Minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, this is South Florida’s iconic “gayborhood” that’s as warm as its sunny days.
Take a look at the map and you’ll see that Wilton Manors’ confines are bordered by canals. And indeed, it is an island – hints its “Island City” nickname. Geographically, Wilton Manors falls just south of Oakland Park Boulevard, generally north of Northeast 18th Street and between I-95 and Federal Highway, with select caveats. As of 2020, it’s home to nearly 12,000 residents.
To say this South Florida city is colorful would be an understatement. Along its main drag – Wilton Drive – and entering from the south, you are greeted with a rainbow-doused bridge and an ever-captivating stretch of restaurants, bars, nightlife options and shops, many of which are top draws for the LGBTQIA+ crowd. It is truly an inclusive and welcoming utopia like few others in Florida, let alone in the entire U.S. Binding the experience are its amiable locals, street art aplenty and proximity to Fort Lauderdale and pristine beaches alike.
Wilton Manors has two principal streets loaded with commercial and cultural options. Beyond the north-to-south Wilton Drive, Northeast 26th Street runs east to west and includes an array of hopping spots. Among them are a classic bowling alley (Manor Lanes Bowling and Sports Den Pub), one of the area’s most renowned bakeries (Stork’s Bakery & Coffee House) and daily staples like Starbucks, Walgreens Pharmacy and CVS. A stretch of North Andrews Avenue also runs through the neighborhood with the Central Shopping Center at its northern tip just south of Oakland Park Boulevard, with favorites like a Publix and Dunkin’.
Beyond the commercial essentials, Wilton Manors is dotted with oft-pristine single-family abodes draped in mature trees, green landscapes and undeniable small town-meets-tight-knit community vibe. It makes evening strolls, walking your dog and/or visits to one of Wilton Manors’ parks that much more tranquil.
Numerous shopping, entertainment and dining options await within Wilton Manors’ limits, with many more within minutes.
In a small cluster where Northeast 13th Avenue meets Northeast 24th Court, you’ll find The Alchemist Café, a Bohemian favorite for breakfast and lunch with a plant-draped patio and Syphon-made coffee. Next door is the Voo La Voo French café, and even a butterfly garden.
You can slowly stroll along Wilton Drive for hours and stay entertained. On the beverage front, Drynk is popular for its cocktail concoctions, including espresso martinis and old fashioneds), where Lit Bar has a patio for giant Jenga battles. Among the dozens of restaurant options, Apt. 9F is a true bistro with favorites like turkey meatballs and jalapeño corn muffins. Union Kitchen & Bar, which opened in 2021, has a unique Northern Italian-meets-South American menu, too.
Five Points Plaza is a central shopping center, where Dixie Highway, NE 26th Street and Wilton Drive meet. It is anchored by a Publix and also includes a nail salon, bank and restaurant selections.
Along North Andrews Avenue within Wilton Manors are the popular gay bar The Corner Pub as well as the Cuban Las Colinas Restaurant and Ming Kong Chinese Restaurant for quick eats.
Just beyond Wilton Manors’ limits east and along Federal Highway are numerous shopping options within River Market including Whole Foods Market, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pottery Barn and more.
Wilton Manors has nine parks within its city limits. Among them, Hagen Park is its most expansive and includes pickleball, basketball, sand volleyball and tennis courts. For family and friend outings, there’s a large outdoor pavilion and multi-purpose room within its community center. Another favorite is the Richardson Historic Park and Nature Reserve. Spanning 5.4 acres, it includes nature trails, a boardwalk above water and even a historic manor and carriage house to explore.
As this is the “Island City,” water activities are quite popular. For the lucky residents that have dockage within Wilton Manors, it’s a matter of simply dropping a kayak/canoe in and going for a paddle. OTWaves Kayaks, located within a couple hundred feet of Wilton Manors’ eastern edge is a convenient spot for canoe and kayak rentals if you ever need ‘em. For an ocean adventure, multiple beach hotspots like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Fort Lauderdale Beach are within a ten-minute drive.
Multiple schools serve Wilton Manors, including:
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