You probably know that Fort Lauderdale is very close to Miami in Florida, but – is Fort Lauderdale in Miami, or is it a separate entity in the state of Florida?
Or is it a suburb?
Well, no, Fort Lauderdale is technically not in Miami, the city of many names. And it is not a suburb. Technically, Fort Lauderdale is a town of its own.
Although it is not far away, it will take you less than an hour in your car (or an Uber, which I do as I don’t have a car in Miami). You can also take public transport, but that will take longer.
Is Fort Lauderdale In Miami?
Many people wonder if Florida is situated on the East Coast and also wonder about this thing with Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is undeniably a bustling city in its own right, boasting a thriving economy, a vibrant downtown area, and a diverse population.
As such, it cannot be considered a suburb of Miami, home of the Cuban diaspora and the ventanitas.
However, it is worth noting that Fort Lauderdale is still very much intertwined with Miami and the surrounding areas.
In fact, both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are part of the greater Miami Metropolitan Area, including Hollywood, which encompasses a wide range of neighboring communities.
So, having cleared that up, let’s move on.
Fort Lauderdale is an awesome destination, too (I have not just visited but also flown over there with a helicopter). Here is why you should spend some time in Fort Lauderdale and what to do there.
Must-Do Things Fort Lauderdale
The most famous street in Fort Lauderdale is actually a boulevard, and it is one that has a lot to offer in all categories!
Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by narrow, crisscrossing waterways that are part of the city’s soul in a different way than Miami, with its boat tours on the wide Biscayne Bay.
You can eat, shop, or participate in one of the many activities offered along the boulevard.
You also find a variety of spas, salons, and beauty centers here, so you can take a break in the middle of the day to go get some pampering!
At the end of the boulevard, you arrive at Las Olas Beach, where you can either start your day, end your day, or – take your lunch and siesta somewhere in the middle.
The city has invested heavily in revitalizing its downtown area, which now boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Check out this three-day itinerary for Fort Lauderdale if you want some guidance from a seasoned traveler!
With its warm climate, beautiful scenery, and thriving business community, Fort Lauderdale is a major hub of activity within the Miami metropolitan area and beyond.
If you happen to visit in February or March, you can also embark on a slightly different weekend outing.
Where To Stay In Fort Lauderdale
Here are two top-rated places to stay in Fort Lauderdale:
Top Rated Tours In Fort Lauderdale
Some things are smarter to explore on your own than others, and in Fort Lauderdale, there are a few things you don’t want to miss.
Like the famous Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise and a sunset cruise with bubbly champagne, and in between, whisk around the town on a segway.
3 Top-rated tours in Fort Lauderdale:
Fort Lauderdale And Miami Are Separate Counties
It is important to note that while Fort Lauderdale and Miami are separate counties (Broward and Dade, respectively), they share many cultural similarities.
Both cities are known for their vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and stunning beaches.
In fact, many tourists and visitors often consider a trip to Fort Lauderdale to be incomplete without at least one day in Miami, and vice versa.
It’s worth noting that Fort Lauderdale has experienced tremendous growth and development over the past several years and is also becoming a buzzing destination with “everything” to offer.
FAQs Fort Lauderdale Florida
Is Ft. Lauderdale considered Miami?
No, Ft. Lauderdale is not considered Miami.
Is Fort Lauderdale different from Miami?
Yes and no, Fort Lauderdale is similar to Miami in the sense that it is a southern Florida town facing the North Atlantic with stunning white sandy beaches.
But the two towns are also different, have their own unique ambiance and “culture” even, and they are formally two different entities.
Is it better to fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale?
Well, that depends on where you are headed, whether you are going to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, or whichever of the places along the Florida shoreline.
For Miami and the Florida Keys, flying into MIA is best.
But it is really not that big a deal, the distance between the airports is around 45 minutes to drive in normal traffic, Fort Lauderdale is a little further north. And the drive to the Keys is up to 4 hours anyway.
How Far Is Fort Lauderdale, Florida, From Miami, Florida?
The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is around 29 miles, or 46 kilometers, and it takes around 45 minutes to drive in normal traffic.
How Far Is Fort Lauderdale From West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach is also a very popular destination along the coastline, a little further to the north of Fort Lauderdale.
The distance from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach is 46 miles, and it will take you just under one hour to drive there along the I-95.
Is Fort Lauderdale in Miami or Florida?
Fort Lauderdale is in the state of Florida, and so is the city of Miami.
Does Fort Lauderdale Have An Airport?
Yes, the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is located just south of Fort Lauderdale, 21 miles north of Miami, and 28 miles north of Miami International Airport.
Shuttle From Fort Lauderdale To Miami Port?
If you’re planning on cruising from the Port of Miami Cruise Terminal and are looking for a cost-effective way to get there from Fort Lauderdale, taking the Line 01 bus and Line 119 bus is definitely worth considering.
This option not only saves you money, with fares ranging from just $3 to $6, but it also allows you to enjoy a scenic route along the way.
The journey takes just under three hours, so you better not be in a hurry. While the route may be longer than other transportation options, such as a taxi or private car service, it’s a great way to save money on the journey.
For those considering a cruise from Miami, there are shuttle services between Fort Lauderdale Airport and Miami Cruise Port, operated by all major cruise lines.
These are very convenient, but not the most budget-friendly option. Booking your seat well in advance can be smart to avoid any unpleasant and expensive budget surprises.
Talk to your cruise line about booking a shuttle.
Prefer To Stay In Miami? Research Here!
Also read: Top-Rated Fabolous Miami Hotels With Rooftop Pools
Wrap-Up Is Fort Lauderdale In Miami
Fort Lauderdale is not actually part of Miami, technically, but the technicalities probably do not really matter to you if you want to visit.
The trip between the two cities is just around a 45-minute drive, and if you plan to visit Miami, you might want to consider taking a day trip to little sister Fort Lauderdale, which is growing quickly in both its art scene, cultural life, and nightlife.
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