Quick Guide

If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible (and take advantage of the cheapest hotel and airfare rates), mid-to-late September, October and November (before Thanksgiving) are all good months to visit Fort Lauderdale. December through April is the city’s high season, but the weather is warm, making it an excellent time to visit if you live somewhere with harsh winters.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available. Be sure to check your bill closely when dining out (especially on the beach) — some restaurants include an 18 percent gratuity on the bill.

Travel Health

The Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are the best resources for up-to-date information and guidance. Before making the trip, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

The nearest major airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is just five miles from downtown. Alternately, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are located roughly 40 minutes and 50 minutes, respectively, from downtown.

Getting Around

By far, the easiest way to get around is by car, either via rideshare, taxi or rental car. Both the Broward County Transit buses and Tri-Rail commuter train also operate daily schedules.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken here. Note that Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to more than two dozen communities, so you’ll hear locals refer to specific neighborhoods, like Hollywood and Pompano Beach. “Las Olas” is Las Olas Boulevard, where much of the nightlife, art galleries and restaurants are concentrated.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; Circuit

Insider Tip

Get an all-day pass for the Water Taxi — this is easily the most enjoyable way to explore the city’s waterways.

If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible (and take advantage of the cheapest hotel and airfare rates), mid-to-late September, October and November (before Thanksgiving) are all good months to visit Fort Lauderdale. December through April is the city’s high season, but the weather is warm, making it an excellent time to visit if you live somewhere with harsh winters.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available. Be sure to check your bill closely when dining out (especially on the beach) — some restaurants include an 18 percent gratuity on the bill.

Travel Health

The Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are the best resources for up-to-date information and guidance. Before making the trip, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

The nearest major airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is just five miles from downtown. Alternately, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are located roughly 40 minutes and 50 minutes, respectively, from downtown.

Getting Around

By far, the easiest way to get around is by car, either via rideshare, taxi or rental car. Both the Broward County Transit buses and Tri-Rail commuter train also operate daily schedules.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken here. Note that Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to more than two dozen communities, so you’ll hear locals refer to specific neighborhoods, like Hollywood and Pompano Beach. “Las Olas” is Las Olas Boulevard, where much of the nightlife, art galleries and restaurants are concentrated.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; Circuit

Insider Tip

Get an all-day pass for the Water Taxi — this is easily the most enjoyable way to explore the city’s waterways.