Day trips · Fort Lauderdale / Davie
Fort Lauderdale by water, garden & historic house
A Water Taxi ride, an artist’s estate, or a day among tropical plants and rescued wildlife.
Trade your usual route for a view from the water or a walk through a historic estate. Fort Lauderdale and nearby Davie offer different ways to spend a day away. Choose one main destination and leave a reason to come back.
Make the journey part of the date
Ride Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi and pick one or two stops from the current route map. Let lunch fit the journey, with enough room for boarding and marine traffic before a reservation.
Explore an artist’s estate at Bonnet House
Choose a house-and-garden visit when architecture and art sound better than a packed sightseeing day. Confirm what the ticket includes; grounds-only admission and guided options are different experiences.
Spend a separate day at Flamingo Gardens
In Davie, tropical gardens and rescued Florida wildlife make an outing of their own. Check the day’s tram and wildlife program times, then leave space for a walk and pauses in the shade.
Choose lunch where the day takes you
Once you know the main destination, choose a nearby meal instead of adding a long detour. If you are arriving by boat, keep the reservation flexible enough to accommodate the ride.
Finish while it still feels like a day off
Agree on a realistic return time before you leave Palm Beach County. Skip the final stop if you have already had a good day; the next visit is easier to plan when you know what you want to return for.
The dates to know
Published 2026 dates, checked October 13. Confirm programs and availability with the organizer.
Bonnet House Halloween Fest
· 11 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
Dress up for a daytime garden outing with music, a costume runway, food vendors and seasonal activities.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road
Good to know
This is a family-friendly festival, with children and pets welcome in the event program. Check tickets and food purchases separately; plan for an outdoor afternoon.
Holiday Magic Concert on the Veranda: LAMUN
· Starts 6 p.m. ET
An evening concert, holiday decorations and a self-guided nighttime look through the historic house make a dressed-up December date.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road
Good to know
Pre-registration required; tickets are nonrefundable. The published admission includes catered food and two drink tickets. Confirm the evening's timing before adding another reservation.
Turn the idea into a plan.
Good to know
Does a Water Taxi pass reserve a seat?
No. Confirm the current boarding, capacity and accessibility guidance.
Can I combine every place in this guide?
They are alternatives for a day out. Choose a main destination and plan any additional travel deliberately.
Sources & editorial notes
Official venue, operator and local destination pages support the practical details. The combinations and personal touches are our editorial suggestions, not claimed firsthand reviews or bookable packages. These sources were reviewed for this edition October 11–13, 2026; current terms can change.
- Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Flamingo Gardens ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Bonnet House Halloween Fest ↗ (opens a new tab)
- Holiday Magic Concert on the Veranda: LAMUN ↗ (opens a new tab)
For full admission, accessibility, dietary, weather and cancellation requirements, check directly before booking. No paid placements or affiliate booking links are included.
