Fort Lauderdale is a sun-kissed oasis that has more to offer than just its gorgeous beaches. This lively city is a cultural center, with historic landmarks like the Stranahan House Museum, artistic retreats like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, and top-notch entertainment at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Are you ready to delve deeper into these attractions? If yes, let's take a closer look together!
So what awesome things can you enjoy while visiting Fort Lauderdale?
Stranahan House Museum
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The Stranahan House Museum is an important historical site that provides valuable insights into the early development of the city. This beautiful house, constructed in 1901, is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale and serves as a testament to the region's pioneer history. It was once the home of Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale's "Founding Father," and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the area's first school teacher. The house has served many purposes over the years, including a trading post, post office, town hall, community center, and residence for the Stranahan family.
The house is a wooden-frame vernacular building featuring spacious porches and an impressive view of the New River. It has withstood numerous challenges, including hurricanes, fires, and floods, making it a resilient symbol of South Florida's heritage.
The museum offers guided tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the beautifully preserved rooms and furnishings of the Stranahan family, providing a unique perspective on Fort Lauderdale's history.
- Opening hours. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ticket prices. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $7 for students.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
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This historic estate was built in the early 1900s and served as the winter home of accomplished artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. They were known for their contributions to various forms of visual art. The house itself is an architectural masterpiece, blending Mediterranean Revival and Caribbean plantation styles. Once inside Bonnet House, you'll discover a vast collection of art and personal belongings that offer a glimpse into the Bartletts' world, allowing you to step back in time and imagine the lifestyle of a 1930s and 40s beachfront estate.
The estate is situated along Fort Lauderdale Beach and has beautiful natural surroundings. It boasts lush, well-maintained gardens filled with a diverse array of tropical plants and wildlife.
- Opening hours. The estate is open Wednesday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. but is closed on Mondays.
- Ticket prices. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-17, and free for children under 5.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
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The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a vibrant cultural hub that brings the magic of live performances to the community. It's consistently ranked among the top 10 most-visited theaters in the world and hosts over 700 shows each year, attracting more than 600,000 visitors.
Located next to the beautiful New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this modern and well-equipped venue showcases a diverse array of artistic events. These include Broadway musicals, operas, concerts, plays, ballets, multicultural performances, workshops, lectures, and educational events. It also has one of the most extensive arts-in-education programs in the United States, serving over 150,000 students annually. Through its education and outreach programs, the Broward Center not only fosters a deep appreciation for the arts but also nurtures the talents of the next generation.
Pro tip! You can join free behind-the-scenes tours on the first Sunday of each month, which are scheduled during the Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
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Just outside Fort Lauderdale, you'll find the iconic Guitar Hotel, a one-of-a-kind building that's sure to catch your eye. This architectural marvel takes the shape of a massive guitar, with a brilliant beam of light running through its center.
Inside, the hotel offers an experience more akin to a vibrant city than a traditional lodging. You'll discover a bustling array of the best nightclubs, shops, restaurants, and concert halls that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. The hotel also boasts a renowned casino, featuring thousands of slots, table games, live poker, and an extensive collection of music memorabilia to delight and entertain its guests. Surrounding the hotel is an expansive lagoon, complete with its own island bungalows.
For a truly unique and memorable stay in Fort Lauderdale, the Guitar Hotel is a standout choice.
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