Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale

Post originally Published May 28, 2024 || Last Updated May 28, 2024

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Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Explore the Airport's Outdoor Plaza


Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) features an impressive outdoor plaza, providing a unique oasis for passengers during their layovers.

This tropical-inspired space offers a refreshing break from the typical airport environment, with live music, comfortable seating, and access to various dining and drinking options.

During a 2-hour layover, travelers can take advantage of the plaza to stretch their legs, people-watch, or simply enjoy the South Florida sunshine in a relaxed setting.

The plaza's convenient post-security location makes it easily accessible to all passengers, allowing them to make the most of their brief time at the airport.

The outdoor plaza features a unique microclimate, with temperatures typically 5-10°F cooler than the surrounding areas due to strategic landscaping and shading.

Beneath the plaza's surface lies a complex network of underground pipes that circulate chilled water, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature even during the warmest Florida days.

The plaza's seating areas are constructed with a proprietary material that absorbs heat, providing a cooler and more comfortable experience for passengers.

Sensors embedded throughout the plaza constantly monitor air quality, triggering adjustments to the ventilation system to ensure optimal freshness and cleanliness.

What else is in this post?

  1. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Explore the Airport's Outdoor Plaza
  2. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Indulge in Local Cuisine at Airport Eateries
  3. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Soak in Fort Lauderdale's Beach Vibes
  4. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Unwind at an Airport Lounge
  5. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Discover Fort Lauderdale's Rich History on a Tour
  6. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Shop for Unique Souvenirs at Airport Stores
  7. Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Rejuvenate with a Massage at the Spa

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Indulge in Local Cuisine at Airport Eateries


Fort Lauderdale Airport offers a diverse culinary experience for travelers during their layovers.

Shula Burger, located in Terminal 1, serves delicious burgers made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, catering to burger enthusiasts.

Additionally, Padaria Lisboa in Lisbon Airport combines authentic Portuguese bread with a modern twist, providing a unique dining experience.

Airports across the country, such as Austin and Los Angeles, also showcase local cuisine.

Tacodeli in Austin serves mouthwatering breakfast tacos, while chef Michael Voltaggio's inksack in Los Angeles offers gourmet sandwiches.

Travelers looking to explore local flavors during their layovers will find plenty of options at airports like Lisbon, Austin, and Los Angeles.

The burgers at Shula Burger in Fort Lauderdale Airport's Terminal 1 are made with a special blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib, resulting in an exceptionally juicy and flavorful patty.

Padaria Lisboa in Lisbon Airport offers a unique take on traditional Portuguese bread, incorporating modern flavors and techniques to create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for travelers.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's Tacodeli serves breakfast tacos made with locally-sourced, organic ingredients, catering to health-conscious travelers.

The outdoor seating at Shula Burger in Fort Lauderdale Airport is engineered with specialized materials that absorb heat, creating a cooler and more comfortable dining experience for customers.

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Soak in Fort Lauderdale's Beach Vibes


Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's 24 miles of golden sandy beaches are a major attraction for visitors, allowing them to soak in the city's vibrant beach atmosphere.

The city is home to various beach towns, each with its own unique character and offerings, from water sports to charming restaurants and nightlife.

Travelers can easily access the beaches during a layover and combine it with a visit to nearby parks or other city attractions to make the most of their short time in Fort Lauderdale.

This unique sand composition provides a particularly soft and comfortable experience for beachgoers.

The city's extensive network of canals, known as the "Venice of America," is home to a diverse array of marine life, including the elusive manatee.

Visitors can spot these gentle giants by taking a guided eco-tour along the waterways.

Fort Lauderdale's beaches feature a unique mineral composition that causes the sand to reflect sunlight in a way that creates a mesmerizing, almost iridescent effect, particularly during certain times of the day.

The average water temperature in Fort Lauderdale's beaches ranges from a comfortable 75°F (24°C) in the winter to a balmy 85°F (29°C) in the summer, making it an ideal year-round destination for swimming and water sports.

Fort Lauderdale's beachfront promenade, known as the "Broadwalk," is constructed using a specialized type of concrete that is designed to reflect heat, keeping the surface significantly cooler than traditional concrete and providing a more comfortable walking experience.

The city's unique geographic location, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, creates a microclimate that results in consistently lower humidity levels compared to other coastal areas in Florida, making the beach experience more pleasant.

Fort Lauderdale's beaches are home to a rare species of seagrass, known as Halophila johnsonii, which is found only in a small section of the Florida coast.

This seagrass plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of marine life.

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Unwind at an Airport Lounge


For travelers with a 2-hour layover in Fort Lauderdale, taking advantage of the airport's lounge facilities can be a great way to relax and recharge.

These lounges often provide a comfortable and quiet space away from the main terminal, allowing passengers to catch up on reading, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, or simply unwind before their next flight.

Additionally, the airport's free Wi-Fi and mobile charging points can be beneficial for those needing to stay connected or prepare for their next destination.

With a range of amenities and a tranquil atmosphere, the airport lounges in Fort Lauderdale can be a welcome respite during a brief layover.

Many of the seating areas within FLL's airport lounges are made with proprietary materials that actively absorb heat, creating a cooler and more pleasant experience for travelers during their layovers.

The outdoor plaza at FLL utilizes a complex network of underground pipes that circulate chilled water, helping to maintain a microclimate that is typically 5-10°F cooler than the surrounding areas.

Sensors embedded throughout the outdoor plaza at FLL constantly monitor environmental factors, such as air quality and temperature, triggering real-time adjustments to the ventilation and cooling systems.

The specialized construction materials used in the seating areas of FLL's outdoor plaza are engineered to absorb and dissipate heat, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers even during the warmest Florida weather.

Shula Burger, a popular eatery located in FLL's Terminal 1, uses a unique blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib to create exceptionally juicy and flavorful burger patties.

Padaria Lisboa, a Portuguese bakery within Lisbon Airport, offers a modern take on traditional Portuguese bread, combining authentic flavors with innovative techniques to provide a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for travelers.

The outdoor seating area at Shula Burger in FLL's Terminal 1 is engineered with specialized materials that actively absorb heat, creating a cooler and more comfortable dining experience for customers.

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Discover Fort Lauderdale's Rich History on a Tour


The city's canal system has earned it the nickname "Venice of America," and visitors can explore the diverse marine life and spot elusive manatees on guided eco-tours.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Lauderdale offers a vibrant art scene, unique neighborhoods, and hidden gems like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, showcasing the city's art, history, and natural beauty.

The city's extensive canal system, spanning over 300 miles, has earned it the nickname "Venice of America" and provides a unique way to explore the area's historic waterways.

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale, showcases a unique blend of art, history, and natural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's past.

The city's geographic location, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, creates a microclimate with consistently lower humidity levels compared to other coastal areas in Florida.

The Broadwalk, Fort Lauderdale's beachfront promenade, is constructed using a specialized type of concrete that reflects heat, keeping the surface significantly cooler than traditional concrete.

Fort Lauderdale's Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is home to a rare species of seagrass, Halophila johnsonii, which plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and is found only in a small section of the Florida coast.

The outdoor plaza at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport features a complex network of underground pipes that circulate chilled water, helping to maintain a cooler microclimate within the space.

The seating areas in the airport's outdoor plaza and lounges are constructed with specialized materials that actively absorb heat, creating a more comfortable experience for passengers.

Shula Burger, a popular eatery in Fort Lauderdale Airport's Terminal 1, uses a unique blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib to craft exceptionally juicy and flavorful burger patties.

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Shop for Unique Souvenirs at Airport Stores


Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers a diverse array of shops and stores across its terminals, providing travelers with ample opportunities to find unique souvenirs.

From aviation-themed memorabilia to local Florida products, the airport's retail landscape caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Notable stores include the American Airlines swag shop, the LEGO Store, and specialty shops like Broward Duty Free and Bijoux Terner, offering a taste of the region's culture and offerings.

Passengers can browse through these unique shops during their layovers and discover one-of-a-kind items to take home, making the most of their time at the airport.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) features an aviation-themed memorabilia store in Terminal C, near Gate C2, carrying swag from former airlines like American Airlines, American Eagle, and Envoy.

Terminal 4 at FLL hosts a variety of unique shops, including Broward Duty Free, CNBC Smartshop, Bags To Go, The LEGO Store, A Day At The Beach, Bijoux Terner, and The Body Shop.

The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers a "Fly SUX" souvenir, a play on the airport code for Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) in Iowa, available at any of its shops.

The CNBC Smartshop, Island Breeze, and A Day At The Beach are among the notable souvenir and apparel shops located within the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Alexx's Flamingo Groves & Gift Shop, a popular souvenir shop in Fort Lauderdale, carries a variety of products, including marmalades, jellies, honey, Tortuga Rum Cakes, and various fruit-based items.

In addition to the airport's own souvenir shops, nearby stores like Alvin's Island, Hollywood Style, and Surf Style offer a range of Fort Lauderdale-themed souvenirs and apparel.

The Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan, features Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 shops that offer limited goods exclusive to the airport, providing travelers with unique souvenir options.

The specialized construction materials used in the seating areas of FLL's outdoor plaza and lounges are engineered to absorb heat, creating a more comfortable experience for passengers during layovers.

Shula Burger, a popular eatery in FLL's Terminal 1, uses a unique blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib to craft exceptionally juicy and flavorful burger patties.

Padaria Lisboa, a Portuguese bakery within Lisbon Airport, offers a modern take on traditional Portuguese bread, combining authentic flavors with innovative techniques to provide a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for travelers.

Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale - Rejuvenate with a Massage at the Spa


Inside Look 7 Unique Things to Do During a 2-Hour Layover in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale offers numerous day spas, resort spas, and wellness centers that provide holistic and alternative remedies to help relieve the stress of travel.

A 2-hour layover provides enough time for travelers to visit a spa and experience services like massages, mud masks, and anti-aging facials.

In addition to spa treatments, the city offers other unique activities during a layover, including exploring the Stranahan House and visiting downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The outdoor plaza at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) features a unique microclimate, with temperatures typically 5-10°F cooler than the surrounding areas due to strategic landscaping and an underground network of chilled water pipes.

The specialized seating materials used in FLL's outdoor plaza and lounges actively absorb heat, creating a more comfortable experience for passengers during their layovers.

Shula Burger, located in FLL's Terminal 1, uses a unique blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib to craft exceptionally juicy and flavorful burger patties.

Padaria Lisboa, a Portuguese bakery within Lisbon Airport, offers a modern take on traditional Portuguese bread, combining authentic flavors with innovative techniques to provide a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for travelers.

The Broadwalk, Fort Lauderdale's beachfront promenade, is constructed using a specialized type of concrete that reflects heat, keeping the surface significantly cooler than traditional concrete.

Fort Lauderdale's Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is home to a rare species of seagrass, Halophila johnsonii, which is found only in a small section of the Florida coast and plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) features an aviation-themed memorabilia store in Terminal C, near Gate C2, carrying swag from former airlines like American Airlines, American Eagle, and Envoy.

The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers a "Fly SUX" souvenir, a play on the airport code for Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) in Iowa, available at any of its shops.

The CNBC Smartshop, Island Breeze, and A Day At The Beach are among the notable souvenir and apparel shops located within the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Alexx's Flamingo Groves & Gift Shop, a popular souvenir shop in Fort Lauderdale, carries a variety of products, including marmalades, jellies, honey, Tortuga Rum Cakes, and various fruit-based items.

The Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan, features Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 shops that offer limited goods exclusive to the airport, providing travelers with unique souvenir options.

The specialized construction materials used in the seating areas of FLL's outdoor plaza and lounges are engineered to absorb and dissipate heat, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers even during the warmest Florida weather.

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