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Are you planning your Great Loop adventure or searching for a new boating destination? Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a great stop along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Here, you can enjoy waterfront dining, beautiful beaches, unique shopping, and lots of ways to experience the city from the water. Whether you’re passing through on the Great Loop or planning a shorter trip, there’s plenty to see and do between stretches of open water.

This guide covers the top Intracoastal Waterway stops in Fort Lauderdale, including where to dock, what to see, and the best spots for overnights.

 

 

1. Dock and Stay at Yacht Haven

All Great Loopers need a place to dock up and relax before moving on to the next destination. Yacht Haven is a convenient marina and lodging choice for boaters in Fort Lauderdale, making it a good base for exploring the waterfront. Enjoy premium resort-style amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool, concierge, laundry center, game lawn, pontoon rentals, and more.

Spending a night here gives you more time to enjoy all Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Plan your next leg on the ICW and look for things to do around town.

 

2. Explore Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-known spots for dining, shopping, and walking around. This lively street has boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, so boaters can easily get a feel for the city’s local vibe between days on the water.

If you plan to stay a bit longer during your Great Loop Fort Lauderdale visit, take a few hours to browse the shops and enjoy a relaxed meal.

 

3. Relax at Las Olas Oceanside Park

Las Olas Oceanside Park is a great spot to stretch your legs and soak in the coastal atmosphere. It’s close to Fort Lauderdale Beach, with green space and easy access to the beachfront.

If you’ve spent a few days on the water, a walk along the shore is a nice way to take a break. Look up local event listings while you’re there, since the park often hosts community events and seasonal activities.

 

4. Spend Time at Fort Lauderdale Beach

Be sure to stop by the beaches while you’re in this part of the state. At Fort Lauderdale Beach, you can enjoy the best of South Florida. Whether you want to swim, relax, or just enjoy the ocean view, it’s a must-see.

If your Great Loop schedule allows, plan for a beach day or even just an afternoon visit. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and anything else you’ll need to enjoy your time off the boat.

 

5. Enjoy Waterfront Dining

At waterfront restaurants, you can enjoy fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and watch boats go by on the ICW and nearby canals.

Whether you want a casual lunch or a special dinner after a day on the water, local dining is one of many reasons to stay longer. Check menus, hours, and docking options before you go, especially if you plan to arrive by boat.

 

6. Discover Unique Shopping and Local Finds

Beyond the usual stores, Fort Lauderdale has independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops worth exploring. Las Olas Boulevard is a good spot to find gifts, local items, and souvenirs.

For Great Loop travelers, shopping is also a chance to pick up supplies, replace essentials, or find something handy for the next part of your trip.

 

7. Take in the Best Views From the Water

Fort Lauderdale’s many canals, waterfront homes, and marinas have earned it the nickname “Venice of America.” Cruising these waterways gives you a different view than walking around, with scenic homes, landscaped waterfronts, and boats of all sizes along the channels.

If you’re planning your Great Loop Florida route, try to make time to see more of Fort Lauderdale beyond the main ICW. Check navigation charts, local boating rules, bridge schedules, and waterway conditions before you pick your route.

 

8. Explore More of the New River

The New River runs through downtown Fort Lauderdale and gives you another way to see how the city connects with the water. Depending on your plans, exploring this area can add variety and more waterfront views to your trip.

Before leaving the ICW, check the route’s navigation needs, like bridge clearances, currents, traffic, and any rules that could affect your boat.

Yacht Haven is situated in a protected “hurricane hole” up the New River, and is as storm-safe as you can get. An extended stay here during storm season means avoiding choppy waters and keeping your vessel protected from weather.

 

9. Make Time for an Overnight Stay

Fort Lauderdale is a must if you have time to stay. Don’t just pass through to fill up. An overnight stay lets you enjoy the beach, dine, and shop, then head back to your boat.

Yacht Haven is a marina and lodging spot for travelers who want to mix the boating lifestyle with scenic, luxurious on-land surroundings– not to mention staying close to the action of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re on a long trip or just visiting South Florida, staying an extra night can make your visit even better.

 

10. Plan Your Next ICW Stop

Whether you stop in Fort Lauderdale or just pass through, you’ll have plenty of options. Know how far you’re traveling, the weather forecast, and how much gas you’ll need. You may also want to look up bridges and overnight stops if you plan to take the Great Loop route.

If you’re planning Intracoastal Waterway stops, Fort Lauderdale balances time on the water with visits to restaurants, beaches, and the unique attractions that make South Florida special.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Loop in Fort Lauderdale

 

Is Fort Lauderdale on the Great Loop?

Fort Lauderdale is accessible from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which Great Loop itineraries along Florida’s east coast commonly include. Your exact route depends on your direction of travel, vessel, and overall trip plan.

 

Where can Great Loopers stay overnight in Fort Lauderdale?

Yacht Haven offers a marina and lodging option for boaters visiting Fort Lauderdale. Confirm availability, vessel requirements, amenities, and reservation details before you arrive. Enjoy premium resort-style amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool, concierge, laundry center, game lawn, pontoon rentals, and more.

 

What is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale by boat?

Many boaters plan Florida cruising during the cooler months, but conditions change based on the season. When scheduling your stop, consider weather forecasts, hurricane season, seasonal boating traffic, and marina availability.

 

How long should you stay in Fort Lauderdale during the Great Loop?

One or two nights can provide time to explore the beach, enjoy waterfront dining, and visit Las Olas Boulevard. A longer stay is worthwhile if you want to explore more of the city, take a break from an extended cruising schedule, or stay in a “hurricane hole” like where Yacht Haven is, keeping your vessel as storm-safe as possible.

 

 

Make Fort Lauderdale Part of Your Great Loop Adventure

The Great Loop is all about discovering waterfront cities, trying local food, and finding places where you want to stay a bit longer. Fort Lauderdale has coastal views, shopping, dining, and easy boating access, making it a wonderful stop on your trip.

When planning your next Great Loop Fort Lauderdale stop, think about docking at Yacht Haven so you can stay overnight and explore the city at your own pace. Book your stay today!