Thanks to the 1960 movie, Where the Boys Are, this once-quiet city in South Florida became synonymous with Spring Break. But starting in the 1980s, the city of Fort Lauderdale made efforts to change its image and started to put limits on the mega-party scene, hoping to ensure a family-friendly experience.
Today, the city still draws plenty of college kids in March, but the energy is not quite so wild. In fact, Fort Lauderdale has moved upmarket and Port Everglades is now one of the largest cruise centres in the world. The T-shirt shops and souvenir stores that once overwhelmed the waterfront have given way to trendy shops, nice restaurants, and a new two-mile promenade that offers unobstructed pedestrian access along one of the city’s nicest beaches.
The water is what attracts most travellers who book a flight to Fort Lauderdale – the area boasts more than 20 miles of powdery sand beaches and 300 miles of waterways, making it truly the “Venice of America”.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale
Back to top
Peak season:
October-April. Winter weather is outstanding in Fort Lauderdale. While it’s not quite the Spring Break hotspot it was in the 60s and 70s, Northerners take flights to Fort Lauderdale during the winter, so book several months in advance for the best deals on airfares and accommodations. Book up to a year in advance for travel during holidays and school vacations.
Shoulder season:
May and September. Late spring and early autumn can be a great time to visit; the weather is nice and the crowds will be smaller. September does fall in the middle of the hurricane season, but don’t let that spoil the fun. It’s possible to find good airfare and hotel deals during these in-between seasons, but book ahead.
Off season:
June through August. Fort Lauderdale summers are hot and humid. However, this is the most affordable time to fly to Fort Lauderdale and get a great deal on flights. Hotels in the area reduce their prices considerably during the summer. Stay right on the beach, and ocean breezes will ensure your stay is pleasant.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale
Back to top
Bus, train and taxi all operate from the airport to downtown. The buses run every 20-30 minutes 7 days a week, take approximately 20 minutes and costs $1.
The Tri Rail train service takes only eight minutes to get to town and costs $2, but runs only once an hour and finishes at 8.08pm.
Taxis are available from the transportation podium, located outside the baggage area of each terminal. They cost approximately $15 and take 10 minutes to town.
Many hotels in the area also offer free shuttles to and from the airport.
It’s advisable to hire a car when visiting the area. Travellers looking for cheap Fort Lauderdale flights should also look into car hire discounts.
Back to top
Ample parking and wide-flung city limits make driving the easiest way to get around Fort Lauderdale. Renting a car is best, and you can often find package deals when you book your cheap flight to Fort Lauderdale. Major car rental companies can be found at the airport. If you’re not a driver, there are plenty of taxis around the city, but they are expensive. The bus is much cheaper, but is very complicated. You can also take a water taxi downtown via the New River and the waterway.
Back to top
- Fort Lauderdale is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Miami. The water is cleaner, the snorkelling is more colourful, the arts scene is growing, and the weather is perfect.
- Don’t miss the water taxi in Fort Lauderdale. If you're on a tight budget, but have some time on your hands, this is a great way to get around, catch a tour of celebrity homes and yachts, and spend very little money. Consider getting a seven-day pass, which makes this transportation option very affordable.
- If snorkelling or diving is your thing, Fort Lauderdale is a great destination. Not only will you be able to easily view brightly coloured fishes and coral through especially clear water, there are abundant opportunities to dive on old wrecks.
- The International Swimming Hall of Fame is another must for water lovers. It houses more than 10,000 square feet of Olympic aquatic memorabilia, as well as paintings, sculptures and literature dating back as far as the 1880s all on the sport of swimming.
Back to top
