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As one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations, Ft. Lauderdale is home to gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, and many great events. If you're visiting the city this spring, here are five events worth checking out. Las Olas Art Fair Every March, Ft. Lauderdale's iconic Las Olas Boulevard springs to life with colorful paintings, life-sized sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and incredible photography. As the second art show of the season, the Las Olas Art Fair features an eclectic mix of well-known artists and newer names who specialize in everything from ceramics to mixed media. Event-goers can stroll the boulevard to more view art, purchase items, or simply mingle with artists and other visitors. The Las Olas Art Fair is easily accessible from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and is close to many wonderful shopping and dining options. Walk for the Animals If you're an animal lover, fitness fanatic, or both, the annual Walk for the Animals event is an absolute treat. Each March, the Humane Society of Broward County hosts its largest fundraiser: a leisurely 1.25-mile walk that attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike, along with their dogs. The walk begins at Ft. Lauderdale's Huizenga Plaza and winds along the river and through downtown. Along the way, walkers and dogs can enjoy live entertainment, free treats, a dog agility performance, and more. Best of all, the Humane Society of Broward County dedicates all funds raised to advancing its mission of providing shelter, aid, and responsible adoptions to animals in need. Hollywood St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the city of Hollywood hosts a parade and festival every March. The event features a traditional float parade with dozens of floats and local marching bands, as well as traditional Irish entertainment and food. In addition, Hollywood's newly renovated Anniversary Park is transformed into a fantasy land full of fun games and activities for children. This year, the event will feature the New York Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps, Joe Dougherty, and UV's U2 tribute show. Tortuga Music Festival Every April, the Tortuga Music Festival brings together fans of country, rock, and roots music for three days of celebration on the beautiful sands of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park. The event was created in partnership with Rock the Ocean, a foundation that's dedicated to raising awareness about marine conservation and to supporting ocean conservation initiatives. Since its inception five years ago, the event has provided thousands of dollars to marine conservation efforts. This year, the festival will feature performances by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, and many more. Pompano Beach Seafood Festival The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is an annual two-day event celebrating delicious seafood, live music, local vendors and adorable arts and crafts. For all day fun, the event also provides beach activities and a special Kids' Zone for children. Like many springtime events in the Ft. Lauderdale area, the Seafood Festival is nonprofit and dedicated to benefiting local charities. Whether you're interested in art fairs, charity walks, cultural events, music, or seafood, Ft. Lauderdale's springtime events offer something special for everyone.

The second most visited reef in the world lies off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The transparent blue water allows you not only to see your toes but also all the marine life that resides under the surface. With an average annual temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, this heavenly beach-filled city promotes a healthy lifestyle with rich outdoor experiences. Below are four ideas to occupy your time and maximize the days you spend on the shores. This water wonderland beckons you to explore. Paddle Boarding Looking for a great workout you can master in less than an hour? Paddle boarding is your sport. On your knees or standing up, you rest on what appears to be a large surfboard. You burn calories while having a load of fun! Not only is paddle boarding a diverse sport, but like many water sports, you can sightsee while exercising. Head down waterways, discover the ocean or the river, or pass by a plethora of celebrity yachts. Intensify your workout by doing paddleboard yoga, Pilates, or Supilates. The options are limitless. more Reef Drift Fishing Drift fishing allows you to benefit from a tour of the water while you potentially obtain your next meal. Set your eyes on the Lady Pamela III whose spacious deck load offers room for up to 24 people. Because the Lady Pamela III is a sport fish boat, prepare for a calm ride at optimum speed. It only takes 15 minutes for this boat to arrive at the gathering place of the big fish. Enjoy catching a wide variety of game in the reefs of the Florida coast. Scuba Diving Water enthusiasts flock to the "Wreck Capitol of Florida" which contains 50 shipwrecks in 23 miles. Journey at your own pace by drift diving. While attached to a flag, explore along the current until ready to stop. See a host of marine life and benefit from more bottom time. Ponder completing a diver certification course. After concluding the online program, fulfill the water-training portion in two days or less. If you prefer hands-on learning, most companies offer group and individual lessons. Sailing Chartering a sailboat is an amazing way to vacation. Crewed means you sail without laying a hand on deck, and bareboat means you skipper and your boat mates carry out the duties of the crew. The first option provides luxury in addition to expertise. Do you need a recommendation on where to dive or dock? Just ask the crew. Their wish is your command. The second option gives you more privacy and freedom but comes with a substantial amount of responsibility. Select either choice to travel the waters off the southern shores of Florida. Whether vacationing or looking for a permanent home, delve into the city nicknamed the Venice of America. Trade in the long hours sunbathing for a bronzed tan gained in action. Spot sea turtles or manatees in their natural Atlantic Ocean habitat. Follow the paths of ship wreckage along the ocean floor. Sail to unknown parts. Try a Downward-Facing Dog on a paddleboard. Make this time unforgettable.

When you visit Fort Lauderdale, there are plenty of activities available for all ages that don't cost a cent. Be sure to add some of these spots to your to-do list and enjoy all that this area of Florida has to offer. 1. Deerfield Island Park Situated on 53.3 acres of land, the beautiful park has plenty to see and do. When you arrive, take the complimentary shuttle to the park and be sure to enjoy the views of the surrounding Intracoastal Waterway. Once you arrive, spend some time hiking the trails, viewing wildlife sightings, fishing at one of the various designated areas, picnicking at the available tables, and taking photographs from the observation deck. This spot is free for visitors and gives a beautiful view of the natural surroundings of Fort Lauderdale. more 2. Stonewall Street Festival This event is one of the most popular Pride festivals in the country, with guests coming from around the world to participate. It is held annually each June, with activities for all, including a parade, food and drink booths, and live music. The festival celebrates diversity and welcomes participants from all walks of life. 3. Live Music There are several locations that host live bands throughout the year, so if you are looking to enjoy local music, check out some of these spots. Every Friday evening at Fort Lauderdale beach is live music night, with free admission for guests. You can also attend outdoor music performances for free at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Friday evenings during the winter and spring months. Hollywood hosts live music performances on most Saturday evenings, as does the Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. 4. Kid-Friendly Activities If you are looking for activities that the whole family will enjoy, check out the ArtsPark in Hollywood, where you can watch children's movies for free. Lawn seating is available, so bring blankets and/or camp chairs. The same location also hosts Funtastic Fridays for Kids throughout much of the year, from 5 to 8 p.m. each week. It is a top social event for families in the area, with face painters, bounce houses, and more. 5. Outdoor Festivals Many Fort Lauderdale locals and visitors enjoy attending free festivals, held throughout the year. Wicked Wilton is held around Halloween each year at Wilton Park, with donations going toward The Pride Center. The event hosts a massive costume contest with plenty of prizes in a variety of categories. Another fun activity for guests of all ages is the annual Las Alos Art Festival, which is going on for its 29th year in a row. It is scheduled for October 22 and 23 and showcases art from talented painters, sculptors, and other artists from around the country, including locals from the Fort Lauderdale area. The Winterfest Boat Parade is also held around the holiday season, with lit-up boats on display along the Intracoastal Waterway. Free activities make going out and experiencing new things possible, even for those who don't have a large entertainment budget available.

Florida spring and summer rainstorms got you down? Take these months of poor beach weather and use them to check out some of the coolest indoor things to do around Ft. Lauderdale. With these five ideas, anybody can have a good time. more Funderdome This indoor playground is a great place for parents to bring kids and let them work off some energy on rock climbing walls, zip line platforms, slides, laser maze, and much more. The cafeteria even offers healthy choices along with traditional kids' menu fare. Parents of toddlers can safely watch little ones in an enclosed toddler play area, and Funderdome has free Wi-Fi and TVs. Funderdome also holds occasional classes, and it's especially good for parties. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Though Bonnet House can be a tourist hotspot in good weather, on a rainy day it's perfect for a calm excursion through the museum. Not only was the area one of the first sites of Spanish contact with the Americas, but the Bonnet House site also contains artifacts of the Tequesta people, dating back to 2,000 B.C. The owner was a skilled artist and art collector, and you'll find many amazing paintings by him and other great artists in the hallways. Xtreme Action Park This huge indoor park is suited to adults and older children. Get some chocolatey goodness at the Hershey's shake shop, go bowling, ride go-carts, or show off your arcade skills. This park already has a new restaurant and sports bar. It's also begun major expansions to its rope course as well as nearly doubled the size of the arcade and the number of games within. If you visit once and enjoy it, return on a rainy day later in the year, and you may see some brand new attractions. The Classic Gateway Theater If what's typically on offer at IMAX or traditional theaters just doesn't interest you, check out this cozy, historic venue. It plays independent films in several genres, and many were featured in the Sundance Film Festival. If you like all kinds of movies but hate large, noisy theaters, visit Classic Gateway to see select major blockbuster films. Don't forget to grab some snacks and a drink at the Mod Wine Lounge before the show. Laser Quest If you want to play laser tag, this is a great spot for adults and kids alike. The course is top-notch and uses water-based fog for atmosphere and stealth. Play an intense game, and then have pizza delivered to you as you check the score rankings. Laser Quest also has an arcade with various activities. Be sure to try the escape the room challenges, or Key Quest. In a Key Quest challenge, your group is locked in a themed room, and you have to solve puzzles and find the key while still getting out within the time limit. The next time you find yourself lounging in front of the TV on a rainy day, get up, gather some gung-ho friends or family, and have a day to remember in Ft Lauderdale.