experience another side of sunny South Florida.
More To Explore
From October 28 to November 1, 2026, Fort Lauderdale will host the 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Recognized as the world’s largest in-water boat show, FLIBS welcomes more than 100,000 visitors and brings together over 1,300 boats, alongside leading yacht builders, brokerage companies, marine specialists and equipment providers.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is as much a fixture of the South Florida social calendar as it is a showcase for the global yachting industry. Taking place from 28 October to 1 November 2026, FLIBS stretches across seven waterfront locations, from the Broward County Convention Center and Bahia Mar to Hall of Fame Marina and Pier Sixty-Six. With more than 1,300 boats expected across the show, there is plenty to see – and plenty of reason to plan where to eat between appointments.
Today's yacht buyers are approaching yacht ownership with a completely different mindset. A yacht has now become a more strategic asset, one that should deliver on multiple fronts, from personal fulfillment and financial logic to practicalities.