Fort Lauderdale is arguably one of the most-visited places in South Florida for a romantic getaway. Between the gorgeous beaches and endless fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale for couples, you’ll soon learn why you must make plans to whisk your partner away for an unforgettable experience.
Whether your partner loves the finer things like arts and learning about history or loves a good party scene with live music and fun in the sun, there is no shortage of exciting experiences in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
1) Explore The Intracoastal Waterway On Fort Lauderdale Boat Tours
If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale and want to plan an exciting date for your fun-loving better half, you can’t miss out on a Lagerhead Cycleboat tour experience! These boat tours are among the most fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale for couples, whether you want a private date or enjoy a day of fun with strangers!
There are two styles of boat to choose from when planning a tour with Lagerhead Cycleboat Tours. The public option is to grab you and your sweetheart a couple of tickets to a Cycleboat Cruise, where you can choose to pedal or not; it’s up to you! Each tour is BYOB, so you’re free to bring your favorite drinks on board.
The private Pontoon Party Boat tour is perfect for those going on a group date with friends, as this boat carries up to 12 people. Whether you want to indulge in a BYOB sunset cruise for a memorable date night on the water or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Intracoastal Waterway at one of the sandbars, these tours are completely customizable!
Grab a few tickets or call ahead to plan the perfect customized tour before your trip to South Florida, and ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience in Fort Lauderdale.
2) Explore The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a historic estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach once owned by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife. The whimsical estate is still adorned with most of the original furnishings and allows visitors to stay the night in one of the refurbished suites on the property for a firsthand look at what life was like for Bartlett at this historic home.
Self-guided tours are the best way to encounter this lovely space with your significant other, as you’ll set your own pace when discovering the many art pieces still on display at the home. Frederic’s easel art, mural work, and faux paintings are situated throughout the main house, while his wife Evelyn’s work is prominently on display at the Bonnet House’s Carl J. Weinhardt’s gallery.
The stunning estate isn’t the only unmissable sight on the property, as the surrounding gardens are some of the last glimpses of South Florida’s native barrier island habitat consisting of five distinct ecosystems. These ecosystems include:
- The Atlantic Ocean Beach and Primary Dune
- A Fresh Water Slough
- The Secondary Dune or Main House Site
- Mangrove Wetlands
- Maritime Forest
3) Spend A Day On One Of Fort Lauderdale’s Glorious Beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is the first of three popular beaches to visit with your date. This sprawling sandy beach is dotted with swaying palm trees setting the perfect scene for a tropical getaway to Fort Lauderdale. There is a non-motorized boat ramp on-site for easy access to the water if you have your own boat.
You can also utilize the available tables and public grill stations to set up the perfect romantic picnic on the beach with your love. After a long day at the beach, rinse off the sand and seawater at one of the outdoor showers before you head back to your hotel or hit the town for the evening.
While Fort Lauderdale beaches are free to explore, there is so much more to see than sand and sun here. This area of Fort Lauderdale is full of fine dining restaurants and ritzy hotels to enjoy a romantic evening near the water. Some of the best restaurants in this area include:
- Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery
- Lona Cocina Tequileria
- Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill
Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Beach is just one mile east of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and is one of the busiest beaches in the area. Though the beach may be busy, it keeps you close to some of the best shopping, lodging, and dining in Fort Lauderdale!
4) Treat Yourself On Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard
Pampering your sweetheart is one of the fastest ways to gain favor during a getaway or date night in the city. Whether you need to earn brownie points or simply want to spoil them, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Las Olas Boulevard.
The street is lined with everything from art galleries and fashionable boutiques full of women’s clothing to sidewalk cafes and lively bars with craft cocktails. Another indulgence along this busy street is the many Fort Lauderdale Spas along the route.
Some of the most popular spots on the boulevard are:
- Tiffany Beauty Spa
- Amaira Med Spa
- Las Olas Med Spa
- IV Concierge
5) An Evening Of Arts And Entertainment At The Broward Center For Performing Arts
Enjoy dinner and a show at one of the top ten most-visited theater venues in the world while in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Broward Center for Performing Arts has several dining and refreshment options available, including Marti’s New River Bistro and The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Intermezzo Lounge.
Both of these Fort Lauderdale restaurants offer a stylish dining atmosphere where you can enjoy fine dining or casual meals with cocktails and other refreshments before the show. You can catch an array of entertainment options here in Fort Lauderdale, like Broadway musicals, operas, ballets, live music concerts from popular artists, plays, and educational events.
There is also another private lounge for members and a bar outside the theater so that you can stretch your legs and grab a refreshment during the intermission of any of the shows. Don’t worry about missing out on any of the performances, as the house will dim the lights a few times to ensure you know it’s time to head back to your seat.
6) Roam The Flamingo Gardens In Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL is home to many natural habitats, but one of the most stunning locations for your next date is the Flamingo Gardens. This unforgettable experience is comprised of 60 acres of flourishing gardens and incredible wildlife and is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in Fort Lauderdale.
The mission of this massive garden is to provide education while depicting and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades. There is always a new and exciting event with vibrant floral displays, so don’t miss out on a memorable date when planning your trip to Fort Lauderdale.
7) Plan A Thrilling Date On The Water In Fort Lauderdale
If your date enjoys a good thrill, then you have to check out the many different rental locations for water activities throughout Fort Lauderdale! Whether you’re planning a day to Miami or sticking close to Downtown Fort Lauderdale, you’re never far from a jet ski or scuba experience.
A jet ski ride across the water is the best way to keep your date close as you show off on the water, but scuba diving gives you the opportunity to check out some of the amazing marine life that calls Fort Lauderdale home.
Some of the species you can expect to see when splashing about in the water include:
- Loggerhead Sea Turtles
- Lionfish
- Nurse Shark
- Spiny Lobster
- Guitar Fish
The Best Date Idea In Fort Lauderdale, FL
One of the best Fort Lauderdale activities for couples who enjoy fun in the sun with a drink is, hands down, Lagerhead CycleBoats! Not only do they take you on customizable tours around Fort Lauderdale, but you’ll never run out of drinks with the numerous bar and restaurant stops.
Bring along your favorite playlist ideas to blast your tunes on the Bluetooth sound system on every boat, and make sure to have your favorite snacks on deck. Make the most of your trip to Fort Lauderdale with your spouse or significant other by planning a tour in advance with Lagerhead Cycleboats!
