If you’re looking for a sunny and fun-filled vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. This city in Florida offers plenty of attractions for all kinds of travellers, from beaches and water sports to museums and shopping. But if you want to spice up your trip with some unique and memorable experiences, you’ll be surprised by what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Here are 10 offbeat activities that you can do in Fort Lauderdale that will make your trip stand out.

Vitis Leslie Nielsen’s gravesite: a fart joke for eternity

Pay your respects to the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen at his gravesite in Evergreen Cemetery. The Canadian actor, best known for his roles in Airplane! and The Naked Gun, was buried here in 2010 with a fitting epitaph: “Let ‘er rip”. The gravestone also features a whoopee cushion that makes a sound when pressed.

Meet the alligators after dark

Experience the thrill of gliding through the dark waters of the Everglades on an airboat tour at night. You’ll get to see the nocturnal wildlife of this unique ecosystem, including alligators, snakes, frogs and owls. The tour also includes a live alligator show and a souvenir photo.

Reel in some big catches

If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a fishing charter and head out to the Atlantic Ocean for some deep sea fishing. You’ll have the chance to catch a variety of fish, such as mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, snapper and grouper. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the coast and the skyline.

Watch indie films from around the world

Catch some of the latest and greatest independent films from around the world at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. This annual event showcases over 200 films of different genres, languages and formats, as well as Q&A sessions with filmmakers, parties and workshops. The festival takes place at various venues across the city, including churches, cinemas and hotels.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Explore a botanical paradise

Visit one of the oldest botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuaries in South Florida at Flamingo Gardens. This 24-hectare (60-acre) park features over 3000 species of plants, including rare and exotic ones. You can also see flamingos, peacocks, bobcats, otters and other animals that live here. Don’t miss the narrated tram tour that takes you through the tropical rainforest, wetlands and citrus groves.

Catch a show at the Broward Center

Enjoy a night of entertainment at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, one of the largest and most prestigious venues in Florida. The center hosts a variety of shows, such as Broadway musicals, concerts, ballets, operas and comedies. You can also dine at one of the onsite restaurants or bars before or after the show.

Cruise along the waterways

See Fort Lauderdale from a different perspective on a water shuttle tour that takes you along the city’s canals and rivers. You’ll get to admire the views of the skyline, the mansions, the yachts and the bridges. You can also hop on and off at any of the 15 stops along the route to explore more attractions.

Experience Polynesian culture and cuisine

Step into a tropical oasis at Mai-Kai Restaurant, a Polynesian-themed restaurant that offers more than just food. You can enjoy a delicious meal of exotic dishes, such as coconut shrimp, teriyaki beef and pineapple rice. You can also watch a spectacular show of Polynesian dancers, musicians and fire performers.

Discover a historic treasure

Visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a historic estate that dates back to 1920. You can tour the house that was once home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, and see their collection of art and personal belongings. You can also explore the gardens that feature orchids, tropical plants and wildlife.

Walk through tree canopies

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at Secret Woods Nature Center, a hidden gem that offers a serene natural setting. You can walk through tree canopies on an elevated boardwalk, observe butterflies in a butterfly garden, or relax in a picnic area.