Fort Lauderdale, beach first.

Where the photos are in Fort Lauderdale

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach and the wave wall

   A landscaped beachfront promenade with a signature white wave wall and a brick-paved path, about two miles north of the port and roughly 15 minutes away. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented on the sand.

2. The A1A promenade

   The paved beachfront promenade along A1A runs from the Las Olas intersection north toward Sunrise Boulevard, wide, flat and shaded by palms, with beach access along its whole length. It is good for a walking picture where everyone fits in the frame.

3. Las Olas Boulevard

   A 2.3 mile street of boutiques, art museums, outdoor cafes and restaurants that runs from the downtown towers to the beach, about 15 minutes from the port. A table on the sidewalk is a good place for a candid lunch picture.

4. Stranahan House

   Built in 1901 just off Las Olas Boulevard, near 6th Avenue, it is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale and can be toured. The old house makes a quiet, unusual backdrop for a picture.

5. The Riverwalk

   A landscaped park with a red brick path along the river that leads to the Arts and Entertainment District, an easy stroll from Las Olas and a shady one.

How the light works

Boarding at Port Everglades runs from late morning into the afternoon, so keep the beach picture for the early part of the day, when the sun is lower and the sand is empty. The beach faces the Atlantic to the east: shoot toward the water in the morning and the light is in your group's eyes, so turn them with the sun behind them and tap the screen on their faces.

Before you board

Port Everglades is a large working port with terminals numbered across it, some at the north end and some in the middle, so look for your terminal number in your boarding documents before you leave the beach. The beach and Las Olas are each about 15 minutes from the port, so leave yourself a cushion for traffic on the way back.

Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.

Questions people ask

How far is Fort Lauderdale Beach from Port Everglades?

About two miles north of the port, roughly a 15 minute trip.

Can I visit Las Olas Boulevard before boarding?

Yes. It is about 15 minutes from the port and runs 2.3 miles from downtown to the beach, so you can choose the end that fits your time.

What do I type for the port on the first card?

Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Port Everglades is the port's name, but it is in Fort Lauderdale, and that is the place a searcher and a card reader will recognize.