Under the Moonlight: 6 Things to Do at Night in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Written for Visit Lauderdale
Who said you need sun to have a good time in Florida? While daytime is always a crucial part of any tropical vacation, it’s when the moon rises that nature comes calling. Take a look below as we shine a light on a few noteworthy nighttime activities in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Once you read, we think you’ll be, dare we say, over the moon.
1. Full Moon Watersports
Some may think full moons are spooky, but they can actually be quite stunning. See for yourself with an up close view of the spectacle at a variety of full moon tours on the water. Once a month, Park and Ocean on Fort Lauderdale beach hosts a Full Moon Kayak Tour.
With glow sticks in hand, you and a friend can steer along a mile in Coastal Dune Lake at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The tour is 45 minutes of pure beauty you’ll never forget. Give stand-up paddle boarding a shot in Deerfield Beach at Island Water Sports’ Full Moon Paddle Tour. Cruise on waterways that wind throughout multi-million dollar neighborhoods. Suitable for all skill levels, this tour is an action-packed experience worth taking.
2. Drum Circles
For a night of music and moonlight, head over to ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood for the Full Moon Drum Circle . Participate in a unique, rhythmic celebration. Bring your drum or tambourine, and join in. For a night of music and moonlight, head over to ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood for the Full Moon Drum Circle. Participate in a unique, rhythmic celebration. Bring your drum or tambourine, and join in.
If you want to get more in touch with nature, the Tequesta Drum Circle also puts on a great show with a bonfire at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. They curate a series of events throughout the year, like the Winter Solstice and Autumn Equinox drum circles.
3. Friday Night Soundwaves
Summer nights on Fort Lauderdale beach are always a party. From March through July, Friday Night Soundwaves takes place at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub off Las Olas Blvd., you guessed it, every Friday night. Each event brings an amazing pool of talent to the Sound Waves Stage, covering genres from Blues and Country to Latin Fusion and Top 40. Bring your family, or make it a date night and dance the night away.
4. Turtle Treks
Nearly 90% of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. occurs in Florida, and Greater Fort Lauderdale has its fair share of hatchlings. From June through September, you can witness newborn sea turtles emerging from their nests and making their way to the ocean’s edge. This super cool, and rare, opportunity is brought to you by Turtle Treks of Terramar (Terramar means “from land to sea”).
The whole family can enjoy an evening of discovery and adventure under the glow of the moon, plus all proceeds go to protecting these precious creatures via rescue operations.
5. Gator Nights
We’ve covered turtles, now let’s talk alligators. Spotting them in the waters of the Florida Everglades is a must for any South Florida vacationer, and they’re even more incredible to see at night. The Gator Nights Tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park includes an extended one-hour nighttime airboat journey.
Visit exclusive locations in the Everglades while observing the sounds and sights of a variety of critters. Your airboat captain will use flashlights to scan the surface for the telltale glow of the alligators’ eyes. For more on outdoor activities in the Everglades and beyond, click here.
6. Stargazing
Amidst all these exciting activities, don’t forget to actually take the time to take in the haze of the moon and all its starry neighbors. While there are plenty of places to go stargazing in South Florida, here are two standouts.
The first is the Buehler Planetarium and Observatory at Broward College in Davie. The observatory’s powerful telescopes on the patio give you breathtaking views of planets, nebulae and, of course, the moon in unparalleled detail, completely free of charge. The planetarium also puts on shows for the public for as little as $6 per ticket.
Serving as home base to the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA), Fox Astronomical Observatory at Markham Park in Sunrise is open to the public on Saturday evenings from sunset until midnight. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this outdoor experience feels super intimate with astronomy experts on hand to answer any of your questions, as well as to provide you tips on where to get the best view.
Evening Adventures Await
Next time the sun sets, think again before you head indoors. There’s a world of captivating nighttime activities waiting in the wings. Just follow the glow of the moon, and see what fun Greater Fort Lauderdale has in store.