updated 2024
My first time in Ft. Lauderdale I quickly realized the best way to truly get to know the city touted as “The Venice of America,” was on the water. If you’re not lucky enough to have a boat or access to one, don’t despair. One way you to get on the water in Ft. Lauderdale is by taking a Water Taxi.
The Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi is really quite a deal—an all day adult pass is $40. Military gets a discount to $35. Kids five and under are free. There’s also an evening pass for only $20. It’s the perfect way to see Ft. Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterways and get you can get off and on as often as you like. At each stop, you’ll find bars, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions in the area. If you’re planning on drinking this is the way to go as you don’t have to worry about a designated driver. Also, you could easily spend $40 in parking fees.
If you are staying at one of the hotels on the regular route, call ahead and arrange for the water taxi to pick you up.
Of the many possible spots for pick up, my choice would be the historic Riverside Hotel. I did not stay there but I liked the location and the old world ambiance. It’s right on Las Olas Blvd. so you can easily walk to restaurants and shops. If you want to be closer to the water there’s the Hilton Marina Hotel where you can also connect with the Water Taxi bound for the Hollywood Beaches.
Riverside Hotel
What To Do In Ft. Lauderdale In One Day
Las Olas Blvd. used to be a dirt road that led to the beach. Olas means waves in Spanish. The Las Olas neighborhood is the heart of Ft. Lauderdale. I liked the small and somewhat European feel of Las Olas, and could have easily spent the better part of a day there strolling the boulevard, stopping for a coffee or cold drink, and browsing the art galleries.
Have a continental-style breakfast at Gran Forno Pronto, or get your coffee and pastry to go. You can catch the Water Taxi at the Riverside Hotel next door.
The Water Taxi tour is about two to three hours spent drooling over the million-dollar yachts and multi-million dollar homes. It really is mind-boggling how many celebrities and gazillionaires keep a home (and the requisite yacht) in Ft. Lauderdale. Your tour guide on the water will give you the inside scoop.
Yachts!
“Miami Vice” house
If you want to go to the beach you can take the water taxi! Just get off at either stop 7 or 8 for the Ft. Lauderdale beaches. You can also pick up a bottle of water or something to rehydrate while you’re soaking up the Florida sunshine. Spend the day at the beach then return to Las Olas in plenty of time for an alfresco dinner and drinks.
Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale Gondola Tour
For a more romantic experience you can end the evening with a gondola tour of the canals. Or hop back on the Water Taxi for the night ride. A great way to end a beautiful day in sunny southeast Florida.
17 comments
I’m a native Floridian and have lived the last several years in Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks for an awesome post about our city and some really great tips for visitors 🙂
Hi Linda,
that’s a lovely compliment. thank you for reading and commenting.
I love water taxis. (There’s a terrific one between Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York.) If I get to Fort Lauderdale I’m definitely taking one!
I supposed the vaporettos in Venice are water taxis too. Very cool way to move around. I’d love to see Manhattan from the water taxi!
Well it’s not as sexy as a yacht but it’s definitely a boat. 🙂
I have a major thing for boats – I would LOVE this!!
Looks like a great way to see the town!
It really is. Otherwise all you see is walls. 🙂
We were in Ft. Lauderdale over the summer and Hurricane Issac was coming through, so no water taxi for us. Heading back in May so hopefully I’ll finally get to check it out:)
If you’re in Ft. Lauderdale and you don’t have your own boat I think it’s the way to go for sure.
i want to go! i love anything on the water.
I didn’t realize how cool it was until I started working on this story. 🙂
I love the idea of a water taxi!
Thanks for the priceless tip. I definitely need to go here. My family loves anything with water. We are planning to spend part of our Summer going around Florida. Aways fun and happy memories for us at this beautiful Sunshine State.
If you are going to be in the area definitely check it out. There’s also a Miami water taxi. I have happy Florida memories too.
Water taxis sound fantastic – maybe because they remind me of Venice!
It’s a little pricey for trying to get around long term, but for a day or two it’s perfect.