Calm waters with white swan near palms.

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Bonnet House

Top choice in Fort Lauderdale


This pretty plantation-style property was once the home of artists and collectors Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. It is now open to guided tours that swing through its art-filled rooms and studios. Beyond the house, 35 acres of lush, subtropical gardens protect a pristine barrier-island ecosystem, including one of the finest orchid collections in the country.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Fort Lauderdale attractions

1. Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area

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This lusciously tropical park contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks in Broward County. There are mangroves and a freshwater lagoon system…

2. Canine Beach

0.2 MILES

This dog-friendly beach is the 100-yard swath running from E Sunrise Blvd to lifeguard station 5.

3. Fort Lauderdale Beach & Promenade

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Fort Lauderdale's promenade – a wide, brick, palm-tree-dotted pathway swooping along the beach and the A1A – is a magnet for runners, in-line skaters,…

4. Stranahan House

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Constructed from Dade County pine, grand Stranahan House is a fine example of Florida vernacular design, and one of the state's oldest homes. It served as…

5. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

2.65 MILES

A curvaceous Florida standout with an interesting spilled rainbow design outside, the museum is known for its William Glackens collection (among Glackens…

6. Riverwalk

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Curving along the New River, the meandering Riverwalk runs from Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Host to culinary tastings…

7. Las Olas Riverfront

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A giant alfresco boardwalk area with stores, restaurants and live entertainment nightly; it's also the place to catch many river cruises.

8. Museum of Discovery & Science

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A 52ft kinetic-energy sculpture greets you here, and fun exhibits include Gizmo City and Runways to Rockets – where it actually is rocket science. Plus…