FLIBS during fall: What to do in Fort Lauderdale after the show

Wondering what to do in Fort Lauderdale when the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show shuts its doors? Rachel Ingram rounds up the new hotels, bars, restaurants and hotspots Fort Lauderdale has to offer – and since the boat show falls on Halloween this year, has also found some seasonal ways to get into the spirit.  

With FLIBS on the horizon, the yachting elite are preparing to set sail for the yachting capital of Fort Lauderdale. Outside of the show, the city has often been side-stepped for its glossier neighbour, Miami, but an influx of new openings and renovations is turning the tide on the city’s hospitality scene. The "Venice of the Americas" has experienced something of a regeneration of late, with new luxury branded hotels, a $1 million golf club and the billion-dollar renovation of Bahia Mar Yachting Center among its standout developments. From the trendiest restaurants and bars for a post-show outing to the newest hotels and activities for an extended stay, we reveal the openings that make Fort Lauderdale a must-visit destination in its own right.

Where to sleep, eat and drink

Fort Lauderdale is slowly but surely tempting international names down the coastline from hotel-rich Miami. From the Ritz-Carlton and Conrad to the W and Marriott, world-famous hospitality brands have made a home in the city. The city’s newest five-star opening, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, opened its doors in 2022 to much fanfare. The hotel’s 22-story curved building designed by Miami architect Kobi Karp and inspired by superyachts, stands out on the skyline, while its culinary offering is already causing a buzz amongst foodies.

The hottest table of the moment is at Four Seasons' MAASS, a contemporary American restaurant with a wood-fire concept where ingredients are cooked on an open-fire hearth. At the helm is Chef-Owner Ryan Ratino, who has won Michelin awards for his culinary concepts – book the Chef’s Counter for the ultimate, immersive culinary experience. Oenophiles should also get in line, because MAAS has an award-winning wine list.

The hotel's signature restaurant Evelyn's Fort Lauderdale is another tempting choice, offering modern Mediterranean flavours with ocean views. The kitchen, headed by Chef Brandon Salomon – previously at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach – serves up a hearty offering of fresh catches from Florida waters.

Next door, on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, new rooftop bar Nubé is mixing creative craft cocktails inspired by the sky and the sea. A picturesque spot for a sunset, its glass terrace offers panoramic views of the beach and ocean.

For a Florida Riviera-style riverside dining experience, head to Boatyard which has been revamped just in time for FLIBS with a coast-chic indoor and outdoor dining area. Visit for its locally sourced menu, cool ambience, cosy nautical décor, and special offerings such as Sunday brunch.

Another option is House on the River, a one-year-old restaurant occupying a pretty duo of historic buildings that were once private homes. Inside, there are several charming dining rooms filled with antique furniture, but we recommend booking a spot on the picturesque, canal-side terrace for a long, leisurely lunch.

Looking ahead, the hotly anticipated restaurant TIMBR is expected to open its doors in the autumn. The restaurant promises modern American dining in an atmospheric setting where rustic charm meets contemporary sophistication.

Things to do

For active visitors, there are plenty of options. The city is in close proximity to some of Florida’s best golf clubs and courses, including the lavish Shell Bay Club which opened in 2023 with a $1 million membership initiation fee. Access is only permitted with a member but there are plenty of other courses that offer day passes, such as Jacaranda Golf Club and the Country Club of Coral Springs. Keen to practice your swing at night? New high-tech driving range Topgolf Pompano Beach features over 100 hitting bays where players can challenge each other to fun games.

For those who prefer to relax, Fort Lauderdale is home to myriad wellness centres and spas, including The Spa at Auberge Beach. Open since late 2023, the wellness centre and med spa provide advanced holistic treatments in a tranquil setting. The new Four Seasons hotel also features a luxury spa offering signature treatments such as ebb and flow massages and hydraderm facials.

If you can extend your trip, in late 2024, the 32-acre waterfront resort Pier Sixty-Six will open following a $1 billion renovation. Highlights will include the re-opening of the tower’s famous rotating bar, a reimagined rooftop bar, a wellness spa, a shopping and dining promenade, swimming pools and a marina with 164 berths.

What’s happening

Outside of FLIBS, there’s plenty to entertain across Fort Lauderdale. On 31 October, the largest annual Halloween costume party in the Southeast, Wicked Manors, returns to the city. A hit with yachties, the event sees thousands of partygoers dress up and head the streets for an evening of spooky fun and entertainment. On 2nd November, the 15th annual Day of the Dead celebration will take place at Esplanade Park. Visitors can anticipate traditional performances, live music and dancing, food stands and family-friendly activities such as face painting.

As FLIBS closes, The Broward Center will host the esteemed Miami City Ballet for two days of performances of Balanchine’s A Midsummmer Night’s Dream. Taking place on 2 and 3 November at Au Rene Theatre, the inventive reimagining of the story will transport Shakespeare’s woodland lovers to the underwater world of the Florida coast.