Fort Lauderdale in 3 Days for Friends - Stroll and bar-hop Las Olas Boulevard
A fun, vibrant 3-day plan for a group of friends in Fort Lauderdale: beach time, Las Olas dining and bars, a botanical house tour, active kayaking, a big-group indoor playground (Xtreme Action Park), and riverfront nightlife. Designed for groups (4–6+), shared costs, and energetic social moments.
Highlights
- Stroll and bar-hop Las Olas Boulevard
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- Kayak through the mangroves at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Group games, go-karts & arcade at Xtreme Action Park
- Beach time + Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi ride
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, Las Olas evening stroll, dinner on the boulevard, and low-key beachfront bar to kick off the weekend.
Hotel check-in and quick freshen-up — Central beach base
Arrive, drop bags, and gather in a common seating area to plan the evening. Hotel located right by Fort Lauderdale Beach for easy access to Las Olas and the waterfront.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk for an early luggage hold and a large table recommendation for later if they have on-site dining — speeds up group regrouping.
- Reserve adjoining or connecting rooms if you want one big common suite vibe for pre-evening hangouts.
- Pick a hotel with a beach-facing lobby (for quick sunset meetups) and confirm late check-in if flights arrive late.
Walk & shop Las Olas Boulevard — galleries, boutiques, and people-watching
Stretch your legs with a lively stroll down Las Olas Boulevard: window-shop, pop into a few galleries, and scout dinner spots. This is the city's social spine — great for group photos and cocktail stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Start near the river end (closer parking) and walk toward the beach for an easier exit at night.
- Many restaurants on Las Olas seat groups on patios; ask for outdoor tables if you want a louder, energetic vibe.
- Bring a compact crossbody bag — Las Olas is walkable and you'll want your hands free for shared plates and snaps.
Dinner on the river — YOLO (You Only Live Once) for shareable plates
Group-friendly riverside restaurant with eclectic menu, good cocktails, and big tables — ideal for splitting appetizers and toasting the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a riverside table in advance for a group of 4–6+; ask for separate checks at booking if you prefer.
- Order a mix of shareable plates to keep costs down and sample more dishes as a group.
- Time dinner to catch sunset light over the river — great for group photos and a lively post-dinner walk.
Beachfront bar: The Elbo Room — casual drinks and people-watching
Iconic beachfront bar with live DJ sets sometimes, great for a lively first night. Sand, surf soundtrack, and a laid-back crowd.
Tips from local experts:
- Head here after dinner for a fun, less-formal vibe; it’s a standing-room-friendly spot so come ready to mingle.
- Order pitchers or rounds to save money and keep the group together; bartenders are used to splitting tabs if you ask early.
- If you want a quieter corner, arrive earlier (around 9:30pm) before peak beach crowd energy.
Day 2
Culture and active outdoor play: Bonnet House in the morning, seafood lunch, guided kayak through mangroves, short recharge, then brewery or live-music night.
Casual group breakfast — hotel or quick café meetup
Fuel up with coffee and easy breakfast items before the morning museum tour. Keep it light and social — plan the day’s meet-up order.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your hotel for a group breakfast to-go if you're heading out early — saves table hunting time.
- Order shareable items (pastry baskets, fruit platters) so everyone can graze while chatting plans.
- Bring a small daypack with sunscreen and sunglasses for the outdoor portions after breakfast.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — historic home, sculpture, and nature stroll
A unique estate on the Intracoastal with art, wildlife-friendly gardens, and perfect backdrops for group photos. Guided tours give local stories and quirky details.
Tips from local experts:
- Prebook the guided tour for a better group rate and to ensure your party can stay together during the tour.
- Bring insect repellent and wear comfortable shoes — gardens can be buggy in the morning but the shade is nice.
- Ask the guide for the best photo spots (the courtyard and lagoon view) and time your visit for softer morning light.
Lunch at Coconuts — beachfront seafood with big-group benches
Local favorite for fresh seafood with casual shared-dish energy and great water views. Big groups are welcome; perfect for split plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a large outdoor table when booking — they’re used to groups and the view keeps the vibe lively.
- Order a few seafood platters to share; it’s cheaper and makes for easy communal dining.
- Ask for separate checks early if you want to pay individually — staff can usually accommodate groups.
Kayak / paddle through Hugh Taylor Birch mangroves — guided or self-guided
Paddle the calm lagoon and mangrove-lined waterways inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park — an active, scenic half-day adventure that’s social and playful.
Tips from local experts:
- Prebook a guided kayak time slot or reserve tandem kayaks if you want to share paddling and costs.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a dry bag for phones — splashes and tides can surprise you in narrow channels.
- Plan light footwear that can get wet and carry a small towel; finish with a communal post-paddle snack to rinse salt off.
Hotel break & freshen up
Quick recharge and regroup time — showers, a quick nap, or outfit swap before the evening activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Set a firm 90-minute meetup time to keep the evening on schedule — send a group text 15 minutes before departure.
- Use this time to consolidate cash or Venmo payments for later rounds to make bar/restaurant bills easier.
- Charge phones and pick a meetup landmark (e.g., lobby sculpture or pool entrance) for quick group assembly.
Evening at Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park) — tasting room & social games
Relaxed brewery vibe with flights, communal tables, and often live music or trivia nights — great for groups who like variety and standing-room energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Check their events calendar for live music or trivia; arrive early on event nights for big-group seating.
- Order a flight or shareable pitcher to sample more beers while keeping per-person costs down.
- It’s slightly north of central Fort Lauderdale — carpool or rideshare to save time between venues.
Day 3
Playful finale with Xtreme Action Park, group lunch, beach chill, a short riverwalk cultural stop, and a festive farewell dinner.
Xtreme Action Park — big-group indoor fun: go-karts, arcade, escape rooms
One-stop, high-energy indoor playground for groups: multi-activity passes (go-karts, bowling lanes, arcades) let you split into teams for playful competitions.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a group multi-activity pass online to save money and book preferred time slots for go-karts or escape rooms.
- Divide into mini-teams beforehand for friendly competition and easier tab-splitting at checkout.
- Bring socks and agree on a meetup spot inside the venue (e.g., cafe or prize counter) to rotate through activities smoothly.
Group lunch at Boatyard — nautical vibe and large tables
Comfortable riverside spot with big tables and a menu that’s easy to share — ideal for recapping morning highlights and planning the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a long table for your group — Boatyard is known for accommodating larger parties on their patio.
- Share a few entrees and sides family-style to lower individual costs and keep things social.
- Ask the server about quick handhelds if you’re short on time before heading to the beach.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park — sun, sand, and optional group volleyball
Afternoon beach chill with options for a pick-up volleyball game, waterfront people-watching, or renting chairs/umbrellas for a relaxed vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small beach ball for an impromptu game; group-friendly courts and sand make for easy pick-up matches.
- Rent an umbrella and two chairs to create a central hangout spot for rotating guests and gear.
- Keep hydration in a cooler and plan for sunscreen reapplication — afternoons get bright and warm in March.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi ride (transfer) — scenic hop to Riverwalk
Take the Water Taxi from the beach or Las Olas docks to enjoy the Intracoastal views and avoid parking hassles while heading downtown.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a short hop pass to keep costs reasonable — the Water Taxi is great for groups and splits easily by person.
- Sit on the upper deck for unobstructed photos of waterfront mansions and marinas.
- Confirm the dock location at your end point (Riverwalk/Las Olas docks) so the group disembarks together.
Stranahan House Museum — short cultural stop on Riverwalk
Historic 1900s trading post turned museum — quick guided tour gives local color and a neat, compact cultural stop before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep this visit short (30–45 minutes) — great for a little history and group photos without slowing the evening.
- Buy tickets in advance for a scheduled group tour so everyone can stay together.
- Pose on the riverfront steps for an iconic Fort Lauderdale group shot, especially lovely in late-afternoon light.
Farewell dinner at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar — festive group finale
Vibrant, colorful spot with big tables, loud music, and tequila-based celebration drinks — ideal for a final group toast and shared plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table and request a party-friendly area; Rocco’s is used to big, boisterous groups.
- Opt for family-style platters and a pitcher of margaritas (or mocktails) to keep things festive and cost-efficient.
- Plan a quick group snapshot or short toast before dessert to capture the finale energy.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Nightlife, Meal, Culture, Outdoor, Break, Experience, Transfer |
