Things to Do Alone in Fort Lauderdale (By Water)

Fort Lauderdale is easiest to do alone if you let the water set the route: a hop-on Water Taxi, a promenade along the New River and a handful of museums and houses all sit within a short boat ride or walk of one another. You never need a car, a reservation for a table or a plan for the whole day.

Last checked 2026-11-01.

Let the boat plan your day

Water Taxi. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau describes it as a hop-on, hop-off service on the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River, running seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with more than 30 scheduled stops across Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Hollywood. You do not have to ride a full loop: boats travel in both directions, and passes allow unlimited stops on the chosen route. In Fort Lauderdale boats typically arrive every 30 to 45 minutes, and a boat tracker shows the next arrival. The all-route adult pass is listed at $38 and an evening pass after 5 p.m. at $25, though prices may change (Visit Lauderdale: Water Taxi guide). Sitting on a boat where everyone faces the water is one of the lowest-pressure ways to spend an afternoon alone.

Walk the New River

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. The Riverwalk Linear Park and the Downtown Riverwalk District include ten parks along the New River in the city centre (Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale). The county tourism board lists a free Sunday Jazz Brunch along the Riverwalk on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the Riverwalk site places it at Esplanade Park. A free outdoor concert means you can arrive, stand at the back and leave whenever you like (Visit Lauderdale: free things to do).

Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade. For a change of scene, the tourism board describes a two-mile wave wall along the Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade, which is a simple walk with an ocean backdrop (Visit Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale beach).

Houses and gardens

Stranahan House Museum. Built in 1901, it is described as the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and sits on the New River; the museum even suggests arriving by Water Taxi. It is open five to six days a week, with the last tours accepted at 3:15 p.m. Tour tickets are listed from $13, and advance booking is recommended (Stranahan House, tickets). A guided tour is an easy way to be alone without being by yourself.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. A 35-acre barrier-island estate with nature trails, open for self-guided visits Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m., grounds close at 5 p.m.). Self-guided audio tours use your own phone, which means no group to keep up with. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day (Bonnet House: visit).

Museums on your own schedule

NSU Art Museum. At One East Las Olas Boulevard, open Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m., closed Mondays. On the first Thursday of each month it offers free admission and longer hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (NSU Art Museum).

Museum of Discovery & Science. At 401 SW Second Street, open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The AutoNation IMAX theater runs during museum hours and shows Hollywood films after hours; see the showtimes on the museum site (MODS). Sitting through a film in a dark theater is one of the easiest solo outings there is.

Fort Lauderdale Artwalk. Held on the last Saturday of each month from 6 p.m. in the MASS District at 844 NE 4th Avenue, with art, music and street performances (Visit Lauderdale). An open street event gives you something to look at and no one to keep up with.

Evening, markets and green space

Las Olas Oceanside Park market. The tourism board lists a farmers', antique and artisan market at Las Olas Oceanside Park every Saturday and Sunday, free to browse (Visit Lauderdale: free things to do). Check the market for current hours.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The venue lists a 2026/2027 Broadway in Fort Lauderdale season; one ticket is simple to book on your own (Broward Center).

Anne Kolb Nature Center, West Lake Park. A short trip away in Hollywood, with a mangrove estuary, a boardwalk and an observation tower you can climb or reach by elevator (Visit Lauderdale). Check the park for hours before going.

First solo outings

Easy: a museum on the first Thursday. Walk into the NSU Art Museum for free on the first Thursday of the month and stay as long as you want.
Middle: a day on the Water Taxi. Board, get off at Stranahan House for a guided tour, and ride on.
Bold: the Artwalk. Go on the last Saturday of the month and talk to one artist or vendor.

Solo Era for iPhone

Walk for one hour without headphones

Solo Era has a movement mission at level 2: "Walk for one hour without headphones." The Riverwalk along the New River is one place to try it. Free to download. A subscription is required to start missions. Prices and any free trial are shown in the app and depend on the offer and eligibility.

Where next

For another Florida pace, see Key West, Jacksonville or Miami. Browse the cities hub, the guide to doing things alone in a new city or read how to eat alone in public.

FAQ

Is the NSU Art Museum ever free?

Yes. The museum lists free admission and extended hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., on the first Thursday of every month.

How often does the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi run?

The tourism board says boats typically arrive every 30 to 45 minutes in Fort Lauderdale, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

When is the Riverwalk jazz brunch?

On the first Sunday of every month, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is free.

Is Bonnet House open on Mondays?

No. It is closed Mondays, plus Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Self-guided visits run Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do I need to book Stranahan House?

The museum highly suggests booking tickets in advance, because availability changes weekly.

Sources (checked 2026-11-01)

Details change; check the venue before you go.