Las Olas Boulevard is a Fort Lauderdale avenue that connects downtown with Fort Lauderdale Beach, with shops, dining, and a route toward Riverwalk along the way.
It’s a practical choice if you want to link a downtown outing with time by the coast; the Las Olas Art Fair also brings an outdoor art show to the boulevard three times a year. Ocean Mile Hotel is a place to stay while exploring Fort Lauderdale.
- Location: Between downtown Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Beach.
- Getting around: The free Las Olas Link shuttle connects downtown and the beach via Las Olas.
- Parking: The City’s Las Olas Garage is open 24 hours every day; its standard rate is $4.00 per hour.
- Recurring event: The Las Olas Art Fair is held three times a year.
What to expect along Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is a direct route between downtown Fort Lauderdale and Central Beach, as well as a visitor district in its own right. The City describes the avenue as connecting Downtown and the beach, so you can use it to join up a city-center visit and a coastal outing rather than treating them as separate stops.
The boulevard’s position between these districts gives it a clear role in a Fort Lauderdale itinerary: start in downtown, follow Las Olas toward the beach, or travel in the opposite direction. If you’re planning time on the coast too, the Fort Lauderdale Beach guide covers beach access and the promenade.
Shopping and dining on the avenue
Las Olas Boulevard brings shopping and dining together along the avenue, so you can browse storefronts and stop for a meal as part of the walk.
Make the boulevard the link between downtown and the beach, then choose where to pause as you go. For another stop in the area, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens offers a museum-and-gardens visit from Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Connect the visit with Riverwalk
Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard have a planned connection at Tunnel Top Plaza. The City’s conceptual design identifies the plaza as an opportunity to connect the two, making Riverwalk a natural nearby subject to consider when planning a downtown walk.
You can pair the boulevard with time along Riverwalk, but allow for the fact that the plaza connection is described as a design opportunity. The Riverwalk Center garage at 150 SE 2nd Street has 552 spaces, including two electric-vehicle charging stations, and is open 24 hours every day.
How do you get around Las Olas Boulevard?
You can connect downtown and Fort Lauderdale Beach by shuttle, use the boulevard as the route between them, or check the City’s transit and parking options before setting out.
The free Las Olas Link shuttle connects Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Beach via Las Olas. Its service hours are 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Broward County Transit Route 11 also connects Oakland Park to Pompano Beach via Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The Seabreeze Tram runs a one-mile loop between Las Olas Garage at 200 Las Olas Circle and Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard. Its hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If you’re driving, the City’s Las Olas Garage is at 200 E. Las Olas Circle. It has 649 spaces, including 14 accessible spaces, and a 10-hour maximum; the standard rate is $4.00 per hour. The City’s parking locator lets you search by Fort Lauderdale address or intersection and view garages, lots, facilities, and on-street parking areas.
Ocean Mile is about 24 minutes by car from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; the airport route to Ocean Mile can help you plan that arrival. Check the official site before you go for current transit and parking details.
When is the best time to visit?
The Las Olas Art Fair is held three times a year and has taken place along the boulevard since it began on downtown sidewalks in 1987. It has grown into an outdoor contemporary fine-art show, giving the avenue a recurring event to factor into your plans.
If you’re timing a visit around the fair, check the organizer’s event information for its next dates and details. Outside the event, the boulevard’s role as a connection between downtown and the beach makes it easy to combine with either district without relying on a special event.
FAQs
Where is Las Olas Boulevard?
It runs between downtown Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Beach, connecting Downtown and Central Beach.
Is there a free shuttle along Las Olas?
Yes. The free Las Olas Link connects downtown Fort Lauderdale with Fort Lauderdale Beach via the boulevard. Its service hours are 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How often is the Las Olas Art Fair held?
The outdoor contemporary fine-art show is held three times a year along the boulevard.
Where can you park near Las Olas?
The City’s Las Olas Garage is at 200 E. Las Olas Circle. The City’s parking locator also searches facilities, garages, lots, and on-street parking by address or intersection.