14 Best Things to Do in Lauderhill (Florida) - The Crazy Tourist (2024)

Founded nearly 60 years ago, Lauderhill lies just north of Miami along a beautiful stretch of the state’s Atlantic coast and is conveniently close to many of Florida’s most visited attractions.

For those traveling without kids, Miami’s around-the-clock nightlife is an alluring option, and if art, culture, and natural attractions are more your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of those too.

Finding things to do within an hour or two of Lauderhill won’t be an issue, and for those who’ve come to lounge on the beach and soak up the famous Florida sun, there are few better places to do it than the southern coast.

Below are 14 things to do in and around Lauderhill, Florida.

1. Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

Source: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center / Facebook

Located on NW 11th Place in town, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center is a popular community resource that offers guests a variety of entertainment options – from dramatic productions to live music and comedy shows.

Though the center has only been around for a few years, it has already gained quite a following, and it’s not surprising that tickets for many popular shows sell out quickly.

It’s possible to buy tickets at the door on the day of the show, but to avoid disappointment, it’s suggested that guests buy tickets online; the best way to see what’s on their schedule is to check out their website.

2. Lauderhill Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest

Source: City of Lauderhill Jammin' In the Park and Art Fest / Facebook

With so many international influences, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Florida has such vibrant music and art scenes.

Lauderhill’s Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest has been going strong for seven years and is a unique event that combines traditional and performing arts into one venue that’s popular with locals and visitors.

It all takes place in April at Ilene Lieberman Park and includes a variety of live music performances from Motown to reggae and jazz.

There will be a variety of tasty food and drink options, and arts and crafts on display too, most of which are from local chefs, restaurants and artists.

3. Ilene Lieberman Botanical Garden

Source: Mary Catherine Alford / Facebook

Named after a prominent local woman who served as Lauderhill’s mayor in the ’80s, Ilene Lieberman Botanical Garden is comprised of just two acres but is filled with a variety of amenities and attractions usually only found in larger parks and botanical gardens.

In addition to its cultivated gardens, the facility features an amphitheater that hosts live entertainment. There is a playground, gazebos, and paved paths that wind their way through the grounds and often feature art created by local artists.

The city’s Jazz Picnic in the Park is particularly popular, so check out the city’s website for detailed information.

4. Funky Buddha Brewery

Source: Funky Buddha Brewery / Facebook

With a name like Funky Buddha, you know Florida’s largest craft brewery has got to be a cool place to chill out and sample a tasty brew or two.

The brewery was founded in 2006; since then, they’ve been honing their skills and creating some of the most memorable varieties of beer to be found anywhere.

They’re located on NE 38th Street in Oakland Park and are considered by many to be the spark that ignited the state’s micro and craft brewing renaissance.

Check out their website for their currently available beers, food and drink specials, and tour and tasting schedules.

5. Yellow Green Farmers Market

Source: Maria A Ciccone / Facebook

Comprised of hundreds of vendors and covering more than 100,000 feet of floor space, Yellow Green Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in South Florida and is held on Sheridan Street in Hollywood.

The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round and his home to an amazing variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from area farms.

Though their produce is a big hit, it’s certainly not the only game in town; the market is also known for its prepared food products like salsa and honey, as well as health and body products, arts and crafts, fresh baked goods, and yummy coffee.

6. Carrie B Harbor Tours

Source: Carrie B Cruises / Facebook

With such an abundance of stunning coastline and panoramic ocean vistas, it’s possible to see some of Florida’s most incredible natural sights from land, but for those looking for a unique perspective, there’s no better way to take it all in than by boat.

Carrie B Harbor Tours in Fort Lauderdale is open year-round and offers a variety of tour packages that include the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, to name a few.

All tours are narrated, and most of them are relatively inexpensive.

Port Everglades is particularly popular and impressive, as it’s one of the largest cruise ship ports in the world.

7. Roosevelt Gardens Park

Source: Broward County Parks / Facebook

Fort Lauderdale’s Roosevelt Gardens Park is open from sunrise until sunset and is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon walk or a game of hoops with a few friends.

The park also sports a few playgrounds and picnic areas with built-in barbecue grills.

Paved paths meander their way through the park’s gardens, and at different times of year the community center hosts art and design shows that showcase the works of creative locals.

Previous guests have noted that the park has its fair share of animals, including gators and snakes, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

8. Florida Swap Shop

Source: MattHurst / Flickr

Part flea market, part farmer’s market, and part classic drive-in theater, Fort Lauderdale’s Florida Swap Shop is a unique local attraction that’s one of those quirky destinations you won’t want to miss.

Billed as one of the world’s largest outdoor attractions of its kind, the shop features 14 movie screens, a huge selection of food and drinks, and rows and rows of vendors selling all the stuff you’d expect to see at a flea market.

In the past, the shop has hosted live entertainment and featured a few big names – like Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn.

Don’t forget to check out their exotic supercar museum too.

9. Riverfront Gondola Tours

Source: Jordi_Cor / shutterstock

Riverfront Gondola Tours in Fort Lauderdale offer a unique service that’s like a little bit of Venice Italy in the Sunshine State.

Riverfront’s gondolas can hold up to six passengers; instead of a noisy and environmentally unfriendly outboard motor ruining the experience, their craft are powered by quiet and non-polluting electric motors.

Day and evening tours are available, and it’s not uncommon to see gators, a variety of wading and predatory birds, and even the iconic manatee.

Inland waterway gondola tours are a perfect and unforgettable double or triple-date idea, so check out their website for tour options and seasonal specials.

10. Las Olas Food Tours

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Featuring a variety of international influences from Europe, Cuba, and South America, Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard is the city’s epicenter for foodies interested in experiencing the tastes of south Florida without spending countless hours in the car.

Tours generally last two hours and aren’t the least bit bothered by inclement weather.

Tour guides are not only local food aficionados, but they’re knowledgeable about history and culture too, so you’ll learn about the neighborhoods you’re visiting.

Tour sizes are kept small to enhance guests’ experience. Though some walking is required, tours are appropriate for the elderly, children, and those who aren’t particularly physically fit.

11. Freespool Sport Fishing Charters

Source: Free Spool Sportfishing Charters / Facebook

With more than a thousand miles of coastline, Florida ranks second to only Alaska in that category, and The Sunshine State is home to some of the country’s best sport fishing as well.

Operating out of Miami’s Haulover Marina, Freespool started small in the mid-’80s with a 25-foot boat, but over the years, they’ve upgraded and now feature a 43-foot custom fishing boat powered by twin diesel engines.

With decades of safe operation under their belt, there’s no more experienced outfit anywhere in the area. They offer a variety of options to accommodate groups of varying sizes and interests.

Check out their Facebook page or give them a call for specifics.

12. The Woodlands Golf and Country Club

Source: Mikael Damkier / shutterstock

Consisting of two distinct 18-hole courses, The Woodlands Golf and Country Club in Tamarac, Florida, is open to the public and was designed to be one of the best facilities of its kind in the country.

Though it’s not as inexpensive as other courses in the area, it’s in a league of its own when it comes to stunning scenery and maintenance.

The contemporary clubhouse features a full-service restaurant. For those who need a bit of practice before hitting the links, there is a driving range and chipping and putting areas as well.

Tee times are restricted during peak times, so make sure you plan ahead if that’s when you want to play.

13. Miccosukee Indian Village

Source: Sergey Akhrameev / shutterstock

The Miccosukee Native Americans called much of South Florida home for millennia before it was explored and settled by those of European descent.

Opened in 1983, Miccosukee Indian Village is known for its iconic gator wrestling shows that take place daily. Its museum is one of the area’s most complete repositories of cultural artifacts relating to the Miccosukee people’s traditional way of life.

For those who’ll be traveling with large groups, it’s possible to schedule private tours, but you’ll need to let them know you’re coming well in advance.

The village features an on-site restaurant and is just off US Route 41 in Miami.

14. Jungle Island

Source: Mia2you / shutterstock

Miami’s Jungle Island is one of South Florida’s most popular attractions and has welcomed some pretty famous guests – like Winston Churchill – over the years.

Located on an island just east of downtown Miami, Jungle Island is home to a variety of animals from the far corners of the world and has been around for nearly 80 years.

Jungle Island is part zoo and part theme park; it’s the perfect escape destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural world and escape the glitz and glamour of Miami.

Things can get crowded during peak season, so if you’d like to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday or in the off-season.