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Despite its reputation for being an expensive place to visit, seeing Fort Lauderdale can be done on the cheap. With great weather, there are a lot of things to do outside to take advantage of the sun and heat. From hanging out on the beach to underwater adventures, here are seven free things to do in the city.
1. Sunbathe on the Beach
If there is only one thing you do when visiting Florida, going to the beach for a bit of sun and surf is a must. With 23 miles of white sandy beaches to choose from, visitors to Fort Lauderdale have many options. Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and a hat!
2. Walk the River Walk
Fort Lauderdale is often nicknamed the Venice of America due to its large network of interconnected canals and waterways. With stunning buildings and expensive boats, this is where the wealthy come to play. By New River, you can take a walk along one of the waterways. Be sure to pack a camera, so you can snap photos of all the glamorous boats and buildings along the way.
3. See the Stars
The Buehler Planetarium and Observatory opens its door and telescopes to the public to use for free. Three times a week, you can spend an evening gazing at the stars and pondering if there is anything out there. Additionally, for a nominal fee, there are also themed shows highlighting different aspects of the night sky before the public stargazing nights.
4. People-Watch on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
This two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is abuzz with people walking, biking, or rollerblading. With easy ocean access and plenty of restaurants and cafés along the way, this is the place to go see and be seen. On the weekends, stop by Josh’s Organic Market for fresh produce and delicious smoothies. The nearby Hollywood Beach Theatre also hosts free live concerts five nights a week.
5. Snorkel at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
In quaint Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, go for a swim for an underwater spectacle. About a 100 yards off the shore, easily reached by snorkelers and divers, a three-tier natural coral reef system is found. The reef system is home to Florida’s spiny lobster, grouper, barrel sponges, corals, sea fans, and tropical fish.
6. Secret Woods Nature Center
The 55 acres of Secret Woods Nature Center allows you to take a walk through the wetlands of Florida. Observe the different ecosystems of Florida first hand. Nearby, an interpretive center displays information on the flora and fauna spotted throughout the park.
7. Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
For all car lovers, this hidden museum in Fort Lauderdale is a must visit. The museum is a reproduction of the showroom of the Packard Motor Company in the 1920s showcasing 25 cars in working condition dating from the 1900s to the 1940s. For a step back into history, within the museum walls are also memorabilia and a gallery dedicated to President Roosevelt.
What is your favourite free thing to do in Fort Lauderdale?
This post was written as a part of the #HipmunkCityLove project.
Photos: 1 Robert Clavarro // 2 Visit Florida // 3 stu // 4 Cliff
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