Half day before FLL flight - suggestions?

Question

We have a half day before our FLL flight around 6pm (plan to be at airport at 3pm).

We have a rental car so luggage is not a problem.

For the half day, is Lauderdale by the sea worth visiting? Or is south beach a better option?

We don’t want to go to the beach. Mainly want to go for a good lunch and browse shops.

Answer

Since you’re not interested in going to the beach and just want a relaxed half-day with good food and shopping, both Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and South Beach offer different experiences, but South Beach may be the better fit for your goals.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming, quieter town with a small downtown area. It’s great for a leisurely stroll along the shops and maybe a casual bite, but it’s relatively compact and low-key.

South Beach (Miami Beach), on the other hand, offers a more lively atmosphere with a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and boutique shopping along Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue. Even if you skip the beach, the area is perfect for exploring on foot for a few hours and enjoying a high-quality lunch.

South Beach:
- Lincoln Road Mall – pedestrian-friendly, lots of shops, cafes, and casual dining options.
- Ocean Drive – iconic street with cafés and restaurants, even if you don’t hit the beach.
- Art Deco Historic District – nice for a quick stroll and taking in some local architecture.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea:
- Commercial Boulevard – small shops and galleries, very walkable.
- Local seafood restaurants – casual, fresh options for lunch.
- Quiet atmosphere – perfect if you prefer something low-key and less touristy.

Considering you have a rental car and need to be back at FLL by 3pm, South Beach is about a 35–40 minute drive from the airport (traffic permitting), while Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is closer at about 15–20 minutes. If you prioritize convenience and low stress, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is fine, but for a more varied selection of food and shopping, South Beach is the better choice. You could also do a quick mix: start with lunch in South Beach, then drive back along the Intracoastal Waterway for a scenic route to the airport.