Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is home to some 65 stores, 10 international art galleries, two museums (the NSU Art Museum and the Museum of Discovery & Science), and more than 30 restaurants, which are considered some of the best in the area. Shoppers and window shoppers alike enjoy visiting this Fort Lauderdale destination, which you can also enjoy by bike tour. The eastern side of the boulevard is lined with canals, making it a picturesque place to stroll.

• Las Olas Boulevard is an ideal destination for shoppers and art lovers.

• Several shops in the district are pet friendly.

• Note that there are few public restrooms in this area.

• The Sun Trolley runs from Fort Lauderdale up the boulevard to the beach.

Las Olas Boulevard is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and spans the city from Andrews Avenue to the beach. If you’re traveling from Boca Raton, take I-95 South to the Broward Boulevard exit. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The Sun Trolley also runs through Las Olas Boulevard from Fort Lauderdale.

Happy hour, from 4–7pm on weekdays, is an ideal time to enjoy light bites and drink deals. Weekend brunch is another great way to enjoy the restaurants and people-watch on the boulevard. Several restaurants offer live entertainment; check the schedule in advance to see what’s playing when you’re in town.

“Las Olas” means “the waves” in Spanish, a reference to the street’s proximity to the beach. In the early 1900s, the now-bustling boulevard was simply a dirt road that led to the beach. For years, the area was nothing more than a local spot to run errands, offering little to do in the evenings. But in the last few decades, the stretch has seen a surge in businesses catering to young professionals, including several pubs and trendy restaurants.