The Complete Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Guide and Itinerary

Once known as a popular spring break destination, Fort Lauderdale (nicknamed the Venice of America) has seriously stepped up its game over the past decade. A Fort Lauderdale bachelorette party still has plenty of options for bar hopping, but you'll also find sophisticated spots for outdoor dining (celeb chef name attached), hip food halls, a booming craft beer scene and sleek speakeasies not far from the beach. From seaside spa days to sunset catamaran Champagne cruises, here's how to make the most of this booming bachelorette party destination.

Fort Lauderdale Party Planning in This Article:

• Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes
• Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities
• Places to Stay in Fort Lauderdale for a Bachelorette Party
• Fort Lauderdale Nightlife for a Bachelorette Party
• Expert Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips

Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes

Photo: Sistrunk Market and Brewery

There are so many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, you'll need to narrow down activities based on the bride-to-be's vibe and interests. You can divide your days between land and sea, setting off on kayaks through the mangroves or indulging in some of the finest seafood in South Florida from a perch right over the water.

For the Foodies

Fort Lauderdale features a wide range of options when it comes to cuisine, offering foodies everything from fine dining and toes-in-the-sand restaurants to lobster bars, food halls and craft beer-centric gastropubs. For something unusual, plan a gondola dinner cruising the canals with Japanese-Latin fusion from Casa Sensei. Or, head to the Art District's Sistrunk Market and Brewery, a food hall with local art, live music and its own distillery.

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For the Day Drinkers

Charter a yacht or catamaran and cruise the coast, or head up to The Easton Rooftop Pool + Lounge in downtown Fort Lauderdale to tan and dance poolside. In nearby Hollywood, linger from day to night at The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock. Here, a Vegas-like lagoon is lined by thatched-roof, bungalow-style cabanas where your group can indulge in butler service and poolside spa treatments.

For the Nature Lovers

Explore the Everglades by airboat, spotting manatees and dolphins on your way to a native tree island only accessible by boat, or spend the morning kayaking on a guided tour through mangrove trails. You can also paddle through a small stretch of the Everglades on a sunset kayak tour in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, located across from the beach. As for water sports, there are plenty of options, from guided snorkeling and paddleboarding tours along the Intracoastal to a sunset Champagne cruise where you can soak up nature while sipping a glass of bubbly and toasting to your upcoming nuptials.

Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities

Photo: The Backyard

When you're planning a Fort Lauderdale bachelorette party, it's possible to squeeze a lot into a long weekend. But in South Florida, lounging at the beach and lingering over a waterfront lunch is part of the laid-back charm. We've pulled together a sample three-day itinerary to help you and your group mix and match fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

Day 1

Welcome the group with coffee and pastries like banana coconut bread at sidewalk cafe Ann's Florist and Coffee Bar on Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale's main drag. Browse the strip's boutiques and art galleries before getting on board the Water Taxi and exploring a stretch of the city's 160 miles of waterways. Hop off at Shooters Waterfront for a dockside lunch sampling the best of South Florida's seafood (go for the crunchy coconut shrimp and jumbo lump crab cake).

Lounge at the beach or your hotel's pool before getting ready for happy hour at swanky cocktail bar The Wilder (featuring $7 margaritas and mules), or take a seat on the patio at Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar for craft brews and gastropub fare. Kick off the weekend on the right note with a bachelorette party package at the ultimate party place Backyard, where you'll skip the line and have a table with a bottle of Champagne waiting.

Day 2

Ease into the day (and cure your hangover) with a mimosa and a lavish brunch spread at Foxy Brown. Since calories don't count during bachelorette parties, dig into a s'mores waffle, short rib benedict or breakfast bread pudding.

Once you've fueled up, it's time to hit the water—take a paddleboard tour out to a nearby reef for a snorkel session. There's no better way to spend an afternoon than with a late lunch on the Intracoastal, and Coconuts has long been a local favorite. Take a seat on the patio and watch as mega-yachts cruise by. If you're ready for more hair of the dog, order a blackberry mojito or a Bermuda Triangle margarita and plan for a family-style meal sharing fish tacos, coconut shrimp, conch and shrimp fritters, and spinach and artichoke dip.

Dinner tonight is on the more upscale side, so plan to spend time getting ready back at the rental before heading out to DUNE by Laurent Tourondel on the sand dunes above Fort Lauderdale Beach. Start with drinks at the al fresco bar before taking a seat on the Ocean Deck for a Mediterranean-inspired menu of grilled Spanish octopus, spaghettini lobster and tomato-burrata flatbread. Keep the party going at Rooftop at 1WLO on Las Olas, taking in the skyline view from the lounge's open-air patio.

Day 3

Sunday brunch can go in a few different directions: Take the group for an hour of yoga by the beach before a Mermaids and Mimosa brunch at B Ocean Resort, or spend the afternoon at Rhythm + Vine for "Daddy Chill" Sundays, where your group can indulge in $30 bottomless cocktails, rosé pong, 90s and 2000s jams, and shopping (get ready for jewelry pop-ups). Another option? Sunday drag brunch with bottomless mimosas at legendary Hamburger Mary's in Wilton Manors.

Continue the party with spa treatments at the PURE Spa at Pelican Grand Beach Resort before freshening up and settling into plush seats at the 1920s-inspired speakeasy Rm. 901, where you can book a private, two-hour experience for the group. Snack on chilled jumbo shrimp and wagyu beef katsu sandos before heading off to a farewell dinner at Evelyn's Fort Lauderdale overlooking the Atlantic. Go all out with a seafood tower or caviar with blinis and labneh, or mix and match mezze, truffle hummus, crispy falafel and wagyu beef kibbeh with Florida key lime tzatziki.

Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Turn your weekend itinerary into a scavenger hunt. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include Fort Lauderdale attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a souvenir or t-shirt.

Places to Stay in Fort Lauderdale for a Bachelorette Party

From stunning hotels that boast luxury at every turn to cozy home rentals on the beach, there are accommodations for every type of bachelorette party in Fort Lauderdale.

Photo: The Dalmar

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Hotels

If you want a place for the entire party to stay, Fort Lauderdale has plenty of hotels that cater to all sizes and styles.

The Dalmar: This downtown hotel is just a short stroll from Las Olas, but you'll have everything you need to keep the group entertained the entire weekend. Post up in Palm Springs-inspired suites overlooking the city's skyline and eat and drink your way around the hotel's five culinary concepts, from the 1960s-style rooftop bar and eatery Sparrow to the poolside cafe Sip 'n Dip. The hotel's beach shuttle runs hourly and will set you and the group up with beach chairs and an umbrella in the sand.

W Fort Lauderdale: If you want to stay right on the beach, check into the W Fort Lauderdale, where you can spend the weekend soaking up the sun from the fifth-floor WET Deck. If you want to do a group workout to break up the partying, the hotel offers complimentary sunrise beach yoga and morning bootcamp, or you can hop on a beach cruiser and cycle the boardwalk to one of the nearby restaurants for brunch.

B Ocean Fort Lauderdale: This hotel was once a favorite of icons like Marilyn Monroe, and now after a rebrand, it's once again a destination on Fort Lauderdale Beach. You'll be within walking distance of plenty of bars and restaurants (so no need to worry about an Uber), but one of the best spots in town is right inside the hotel. Kick off the evening at The Wreck Bar with cocktails and an iconic underwater, adults-only burlesque show featuring mermaids.

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 Bachelorette Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Fort Lauderdale bachelorette party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. 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 also secure Fort Lauderdale hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Photo: Modern Waterfront Villa/ Airbnb

Modern Waterfront Villa: If you can't live the life of the rich and famous during your bachelorette party, then when can you? This five-bedroom mansion features a terrace with a pool overlooking the Intracoastal, plus a hot tub and a wraparound balcony, offering plenty of spots to mix and mingle. You can also arrange for the villa to be pre-stocked, so no need to spend time grocery shopping.

Ultimate Beach House: Located just steps from the beach, this multi-level cottage offers plenty of space for groups, with six bedrooms and a dining room with seating for 12. You'll have your own pool and screened-in porch, and when you're ready to hit the sand, the rental is stocked with beach chairs, umbrellas and a cooler.

The Sand Castle: This four-story, five-patio villa is right off the beach, but still has its own private pool and hot tub. Despite being walking distance to the sea and Fort Lauderdale's notorious nightlife, you'll feel like you're in your own oasis with luxe amenities like marble jet tubs, a chef's kitchen and an on-site gym.

Tropical Waterfront Mansion: For a larger group of up to 16, consider this option. This upscale oceanside estate with a private pool and 100-foot dock is one of the sexiest stays in the city.

Fort Lauderdale Nightlife for a Bachelorette Party

Photo: Lona Cocina & Tequileria

Fort Lauderdale earned its reputation as a spring break destination for a reason. Whether you want to sip goblet-sized frozen cocktails on the beach or dance Coyote Ugly-style on a bar, you've got plenty of places to choose from here.

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Restaurants

SALT7: If you want dinner to be as much of an experience as a night at the club, SALT7 definitely delivers. With a menu designed by Hell's Kitchen winner Paul Niedermann, you can expect top-notch fare that ranges from decadent bar bites (think truffle mac and cheese and duck fat fries) to a full raw bar and create-your-own surf and turf.

Lona Cocina and Tequileria: Take a break from the beach and lunch on the boardwalk dining on modern Mexican fare like lobster quesadillas and crab enchiladas. You can't go wrong with any of the margaritas here, which range from classic frozen to spicy avocado.

Heritage: One of the harder reservations to snag on the weekend, this buzzy eatery in the artsy Flagler Village neighborhood serves elevated spins on Italian favorites. Think wagyu and pork meatballs with parmesan polenta and vodka sauce-slathered pizza that's some of the top in town.

Best Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Bars

American Social: A long-time staple on the Las Olas strip, this is a must-visit when bar hopping downtown. Start the evening at the upscale sports bar with happy hour margaritas and live music or step things up a notch with bottle service to ensure your group gets VIP treatment.

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: Located in the heart of Las Olas, this riverside spot is like a coastal version of a European beer garden. Inspired by swanky summers in the Hamptons, the al fresco venue is lined with communal tables and local food and bar pop-ups, so if you want #roseallday vibes, this is your place.

Rhythm + Vine: This Instagrammable outdoor beer garden serves up small bites from a food truck and cocktails from an airstream trailer in a Brooklyn-inspired setting (read: hipster). Wednesday to Sunday is a party here, but on Thursdays, ladies drink free bubbly and wine all evening.

Expert Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips

When planning your trip to Fort Lauderdale, you have plenty of options to reach the city—the most convenient being flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. While a number of airlines offer direct flights, you can also fly into Miami and take a car service or the Brightline train—which takes about half an hour and feels as luxe as a European rail car, especially if you book first class—up to Fort Lauderdale.

Best Airlines Flying to Fort Lauderdale

Whether you want to save and fly on a low-cost carrier or cash in miles on a major airline, you'll find nonstop options from both the East and West Coasts on airlines like Alaska, Allegiant, JetBlue, Delta, American, Spirit, Southwest and United.

How to Get Around

The airport is a quick shuttle or taxi ride from the beach and downtown, and once you arrive, you can get around by foot, Uber or Lyft, or Water Taxi. Since parking can be tough and you may be out partying, there's no need to rent a car. If you want to explore the Everglades or another nearby destination, you can arrange a shuttle service or an Uber or Lyft.