Fort Lauderdale Rainy Day Guide: Fun Indoor Activities

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You’ve planned a trip to sunny Fort Lauderdale, with visions of sun-kissed beaches and endless outdoor adventures. But Mother Nature has other plans, and clouds roll in and the sky opens up. Don’t let it dampen your spirits! There are a plethora of indoor activities in Fort Lauderdale and unique experiences to offer. We’ll share some of the best rainy day activities that will keep you entertained and dry while visiting this unforgettable city.

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture

Fort Lauderdale boasts an eclectic art and culture scene that truly shines, regardless of the weather. Here are a few must-visit places to get your dose of creativity:

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, NSU Art Museum is a Shangri La for art enthusiasts. Wander through its thought-provoking exhibitions, marvel at the colorful works of renowned artists, and let your imagination run wild.

The Historic Old Dillard Museum

Step into the rich history of Fort Lauderdale’s African American community at Old Dillard Museum. This museum provides insights into the heritage and achievements of the local African American population through various exhibits and artifacts.

Explore the World of Literature

Rainy days offer the best excuse to dive into a good book or uncover the local literary scene. Fort Lauderdale has some excellent options for book lovers:

Broward County Main Library

This isn’t just a library; it’s a sanctuary for bibliophiles. Find a cozy corner at the Broward County Main Library, grab a novel, and let the words transport you to different worlds. The library also hosts various events and workshops, so check their schedule for any rainy day happenings.

Old Florida Bookshop

A cherished independent bookstore renowned for its collection of rare books, historical manuscripts, and contemporary reads, it caters to collectors, scholars, and avid readers alike. Visitors can expect to unearth literary treasures, acquaint themselves with local Florida history through Old Florida Bookshop’s diverse offerings, and engage in insightful conversations with knowledgeable staff in its cozy atmosphere.

Savor the Culinary Delights

Days when the rain falls offer an excellent opportunity to satisfy your culinary cravings. Fort Lauderdale offers a diverse range of dining options to suit all palates and budgets:

Las Olas Boulevard

This iconic street is a food lover’s paradise, with a mouthwatering array of restaurants and cafes. Whether you crave fresh seafood, international cuisine, or a classic American burger, you’ll find it on Las Olas Boulevard. Plus, the charming atmosphere lends itself to relaxing dining experiences.

The Rustic Spoon

Step into an authentic Thai culinary adventure at The Rustic Spoon. This restaurant serves up exotic flavors and dishes in a cozy atmosphere, making it a delightful place to dine while the raindrops tap gently on the windows.

Get Creative Indoors

Unleash your inner artist or learn something new:

ArtServe

Located in Fort Lauderdale’s art district, ArtServe is a hub of creativity. They offer a variety of art classes and workshops for all skill levels. Whether you want to try your hand at painting, pottery, or another craft, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day.

Cooking Classes

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Cooking School and Catering is a food enthusiast’s delight. Under the guidance of renowned chef Lenore Nolan-Ryan, this cooking school offers hands-on themed classes, including “Girls Night Out”, “Date Night”, and “Under the Tuscan Sun” as well as kids’ cooking class parties. From Mexican delights to Italian classics, these sessions bring out your “inner chef” as you enhance your cooking skills.

Retail Therapy

Fort Lauderdale offers exceptional shopping options, and days that aren’t beach friendly provide the perfect excuse to check out the city’s retail scene:

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

This upscale shopping mall features a wide range of stores, from high-end boutiques to well-known brands. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is an ideal place to pick up souvenirs, fashion items, or simply spend some time window shopping.

Sawgrass Mills

If you love finding good deals, you should head over to Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise. It’s one of the biggest outlet malls in the United States, and it’s not too far away. There are more than 350 stores, so you’re sure to discover some awesome discounts on clothes, electronics, and other stuff you might like.

Catch a Movie or Live Performance

Plan a trip to the cinema or a live performance to brighten your spirits:

The Classic Gateway Theater

Dating back to 1951, this theater still oozes retro charm and legacy. Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale showcases the best in first-run and independent films. This one-screen throwback theater is a must-see, an iconic piece of Americana.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Check the schedule at the Broward Center for Performing Arts for a chance to catch a live show. From Broadway productions to concerts and ballet performances, there’s always something entertaining happening here.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Sometimes, the best way to spend a less-than-perfect weather day is by taking it easy and pampering yourself:

Spa Day

Fort Lauderdale is home to numerous world-class spas that offer a range of rejuvenating treatments. Book a massage, facial, or body wrap to unwind and de-stress.

Indoor Pools

Many hotels in Fort Lauderdale have indoor pools. Take a dip and swim away your missing-the-sun blues while enjoying the comforts of a heated pool.

Rainy Day Adventures in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale may be renowned for its sunshine, but it’s equally equipped to provide enjoyable experiences on rainy days. Embrace the opportunity to explore the city’s cultural, culinary, and indoor attractions, and you’ll discover that Fort Lauderdale has something exciting to offer, no matter what the weather.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Fay Stevenson

Originally from Baltimore, Fay started her career as an elementary school Language Arts teacher. Five years later, Fay joined Johnson & Johnson where she enjoyed a 31-year career in pharmaceutical sales. After a move to Florida following her retirement, Fay joined the OutCoast team to bring the first Florida OutCoast Convention (FLOCC) to the Tampa Bay Area. Fay is living her best life in St Petersburg with her 19-year-old cat, Maxx. In her spare time, Fay is an amateur singer/songwriter and avid sports fan.

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