Swingers Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale vs Miami — which has the better lifestyle scene?
We're planning a South Florida lifestyle trip and trying to decide whether to base ourselves in Fort Lauderdale or Miami. We've been in the lifestyle for 3 years and visit Florida once or twice a year. Which city gives us more bang for our buck?
Best Answer
This is the eternal South Florida debate. Here's the honest breakdown:
Fort Lauderdale strengths:
- Trapeze Club — Arguably the best lifestyle club in all of Florida. 29 years running, consistently excellent, and the crowd is incredible. Open multiple nights per week.
- Club Hedonism — Been operating since 1974 in Pompano Beach. Classic old-school lifestyle venue.
- Velvet FTL — Newer inclusive club serving the Broward area.
- Rooftop Resort — Clothing-optional lifestyle hotel right on the beach in Hollywood.
- More affordable — Hotels, restaurants, and Ubers are cheaper than Miami.
- Less pretentious — The Fort Lauderdale scene is friendly and approachable. Less of the velvet-rope attitude.
Miami strengths:
- Miami Velvet — 20,000 sq ft mega-club with a more glamorous crowd.
- International diversity — Miami's Latin and European influence creates a unique, high-energy atmosphere.
- Nightlife ecosystem — South Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood give you incredible pre-game options.
- Sexier baseline energy — Miami just oozes sensuality. The whole city feels like foreplay.
My recommendation: Base yourself in Fort Lauderdale and do one night at Trapeze and one night at Miami Velvet. The cities are only 30 minutes apart by highway, so you can easily hit both. Fort Lauderdale gives you better hotel value and Trapeze alone is worth the trip. Then make the drive south for the Miami Velvet experience.
2 Answers
Fort Lauderdale, easily. I've been to both scenes extensively and Trapeze is the single best lifestyle club I've been to anywhere in the country. The dinner buffet, the three jacuzzis, the energy, the crowd quality — it beats Miami Velvet in every category except sheer size. Fort Lauderdale is also more laid-back and less expensive. Miami is fun to visit but Fort Lauderdale is where you want to play.
As a Miami couple who regularly goes to both: Miami for the glamour, Fort Lauderdale for the action. Miami Velvet has the prettier crowd and the better music, but Trapeze has the better play areas and a crowd that's more there to connect rather than be seen. If your priority is actually playing, Trapeze wins. If your priority is the overall sexy nightlife experience, Miami wins.