Every winter, thousands of snowbirds trade icy sidewalks and grey skies for palms, sunshine, and the slow, easy rhythm of coastal Florida. And while the state is full of warm-weather destinations, Fort Lauderdale remains one of the most beloved winter retreats, lively enough for long stays, calm enough to feel like a true escape, and endlessly connected to outdoor living. Warm mornings, breezy afternoons, and evenings spent by the water quickly become a way of life.
For those looking to settle in for the season, The Garden Hotel & Resort offers the kind of peaceful, practical comfort snowbirds appreciate: bright rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere that makes extended stays feel effortless.
Here’s why snowbirds return to Fort Lauderdale year after year, and how to make the most of your winter under the sun.
Fort Lauderdale: A Sunshine-Filled Escape All Season Long
Florida’s winter weather is a major draw, but Fort Lauderdale has its own distinct charm. Days average in the mid-70s, humidity drops, breezes pick up, and the city becomes a playground for anyone who prefers outdoor living over winter coats and icy roads.
Snowbird season typically begins in late October and runs through March, with peak arrivals in December and January. Whether you’re staying a few weeks or settling in for the entire winter, Fort Lauderdale offers the sweet spot: warm, predictable weather with plenty to explore at your own pace.
Expect leisurely walks along the Intracoastal, long lunches outside, fresh ocean air, and that familiar feeling of shedding winter entirely the moment you step outside.
The Best Neighborhoods for Snowbirds in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers a mix of neighborhoods tailored to long-term winter stays, each with its own style and pace:
Las Olas & Downtown
Perfect for snowbirds who like to walk everywhere. You’ll find cafés, boutiques, galleries, and waterfront dining, plus easy access to the beach and riverfront parks. Even in the height of winter, it never feels rushed.
Galt Ocean Mile
Known for its high-rise living and mile-long stretch of beach, Galt Ocean Mile attracts snowbirds who want quiet mornings by the water and easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and fitness studios.
Harbor Beach & Intracoastal Areas
Ideal for travelers who want serenity. Think tucked-away residential streets, yachts drifting by, and long strolls near some of Fort Lauderdale’s most scenic waterways.
Fort Lauderdale’s neighborhoods tend to feel relaxed and welcoming, making them some of the best places for snowbirds in Florida, with a balance of community, convenience, and sunshine.
Warm-Weather Activities Snowbirds Love All Winter Long
Winter in Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about escaping the cold; it’s about rediscovering long, unhurried days. Here’s what snowbirds enjoy most:
Beaches Without the Rush
Warm water, gentle surf, and quieter stretches of sand make Fort Lauderdale Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea favorites throughout the season.
Waterfront Living
From paddleboarding on the Intracoastal to riverfront yoga and scenic Water Taxi rides, winter here is all about being outdoors.
Nature & Parks
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers shaded walking trails, kayaking, birdwatching, and calm spaces that feel worlds away from winter elsewhere.
Seasonal Markets & Local Events
Snowbird season overlaps with the city’s best outdoor markets, art fairs, and community events—most held under sunny skies and swaying palms.
Snowbirds come for the sunshine, yes, but they stay because daily life feels lighter here.
Fort Lauderdale’s Calm, Easygoing Lifestyle—A Snowbird Favorite
Ask any long-time snowbird why they return, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Fort Lauderdale just feels good. The pace is calm but never dull. Routines are simple. Days flow easily. Whether you’re grabbing fresh produce at a waterfront market, enjoying live music under the palms, or settling into a favorite morning coffee spot, winter here feels full without ever feeling busy.
There’s comfort in familiarity, too. Many snowbirds return to the same neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, and local shops every year. That sense of community is a big part of the appeal.
Pet-Friendly Options for Snowbirds Traveling With Four-Legged Family Members
More snowbirds are bringing their pets with them each winter, and Fort Lauderdale is ready for it. From pet-friendly beaches to dog parks, outdoor restaurants, waterfront walking paths, and groomers within minutes of major neighborhoods, it’s an easy city for long-term stays with pets in tow.
For travelers searching for pet-friendly snowbird rentals in Florida, Fort Lauderdale offers far more options than smaller coastal towns, which is a key reason many choose this area over quieter Gulf Coast retreats.
Why Snowbirds Choose The Garden Hotel & Resort
Extended stays need to feel comfortable, grounded, and fuss-free, and that’s exactly what The Garden delivers. Located in the heart of the best snowbird neighborhoods, beaches, and outdoor attractions, the hotel offers a peaceful, design-forward home base for long winter getaways.
You’re close to everything, but tucked away enough to truly unwind.
Long-term snowbird guests enjoy:
- Bright, comfortable rooms designed to feel like a calm retreat
- Pet-friendly accommodations for easy winter travel
- A quiet pool and sunlit courtyards for slow afternoons outside
- Complimentary EV bike access, perfect for exploring Las Olas and the beach
- Easy access to grocery stores, local eateries, and wellness studios
- The Greenhouse, offering fresh bites without the fuss
- Warm service and a naturally welcoming atmosphere that makes long stays feel personal
Whether you’re spending the season golfing, kayaking, beach-hopping, or simply replacing winter with Vitamin D, The Garden Hotel & Resort is built for sunny, easy living.
Plan Your Winter Under the Sun
Snowbird season in Fort Lauderdale is a chance to stretch out, slow down, and enjoy winter the way it should be, warm, relaxed, and filled with simple pleasures. With its sunny skies, walkable neighborhoods, outdoor markets, and gentle coastline, the city remains one of the best places in Florida for snowbirds looking to trade cold weather for warmth.
And when you stay at The Garden Hotel & Resort, you’ll have a calm, comfortable place to return to each day, your own winter home base in Fort Lauderdale.
Looking for more ways to plan your seasonal escape? Explore our guide to Planning a Holiday Getaway or browse our snowbird-friendly amenities and local recommendations to start shaping your perfect long-term stay.
