The best things to do in Fort Lauderdale in November

November feels made for Fort Lauderdale. Days run warm, nights cool off, and crowds stay manageable. That mix opens the door to waterfront festivals, museum time, and easy nature escapes. Use this Pro Movers Miami guide to plan short hits, longer days, and a few smart evening options. Regardless of whether you’re a local or a newcomer, some of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale in November will make you fall in love with the city all over again.

Start with the shoreline

Fort Lauderdale Beach sets the tone in November. Mornings suit long walks and paddle sessions. Midday brings easy swimming. Late afternoons feel best for casual seaside meals. If you want a different angle on the water, take a canal paddle or hop aboard a sightseeing cruise at golden hour.

You’ll get skyline views, yacht spotting, and calm breezes without peak-season traffic. Relocating this fall with local movers in Florida? Keep beach gear in one labeled bin so you can enjoy day one, even if boxes remain.

Landmarks with real stories

Make time for two anchors of local history. Stranahan House (1901) stands as the county’s oldest structure, offering guided tours that cover pioneer life on the New River and the city’s early growth. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens combines art, architecture, and coastal habitat, just steps from the beach; note the modified hours and holiday closures in late November. Both reward slow visits and photos in soft afternoon light.

Museum day when the sun needs a break

Head indoors for a culture burst. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale runs regular hours Tuesday–Sunday and often offers first-Thursday extended evening access; check the calendar for current exhibitions. Museum of Discovery & Science adds IMAX showtimes and hands-on science stations that keep kids engaged between beach blocks.

Both sit close to the Riverwalk, so you can pair art or science with an easy waterside stroll. Moving during the holidays with movers in Fort Lauderdale? Schedule deliveries on non-event weekdays so museum visits stay relaxed.

Nature without leaving town

Two close-in preserves deliver wildlife and boardwalk views. Anne Kolb Nature Center offers an observation tower and trails across 1,500 acres of mangroves—bring binoculars for osprey and herons. Secret Woods Nature Center adds shady loops and a butterfly garden for a short, quiet walk.

Cooler November air makes both stops easy before lunch. If you’re in move-mode, pack a “parks tote” with hats, sunscreen, and bug wipes so you can head out fast between chores.

Cruises, canals, and calm water time

See why locals call the city the “Venice of America” and what makes cruises the most enjoyable things to do in Fort Lauderdale in November. Intracoastal cruises show off yacht rows and waterfront architecture. Sunset gondola rides on the New River feel intimate and work well before dinner on Las Olas.

Anglers can book half-day charters for mackerel or snapper when seas cooperate. November winds often stay reasonable, which keeps water plans flexible. New residents often use short-term storage for boards, rods, and coolers while settling; it keeps the car clear for guests.

November events that feel local

Two Broward County easy wins: the Turkey Trot gets you on A1A at sunrise Thanksgiving morning—great vibe, simple logistics—and Friday Night Sound Waves offers no-ticket music every Friday by the beach. If you’re here during FLIBS, expect energy around the marinas and plan extra time for rideshares near the sites.

Families can drop into MODS on weekends for rotating science activities. If you’re unpacking after arriving with one of the moving companies in Broward County, use these events as soft deadlines: empty one room per week, then reward the win with a concert or run.

Easy half-day pairings

Sometimes a full day feels too long, and a quick outing is just right. These pairings fit neatly into a morning or afternoon without taking over the whole schedule:

• Bonnet House + beach picnic. Tour late morning, eat on the sand by noon.
• NSU Art Museum + Riverwalk. Art first, then a slow walk by the water.
• Anne Kolb tower + sunset tacos. Climb for views, then eat nearby.
• MODS + Light Up the Holidays. Science by day; tree lighting after dark (date-specific).

Each mix keeps travel simple and timing flexible, so you enjoy the highlights without rushing.

When you want space, aim for these windows

Go early after school drop-off, or mid-afternoon before dinner. Museums stay calm on non-holiday weekdays. Trails feel quiet just after opening. Boat show days spike traffic near marinas, so choose inland museums then and save cruises for another day. If you’re between leases, align movers with your event plans so trucks avoid show zones and parade setups.

Practical notes that help the day flow

Parking near Las Olas fills before concerts and tree-lightings. Bring a light layer for breezy waterfront nights. Pack a dry bag for canal rides. Book Turkey Trot bibs early if you want the first start wave. Confirm museum hours for holiday weeks because some sites close on Thanksgiving Day.

November quick picks (dates & easy wins)

If you only have a few days in Fort Lauderdale, start with these highlights. They’re timed to November and give you a mix of culture, outdoors, and local flavor:

• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), Oct 29–Nov 2, 2025. The world’s largest in-water boat show spreads across seven sites. Expect packed marinas and marine tech demos.
• Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), November 2025. Screenings and specials across Broward; check the schedule for shorts blocks and guest events.
• Friday Night Sound Waves, Fridays Oct 24–Dec 19, 2025. Free tribute concerts at Las Olas Oceanside Park; music under the stars.
• Light Up the Holidays “Get Lit,” Wed Nov 12, 2025. Tree-lighting and fun family activities at Esplanade Park.
• Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot 5K, Thu Nov 27, 2025. A sunrise run on A1A is a local Thanksgiving tradition.
• MODS weekend programming, select November dates. Museum of Discovery & Science adds kid-forward exhibits and mini-events.

These events set the rhythm of the month and can anchor your trip plans around them.

Why November works in Fort Lauderdale

You get beach time without summer heat and events without the winter crush, especially when moving from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. Landmarks stay accessible, and nature sits close to downtown. That mix makes the things to do in Fort Lauderdale in November stand out, giving visitors and locals an easy pace to enjoy the city.