Fort Lauderdale and Miami are two of Florida’s most popular cities to visit. Less than 30 miles apart, they both have beautiful weather, beaches, shopping, food, and fun. They also have some notable differences that can make one a better destination than the other depending on your preferences.

We’ll see how Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami compare in several categories to help you determine which city is right for your next vacation. Fair warning: once you get here, you may never want to leave!

Beaches

If you’re visiting Florida for the first time, you’re likely interested in checking out our world-famous beaches. Fort Lauderdale and Miami have some of the best beaches on Florida’s east coat, but which is better?

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for having more low-key and family-friendly beaches. The most popular are:

• Fort Lauderdale Beach: If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up some sun, this is it. With 2.5 miles of soft, white sand and calm waters, this is the perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind.
• Lauderdale-By-The-Sea: This is a small beach town located just north of Fort Lauderdale Beach. It has a more laid-back atmosphere and is popular for snorkeling and diving.
• Hollywood Beach: Just a short drive south of Fort Lauderdale, this is an underrated spot with a lively boardwalk filled with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment.
• Deerfield Beach: Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach is a hidden gem that offers a more serene and laid-back beach experience. This picturesque stretch of coastline is known for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and a charming fishing pier.

Miami

Miami, on the other hand, is famous for its lively beaches. Here are some of the most popular:

• South Beach: If you’re looking for a beach scene that’s all about seeing and being seen, this is the place to be. With its art deco architecture and colorful people, South Beach is a feast for the senses. But be warned, this is not your grandma’s beach. Miami Beach is loud, it’s crowded, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
• Key Biscayne: On the other hand, this beach is located on an island just off the coast of Miami, and is much more laid-back than South Beach. There’s plenty of parking, families grilling in park areas, and it is also a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Crandon Park Beach: Also located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach offers many of the same attractive features. With its soft sands, clear turquoise waters, and ample picnic areas, it’s a favorite among locals. You can also check out the nearby nature trails and spot local wildlife. Access to Crandon Park is one of our favorite parts about living in Miami.
• South Pointe Park Beach: Nestled at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, this area combines stunning ocean views with a beautifully landscaped park. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, catch a breathtaking sunset, or simply relax on the sandy shores while taking in the vibrant Miami skyline. It’s also walking distance from some fantastic restaurants like Smith & Wollensky and the famous Joe’s Stone Crab.
  

Food

Great food is one of the top reasons to move to Florida. While both Fort Lauderdale and Miami have fantastic culinary scenes, Miami’s is indisputably better. Still, let’s dig in.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is known for its fresh seafood, waterfront dining, and international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale:

• Coconuts: This waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood, delicious cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere. It is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• Casa Sensei: This Asian-Latin fusion restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its sushi rolls, ceviches, and robata-grilled dishes. It is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Miami

Miami, on the other hand, is known for its Latin American cuisine, street food, and upscale dining. There are simply too many good places to eat, but here are a couple of popular options in Miami:

• Versailles: This iconic Cuban restaurant has been serving delicious dishes since 1971. It is known for its Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and cafecito (Cuban coffee).
• Zuma: This upscale Japanese restaurant offers an extensive menu of sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and cocktails. It is located in downtown Miami.

Nightlife

Florida is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, and both Fort Lauderdale and Miami offer some of the best nightlife spots in the state.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a more laid-back and relaxed nightlife scene compared to Miami. Here are some of the best places to party in Fort Lauderdale:

• Elbo Room: This iconic bar has been around since 1938 and is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s known for its live music, cold beers, and lively atmosphere.
• Blue Martini: This upscale lounge is located in the Galleria Mall and features live music, signature cocktails, and a chic ambiance.
• Rooftop @ 1WLO: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of downtown Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. It’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset.
• The Wilder: This trendy bar and lounge features craft cocktails, small bites, and a retro-inspired decor.
• Laser Wolf: This craft beer bar is located in the Flagler Village neighborhood and features a rotating selection of beers, live music, and food trucks.

Aside from bars and lounges, Fort Lauderdale also has a thriving live music scene. You can catch local bands and musicians performing at venues like Revolution Live, Culture Room, and Parker Playhouse. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, head to the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, where you can catch a movie, visit an art gallery, or attend a cultural event.

Overall, while Fort Lauderdale may not have the same wild and colorful nightlife scene as Miami, there are still plenty of options for those looking to have a good time. Whether you prefer a casual beach bar or a trendy lounge, Fort Lauderdale has something to offer.

Miami

Miami is known for its wild and colorful nightlife scene, with plenty of options for partygoers. Here are some of the best places to party in Miami:

• LIV: This upscale nightclub is located in the famous Fontainebleau Hotel and is known for its celebrity sightings, lavish decor, and VIP service.
• E11EVEN: This 24/7 nightclub offers a unique experience with its cabaret-style performances, aerialists, and DJs. It also has a full-service restaurant and rooftop lounge.

Shopping

Both Fort Lauderdale and Miami offer plenty of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to outlet malls. Here’s a comparison of their shopping scenes:

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a more relaxed and laid-back shopping scene compared to Miami. Here are some of the best places to shop in Fort Lauderdale:

• The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale: This upscale mall features over 100 stores, including Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Apple.
• Las Olas Boulevard: This charming street is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.

Miami

Miami, on the other hand, is a shopping paradise, with options ranging from luxury brands to bargain outlets. Here are some of the best places to shop in Miami:

• The Shops at Bal Harbour: This luxury mall features high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, as well as restaurants and a spa.
• Sawgrass Mills: This outlet mall is the largest in Florida and features over 350 stores, including Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
  

Other Factors to Consider

If you’re still not sure between Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami, here are a few other factors that may help you choose:

• Cost of living: Fort Lauderdale is generally more affordable than Miami.
• Traffic and parking: Miami is notorious for its heavy traffic and limited parking options, while Fort Lauderdale has a more relaxed traffic scene.
• Attractions and activities: Miami has more attractions and activities to offer, from museums and art galleries to water sports and outdoor adventures.
  

Which is right for you?

Fort Lauderdale is essentially “Miami Junior,” perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly vacation, with calmer beaches, fresh seafood, and a bit more affordability scene. On the other hand, Miami is ideal for those who want an epic vacation, with vibrant beaches, Latin American cuisine, and a wild nightlife scene.

When choosing between Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami, consider your budget, preferences, and the type of vacation you want. Both cities have something unique to offer, so you can’t go wrong with either.

Once you visit, you may never want to leave! In which case, we’ve got you’ve covered with our moving checklist.