GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 23, 2024) – From Coral Springs to Weston, there are plenty of new restaurants, cafés, events, and more happening in Greater Fort Lauderdale this summer. Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale, is excited to reveal “What's New” in the destination, so you can make this a summer to remember!

Sports & Entertainment
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes its first professional women's soccer team: Fort Lauderdale United FC. This new top-tier women's professional soccer team will compete in the United Soccer League Super League which kicks off its inaugural season this August. The league recently received Division One sanctioning from the U.S. Soccer Federation, allowing them to compete at the highest level of professional soccer in the United States. The team's practice and game fields are in the Town of Davie at Nova Southeastern University.

Cricket, the world's second most watched sport, is coming to Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill this June. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup consists of 55 high-intensity matches, played in nine cities throughout the world. The global tournament will be held from June 1 to June 29. The following matches will be played in Greater Fort Lauderdale: Tuesday, June 11 – Sri Lanka vs. Nepal; Friday, June 14 – USA vs. Ireland; Saturday, June 15 – India vs. Canada; Sunday, June 16 – Pakistan vs. Ireland. To purchase tickets online, visit tickets.t20worldcup.com.

Inter Miami CF is continuing its goal of elevating fans' experience with new food and beverage options at Chase Stadium. Soccer fans can now enjoy Umami Burger and Sam's Crispy Chicken before, during, or after they see the iconic Lionel Messi play. Grab a bite from some fan favorite concession stands, such as Smorgasburg, Coyo Taco, Fuku, Quimera, Doggi's Arepa Bar, Poke OG and Freddo Gelato, as well as the rotating line up of food trucks in the newly expanded Fan Zone. Club members have access to buffet style feedings at a variety of serving stations, featuring guest chefs along with complimentary, beer, wine, and canned cocktails.

The Florida Panthers have officially opened the doors to their new practice facility in downtown Fort Lauderdale at Baptist Health IcePlex at the War Memorial Auditorium in Holiday Park. The $65 million venue features two National Hockey League-quality ice rinks, including a dedicated rink for team practices and a public rink for public skating, youth and adult club hockey, and figure skating. If you don't own skates, the venue offers a large selection of figure and hockey skates for toddlers through adults. Public skating admissions are limited, and pre-registration is always required. The Federal, a casual dining spot, is nestled between the two ice rinks within the Baptist Health IcePlex, offering stunning views of the ice rinks and pickleball courts. 

If you're traveling with kids, don't miss the first-ever MAGNA-TILES® Studio at the Museum of Discovery and Science. From crafting spring flowers to erecting skyscrapers, visitors will discover the boundless potential of MAGNA-TILES® imagination. The studio is designed as an immersive educational world where young minds will flourish. Activities focus on enhancing early cognitive skills including fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and mathematics. The new space is open during museum hours: Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Add another relaxing element to your visit to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Starting in June, the historic house will host “Yoga Flow on the Veranda – A Tropical Treat.” The 75-minute vinyasa yoga flow is meant to invigorate and inspire while surrounded by one of Greater Fort Lauderdale's natural wonders. After class, attendees are welcome to explore the tropical tranquility at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Guests must bring their own yoga mat, hand towel, sunglasses, and water. The classes are hosted on the following dates: Friday: June 7, July 12, September 6, October 4, and November 1 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (rain or shine).

See more of what Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer with the South Florida Adventure Pass. Explore four major attractions now through September 30 for one price. Tickets are $60 per adult and $50 per child ages 3 to 12 and includes entry to Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science and Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Dining

If you're craving authentic Texas BBQ flavors and pit-to-plate hospitality, B&D Trap BBQ is your new go-to spot. From pork ribs to tender brisket, this Texas barbecue is known for its simple ingredients and slow cooking over a wood-fire flame. The fattier the cut of meat, the better the flavor so get ready for a tasty experience.

J&C Oyster is a new Asian inspired seafood restaurant opened in April in downtown Hollywood. At 2,000 square feet, the open-kitchen space serves up littleneck clams and French fries in pools of sake, togarashi-brined fried chicken, and raw oysters in spicy Thai chili sauce. If you're craving something other than seafood, there are plenty of meat dishes to choose from including steak tartare or roasted bone marrow topped with herbs and miso-flavored Japanese sourdough milk bread.

Fort Lauderdale Beach has a dreamy new rooftop bar located on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Nubé offers panoramic views and an innovative menu inspired by the sky and sea. Float above the skies with craft cocktails while enjoying elevated bar bites, creating a unique 'lounge-aurant' experience. The rooftop provides both indoor and outdoor seating options and a wraparound glass balcony that boasts breathtaking ocean views.

Tacocraft is not only backed by powerhouse investors like Dan Marino and radio star Paul Castronovo, but also restaurateurs Anthony Bruno, Pat Marzano and Marc Falsetto. The 200-seat restaurant will anchor the new City Village, a soon-to-open, mixed-use shopping plaza spanning two blocks on North University Drive in Coral Springs. Along with a lineup of tacos, there are salads, fajitas, churro ice-cream sandwiches and margaritas and tequila-infused cocktails.

Nestled beside Tulio's Tacos and Tequila Bar, The West End Lounge located in the heart of Wilton Manors promises a refreshing luxury cocktail experience in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The lounge aims to redefine mixology with a focus on natural ingredients offering something for everyone, from classic to ultramodern. Guests will be able to enjoy tasty cocktails like the West End Spritz, Brown Butter-Old Fashioned, and Strawberry Social. The West End Lounge also features an eclectic menu of light bites and occasional live music.

Transportation

Get ready to set sail into a whole new era of waterfront luxury. The Las Olas Marina is projected to be the ultimate, world-class destination for mega yachts and adventure seeking tourists and locals. The redesigned marina will feature 66 new floating docks (exclusively used for yachts measuring 80 feet or larger), fine dining, boutique retail shops, state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements, and lush pedestrian-friendly landscape. The project is expected to be completed this spring ahead of the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport has a new airline, further strengthening the connection between Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Middle East. El Al Israel Airlines now offers two flights per week between Tel Aviv and Fort Lauderdale. The airplane features 20 business class seats, 35 premium economy seats, and 183 economy seats. 

Newly Renovated Hotels

Situated along Fort Lauderdale Beach, Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort offers the best ocean views. The hotel recently unveiled renovated accommodations, including 15 oceanfront suites with newly installed open air glass balconies. The renovation endeavor is part of a multi-million dollar investment by the brand's owners, transforming the 225-room oceanfront resort into a dynamic setting suitable for all needs.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa recently unveiled the resort's multi-million-dollar transformation featuring 244 newly designed two-room suites, alongside modern updates to its signature restaurant, outdoor pool area and more. A new Blender Bar has been added, offering a comprehensive selection of frozen beverages, craft beers and chilled wines. Visitors will also enjoy a beach terrace which can now service more than 230 guests with a combination of 187 indoor seats and 50 outdoor seats. This hotel is conveniently located right across from the beach and the Deerfield Beach International Pier.

About Greater Fort Lauderdale 

With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there's good reason, including the area's unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area's many marinas, it's no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area's cosmopolitan vibe. 

About Visit Lauderdale 
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area's 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area's diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.