What's New in Greater Fort Lauderdale

The first phase of the highly anticipated Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center expansion – the newly updated 800,000 sq. ft. pre-existing center with an expanded 350,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall – opened Oct. 27, 2021. Work on the remainder of the $1.3 billion expansion continues, including the new eastside expansion with waterfront ballrooms, meetings rooms and kitchen facilities, a six-acre outdoor waterfront plaza and an 801-room, five-story Omni headquarters hotel interconnected with the convention center. Full completion will increase the facility's size to 1.2 million sq. ft. and is expected in 2025. 

New on the Hotel Scene

The Aloft Hotel at Fort Lauderdale Airport by Marriott opened in November 2023, providing visitors a comfortable and convenient place to stay when traveling to Greater Fort Lauderdale. The 138-room, 14-floor property is located just 3.5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and 1.5 miles from the Port Everglades. Guests can expect incredible amenities like an 800-square-foot fitness center, a relaxing yoga center, a covered deck on the 14th floor, a 540-square-foot rooftop pool, cabanas, and a gaming area. Aloft’s impressive, 5,000-square-foot lobby features a bar, outdoor terrace, and a branded breakfast establishment: Re:fuel by Aloft. With a commitment to innovation, comfort and unparalleled service, guests can also enjoy on-site parking, valet services, and electric car charging stations. Plus, pets are welcome for a fee of $50/night.

Just steps from the beach on the Intracoastal Waterway, the recently rebranded Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers guests a truly elevated experience. The three-story boutique resort features 96 modern guest rooms (including two junior suites), two pools, a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar, lush courtyards, and more. Conveniently located near shops, historical attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues, there’s plenty to do and see nearby. And, for guests who prefer a little fun in the sun, the resort offers a branded beach bag per guest room, two beach chairs per guest room, boogie boards, kids’ toys, and beach towels at no extra cost. Plus, furry friends are also welcome, with no deposits or fees required!

Conveniently situated 12 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the new Dolce by Wyndham Hollywood is a modern, kosher hotel just minutes from 24/7 gaming at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the white sands of Hollywood Beach, and the lively Hollywood Beach Boardwalk—where dining, entertainment and shops abound. Opened in 2023, this property features several thoughtfully-tailored amenities, including a kosher rooftop restaurant and bar, a Shabbat elevator that automatically stops on every floor, and manual room keys. With 100 spacious guest rooms (some with private balconies offering scenic city views), a sparkling rooftop pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center, this is an inspired vacation destination in the heart of Hollywood.

New Transportation

The City of Fort Lauderdale has introduced the LauderGO! Micro Mover powered by Circuit – a convenient and sustainable mobility option to help get residents and visitors around downtown, Las Olas and the beach. Just download the “Ride Circuit” app to book your ride. 

Brightline, the high-speed rail connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, is now running to Orlando.

New Attractions

 

Visit Lauderdale welcomes everyone under the sun to experience a curated collection of craft breweries through the new Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail Passport, a free mobile-exclusive digital pass that all locals and visitors can sign up for. With many breweries tucked away, this passport makes it easy to discover Greater Fort Lauderdale’s thriving brewery scene and to go where the locals go or to create your own tour. As locals and visitors work their way through the Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail, they will be automatically checked in and collect points to redeem limited-edition Visit Lauderdale swag, including hats and beer bottle opener keychains. They will also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts at Ale Trail stops.

Ready to unlock even more exclusive deals to help you save at Greater Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, restaurants, retailers and more? Then you’ll will want to sign up for Visit Lauderdale’s new “Show Your Badge” program. This free mobile passport helps you make the most out of your vacation by providing special savings on food, drinks, activities and fun. Best of all, it’s easy to use and you can start saving right away.

Celebrating its grand opening in December 2023, Topgolf Pompano Beach is a three-level golfing attraction featuring 102 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays where guests can putt the night away. The venue is also equipped with a full-service restaurant manned by executive chefs, an outdoor patio, rooftop terrace with fire pits, private event rooms, more than 200 HDTVs, music, and year-round family-friendly programming. Conveniently located off I-95, Topgolf Pompano Beach is an anchor property of The Pomp, a 223-acre mixed-use development project featuring entertainment, retail, dining, hotel, residential, office, and lifestyle offerings.

The recently expanded Mad Arts Museum has permanently set up shop in Dania Beach with year-round exhibitions, educational programming and immersive installations highlighting the intersection of art and technology. Featuring two floors and an outdoor garden, the 50,000-square-foot space showcases a range of artistic voices and perspectives.

The historic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and International Swimming Hall of Fame complex, home to Florida’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool that opened in 1926, has undergone a $47 million renovation and expansion that includes five swimming pools and support amenities that welcome new generations of aquatic sport enthusiasts to sporting activities and competitions. A major highlight for the new venue is a 27-meter dive tower with springboards and nine platform levels. Visitors can experience “Top of the Tower” tours with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale beach. 

The Florida Panthers have officially opened the doors to their new practice facility in downtown Fort Lauderdale at Baptist Health IcePlex at the War Memorial Auditorium in Holiday Park. The $65 million venue features two National Hockey League-quality ice rinks, including a dedicated rink for team practices and a public rink for public skating, youth and adult club hockey, and figure skating. If you don’t own skates, the venue offers a large selection of figure and hockey skates for toddlers through adults. Public skating admissions are limited, and pre-registration is always required. The Federal, a casual dining spot, is nestled between the two ice rinks within the Baptist Health IcePlex, offering stunning views of the ice rinks and pickleball courts. 

The outdoor gaming terrace at Harrah’s Pompano Beach is now open. Located between the North (Main) and West entrances, the outdoor Gaming Terrace’s open-air environment is a welcomed addition to the South Florida destination.

Christian Louboutin has now opened its only outlet shoe store in Florida – and only the second nationwide – at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise. Known for its signature red-soled heels, Louboutin will join 70 other luxury brands at the open-air wing of the mall.

 

New on the Dining Scene

The Bite Eatery, the first food hall in Pompano Beach, has opened. It's located just a few blocks away from the beach and the Pompano Fishing Pier. The 250-seat venue features The Bite Bar, Taco Vibez, Moop Gelato, Beef Boyz, Deli Shack, The Lobster, Ceviche Time, Mama Mia, Abuelita's Cuban Bistro, and Yin and Yummy.

Olive & Sea, a rooftop waterfront restaurant on Fort Lauderdale’s famed Intracoastal is officially open! Serving colorful and bold Mediterranean-style dishes, Olive & Sea promises fresh flavors, and locally-sourced seafood prepared with ethically-sourced seasonings and rubs. Complementing its unique and extensive menu is a carefully-crafted cocktail program that infuses traditional Eastern Mediterranean spices with local ingredients like herbs and citrus.

Chef Anthony Vitolo has debuted his latest restaurant, Vitolo, at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Old school Italian influences define the menu, with breaded crispy mozzarella, linguine with clams, and breaded veal chop taking center stage. Additionally, this new hot spot offers a variety of pizzas made with ingredients imported from Chef Vitolo’s family farm in Sarno, Italy.

Now open inside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, MAASS is a contemporary wood-fire restaurant inspired by the techniques and ingredients of Europe and Japan. Spearheaded by Chef Ryan Ratino, this new eatery emphasizes culinary artistry with fresh ingredients, tableside cocktails, and polished presentations.

Recently opened in Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard, OL' DAYS is a farm-to-table concept serving brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Guests can enjoy a cozy atmosphere while savoring a number of specialties, including avocado toast, grass-fed short rib, an award-winning vegan burger, or a host of specialty coffee options.

Now open in Fort Lauderdale, Café Bastille is an authentic Parisian café serving locally-sourced, fresh and homemade fare. Offering an all-day brunch, menu standouts include their French toasts and waffles, decadent pancakes, benedicts, pastries, and specialty coffees.

Deerfield Beach's first brewery, Cove Brewery, is now open. It features a 8,500-square-foot brewhouse and taproom. The 170-seat brewery is capable of pumping out 620 gallons of craft beer in one batch and features 20 taps. The brewery is located at Deerfield Beach’s Cove Shopping Center.

Southern Cajun Kitchen, Voodoo Bayou opened its doors on Las Olas. Offering up a true taste of New Orleans, their menu features Southern Cajun Cuisine, an exotic craft cocktails list, and an extensive Bourbon/ Whiskey collection.

Baoshi, an innovative Asian food hall, bar and curated market, is set to revolutionize suburban Broward’s dining scene is now open in Pembroke Pines. Located right off bustling Pines Boulevard, Baoshi is a hot spot for those looking for an immersive culinary experience.

The House On The River has opened in Fort Lauderdale. Located directly on the river, known as the Venice of America, in the heart of Downtown. The iconic structure is complemented by a charming eclectic use of vintage furniture with a modern twist, outfitted with mixed china, vibrant flowers, and lush trees.

The Soulful Steep, a new “teahouse + salt cave + emporium” is now open in Pompano Beach. The space will be located on the southeast corner of North Flagler Avenue and Northeast Second Street. 

The 40-year-old Fort Lauderdale staple, Runway 84, has reopened its doors after closing in May of 2022 to undergo renovations. The redesigned dining room is meant to evoke a modern Italian supper-club vibe. The restaurant also unveiled an updated menu and beverage program while still retaining some of the favorites.

If you’re craving authentic Texas BBQ flavors and pit-to-plate hospitality, B&D Trap BBQ is your new go-to spot. From pork ribs to tender brisket, this Texas barbecue is known for its simple ingredients and slow cooking over a wood-fire flame. The fattier the cut of meat, the better the flavor so get ready for a tasty experience.

Fort Lauderdale Beach has a dreamy new rooftop bar located on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Nubé offers panoramic views and an innovative menu inspired by the sky and sea. Float above the skies with craft cocktails while enjoying elevated bar bites, creating a unique 'lounge-aurant' experience. The rooftop provides both indoor and outdoor seating options and a wraparound glass balcony that boasts breathtaking ocean views.

Longtime Riverside Hotel pastry chef, and Netflix baking show “Sugar Rush Christmas” winner, Sabrina Courtemanche has opened the New River Cafe and Bakery in Fort Lauderdale. Offerings include from-scratch baked custom cakes, artisan breads, sweet treats, homemade jams, paninis, grab-and-go options and desserts. It's located around the corner from the Riverside Hotel at 420 SE 6th Ave.

La Fuga is now open at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Experience modern, coastal Italian cuisine. Chef Michael Mayer infuses local South Florida flavors with classic Italian staples to create a fusion of crave-worthy, contemporary dishes.

On the Horizon

A major $190 million makeover of the International Swimming Hall of Fame complex is on the way, with plans for an aquarium, rooftop restaurant, new museum and even a FlowRider surf simulator machine. The project will spruce up the city-owned peninsula south of Las Olas with a modern five-story building on the east side just a block from the beach and a six-story building on the west overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Completion of the project is expected in 2025.

Coming soon to Las Olas Boulevard, TIMBR is a long-awaited restaurant and lounge from visionary restaurateur Michael Tronn. Hailed as his most elaborate and complex work to date, this 8,000-square-foot venue is set to elevate the hospitality industry, redefine the culinary landscape, and bring high design to Fort Lauderdale. With both decor and food inspired by European and American vineyards, guests can expect to dine on rustic, high-end, farm-to-table fare. 

Slated to open in early 2024, Marina Village by Bahia Mar will be a waterfront food, beverage, and entertainment venue accessible by foot, car, and even boat with dock access. The one-of-a-kind village will be located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show is planning to reopen later in 2024. The landmark restaurant is currently undergoing renovations.

Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, a South Florida icon for more than 50 years, is going through a total reimagination of the destination. Upon completion the hotel will have 376 guest rooms & suites, multi-level pool experience with family and adult areas, lobby lounge, Pier Top lounge, spa, fitness center, kids club, marina promenade and residential offerings. The hotel is officially closed, but the marina and Pelican Landing remain open, welcoming guests and boaters. Expected reopening 2024.