Fort Lauderdale in 2 Days for Seniors - Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade (gentle seaside walk)
Two relaxed, accessible days in Fort Lauderdale (February, winter) with short walks, shade, frequent rests, calm dining, and easy transfers. Designed for seniors: step-free options, benches, elevators, and taxi-friendly pick-ups.
Highlights
- Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade (gentle seaside walk)
- Las Olas Boulevard shops and cafes (flat sidewalks, benches)
- NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (accessible galleries)
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (shaded historic gardens)
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (paved paths & shade)
- Scenic short Water Taxi cruise on the Intracoastal
Itinerary
Day 1
Beachfront stroll, Las Olas shops, accessible museum visit, and a short scenic boat ride. Relaxed pacing with frequent seat breaks and short taxi rides.
Gentle walk on Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade — Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Start with a shaded, step-free stretch of the beachfront promenade and park benches. Flat paved promenade, public restrooms nearby, and easy taxi drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Accessibility: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park has a wide paved promenade and accessible restrooms; many benches and shade umbrellas along the walk.
- Go early (9:00) to avoid peak sun and crowds in February; carry a light layer for coastal breeze and a folding sunhat.
- Taxi drop-off and short curb cut make boarding/unloading easy; municipal parking areas have accessible spaces if driving.
Brunch at Nanou French Bakery & Bistro (Las Olas)
Calm, sit-down brunch on Las Olas with indoor seating and sidewalk tables in shade. Order simple dishes and take time to rest between sections of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a ground-floor table near the door when booking to avoid steps and for faster service.
- The bakery counter has many grab-and-go options if you prefer a shorter visit; restrooms are inside with step-free access.
- Go before 11:00 to avoid the later mid-day crowd and to secure a quiet table with comfortable seating.
Leisurely Las Olas Boulevard: shops, galleries & benches
Flat, palm-lined Las Olas Boulevard with short window-shopping hops, benches, galleries with chairs, and accessible shops. Plan short segments and sit often.
Tips from local experts:
- Las Olas sidewalks are mostly flat and wide; stick to the main block for easy access and plenty of benches and shaded areas.
- Pick one or two shops or galleries to enter; many have step-free access or small thresholds — ask staff for assistance with doors if needed.
- If feet get tired, stop at a shaded café for a 15–20 minute rest rather than trying to see every storefront in one go.
Short seated rest on the Riverwalk — Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
A calm 30-minute break on the Riverwalk with riverside benches and shade before the museum visit. Ideal for hydration and restroom stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Riverwalk has frequent benches and shaded spots; ideal for a 15–30 minute sit-down and restroom break before the next activity.
- There are gentle curb cuts and step-free paths to reach most sitting areas; ask for nearby taxi stands if you prefer to avoid walking back to the street.
- Carry a small water bottle and a lightweight jacket in February evenings — it can be breezy on the water.
Transfer: short taxi from Riverwalk / Las Olas to NSU Art Museum
Quick, short taxi or ride-hail to the NSU Art Museum — keeps walking minimal and ensures you arrive with energy for galleries.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver for a curb-side drop at the museum's accessible entrance to minimize steps.
- Allow a 15-minute taxi buffer for loading and traffic; drivers in this area are familiar with hotel and museum drop-offs.
- If using a ride app, share your pick-up point (Las Olas near the Riverwalk) with the driver so they can pull over safely.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale — accessible galleries and seating
Climate-controlled museum with elevators, seating in galleries, and short, level routes between exhibits. Choose one or two exhibits to avoid fatigue.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible with elevators and plenty of seating; request a visitor map at the desk to plan shorter routes between galleries.
- Take advantage of benches in the galleries and the museum café for a mid-visit rest — bathrooms are accessible and nearby.
- Visit in the mid-afternoon (opening hours permitting) for smaller crowds; staff can often provide a quiet corner or bench recommendations.
Short scenic Water Taxi cruise (Intracoastal) — Water Taxi
A 45-minute seated cruise on the Intracoastal for river views without walking. Many boats have gangways and crew assistance for boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Contact Water Taxi staff ahead or ask the crew for a lower gangway or ramp assistance — crew are used to helping less-mobile guests.
- Sit on the lower deck for easiest boarding and shelter from wind; bring a light wrap in February for waterfront breezes.
- Board early for a seated spot with shade and request a seat near the cabin if you prefer quieter surroundings.
Early sit-down dinner at Kaluz Restaurant (Las Olas beachfront)
A calm, early dinner with waterfront views and indoor seating. Reservations recommended for an accessible, ground-floor table.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a ground-floor table in advance and mention any mobility needs so the host can seat you with minimal walking.
- Arrive before sunset if you'd like a view; otherwise an indoor table near the restroom will minimize walking between courses.
- Parking and drop-off near the entrance are taxi-friendly; ask staff for assistance with menus and seating if you need a quieter corner.
Day 2
Shaded park morning, historic garden stroll, relaxed waterfront lunch, an easy museum visit, and an early dinner. Frequent transfers and rest stops keep walking minimal.
Morning in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park — paved trails & shaded benches
Shaded, mostly flat pathways, short boardwalks and benches inside a coastal park. Ideal for a gentle morning nature experience with minimal inclines.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to paved paths and the main park loop (short distances) and use benches for regular rests; park staff can advise the flattest routes.
- There is accessible parking and a main entrance with a level path to the visitor center and restrooms — plan short stroll segments, not long hikes.
- February weather is pleasant and shaded areas are comfortable; bring sunscreen and a light layer for morning breeze near the water.
Transfer: taxi to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Short 15–20 minute taxi to the Bonnet House property to avoid street walking and preserve energy for the garden visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver for a drop at the Bonnet House main entrance where there is level access to ticketing and the accessible garden route.
- Schedule a slightly longer transfer time during peak traffic hours and request help with luggage or mobility aids when leaving the vehicle.
- Many taxis know the Bonnet House entrance—show the driver the name 'Bonnet House Museum & Gardens' to ensure an easy drop-off.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — shaded historic gardens (short route)
Stroll the shaded gardens and view the historic house exterior. Pick the shorter guided-route or main path; some garden paths are uneven—staff can advise the best accessible route.
Tips from local experts:
- Contact the front desk on arrival for the most accessible route — staff can recommend a mostly level path and point out benches and restroom locations.
- Garden paths can be a mix of surfaces; wear comfortable, flat shoes and ask to remain on the paved main loop if stairs or soft ground are a concern.
- Bring a light sun layer even in February and take the guided short tour option (if offered) to limit aimless walking and get seated breaks.
Relaxed waterfront lunch at Coconuts
A casual waterfront restaurant with outdoor covered seating and indoor accessible dining. Great seafood and early lunch options in a calm setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a shaded covered table and request a ground-floor spot near the restroom to minimize walking between table and facilities.
- There is level entry for easy access; mention mobility needs when booking so staff can prepare an accessible seating area.
- Midday in February is comfortable outdoors, but ask for a table with shade or sit inside near windows if you prefer climate control.
Transfer: short taxi to Museum of Discovery and Science
Quick ride to the Museum of Discovery and Science to enjoy climate-controlled exhibits and seating areas to rest between displays.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to stop at the museum's main accessible entrance to avoid stairs and long ramps.
- If you plan to see an IMAX film, check showtimes in advance and buy tickets at the desk to avoid standing in line.
- Museum staff provide wheelchairs on request; call ahead if you might need one so they can be ready at arrival.
Museum of Discovery and Science — short, climate-controlled visit
Accessible, climate-controlled exhibits with elevators and places to sit. Choose one or two galleries or an optional short film to keep the visit restful.
Tips from local experts:
- Use elevators and take frequent seat breaks; staff can point out quieter exhibits and bench locations to avoid crowds and noise.
- Consider skipping the busier hands-on areas and focusing on seated displays or the animal exhibit for a calm experience.
- If interested in the IMAX, pick an early showing and reserve seats to avoid long waits; accessible seating is available in the theater.
Transfer: short taxi to early dinner on Las Olas
Quick transfer back toward Las Olas for an early, unhurried dinner to conclude the visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a curbside drop at the restaurant entrance to minimize walking; taxis in this area are familiar with Las Olas picks.
- Allow a 15-minute buffer for loading and traffic — drivers usually wait to help with doors if you ask.
- If you used a mobility aid earlier, ask the driver to park close to the entrance for an easy exit from the vehicle.
Early dinner at The Capital Grille — calm indoor dining
Quiet, comfortable steakhouse with spacious seating and attentive staff. Early dinner minimizes noise and allows for a relaxed pace and assistance if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve early (about 16:30–17:00) and request a table away from the entrance and steps; staff can seat you near restrooms and elevators if needed.
- The restaurant has level entry and wide aisles; ask for assistance with the chair or plate placement if you prefer minimal reaching.
- If you prefer lighter fare, tell your server — the menu can accommodate smaller portions and substitutions for an easier dining experience.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Outdoor, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Break, Transfer, Culture, Experience, Attraction |
