Fort Lauderdale port guide: What to see, do & eat in Florida’s ‘Venice’

Words by Rebecca Barnes

If your ship departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, you’re in luck, as it’s the perfect pre- or post-cruise destination for voyages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, Central America and beyond.

Ranked the world’s third busiest cruise homeport, having welcomed around 4 million passengers in 2025, Fort Lauderdale cruise port, Port Everglades, is investing in the future with multi-million dollar plans to develop its facilities.

Located on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula and known as the Venice of America for its rivers and canals, Fort Lauderdale has 24 miles of beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways – sun lovers will enjoy an average year-round temperature of 77°F, and 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine.

From world-class shopping to diverse dining, Fort Lauderdale is becoming a destination in its own right, reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe and cruise industry growth. Coming soon is the Pedestrian Plaza with enhanced water taxi access, a publicly accessible waterfront park-like plaza and a signature waters-edge restaurant.

How near is the airport to Fort Lauderdale cruise port?

For airports near Fort Lauderdale, many cruise passengers fly into Miami International Airport which is located 27 miles south of Port Everglades. There is also Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located 1.8 miles from Port Everglades. The transfer time from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale cruise port is around 40 minutes. Fort Lauderdale to cruise port transfer time is 15-20 minutes.

Each of the eight cruise terminals features artwork by local and global artists, including Dale Chihuly, as part of Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program.

How to get from Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale

Taxis cost from $80; Uber and Lyft are also available. Tri-Rail offers a direct train service from Miami International Airport to Fort Lauderdale Airport Station.

How to get from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Fort Lauderdale

Taxis from the airport cost around $18-$21; Uber and Lyft are also available. Tri-Rail serves South Florida cities and offers a complimentary shuttle to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Guests cannot walk from the airport to the port.

– READ MORE: 5 fun family activities in Fort Lauderdale –

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

South Florida Food Tours

Fort Lauderdale offers a number of food tours, but we recommend this satisfying tour, which takes in the city’s favourite eateries. The three-hour culinary journey starts strong at a top-rated Greek restaurant, before moving on to sample some of the city’s most elite Indonesian food. You’ll also visit a cosy comfort food cafe, followed by a Mexican hangout, and finish (if you still have space) with some must-try sweet treats.

Mad Arts

This new immersive art museum has something for all the family. Enter the two-storey creative playground and discover 20+ interactive exhibits from artists and creatives, whose work pushes the boundaries of what art and technology can achieve. Book a guided tour or explore at your own pace.

Water Taxi

If you only do one thing in FL, make it a trip on the water taxi. The best way to see the city highlights, there are three routes – Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Hollywood – which take in destinations including Las Olas Boulevard, The Galleria Mall and Margaritaville. There’s also luggage storage if your flight or ship isn’t leaving for a while, and an online boat tracker.

– READ MORE: What to pack for a Caribbean cruise –

What to do near Fort Lauderdale

Miami

Located 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Miami is a melting pot of culture, colour and diversity. Alongside its vibrant nightlife, there’s also a thriving culinary and arts scene, famed beaches to sprawl on, and renowned city spots including Little Havana and the iconic Ocean Drive.

Sawgrass Mills

Shop till you drop at one of the world’s largest outlet malls – with discounts of at least 70 per cent, there are more than 350 stores and 16 restaurants. For luxury items, head to The Colonnade Outlets for its collection of high-end brands; there’s also lots of outdoor dining.

Hollywood/Margaritaville

Enjoy a slice of Florida beach life while you’re in town – jump on the water taxi to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which features a two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk that connects you to restaurants, bars and entertainment, plus, of course, the sun-drenched shores of Hollywood Beach itself.

– READ MORE: 8 top East Coast ports of call in the USA –

Food and drink in Fort Lauderdale

Olive & Sea

This Sailawaze-approved restaurant serves colourful and flavourful Mediterranean-style dishes, and locally-sourced seafood prepared with ethically-sourced seasonings and rubs; we recommend the Olive & Sea salad with goat’s cheese and roasted beets, and the epic chicken wings with harissa. Wash it all down with a cocktail that infuses traditional Eastern Mediterranean spices with ingredients like herbs and citrus.

Marina Village

Step off the water taxi into the heart of lively Marina Village, a marina surrounded by luxury yachts. It’s a great place to visit during the day and when the sun sets for waterfront dining, shops and bars, including fresh seafood, global flavours, and excellent cocktails.

Del Mar

The highly anticipated third location of the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is the first in East South Florida. Serving vibrant coastal cuisine, Del Mar Fort Lauderdale spans more than 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space, and its waterfront positioning offers a super cool beachfront bar and dining experience.

– READ MORE: Our favourite destinations for food & drink –

Fort Lauderdale hotels

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

If you’re looking for hotels close to Fort Lauderdale cruise port, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina offers a resort-style getaway in the heart of the Venice of the Americas. Located along a scenic stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway, the fully renovated hotel has a fresh, contemporary style which complements the natural beauty of its surroundings. Many of the chic guest rooms, which feature a calming colour palette inspired by marina life, have balconies with expansive water views. There’s also an on-site water taxi stop, a beach shuttle and a fitness centre with a Peloton bike.

Omni Fort Lauderdale

Just steps from Port Everglades, this new 801-room hotel offers shuttles to the eight cruise terminals. Facilities include six bars and restaurants, including Reef 76 for seafood and coastal dishes; a skyline terrace, rooftop pool and coastal-inspired day spa. Luxury rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean or city skyline views, private balconies, plush bedding and roomy bathrooms.

Pier Sixty-Six

Set within 32 acres, Pier Sixty-Six is a Fort Lauderdale institution, offering easy port access, waterfront facilities and stunning views. One of the highlights is the uber glamorous rotating Pier Top lounge on the 17th floor – there’s also a multi-level pool deck with loungers, cabanas and waterslides, spa and a kids’ club.

– READ MORE: My first Virgin cruise around the Caribbean –