A First-Timer’s Guide to Wilton Drive (2025 Edition)
Your 48-hour plan to eat, drink, dance—and be seen—on South Florida’s most colorful mile.
In 2025, Wilton Manors continues to punch way above its weight—recognized nationally for quality of life while remaining the LGBTQ+ heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale. If it’s your first time on Wilton Drive, here’s how to do it right: by day, café-hop and browse boutiques; by night, follow the rainbow of lounges, show bars, and dance floors to dawn.
Friday: Check-in, Stroll, and Shows
- Golden hour walk: Start at City Hall and stroll the main strip to get your bearings.
- Showtime: Cabaret and drag revues rotate weekly across the Drive—arrive early for seats.
- Nightcap: End with cocktails on a patio; the people-watching is half the fun.
Saturday: Pool, Pride & Nightlife
Summers bring the region’s signature celebration, the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival, when Wilton Drive transforms into one giant block party. Off-season weekends still buzz with themed nights, DJ sets, and special events—check listings before you go.
Where to Post Up
- Cafés & brunch: Fuel up on good coffee and classic brunch plates before the festivities.
- Happy hour: Outdoor patios line the Drive—ideal for mingling and sunset vibes.
- Dance floors: From throwback nights to circuit beats, pick your sound and dive in.
Sunday: Slow Roll & Beach Time
Recover with a lazy breakfast, do a last pass along the boutiques, then hop to the beach in nearby Fort Lauderdale. You’ll be back—most visitors are.
Insider Tips (2025)
- Event timing: Big weekends (June) swell fast—book rooms and rideshares early.
- Art Walk nights: Monthly art and culture programming brings live music and pop-ups—great for first-timers.
- Walkable hub: Most venues cluster along the Drive—leave the car and wander.