Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Tucked away between Fort Lauderdale Beach and Birch State Park lies the charming Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Bonnet House estate was built in the 1920s as a winter home for the eccentric artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn. Today, you can tour their historic beachside estate and admire Frederic’s unique artwork and architecture. The home still contains many of the Bartlett’s original furnishings, art pieces, and decor. Outside, you can explore the lush 35-acre estate filled with native tropical foliage and wildlife. Walk through orchid, butterfly, and formal gardens on scenic trails. With its tranquil setting and glimpse into 20th century Floridian life, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is the perfect escape from Fort Lauderdale’s busier beach attractions. After exploring the estate, cool off with a refreshing swim just steps away at Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 563-5393
Birch State Park
Just north of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s high-rises and crowds, Birch State Park provides a peaceful natural oasis. The 605-acre urban park protects one of the last significant maritime tropical hammocks in Broward County. Walk along scenic trails shaded by gumbo limbo, strangler fig, and giant mahogany trees. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Middle River. Spot local wildlife like river otters, ospreys, and marsh rabbits. After working up an appetite adventuring through the park, enjoy a picnic on the shoreline overlooking the river and mangroves. Thanks to its central location, Birch State Park is easily accessible from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Escape the bustling beach crowds for an hour or two to immerse yourself in nature.
Address: 3900 N Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone: (954) 566-6700
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Experience Fort Lauderdale’s tropical waterways from a unique perspective aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat. The iconic steamboat has been offering narrated sightseeing cruises along New River and the Intracoastal Waterway since 1935. Relax on the open-air lower deck or head upstairs for a refreshing breeze. During your 1.5 hour sightseeing cruise, you’ll glide past million dollar mansions, swaying palms, and beautiful waterfront scenery. A guide will share commentary about Fort Lauderdale’s history, people, and architecture. You can also stay for a delicious barbecue dinner during the evening Tropical Buffet Cruise. With its retro steamboat vibe and peaceful open-air setting, the Jungle Queen Riverboat is a quintessential Fort Lauderdale experience. See the city from the water while learning about what shaped Fort Lauderdale into the hotspot it is today.
Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 462-5500
NSU Art Museum
In addition to sun and sand, Fort Lauderdale also offers enriching cultural attractions like the NSU Art Museum. Through diverse exhibitions and programming, the museum strengthens community bonds and provides access to innovative art. The NSU Art Museum first opened in 1958, making it the oldest art museum in Broward County. The 83,000 square foot modernist building was designed by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. It houses thousands of works in its permanent collection ranging from Baroque-era religious works to contemporary photos. Throughout the year, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions and events like Art Heals, a program using art therapy to help cancer patients. Stop by the NSU Art Museum’s serene sculpture garden cafe for lunch or coffee surrounded by art. Don’t miss this gem in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 525-5500
Butterfly World
Both kids and adults alike will love exploring North America’s largest butterfly park, Butterfly World. The serene park in Coconut Creek houses over 5,000 butterflies representing more than 80 species from around the globe. Walk through screened aviaries bursting with vibrant butterflies that may land on you. In addition to spying butterflies up-close, you can also see exotic birds like macaws and toucans, honeybees, and ants. Extend your visit with extras like the Lorikeet Encounter where you can feed nectar to rainbow lorikeet birds. The Oz Experience guided tour shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the park cares for its residents. Butterfly World offers a peaceful experience to connect with nature that’s perfect for families. Bring your camera to capture close-up photos of butterflies and birds found nowhere else in Fort Lauderdale.
Address: 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone: (954) 977-4400
Wilton Manors
Many people visiting Fort Lauderdale flock to the beaches and downtown. But venturing just a few miles inland reveals underrated neighborhoods like Wilton Manors. Nestled between the Middle River and North Fork of the Middle River, Wilton Manors charms with its laidback ambience. Today, Wilton Manors is best known as one of America’s first cities to be predominantly LGBTQ. Stroll down Wilton Drive to find rainbow flags hanging from street lamps and businesses proudly displaying “Proudly Serving the LGBTQ Community” signs. Stop for a fun drag show at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar or people watch from sidewalk cafes. Beyond the nightlife, Wilton Manors impresses with its strong sense of community. Locals take great pride in their charming neighborhood that welcomes everyone.
Address: Wilton Manors, FL
Flamingo Gardens
Escape into 60 acres of tropical paradise at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, west of Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1927, the lush botanical gardens provide a scenic retreat from city life. meander along winding pathways shaded by Royal Palms, Live Oaks, Cypress trees, and more. Kids will love hand-feeding brilliantly-colored lorikeet birds in the Free Flight Aviary. See Florida’s native wildlife like alligators, bobcats, foxes, otters, and of course flamingos. Ride through parts of the gardens not accessible on foot via tram rides and pontoon boat cruises. Flamingo Gardens also hosts popular events like Ghost Walk, Creepy Crawly Critters, and holiday light shows. With so much natural beauty and family fun, Flamingo Gardens is one of Broward County’s best hidden gems.
Address: 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
Phone: (954) 473-2955
Funky Buddha Brewery
Beer lovers, rejoice! Funky Buddha Brewery concocts an ever-changing lineup of unique brews you won’t find anywhere else. The craft brewery first opened in Boca Raton in 2010 before relocating to a larger facility in Oakland Park near Fort Lauderdale. Funky Buddha quickly made a name for itself thanks to beers like the sweet, coffee-flavored Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. Funky Buddha constantly experiments with new flavors like Coconut, Pineapple, and Passionfruit or even Fear, a fall pumpkin ale brewed with cinnamon and nutmeg. Stop by the tasting room daily to sample rotating draft brews and fill growlers to go. Tour the brewery to see where the magic happens and play lawn games outside. Funky Buddha’s creative brews perfectly encapsulate South Florida’s vibrant culture. Thanks to their tasting room and tours, you get both great local beer and an insider’s look behind the scenes.
Address: 1201 NE 38th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Phone: (954) 440-0046
Plan Your Trip With Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company
Fort Lauderdale overflows with amazing hidden gems waiting to be uncovered beyond the well-known beaches. From lush nature spots like Birch State Park to charming neighborhoods like Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale’s lesser-known attractions help you experience authentic local culture. The best way to visit several attractions in a day is by renting a charter bus from Fort Lauderdale Party Bus Company. Our comfortable buses keep your group together while our experienced team navigates to each destination. Contact us at 954-369-0981 to book your transportation and start exploring Fort Lauderdale’s incredible hidden side!