Fort Lauderdale · Outdoors & nature
A little art, a little wilderness, a beach picnic
Give the day room to breathe: an artist's estate, a coastal park and a simple picnic with the ocean as your soundtrack.
Your time, together.
11 a.m.
Explore Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Take the self-guided house-and-gardens visit and notice the details you would borrow for your own home. Allow roughly 90 minutes; the suggested visit starts when regular admission opens.
Bonnet House tickets & hours ↗ (opens a new tab)1 p.m.
A short walk at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Choose a gentle land-based walk through the coastal landscape. Current notices include a closed floating dock and construction affecting some restrooms and pavilions; check the ranger's advice on arrival.
Current park notices ↗ (opens a new tab)3 p.m.
Share a picnic at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Bring a packed lunch or pick up food on the way, then find a permitted picnic spot. The city lists picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers. End with a beach walk while there is still daylight.
Beach park facilities ↗ (opens a new tab)
The details that make it easy.
- Book first
- Bonnet House recommends online tickets; guided tours are different products with advance registration. This plan uses regular self-guided admission and does not include a boat or paddling rental.
- Budget for two
- Bonnet House standard house-and-gardens admission is listed at $30 per adult, with eligible discounts. Birch lists $6 for a vehicle with two to eight people. Add beach parking, food and transport.
- Getting around
- Use a car or rideshare between the stops; the final beach park is farther south. Each location may require separate parking payment. Do not plan to arrive by the closed Birch floating dock.
- Weather & comfort
- Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Postpone the outdoor route in lightning or severe weather; a beach picnic is not sheltered.
- If plans change
- For a rainy day, replace the park and beach with a reserved indoor lunch and a separate visit to NSU Art Museum after checking its hours.
Dates nearby to consider
Add one of these as a separate outing, or adapt your plan around its actual start time.
Slow Burn Theatre: Come From Away
· Selected performances; see schedule
Let a musical about unexpected friendship and hospitality give you something meaningful to talk about afterward.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue
Good to know
Paid tickets; check current seat prices and fees. Remaining performances are October 15–25, with matinees and evenings. Choose your exact performance before arranging dinner.
Riverwalk Fall Festival
· Noon–4 p.m. ET
A casual daytime outing with autumn activities, food trucks and seasonal vendors beside the New River. Family-friendly.
Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street
Good to know
Free admission; food, shopping and some activities may cost extra. Bring sun protection and check weather.
Miami City Ballet: American Rhythms
· Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. ET
Dress up for a mixed ballet program pairing Balanchine and Robbins with a new collaboration by Patricia Delgado and Emily Estefan.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue
Good to know
Paid tickets; check current seat prices and fees. Performed in the Au-Rene Theater. Allow time for downtown parking and theater entry.
Sources & planning notes
These are editorial combinations of independently operated places, not a package, a reservation or a claim of firsthand experience. Official venue pages were checked October 13, 2026. Review current opening hours, access arrangements, prices and cancellation terms before booking.