One-day Friends' Fun in Fort Lauderdale (Spring)
A lively, group-friendly day in Fort Lauderdale designed for friends who want beach time, active outdoor fun, a scenic river cruise, group games, and upbeat nightlife — paced for a March (spring) visit with warm, sunny days.
Highlights
- Morning beach stroll and coffee on Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Mangrove kayak at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Waterfront lunch at 15th Street Fisheries
- Scenic Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise
- Group games and arcade at Xtreme Action Park
- Live-music, beachside late night at The Elbo Room
Itinerary
Day 1
A full but flexible day made for a group of friends: beach vibes, active outdoor paddling, a waterfront meal, an iconic boat cruise, high-energy games, and a beach-bar nightcap.
Morning beach walk + coffee at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Start with a relaxed group walk on the wide sand, quick photo ops, and grab coffee from nearby beachfront kiosks. Easy meeting spot and great energy to kick off the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet near the north end of the park (near the playground) — it's less crowded for group photos and easy to find.
- Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and light layers — March mornings are warm but can be breezy along A1A.
- Street parking fills up fast on weekends — consider a rideshare drop-off to keep the group together and start earlier (9:00).
Brunch at The Local House (group-friendly seaside spot)
Casual, coastal brunch on A1A with shareable plates and cocktails — ideal for groups of 4–6 who want a lively brunch scene close to the beach.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and request a patio or corner table for easy group seating and lively atmosphere.
- Order a few shareable starters (ceviche or fish tacos) so everyone can taste a bit — split costs on a single bill works well here.
- If you plan on walking more after brunch, ask for to-go coffee or iced drinks — friendly staff will prepare them quickly.
Kayak the mangroves at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A guided or self-led paddle through calm lagoons and shaded mangroves — active, playful, and perfect for groups who like nature and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Book single or tandem kayaks ahead (March is popular) so your group launches together — rentals often include life jackets and brief orientation.
- Protect phones in a dry bag and bring water — the mangrove trails offer shade but you’ll want hydration after paddling.
- Park at the main park lot and walk to the lagoon rental area together; tandems are easier for mixed skill levels and split the cost.
Late lunch at 15th Street Fisheries (waterfront, group-friendly)
Classic Fort Lauderdale waterfront dining with seafood platters and big windows — great for groups who want a relaxed, scenic meal after paddling.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a large waterfront table on the dock side — it’s perfect for group photos and watching boats come by.
- Share a few big plates (crab, fish platters) to keep costs reasonable — they have family-style options that are ideal for groups of 4–6.
- If you’re damp from kayaking, towel off and change quickly — the restaurant is casual and friendly, but a fresh layer helps during the cruise later.
Jungle Queen Riverboat — sightseeing cruise on the Intracoastal
Iconic sightseeing cruise highlighting Millionaire’s Row, waterfront homes, and lively narration — a fun, social cruise that’s easygoing and photo-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to grab seats together on the covered deck for group photos and sheltered comfort if wind picks up.
- Buy tickets in advance for the afternoon run to coordinate your schedule — ask about combo options if anyone wants the dinner cruise next time.
- Bring a light windbreaker for late-afternoon breezes; March evenings can cool slightly on the water.
Break + stroll and quick shop on Las Olas Boulevard
Freshen up, enjoy a short walk along vibrant Las Olas, browse boutiques or grab a quick cocktail — a relaxed transition before evening activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Split up if needed: one or two friends can pop back to the hotel while others scout a bar or shop — Las Olas is compact and easy to regroup.
- Look for group-friendly wine bars or tapas spots if anyone wants an early happy hour — many places hold tables for 4–6 with a call ahead.
- March evenings are pleasant; pick a bench or outdoor patio to people-watch and plan the next stop while recharging phones.
Group games and arcade at Xtreme Action Park (bowling/go-karts/arcade)
Two hours of high-energy, flexible fun — bowling lanes, go-karts, bumper cars or arcade games let the group play competitively or casually.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve lanes or a group package online so you have dedicated space — packages usually include game credits and drink options for split billing.
- Split into teams for quick tournaments (bowling or arcade) — it’s a great way to keep costs even and the energy high.
- Check age/ID rules for some attractions (go-karts) and arrive 10–15 minutes early for waivers so everyone can play immediately.
Nightcap & live-music vibe at The Elbo Room (beachside bar)
Finish the night close to the ocean at this iconic, energetic beach bar — great for groups who want live music, dancing, and late-night people-watching.
Tips from local experts:
- Head there around 10–11pm to catch peak live music and the most lively crowd; booths/tables for 4–6 fill up fast on weekend nights.
- Bring cash for quick bar orders or tip jars — but card is accepted too; designate one friend to manage rounds or split tabs using an app.
- If someone wants a quieter exit, set a rally point for leaving (near the back entrance) because the front can get crowded at closing.
