Fort Lauderdale may be known for its sparkling beaches and waterfront mansions, but if you want to truly experience the city, skip the tourist crowds and see it through a local’s eyes. When you stay in a vacation rental with Grimaldi Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals, you’re already ahead of the game — immersed in real neighborhoods, surrounded by local life.
Ready to dig deeper than beach chairs and boat tours? Here are 10 authentic, off-the-beaten-path things to do in Fort Lauderdale — the way locals live, eat, and play.
1. Grab Coffee at The Alchemist in Wilton Manors
Hidden inside the MASS District (a local creative warehouse space), The Alchemist is a local favorite for craft coffee and toast served in a lush courtyard. With reclaimed wood tables, leafy corners, and zero pretense, it’s where locals sip slow and stay awhile.
📍 Address: 2430 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors
☕ Try This: Bulletproof Coffee and their signature open-faced avocado toast.
2. Kayak Through Mangroves at West Lake Park
Just 15 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale in Hollywood, West Lake Park is a secret slice of Old Florida. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore winding mangrove trails filled with herons, crabs, and manatees.
📍 Address: 1200 Sheridan St, Hollywood
🛶 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to spot wildlife and avoid the heat.
3. Stroll the Farmers Market at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Every Saturday, locals head to the Las Olas Oceanside Park Market, steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach, to pick up fresh produce, artisan bread, handmade soaps, and small-batch sauces. It’s not just shopping — it’s a vibe.
📍 Address: 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
🛍️ Best Time to Go: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., then head to brunch nearby.
4. Dine at Coconuts (But Sit at the Raw Bar)
While tourists wait for a table out front, locals head to the raw bar behind Coconuts, overlooking the Intracoastal. It’s more relaxed, has the same great food, and gives you a front-row seat to boat traffic.
📍 Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
🦞 Local Tip: Order the Scoobies — garlic snow crab claws not on the menu.
5. Bike the Quiet Back Streets of Victoria Park
Want a scenic, peaceful ride? Rent a bike and explore the tree-lined lanes of Victoria Park, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most charming historic neighborhoods. Locals love it for its shady streets, old Florida architecture, and quiet elegance.
🚲 Route Suggestion: Start near Holiday Park, loop around Victoria Park Rd, and finish with lunch on Las Olas.
6. Shop Indie at the MASS District Art Walk
On the last Saturday of every month, local artists, vendors, and musicians take over the streets in the MASS District for the Art Walk — a totally local, totally free creative block party.
📍 Address: 844 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale
🎨 Vibe Check: Think live painting, indie food trucks, vinyl DJs, and gallery pop-ups.
7. Catch Sunset at The Jetty Near Port Everglades
Most visitors don’t know about the south jetty, located just past the Lago Mar Beach Resort. Locals walk out here to watch the cruise ships depart while the sun sets behind the skyline.
📍 Access Tip: Park at the end of South Ocean Drive and follow the path past the rocks.
📸 Photo Worthy: Absolutely. Go golden hour.
8. Sip Craft Cocktails at The Wilder
Avoid the mainstream bars and head to The Wilder, a sophisticated cocktail lounge loved by locals for its moody interiors, garden patio, and imaginative drink menu.
📍 Address: 701 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
🍸 Favorite Drink: The “Just Beet It” — mezcal, beet juice, and citrus.
9. Discover the Secret Garden at Bonnet House
Sure, the Bonnet House is listed on every travel site — but most tourists just tour the house. Locals come for the secret gardens, filled with orchids, wildlife, and peaceful benches under giant banyan trees.
📍 Address: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale
🌺 Tip: Pay for garden access only and spend the morning birdwatching.
10. Watch the Sunrise at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Skip the busy Fort Lauderdale Beach area and head north to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. This walkable beach town is where locals greet the day — coffee in hand, feet in the sand.
📍 Location: Anglin’s Pier, Commercial Blvd & Ocean Dr
🌞 Go Early: 6:15 a.m.–6:45 a.m. for prime sunrise colors.
Vacation Like a Local — Stay Like One Too
You can’t explore like a local if you’re staying in a tourist-packed hotel zone. That’s why savvy travelers choose Grimaldi Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals. Our homes are tucked into the neighborhoods that locals love most — giving you authentic access to the real Fort Lauderdale.
✅ Live in Victoria Park, Wilton Manors, Coral Ridge, or Las Olas
✅ Enjoy private pools, canal views, and walkable streets
✅ Get insider tips from a local property manager
✅ Book direct and save big on fees
🎯 Want to experience Fort Lauderdale like a true local?
👉 Book your stay today
