I have some bad news for you…..
Ft. Lauderdale is basically a tourist trap. Not everyone wants to sit on the beach or shop all day, at least we don’t.
So the good news?
If you’re the type who craves adventure over lounging by the pool, you’re in the right place.
We’ve made it our mission to uncover exciting outdoor experiences that go beyond the usual cocktail sippin’ and tiny umbrellas.
From kayaking through mangroves to hidden hiking trails, Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for those willing to get off the beaten path.
Check out these hidden gems and you’ll be more excited than ever to visit this tropical wonderland.
Top 5 Things to do in Fort Lauderdale for the Adventurous Human
These are the destinations where Fort Lauderdale’s soul truly shines.
Kayaking through Mangroves at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
This is our FAVORITE way to experience the nature and wildlife of Ft. Lauderdale.
The on-site kayak rental made it super easy and it isn’t too far from town either.
It felt like we just showed up and paddled away.
These calm, winding green tunnels are home to a ton of wildlife like tropical birds of every color, herons, sea turtles, and… MANATEES!!
Yeah, the beauty of the mangroves was a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of town.
But hanging out with manatees was BY FAR and away our highlight of the area. Don’t miss this.
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving on the Florida Reef
Visiting the Florida Reef is basically like swimming through an aquarium.
Except you won’t see a bunch of 5-year-olds banging on the glass and making faces at you when you swim by.
It truly felt like being the Little Mermaid watching all the colorful fish darting between coral, sea turtles gliding gracefully, and we even saw a stingray!
The fact that this is the only coral reef system in the continental U.S. made it feel even more special.
We accessed the reef at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea right off the beach, making it perfect for us snorkelers.
But one of the locals told us about the SS Copenhagen. You need to have scuba gear to get there, but she had awesome things to say about it.
Snorkeling was incredible either way.
Go Parasailing
When we went parasailing in Fort Lauderdale, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip.
Booking a tour was super easy—there are plenty of options right on the beach or through local marinas.
Once we were strapped in and lifted into the air, the view took our breath away.
We could see the entire coastline stretching for miles, and we even spotted a few dolphins swimming below us!
The guides made everything simple, so all we had to do was sit back and enjoy.
Honestly, it felt like being a kite, but way cooler—and with views we’ll never forget.
Explore The Everglades
Just an hour from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades felt like stepping into a completely different world.
When we visited Everglades Holiday Park, we started with a short hike to get a feel for the wetlands.
But honestly, the REAL magic happened when we hopped on an airboat.
Skimming across the water with the wind in our faces was hands down the best way to take it all in.
And the alligators? They were everywhere.
It felt like something straight out of The Crocodile Hunter. (No, we didn’t try wrestling one.)
If you’re looking for a wild and unforgettable adventure, this is it.
Visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center
When we visited Anne Kolb Nature Center, it felt like stepping into a hidden oasis just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale hotels.
We started by walking the trails, where we spotted ospreys perched in the trees, iguanas basking in the sun, and tiny crabs darting across the path.
The highlight was climbing the observation tower—watching the sunset over the mangroves was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING
We also rented a kayak and paddled around the mangroves a bit again, but we enjoyed Hugh Taylor a little more (no manatees this time around.)
Honestly, the entire place felt like being in a nature documentary.
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