Fort Lauderdale Visitors Guide for FLIBS

Updated September 4, 2024

The greatest boat show on the seven seas returns to the “Yachting Capital of the world” on October 30 – November 3. The 65th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will display the industry’s latest boats and yachts of all sizes, worldwide debuts, and an array of marine products and accessories. FLIBS will span over seven different locations, with more than 1300 boats on display, plus 3 million square feet of exhibition space. Being the largest in-water boat show in the world there is bound to be something for everyone.

Fort Lauderdale Visitor’s Guide

If you are from out of the area and plan to visit the show, we’re hoping our Fort Lauderdale visitors guide will be beneficial for your stay on the east coast. Experience Fort Lauderdale’s landscaped beachfront promenade — 23 miles of beachfront real estate, top-rated beaches, arts culture, and high-end events. From shopping on Las Olas Blvd to traveling through the “Venice of America”, Fort Lauderdale will not disappoint. Check out the top places to stay, best activities and attractions, top-rated dining, and boat show information.

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Places to Stay

Activities & Attractions

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FLIBS Info & Tickets

Places to Stay | Fort Lauderdale Visitor Guide

Chances are you won’t be able to make it through the entire show in one day. With that said you’ll most likely need a place to stay for a night or two. Our Fort Lauderdale visitor’s guide displays the highest-rated hotels in the area for you to choose from. The best part of all, they are all within five miles of the boat show.

: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

: The Pillars Hotel

: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

4-Star: B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale (0.2 miles)

Spanning 4 buildings on Highway A1A, this modern beachfront resort is 3.7 miles from Downtown and 7 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airy, nautical-inspired rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges.

3-Star: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach (2.4 miles)

Across the road from Fort Lauderdale Beach, this modern hotel is 4 miles from the Museum of Discovery and Science. Contemporary rooms offer free Wi-Fi, desks with ergonomic chairs, and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and coffeemakers; many have ocean views.

4-Star: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa (0.5 miles)

This oceanfront hotel is 2 miles from the shops and nightclubs of Las Olas Boulevard, and 4 miles from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The high-end rooms come with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (fee), plus coffeemakers and minibars. Upgraded rooms and suites have private balconies with ocean views.

4-Star: The Pillars Hotel (2.7 miles)

Overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway, this upscale, Art Deco-inspired hotel in a converted Caribbean-Colonial house is a 3-minute walk from the beach. Elegant rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, plus wet bars with microwaves and Nespresso machines. Most have patios or balconies. Some rooms have original hardwood floors, whirlpool tubs and/or water views.

5-Star: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach (3.3 miles)

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the New River, this high-end, all-suite resort is a minute’s walk from the beach and 15 minutes’ walk from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Polished suites provide free Wi-Fi and smart TVs, plus kitchenettes and living areas. They also have balconies or terraces with ocean or river views. Some have full kitchens, pull-out sofas and/or direct pool access.

Top-Rated Activities & Attractions | Fort Lauderdale Visitor Guide

: Las Olas Blvd

: Stranahan House

: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

Bonnet House Museum and Garden (3.9 Miles)

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens will give you a taste of historic Fort Lauderdale. This museum showcases the history and culture of the area. Learn about the estate while being surrounded by a beautiful garden that is divided into different areas such as a desert garden, tropical garden, and hibiscus garden. Also, if you prefer a guided tour, there are many different ones you can choose from.

Las Olas Boulevard (3.4 Miles)

Find a range of eccentric shops in this well-known hot spot in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Blvd is at the forefront of everything from art galleries, to fashion boutiques, restaurants, bars, and much more. You can find just about anything for sale on this strip that runs from the beach at A1A to Andrews Avenue. The easternmost section is intertwined with canals and waterfront homes that are a sight to see as well.

Stranahan House (4.3 Miles)

The Stranahan House Museum is a sight to see as the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. The home dates back to 1901 and served as a trading post before becoming the residence of Frank and Ivy Stranahan. The home has since been restored for generations to come. Take a tour of the home and learn about its awesome culture and historical significance to the area.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (3.8 miles)

This beautiful oasis features a freshwater lagoon offering a diverse wildlife habitat, a number of water activities including kayaking and fishing, or for the exercise lovers— plan on a hike or bike ride. Several shaded picnic areas are also available to enjoy a bite to eat or take a quick rest break. If you want to take a quick dip, swimming is available on the beach across from the park. Experience an outdoor experience unlike any other at Fort Lauderdale’s own “Central Park.”

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (2.2 miles)

Located on Seabreeze Drive, this picturesque park offers a variety of amenities for a fun afternoon in the sun. Enjoy a dip in the beautiful waters of the Atlantic, or show off your skills at a game of basketball or volleyball on the full courts that are offered. A non-motorized boat ramp is also accessible for those looking to kayak or paddleboard. The park is open daily from 5 AM to midnight.

Top Dining Hot Spots | Fort Lauderdale Visitor Guide

: The Floridian

: Burlock Coast

: Chima Steakhouse

4.2 Star Rated | Floridian Restaurant | (3.8 miles)- As the name suggests, this hot spot is a classic Florida diner offering a huge menu. Breakfast is a big hit with the locals.

4.3 Star Rated | 3030 Ocean Restaurant & Bar | (0.6 miles)– This upscale seafood spot in the Harbor Beach Marriott pairs American fish dishes with ocean views.

4.4 Star Rated | Burlock Coast | (2.6 miles)- Seafood eatery, rum-centric bar & artisanal market set in a rustic yet chic hotel dining room.

4.6 Star Rated | Chima Steakhouse | (2.8 miles)- Posh, stylish venue for meats carved tableside, ample salad bar, outdoor bar & weeknight happy hour.

4.8 Star Rated | The Etna Rosso Ristorante | (4.0 miles)- This restaurant is the perfect place to comfortably enjoy a multitude of fresh southern Italian flavors and wines. Inspired weekly by seasonality, festivities, and freshness of the ingredients available on the market.

4.5 Star Rated | Coconuts | (0.4 miles)- Coconuts offers stunning waterfront dining with views of the intercoastal waterways. Enjoy upscale dining in a casual atmosphere, where you can dock your boat or bring your leashed dog. Open 7 days a week, including Sunday brunch.

4.6 Star Rated | Joe’s Cafe | (2.3 miles)- Joe’s Diner serves breakfast & lunch all day, with a variety of delicious options. The setting is a true American diner, complete with an authentic jukebox, a train set suspended from the ceiling, and a wall-mounted cutaway of a 60s Mustang convertible. The outdoor patio features covered “glider” booths.

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Experience FLIBS Like Never Before

Now that you have your bucket list full of activities to indulge in while visiting the area, talk to the experts for your VIP FLIBS experience. Set up an appointment and we’ll set you up with one of our knowledgeable yacht brokers.

Let our professional yacht brokers serve as your yacht show concierge. We can show you any brokerage yacht in the show including our exceptional brokerage lineup. Enjoy the exceptional Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show VIP experience that only a Galati yacht broker can offer.
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