Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Guide
Photos: KeanoManu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Edwin Marchan, Ferenc Molnar, alicia cornejo, Carolina Maciel · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Bahamas & Florida
- Coordinates:
- 26.1358° N, 80.1419° W
About Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale serves as a major cruise port in Florida, positioned conveniently between other popular Caribbean and Bahamas destinations. Nearby ports include Miami, Nassau, Freeport and Key West, making it an excellent base for exploring the Bahamas & Florida region.
The port area offers plenty to explore on foot or a short journey away. Within walking distance you'll find Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Esplanade Park and Huizenga Park. The Museum of Discovery and Science is just 1.8 km from the port, while the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens sits 3.5 km away, offering insight into the area's cultural heritage.
Natural attractions near the port
Nature lovers can visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, rated 4.7 by visitors, or take a trip on the Jungle Queen Riverboat to experience the local waterways. Colee Hammock Park, highly rated at 4.8, provides green space for relaxation between cruises.
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city located in the U.S. state of Florida, 30 miles (48 km) north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean. It is the seat of government of and most populous city in Broward County with a population of 182,760 at the 2020 census, making it the tenth-most populous city in Florida. After Miami and Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale is the third-most populous city in the Miami metro area, which had a population of 6,166,488 in 2019.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
-
Photo: Visit Lauderdale · via Google Maps Museum
Museum of Discovery and Science
4.5 (7,752) 1.8 km from port
Downtown facility offering interactive exhibits for kids & adults, eco-center & giant IMAX theater.
Near: Downtown Harbor Church (26 m) · AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Florida’s only aviation-themed Makerspace and an outdoor Physics Science Park with an edible Food Forest add even more variety. …” — Lotus Zen
- 5 · “Me and my 3-year-old son had an absolutely wonderful time at the Museum of Discovery and Science. From the moment…” — Aaliyah Gordon
-
Photo: Alex Ezell · via Google Maps State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
4.7 (6,915) 3.8 km from port
Featuring a freshwater lagoon, this diverse wildlife habitat offers hiking, fishing & more.
Near: 7-Eleven (62 m) · Carlton Tower (62 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
- 5 · “With the annual pass, we come here every day. Winter is better as less buggy. Rangers are friendly and helpful.…” — Duke Travels America
- 5 · “Amazing ecology to view here. Especially considering how close it is to downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The trails were well designed…” — Jim Keith
-
Photo: Jungle Queen Riverboat · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Jungle Queen Riverboat
4.4 (6,307) 4.5 km from port
Vintage riverboat offering sightseeing tours of Fort Lauderdale waterways, dinner & show cruises.
Near: Water Taxi Stop #F6 (40 m) · The Market Deli & Liquor (144 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Great tour guide. And a wonderful experience. The views are amazing. The yachts and millionaires homes, absolutely over the top.…” — Dina Weierheiser
- 5 · “My two friends and I went on the dinner cruise as part of our girl's trip. We had a great…” — Lee-Anne Hardy
-
Photo: Traveler123 · via Google Maps Museum
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
4.6 (2,419) 3.5 km from port
Verdant, storied, 1920s-era plantation home featuring gardens, an arty interior, tours & more.
Near: Le Club International Condominiums (48 m) · Grand Yacht Club (89 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a true hidden gem tucked away right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale…” — Erika O'Brien
- 5 · “A really interesting and educational experience. The Bonnet House is a wonderful example of privileged living in the 20s and…” — Wayne Peck
-
Park and Garden
Esplanade Park
4.6 (1,934) 1.9 km from port
Waterfront gardens & pavilion, part of the Riverwalk Park route, hosting regular outdoor events.
Near: Museum of Discovery and Science (71 m) · AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater (97 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “It's was a great location for the "We the People March". 🇺🇸 The We the People March is a large…” — Michael Ruiz
- 5 · “Beautiful location. Areas are kept clean and feels safe. Watching the mega yachts go by on the waterway is a…” — Carlos Fonseca
-
Park and Garden
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
4.6 (1,563) 2.0 km from port
Charming park on the banks of the New River with a wide array of galleries, museums & eateries.
Near: Robinson's Jewelers (36 m) · El Camino Fort Lauderdale (56 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale was an absolute highlight of our trip! The waterfront views are stunning, featuring luxury yachts, tropical scenery…” — Mufasa KC
- 5 · “Great Riverwalk, especially if you’re gonna go into the science museum this gives a little bit more time, so lively…” — DrVersace
-
Park and Garden
Huizenga Park
4.5 (937) 1.9 km from port
A large fountain anchors this riverfront park lined with walkways, picnic tables & benches.
Near: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (106 m) · Broward College - Downtown Center (140 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “What a fantastic city park! My pup and I felt safe walking around here at night as it was well…” — Kelly Ashley
- 5 · “Beautiful oasis. I came here to go to the Sunnyside Farmers' market and stayed awhile to enjoy the peace and…” — Nola
-
Park and Garden
Colee Hammock Park
4.8 (888) 2.4 km from port
Small park & green space on the water popular for picnics, river fishing & scenic views.
Near: Happyland Day School (52 m) · Sister Robin Street Market (52 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Great views, lots of shade and a steady breeze. What more could you ask for!” — Brian Grooms
- 5 · “Peaceful but parking in front of the location is sparse. If you cant park in front you will have to…” — Mr babyears
Map of Fort Lauderdale and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale
Cruises to Bahamas & Florida mostly sail november to April.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Fort Lauderdale
Deals update daily — see all Bahamas & Florida cruises.
