Boredom Prevention: Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale -- 2026 Annual Conference

Local Escapades

Water Taxi

Part tour, part taxi. This makes it the perfect way to experience the “Venice of America.” A unique way to experience the area and a fun alternative to Uber if you feel like taking the scenic route to dinner or attractions.

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Lauderdale Beach

Go touch sand. Seriously. It’s December, the beach is RIGHT THERE. Take a selfie, enjoy the turquoise water, make your friends at home jealous.

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Las Olas Blvd and Riverwalk

Shopping, eating, and gazing at yachts. There’s even a water trolley (it’s free!) with stops along the river.

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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Care for a swim, a hike, or maybe a little canoeing? Pick up a PubSub and enjoy a little bit of undisturbed Florida for a tropical family picnic!

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Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Part garden, part museum with tons of eclectic funky art. While kids aren’t exactly prohibited, this is more of an adult stroll than family fun.

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Get Your Eat On

In no particular order

Jaxson’s Ice Cream

Bring a box of Lactaid, you’ll need it. Go with a group and order the kitchen sink. It’s worth the drive.

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15th St. Fisheries

Lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Eat downstairs (upstairs has a nice view, but it’s not worth the upcharge), feed the tarpon (big fish, very big fish).

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Shooters Waterfront

Good food, lively atmosphere, waterfront dining. Reservations are a good idea. Take the water taxi, if you have the time.

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Southport Raw Bar

0.5 miles away. Raw bar with live music every day. It’s been around forever. Casual, dive bar-ish but good. I always order conch fritters.

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Kelly’s Landing

New England Seafood. My family has been going here for over 30 years now, and the food has consistently been good. I’m partial to the Connecticut-style lobster roll (the only right way to eat one), but to each their own.

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Primanti Brothers

THE Pittsburgh staple. The Pitts-Burger, Pizza, and other tasty treats open 24 hours a day. CASH ONLY!

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Up for a Drive?

Family friendly, about an hour away

Everglades National Park

1 hr 15 min drive National Park · Junior Ranger Program

But why? This is the REAL Florida. Wildlife, hiking, biking trails, fishing, paddle boarding, guided tours, and more. If you have the time, and the weather is cooperating, it’s worth the drive.

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Biscayne National Park

1 hr 10 min drive National Park · Junior Ranger Program

But why? Have you seen the water down here? STUNNING! Anyway, there are tours (guided and self-guided), fishing, canoeing and kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and a ton of history from 10,000 years ago to the current day.

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Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

55 min drive

Have you ever seen a Florida Panther in the wild? Me neither, just wondering. Anyway, you can see a couple here! Along with capybaras, jaguars, tigers, flamingos, and otters. There may even be a white alligator lurking around too.

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

1 hr 10 min drive

This may be one of my favorite places in the state. Yes, it’s gardens, it’s outside, but it’s beautiful. There are rare plants, an exotic butterfly exhibit like you’ve never seen before, and real rainforest to walk through. Lots of walking, not much noise. No notes, perfection.

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Lion Country Safari

1 hr 20 min drive

Drive through/walk through safari with animals ranging from lions and giraffes to water buffalo and ostriches and more! Your kids will thank you!

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Honorable Mentions

Fun or tasty if you have time

Museum of Discovery and Science

AC and a place for the kids to be kids! Interactive exhibits and did I mention AC.

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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Feeling lucky? Have a drink and try your luck! This isn’t Vegas, but it’s a good time nonetheless.

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Sawgrass Mills Mall

HUGE mall! The largest outlet mall in the US with 300+ stores. Opening day, my Aunt made the first page of the paper for being one of the first shoppers inside. Did I mention that it’s ridiculously big?

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Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Known for their garlic crabs (very yummy), but their ribs are also really, really good!

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Terry’s Lime Pies or Bob Roth’s New River Groves

KEY LIME PIE. I lived near Terry’s, so I’m partial. Bob Roth’s is a close, if possible, second. And yes, it’s supposed to be yellow.

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The Keys

I would be a terrible Floridian to not recommend the Keys. Not Key West, the Keys. Marathon, Islamorada, etc. The water is out of this world! Go to Robbie’s and feed the tarpon.

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Key West

Key West is its own world. It’s a drive, nearly 4 hours, away. But it’s also something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Watch out for the feral chickens, roosters, and six-toed cats.

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