The Complete Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Guide

This Florida town is more affordable and relaxed than Miami, its bachelor party cousin to the south.
fort lauderdale florida skyline
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james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
by
James Wong
james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
James Wong
Travel Writer & Expert
  • James Wong is a freelance travel writer and expert.
  • He's reported for publications including VOGUE, GQ, Time Out and Thrillist.
  • James has lived in London, Tokyo and New York; and has traveled to almost every corner of the world.
Updated Feb 12, 2024
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For the same Florida sun and surf with a more laid-back ambiance, a Fort Lauderdale bachelor party will deliver, especially for groups who prefer a quieter destination. Just an hour north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is the perfect beach town for groups who value a free-spirited and fantastic nightlife. Less crowded and more affordable than its cousin to the south (MIA) and closer than a Key West bachelor party, the city also offers delicious eateries and 23 miles of sand… all with no shortage of ways to enjoy the Atlantic.

Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Planning in this Article:

What Are Some Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Ideas?

fort lauderdale umbrellas beach	Walter Bibikow getty
Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

A Fort Lauderdale bachelor party is meant for grooms looking to spend time on the water, on the sand, or on the golf course.

For Beach Lovers

For starters, there are more than six beaches to choose from, including the popular Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale beaches, which have bustling restaurants and bars just steps from the shore. Or for a more low-key vibe, you can head to Hallandale Beach for fishing.

For Water Adventurers

There's plenty to do on the water too for the restless groom and his crew. If boating, sailing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, or party boat drinking are his speed, you've planned a party in the right place.

For Guys Who Love the Green

For the golfing groom, you can't find more opportunities to make par. Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 40 courses, with links that are accessible year-round due to the warm weather. Make an entire weekend bouncing from green to green, the public courses here are also relatively low-priced to play.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Fort Lauderdale?

nighttime fort lauderdale	John Coletti
John Coletti / Getty Images

You may be overwhelmed by all of the activities on offer in Fort Lauderdale. Have no fear, we've broken out the perfect three-day itinerary to make this a bachelor party to remember. And to the grooms out there, consider thanking your pals for the ultimate vacation with a gift from The Knot Shop.

Day 1

Morning: Since your bachelor party guests are filtering in on day one, park yourselves on Lauderdale Beach for the day, a great spot that doesn't feel crowded and offers calm waters for swimming and floating.

Afternoon: If there's a game on, head to Bokampers Sports Bar, just a few steps from the beach where you can watch while you feast on typical bar fare like mac & cheese balls, southwest chicken eggrolls, and handmade burgers. If you want a sit-down brunch or lunch option, head to Shooters just down the road. The canal front spot offers cocktails and craft beer with options like crab and shrimp omelets, sticky cinnamon rolls, and mahi-mahi sandwiches. Don't miss heading to Elbo Room before you pack it in for the day. The local dive bar is a Florida institution founded in the 1930s with plenty of cheap beer on tap.

Evening: Dinner is on the waterfront at Kaluz, where shrimp and goat cheese flatbreads, calamari, Kansas City-style baby back ribs, and beer are on offer with a side of mega-yachts passing by for a view. Don't dress too nicely for dinner though, your night out should include a stop at Backyard Ft. Lauderdale—a wild outdoor party with hula hoop contests and dance parties, plus regular sprinklers dousing the dance floor.

Day 2

Morning: Beer and breakfast, what could be a better way to start the day? At Riverside Market, you can pair your omelet or breakfast sandwich with one of their rotating craft beers.

Afternoon: Today is your day for big adventures on the water. After breakfast you've got some options for every type of groom and his gang: Choose between a fishing charter (Tripadvisor offers a variety of experiences to choose from), a craft beer tour to three eclectic breweries, a thrilling airboat tour past gators and other wildlife in the Everglades, or opt for a booze cruise—a six-hour boat ride from one waterfront bar to another.

Evening: For your night out, head to Las Olas Boulevard and start your night with drinks at American Social, a great spot for craft beer and cocktails. Hit Rocco's Tacos for a casual yet delicious dinner of gourmet tacos and burritos with tableside guacamole before heading to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for gambling, tableside bottle service at Passion Night Club, or cheap drinks at Murphy's Law.

Day 3

Morning: Top off the morning with drinks at Tap 42, where brunch comes with bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys and Funky Buddha Floridian beers for just $25 a person. The add-on price is in addition to breakfast. (Don't skip the bacon and sweet corn guacamole).

Afternoon: It's time to hit the links. Colony West Country Club is an excellent option, consistently named as one of the top 50 public courses in the U.S. Get ready for your last night out and prepare for the meat sweats: Dinner is at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse where you can get all-you-can-eat meat from 15 different cuts, including filet wrapped in bacon and leg of lamb. Then choose to close out your weekend at one of Fort Lauderdale's top bars, including The Original Fat Cats (live music on most nights), The Apothecary 330 (a speakeasy-style cocktail bar), or the Rooftop at 1WLO where you can drink the night away on their open patio.

Where Should I Stay in Fort Lauderdale for a Bachelor Party?

Marriott Fort Lauderdale
Marriott Fort Lauderdale

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Hotels

Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa: A nice, mid-budget option that's oceanfront, this is one of the best-rated Fort Lauderdale hotels by TripAdvisor. The resort features a heated lagoon-style pool so you can swim all year round and a quarter-mile private beach.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: This oceanside property offers all the amenities you can want at a great price, especially if you want to be right on the beach.

B Ocean Resort: Right on Las Olas Boulevard, the hotel offers beachside drink service, private cabanas, and two pools.

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Fort Lauderdale bachelor party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Fort Lauderdale hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Rental - Tropical Waterfront Mansion Airbnb
Tropical Waterfront Mansion/Airbnb

Waterfront Rental With Access to Kayaks (Wilton Manors): With a private dock and access to kayaks and paddle boards, this gorgeous VRBO is perfect for bachelor parties looking to spend some time on the water. The pool deck, hot tub and patio face south, which makes it a great spot for sun bathing. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms that can accommodate up to eight guests for roughly $450 per night.

Luxury Waterfront Villa With Dock (Las Olas Isles): Experience the grandeur of Parrot Hall, a lavish nine-bedroom waterfront villa nestled in Las Olas Isles. Restored to perfection, it features a resort-style pool, pool house and elegant living spaces. Its location is fabulous, too — you and your bachelor party will be within walking distance to the beach and Las Olas Boulevard. It can sleep up to 12 guests for around $1,875 per night.

Downtown Oasis (Central Fort Lauderdale): This spacious Fort Lauderdale home has four bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 guests. It has a private pool you and your bachelor crew can enjoy all weekend long. Located in central Fort Lauderdale, you'll be within walking distance to The Galleria and just a short drive away from attractions like Parker Playhouse, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. On average, this space costs $650 per night.

Renovated Condo (East Fort Lauderdale): Excellent for smaller bachelor parties, this two-bedroom condo can sleep up to four guests for $350 per night. Featuring modern furnishings, a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious dining areas and a heated pool, it's only minutes away from fine dining, golfing at Coral Ridge Country Club and pier fishing.

Tropical Waterfront Mansion (Lauderdale Beach): For a larger group (up to 16), this is one of the sexiest stays in the city. On an island just two steps from the beach, the spectacular upscale estate has a private pool and a 100-foot dock to enjoy fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

Villa Steps to the Beach (Coral Ridge Country Club): Smaller groups (up to 8) can consider this stay. Twin Villas are on the quieter side of the mayhem and are ideal for gents who want to get some quality sleep between the party nights.

Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Nightlife

Lona Cocina Tequileria
Lona Cocina Tequileria

Catch ocean and sunset views from Fort Lauderdale's beautiful restaurants, then let new buddies bond with some dancing, live music, or axe throwing.

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Restaurants

Lona Cocina Tequileria: Every day feels like a holiday at Lona Cocina. The Mexican restaurant is perched right on Fort Lauderdale beach meaning ocean views that dance with Latin patio festivity (and lots of margaritas!). The team specializes in street food favorites with an upscale twist, like juicy crab enchiladas with cotija cheese.

Tom Jenkin's BBQ: For a relaxed vibe, Tom Jenkin's BBQ is where the sauce is at. The '90s food truck is today a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant, smoking pork spare ribs and plump whole chickens that'll have the boys salivating from the parking garage. Order their party special two hours before arriving for a huge meat feast suitable for 15 to 20 diners.

Sea Watch on the Ocean: Sea Watch on the Ocean injects a touch of glamour to your bachelor weekend, whilst keeping in line with nautical themes of an oceanside trip. Since 1974, the upscale restaurant has been peddling fisherman's finest, including oysters, scallops and lobster. Compliment your catch with an Italian wine from their mahoosive list, it's like the Mediterranean brought to Florida.

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelor Party Bars

Chops + Hops: A great way for the lads to blow off some steam, especially if they've just checked out of the office, is to book a session of axe throwing at Chops + Hops. The activity bar will put them through their paces under the guidance of an axe instructor. Then the round-robin and team-style games begin. Seltzer, beer, cocktails and bites help fuel the armwork.

Drynk Bar & Lounge: As one of the most liberal cities in Florida, Fort Lauderdale is the destination for bachelor parties of all orientations to party freely and fabulously. Drynk welcomes all. The bar has a large patio garden that's laid back enough to drink all night long (or rosé all day) without bother, and equally, you can make new party pals for a Dua Lipa soundtracked dance-off. Indoor seating is available in case you need AC.

Blue Martini: For anyone that's partial to a martini and a sultry lounge, Blue Martini won't disappoint. The venue hosts live music every night, and patrons come in early thanks to happy hour specials. Whilst its namesake martinis dominate the menu, you'll also find a decent wine list and bar bites. Taken boys, beware of temptation; Blue Martini is routinely packed with sexy bachelorettes.

Expert Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips

Fort Lauderdale International is one of the busiest airports in America, serving visitors to Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami. Flights to FLL are often better priced though, and it's because the budget carriers come here, like Spirit and JetBlue. Gents can avoid the madness with Priority Pass access to 1,300 airport lounges. Though the city has limited public transport, you don't have to rely on a car rental. Compact in surface area, rideshares should suffice, unless your venue is out of town. The best time to visit is in spring when the weather is beach-friendly but without the summer/winter holiday crowds. Whatever the time of year, the sun is always strong, so be sure to pack high SPF sun protection.

Brittany Barber and Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.

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