Hi guys, if you are searching for where to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car, you are in the right place. In today’s article, I will help you find the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car.
I will share my recommendations for the top areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car, along with a helpful map. I’ll also tell you where I stayed and suggest some hotels for all budgets.
Fort Lauderdale is a city located in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, boating canals, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The city is often referred to as the “Venice of America” due to its intricate network of canals and waterways. Boating is a popular pastime, and there are many marinas and yacht clubs in the area.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a major transportation hub in the region, making it easy for travelers to access the city.
Las Olas Boulevard is the famous street in Fort Lauderdale lined with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. It’s a popular destination for shopping and dining.
Getting around Fort Lauderdale without a car is quite manageable thanks to several transportation options. Here are some ways to navigate the city without relying on a car:
The city has an expanding network of bike lanes and bike-friendly streets. You can rent a bike from bike-sharing programs like Lime or B-Cycle. Many hotels also offer bike rentals to guests.
Broward County Transit (BCT) operates buses throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. You can use their buses to get to popular destinations. You can visit the BCT website or use mobile apps like Google Maps or Transit to plan your routes and check schedules.
Fort Lauderdale offers the Sun Trolley, which provides convenient transportation along specific routes in the city, including downtown, the beach, and other popular areas. It’s an affordable and convenient way to explore Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its waterways, and you can use the Water Taxi to travel along the Intracoastal Waterway and visit various attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Water Taxi provides a unique and scenic way to get around.
Services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fort Lauderdale. You can download their apps and request a ride to your desired destination. Traditional taxi are also available in Fort Lauderdale.
Depending on your location and the proximity of your destinations, you may be able to explore Fort Lauderdale on foot, especially in areas like downtown and along the beachfront.
If you plan to travel beyond Fort Lauderdale and explore other parts of South Florida, consider using the Tri-Rail commuter train system. It connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach, among other locations.
Always check the schedules, routes, and prices of the transportation options you plan to use, as they may varyFort Lauderdale has a well-organized tourism information center that can provide you with maps, transportation details, and helpful advice on getting around the city without a car.
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car?
The best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car are Downtown Fort Lauderdale/Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach/Central Beach, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. These areas offer plenty of tourist amenities that can be easily explored on foot, by using public transportation, Uber/Lyft.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is known for its vibrant downtown scene and the famous Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. You can easily explore downtown on foot, and there are also water taxis and the Sun Trolley for getting around.
If you want to be close to the beach, Central Beach is a fantastic choice. The Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade is perfect for walking or biking, and the beach itself offers plenty of activities.
Located just north of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside village known for its laid-back atmosphere. The town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and a beautiful pier.
During my trip to Fort Lauderdale without a car, I stayed in the Downtown area, at the popular Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale. Great hotels in a good location, within walking distance to nice restaurants and stores, close to the river walk.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Fort Lauderdale for car-free travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale, especially for travelers without a car. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Fort Lauderdale have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car:
1. Downtown Fort Lauderdale/ Las Olas
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is one of the best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale if you want to be in the heart of the city’s urban and cultural scene without a car.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is well-connected and pedestrian-friendly. You can easily walk to restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues in the area.
Las Olas Boulevard is a major thoroughfare in the city known for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife. Many hotels in this area offer convenient access to the boulevard.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and the Museum of Discovery and Science. If you’re interested in art and science, you’ll have easy access to these attractions.
The Riverwalk is a picturesque promenade along the New River, offering scenic views and access to parks. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk and even catch a Water Taxi for a unique perspective of the city.
While walking is a great way to explore the immediate area, if you want to venture farther, you can use public transportation options like the Sun Trolley or rideshare services to get around.
While Downtown Fort Lauderdale isn’t directly on the beach, it’s relatively close to the Fort Lauderdale Beach area. You can take a short ride to the beach if you want to spend time by the ocean.
If you’re taking a cruise from Port Everglades, this area is a convenient choice, as it’s not far from the cruise terminal.
Best places to stay in Downtown Fort Lauderdale/ Las Olas without a car:
- Luxury ($$$): Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, 4-star Fabulous hotel located on East Las Olas Blvd in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, easy access to Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard and Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
- Mid-range ($$): Riverside Hotel, great accommodation located in the downtown area, featuring two on-site restaurants, and outdoor heated pool. It’s a short drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Budget ($): Home2 Suites By Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Downtown, Fl, 3-star accommodation, has a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and on-site parking for those who drive.
2. Fort Lauderdale Beach/ Central Beach
The Fort Lauderdale Beach/Central Beach area is an excellent base in Fort Lauderdale if you want to be close to the beach and enjoy a beachfront atmosphere without a car.
This area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, and many hotels and resorts are situated directly on or just steps away from the shore. You can easily access the beach for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and relaxation.
Fort Lauderdale Beach/Central Beach offers a wide range of dining options, from beachfront cafes to upscale restaurants. You’ll also find beach bars and nightlife options for entertainment in the evening.
If you enjoy water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, or paddleboarding, you’ll have easy access to rentals and tour operators along the beach.
The area offers boutique shops and souvenir stores, making it convenient for shopping for beachwear or gifts. Las Olas Boulevard is a short ride away, offering additional dining and shopping options.
While you can walk to many of the attractions in this area, you may also consider using the Sun Trolley or rideshare services to explore other parts of Fort Lauderdale.
The Intracoastal Waterway is nearby, and you can take boat tours or water taxis to explore the city from the water.
Best places to stay inFort Lauderdale Beach/ Central Beach without a car:
- Luxury ($$$): The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, 5-star beachfront hotel, short taxi ride from upscale shopping at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.
- Mid-range ($$): Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, 4-star beachfront hotel, couples of min ride from Bonnet Gardens, also easy access Port Everglades, Venice on the Beach, and The Galleria shopping centre.
- Budget ($): Coconut Bay Resort, 3-star accommodation, short distance from Fort Lauderdale Beach and Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and free private parking for guests who drive.
3. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside town located just north of Fort Lauderdale Beach. It offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great choice for travelers who want a quieter beach vacation without the need for a car.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea boasts a beautiful, family-friendly beach with clear waters and a picturesque pier. Many hotels and vacation rentals are located within walking distance of the beach, allowing for easy access to sunbathing, swimming, and water activities.
The town has a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to charming cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy fresh seafood and other local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Anglin’s Pier is a popular spot for fishing and strolling. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, as the area features a coral reef just offshore, making it a popular destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has boutique shops and stores, perfect for leisurely shopping for souvenirs or beachwear.
While Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a smaller town, it’s still possible to use public transportation or rideshare services to explore other parts of Fort Lauderdale or neighboring areas if you want to venture beyond the town.
Best places to stay in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea without a car:
- Luxury ($$$): Plunge Beach Resort, popular 4-star seafront hotel, offering on-site parking, free bike rental, and water sports facilities.
- Mid-range ($$): Beach Aqualina Apartments, 4-star apartment, short distance from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach, offering barbecue facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and free private parking.
- Budget ($): Coral Key Inn, great 3-star hotel, situated on the shores of Lauderdale Beach, a few mins drive from Interstate 95. It offers a launderette, free parking, and luggage storage.
In conclusion, Downtown/ Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach/Central Beach, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea are the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car. These are the city’s most popular areas for tourists, easily explored on foot and by using water taxis, Sun Trolley, Uber or Lyft.
You can continue reading about other destinations in Florida in these articles:
- Safe areas to stay in Key West for first time
- Safe areas to stay in St. Petersburg, FL
- Safe areas to stay in Miami for first time
- Best areas to stay in Orlando without a car
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas that you can stay during your car-free trip to Fort Lauderdale. I hope you found my article helpful and enjoy your holiday!