7 Cool Things to Do Near Fort Lauderdale Airport in 2024

If you have found yourself with a layover or flight delay at Fort Lauderdale Airport and feeling tired of just sitting around at the airport, then you are at the right place to discover how to make the most of your time there.

Time is priceless and there are effective ways to make it worthwhile by embarking on new adventures, instead of just staring at the clock and counting down the minutes until your flight.

The area near Fort Lauderdale Airport is full of treasure troves, so rest assured the options will entertain you.

In today’s guide, we’ve rounded up the best things you can do near Fort Lauderdale Airport during a layover or flight delay.

Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

There is no shortage of adventurous things a traveler can do near Fort Lauderdale Airport during a layover since the opportunities are endless in this majestic ocean-side city in Florida.

Below, we present you with our list starting with no other than exploring Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum.

1) Explore Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum

If you are looking for a fascinating glimpse into naval aviation history, then you should visit Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum.

This unique museum is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it’s the only military museum in Broward County.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it’s a historic site dedicated to preserving, educating, and honoring the heroes of World War II.

As stated on the museum’s website, depending on your time, and level of interest, a tour can go from 10 mins to 3 hours.

For tours of more than 5 people in your party, a donation of $5 per person is appreciated.

After the tour, visitors can wander around and take photos, cherish their time in the library, watch videos, or explore the garden areas.

Operating hours: You can visit only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Address: Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, 4000 W Perimeter Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, United States

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 4.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

2) Have a Picnic at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a unique beachside getaway located in Dania Beach, Florida.

This majestic park offers endless opportunities for numerous activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and throwing a picnic making it a perfect family vacation idea.

Opening times: The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.

Admission:

  • $6 per vehicle (up to eight people)
  • $4 single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle
  • $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass

Address: 6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004, United States

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 4.8 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

3) Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science is a captivating destination for science enthusiasts of all ages.

During your time there, you can:

  • Explore life-sized historical exhibits
  • Immerse yourself in six-story-tall IMAX movies, including thrilling films like “T. Rex” and “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
  • Get up close with amazing animals and learn about their habitats.

And many more.

Opening hours: The Museum of Discovery and Science is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

General Admission:

  • Adult: $27
  • Child (2-12): $22
  • Senior (65+): $25
  • Military: $24
  • Infant (0-23 months): Free

Address: Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, United States

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 5.4 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

4) Taste a Slice of Paradise at Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect place to cool off the summer heat and spend your day swimming in its warm pristine waters during your layover or flight delay.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or simply want to relax, this beach has something for everyone.

You can try out various water activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and parasailing.

Plus, equipment rentals and guided tours are readily available along the beach.

Address: Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 9 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

5) Stroll Along Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most famous and vibrant streets, offering a unique mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The boulevard is very pedestrian-friendly and is known for its charming atmosphere, lined with palm trees and Mediterranean-style architecture.

Also, bear in mind that Las Olas Boulevard is lively year-round, but evenings and weekends tend to be particularly bustling with both locals and tourists enjoying the area.

Address: E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 5.5 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

Without a doubt, strolling along Las Olas Boulevard is a must-do on your trip to Fort Lauderdale, and one of the most convenient experiences since it’s that close to Fort Lauderdale Airport.

But, dragging your luggage and precious belongings while strolling along this vibrant street can quickly dampen the experience.

This is where Stasher comes in, offering a convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage solution.

While we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations near Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Also, it is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!

Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.

Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.

6) Have Fun at Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located just west of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami.

Established in 1927, it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida, featuring over 3,000 species of rare & exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees.

Visitors can explore lush gardens, fascinating wildlife, and numerous exhibits.

Opening hours: Flamingo Gardens is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m.

Address: Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330, United States

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 16.7 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

7) Spend a Few Hours at Dania Pointe

Dania Pointe is a vibrant lifestyle destination, in Dania Beach, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Whether you’re looking for a quick mouthwatering experience or a leisurely shopping experience, Dania Pointe has something for everyone!

So, if you have some time to kill during your flight delay, then you should definitely give this place a try.

Plus, it’s only a 10-minute car ride from the airport!

Opening hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Address: Dania Pointe, 139 S Compass Wy, Dania Beach, FL 33004, United States

Proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport: 3.7 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport

Now that we covered some adventurous things to do near Fort Lauderdale Airport, let’s see how easy it is to get around Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Getting Around Fort Lauderdale Airport

Getting around Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is generally straightforward due to the airport’s compact layout and various transportation options.

Travelers can easily leave the airport and go back to it, through transport means such as train, bus, car, and taxi.

Fort Lauderdale Airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 4) connected by shuttles and walkways, making it easy to transfer between them if needed.

Regarding public transportation, Broward County Transit (BCT) buses and Tri-Rail trains connect the airport to various destinations. BCT Route 1 links FLL with Fort Lauderdale and other places.

If the above options don’t suit your needs, then you can opt to rent a car.

Located next to Terminal 1, the Rental Car Center houses several major rental car companies, to choose from.

Also, the airport permits rideshare services like Uber for pickups and drop-offs.

How to Store Your Luggage Near Fort Lauderdale Airport 

As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in Fort Lauderdale, is not a piece of cake.

That’s where Stasher is stepping in!

At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.

Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags near Fort Lauderdale Airport with the help of Stasher.

After selecting Fort Lauderdale, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.

Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.

Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.

Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!

Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!