Why rent a car in Fort Lauderdale?
Boasting some of the finest beaches in Florida, this slice of the ‘sunshine state’ attracts sun worshippers from around the world, with an average temperature of 75.5° F (24.2° C) and a tropical rainforest climate that varies little throughout the year.
Perfect for exploring with a hire car, a drive along the oceanside highway (dotted with restaurants and boutiques) is highly recommended, as well as a visit to the world’s largest drive-in movie theatre. Alternatively, park up and explore the 180-acre Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can paddle a canoe along a mile-long freshwater lagoon and maybe even spy some of the park’s resident turtles.
How to get to and around Fort Lauderdale?
Florida boasts main airports in both Tampa and Orlando (where you can stop off at Disneyland). Alternatively, you can fly straight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. From there, it’s just a 10-minute drive into town via State Road A1A.
With a Fort Lauderdale hire car, you can easily venture out along the coast to the iconic Miami Beach (an hour’s drive away). The 1.5 million acre Everglades National Park, home to the leatherback turtle and Florida’s famous alligators, is also just 30 minutes in the car. Meanwhile, Hollywood (named after its famous Californian counterpart) is also a short 20-minute drive down the coast, where the boardwalk comes alive with musicians and dancers performing after dark.
What brands are available?
Choose from a wide selection of hire car providers in Fort Lauderdale to suit every budget and requirement, from Alamo and Avis to Thrifty and Hertz.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Fort Lauderdale
The Las Olas Boulevard is a popular destination in the heart of the city, boasting plenty of unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while those looking to soak up some culture can head to the NSU Art Museum, which contains a significant collection of ceramics by Pablo Picasso and a wide range of contemporary Cuban art. Just round the corner lies the Museum of Discovery and Science, where you can catch a 3-D IMAX film or experience a simulation of a journey to Mars.
With a hire car at your disposal, the picturesque Florida coastline is your playground. Head up the oceanside highway for 20 minutes and you’ll arrive at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where the three-tier natural coral reef system is close enough for you to swim out to. It’s worth visiting on a Friday night, when the town’s one street is closed off and a stage is erected for live music.
Tips and tricks for driving in Fort Lauderdale
Driving in Fort Lauderdale, like much of America, is largely straightforward, with wide lanes and simple road layouts. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and you can overtake on both sides. You can also perform a U-turn at the end of most junctions – it will be marked if you are not allowed to do so. Most American cars are automatic, so remember to request a stick shift if you would prefer one.
Ready to plan your Fort Lauderdale city break?
Feeling inspired to start exploring Fort Lauderdale and other parts of Florida? Check out this city guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and research the best attractions and activities.
