Cruise Port in Fort Lauderdale Guide
Port Everglades
Cruise Port in
Fort Lauderdale,
United States
Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, serving as a major gateway to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and transatlantic voyages. With its close proximity to stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class shopping, Fort Lauderdale offers cruise passengers plenty of opportunities to explore before or after their trip. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, visit cultural attractions, or enjoy gourmet dining, Port Everglades has something for every traveler.
Cruise port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
General
General
Information
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET) | UTC -5 (Standard), UTC -4 (Daylight Saving Time)
Language: English is the primary language.
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (North American standard plug types A & B)
Tipping: 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis
Emergency Number: 911
Getting Around
- Walking: The cruise terminal is not within walking distance of most attractions.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels and cruise lines offer shuttle transportation.
- Public Transit: Broward County Transit (BCT) operates bus routes in the area.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available.
- Water Taxi: Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi provides scenic transportation along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Car Rentals: Available at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and downtown.
Top Attractions & Activities
- Las Olas Boulevard – A lively shopping and dining district with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – A beautiful, sandy beach with a scenic promenade, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – A peaceful park offering nature trails, kayaking, and picnic spots.
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – A historic estate showcasing art, gardens, and local history.
- Flamingo Gardens – A botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary featuring native Florida animals.
- Everglades Holiday Park – An airboat adventure park where visitors can see alligators and explore the Everglades.
- Museum of Discovery & Science – A hands-on science museum featuring exhibits, an IMAX theater, and interactive activities for families.
- Stranahan House – The oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale, offering historic tours.
Monthly Weather & Events
| Month | Avg Temp (°F / °C) | Weather Notes | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F / 20°C | Mild and dry | Fort Lauderdale Art & Design Week |
| February | 70°F / 21°C | Pleasant weather | South Beach Wine & Food Festival |
| March | 74°F / 23°C | Warm and sunny | Las Olas Art Fair |
| April | 77°F / 25°C | Warm and dry | Tortuga Music Festival |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | Hotter, start of rainy season | Great American Beach Party |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | Hot and humid | Stonewall Pride Parade & Festival |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | Very hot, occasional storms | 4th of July Fireworks |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | Peak hurricane season | Hollywood Beach Latin Festival |
| September | 84°F / 29°C | Hot, rainy | Brazilian Festival of Pompano Beach |
| October | 80°F / 27°C | Cooler, pleasant | Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show |
| November | 75°F / 24°C | Pleasant and breezy | Las Olas Wine & Food Festival |
| December | 71°F / 22°C | Warm, holiday lights | Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade |
Guided Tours
- Everglades Airboat Tour | 2 hours: A thrilling ride through the Everglades to see wildlife up close.
- Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Tour | All-day pass: Hop-on, hop-off tour along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway.
- Historic Walking Tour of Fort Lauderdale | 1.5 hours): A guided tour of the city’s oldest sites.
- Sunset Cruise | 2 hours: A relaxing evening cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s canals.
- Snorkeling & Reef Tour | 3 hours: Explore the vibrant marine life of the Florida coast.
Cruise Port in
Fort Lauderdale Guide
Share this guide with a friend or keep it in your inbox
for your next trip.
Getting To and From Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Distance: 3 miles (5 km) from Port Everglades.
- Transportation Options:
- Shuttle: Many hotels and cruise lines offer shuttle services.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Approx. $15–$25 one-way.
- Public Transit: BCT Route 1 connects the airport to downtown.
- Car Rentals: Available at FLL and in Fort Lauderdale.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury:
- The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale – A beachfront luxury resort with world-class amenities.
- Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach – An upscale oceanfront resort with spacious suites.
- Mid-Range:
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort – A stylish beachfront resort with excellent dining options.
- Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel – A convenient hotel near Port Everglades.
- Budget:
- Best Western Plus Oceanside Inn – An affordable option close to the beach.
- Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port – Budget-friendly with free shuttle service.
Shopping, Cafés & Dining
Best Shopping Areas:
- Las Olas Boulevard – A premier shopping district with boutiques, art galleries, and high-end stores.
- Galleria Mall – An upscale shopping mall with designer brands and fine dining.
- Sawgrass Mills – One of the largest outlet malls in the U.S., featuring top brands at discount prices.
- Dania Pointe – A shopping and entertainment complex with diverse retail and dining options.
Best Cafés:
- The Alchemist – A trendy café offering expertly brewed coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Press & Grind Café – Known for its specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and smoothies.
- Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar – A charming café with a floral shop inside, offering handcrafted lattes and desserts.
- Warsaw Coffee Company – A hip café with great espresso and a cozy vibe.
- Sip Java Co. – A neighborhood favorite for organic coffee and delicious breakfast options.
Best Restaurants:
- Coconuts – A waterfront seafood restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh fish.
- Louie Bossi’s Ristorante – An authentic Italian eatery offering homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
- Casa Sensei – A fusion of Pan-Asian and Latin flavors, with a beautiful waterfront setting.
- Boatyard – A stylish seafood restaurant with dockside dining and a lively atmosphere.
- El Vez – A Mexican-inspired restaurant serving tacos, guacamole, and creative cocktails.
Recommended Reading & Local YouTubers
Books About Fort Lauderdale & Florida’s East Coast:
- “Fort Lauderdale: The Venice of America” by Susan Gillis – A historical look at the city’s development and culture.
- “Florida Off the Beaten Path” by Diana and Bill Gleasner – A guide to hidden gems and unique places in Florida.
- “Insiders’ Guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale” by Caroline Sieg – A comprehensive travel guide with local tips.
Local YouTube Channels & Videos:
- Visit Lauderdale – The official tourism channel featuring events, attractions, and local insights.
- The Tim Tracker – Covers Florida’s theme parks and major cities, including Fort Lauderdale.
- Florida With Five – A family-friendly channel showcasing Florida travel, attractions, and lifestyle.
Printable Map
Download a detailed map of Fort Lauderdale here: Printable Map.
