Sawgrass Recreation Park
If you’ve never experienced the Everglades up close, Sawgrass Recreation Park is the place to do it. This spot offers thrilling airboat rides guided by expert captains who know the swamp inside and out. You’ll glide across the water at high speed, spot alligators and birds in their natural habitat, and get a true feel for Florida’s wild side. The experience doesn’t stop there. Admission also includes access to their animal sanctuary, where you can meet rescued reptiles and other wildlife.
Pro tip: make a day of it by grabbing lunch at the onsite Gator Grill (the gator bites are a local favorite) or trying your luck at their gem mining activity. Whether you’re a longtime local or bringing out-of-town guests, this is one of those adventures that makes you fall in love with South Florida all over again.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free. Adult: $28.95 | Child (4–12): $18.95 | 3 and Under: Free. Reservations required.
Jungle Queen
A true Fort Lauderdale classic, the Jungle Queen Riverboat has been cruising our waterways since 1935, and the experience is just as magical today. The 90-minute narrated sightseeing tour takes you down the New River, better known as the “Venice of America.” You’ll pass through Millionaire’s Row, spotting mega-yachts and jaw-dropping estates that belong to some of the world’s wealthiest names. The guides keep it light and fun with plenty of stories, local history, and a few laughs along the way.
The boat itself adds to the charm: a two-level riverboat with space for hundreds of passengers, a full-service bar, and those breezy views you can only get from the water. Whether you’re a local who’s never played tourist or a visitor looking for a unique way to see Fort Lauderdale, this sightseeing cruise is a must-do.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free on 90-minute cruises. Adult: $31.50 | Child (3–12): $20.95 | 2 and Under: Free. Online reservation required.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is pure South Florida magic. Established in 1927, it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the area and still one of the most breathtaking. Spread across 60 lush acres, you’ll find towering champion trees, endless varieties of orchids, and tropical plants that feel straight out of a dream. The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is just as special, with rescued Florida natives like otters, bobcats, eagles, panthers, and of course, a flamboyance of flamingos strutting through the water.
History buffs will also love the Wray Home Museum, a 1930s residence that offers a peek into old Florida life. Between the wildlife, gardens, and historic charm, Flamingo Gardens is one of those places where locals and visitors alike can lose themselves for hours.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free when you ask for BAMM. Adult $24 | Senior (65+) $19.20 | Child (3–11) $17 | Ages 2 and under free. BOGO tickets available in the Gift Shop only during September.
Butterfly World
Step into pure enchantment at Butterfly World, the very first butterfly house in the United States and still the largest of its kind in the world. Opened in 1988, this Coconut Creek gem is home to acres of free-flying butterflies, tropical gardens, and aviaries filled with colorful birds. Walking through the butterfly aviaries feels like stepping into another world: one where thousands of delicate wings surround you, landing gently on flowers (and sometimes even on your shoulder).
Beyond the beauty, Butterfly World also has deep roots in conservation. Founder Ronald Boender not only created a magical experience for visitors but also helped launch the “Bring Back the Butterflies” campaign and partnered with the University of Florida to save endangered species like the Schaus Swallowtail. It’s more than a garden, it’s a living mission that continues to inspire and educate.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free. Adult $32.50 | Child (3–11) $22.50 | Ages 2 and under free. Tickets sold in person only, no reservations required.
Museum of Discovery & Science
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out, the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) is a Broward favorite. Since 1977, MODS has been inspiring curiosity with interactive exhibits that bring science to life. From exploring ecosystems and touching a plasma ball to watching larger-than-life films in the AutoNation IMAX Theater, there’s something here for kids and adults alike. The iconic Great Gravity Clock in the atrium is a must-see centerpiece, it’s one of only a handful like it in the world.
The museum is built around four pillars: early childhood education, environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and physical science. That means you’ll find a little of everything, from live animals to engineering challenges. MODS is also dedicated to accessibility, with programs that make sure science is available to everyone in the community. Whether you’re bringing the kids, exploring with friends, or just letting your inner science nerd run free, MODS always delivers.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free with BAMM (adult purchase required). Adult $25 | Senior (65+) $23 | Military $22 | Child (1–12) $19 | Infant (0–12 months) free.
The Bonet House
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is one of Broward’s true historic treasures. Built in 1920 by Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, the estate sits on land gifted by his father-in-law, Hugh Taylor Birch. What began as a winter retreat for Frederic and his wives has grown into a cultural landmark that blends art, history, and nature. Inside the house, you’ll find original artwork, murals, and personal touches that reflect the Bartletts’ creative lives. Outside, the gardens showcase five unique South Florida ecosystems, from mangroves and dunes to lush tropical landscapes.
Wandering the grounds feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by beauty and tranquility in the middle of modern-day Fort Lauderdale. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves art, architecture, or simply soaking up a piece of Florida history.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free on self-guided tours. Adult $25 | Child (6–17) $8 | Children 5 and under free.
NSU Art Museum
Art lovers, this one’s for you. Founded in 1958, the NSU Art Museum has become a cultural anchor in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with a striking modern building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection that spans contemporary works, Latin American art, photography, and the largest holdings in the U.S. of the European CoBrA group. The museum is also home to the nation’s most extensive collection of works by American realist William Glackens, plus Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands exhibition, a fascinating piece of South Florida art history.
Beyond its permanent collections, NSU Art Museum is known for innovative, research-driven exhibitions that constantly bring something new to the table. With its programs, auditorium, museum store, and café, it’s easy to make a whole afternoon out of a visit. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for inspiration, NSU always delivers.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free. Adult $16 | Senior $10 | Military $8 | Student (13–17) or College Student (with valid ID) $5 | U.S. Veterans and dependents, members, NSU/Broward College students & faculty, and children 12 & under free.
Stranahan House
Step back in time at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, the city’s founding father, and his wife Ivy, the area’s first schoolteacher, the home has served as a trading post, post office, town hall, and family residence. Today, it’s lovingly preserved as a historic house museum that tells the story of the Stranahans and the city that grew around them.
Tours are self-guided with personal audio wands, allowing guests to explore each room at their own pace while learning about Frank and Ivy’s lives and the early days of Fort Lauderdale. With docents on hand to answer questions and a beautiful riverside setting, a visit here feels like stepping into the heart of local history.
Deal: Buy one admission, get one free (online reservation required). Adult $13 | Senior (60+) $11 | College Student $10 | Child (5+) $8 | Ages 4 and under free.
