This is a story I wrote which originally appeared in the Huffington Post.
The beauty of travel within the Unites States is that we have a country with such a rich, diverse landscape you really don’t have to spend a lot or cross borders to experience a tropical paradise.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida has grown up, shaken off its frat-boy shenanigans, and come into its own as a great getaway for adults and families full of pristine beaches, water fun, and a lively scene of outdoor cafes and bars. While I haven’t been back much since my childhood, on a recent visit I actually enjoyed the beach (as opposed to at my grandparents pool), and more popular sights and areas.
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
I made my home at the pretty darn lovely Harbor Beach Marriott Resort, situated on one of South Florida’s largest private beaches. Tucked away on 16 tropical acres, the resort is a quick ride from the airport and right near all the restaurants and shops on Las Olas Boulevard. Named among the “Top 100 Resort Spas in the Continental U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the resort has 3 restaurants, 2 lounges, water sports, tennis and children’s programs. I loved my white-on-white confection of a king-sized bed with literally 7 cushy pillows topped with a fluffy white duvet. And you couldn’t beat the great balcony-view of the Atlantic.
The food at 3030 Ocean Restaurant was seriously divine and eating on the water at the fun, outdoor bar/restaurant felt delightfully ‘resorty’…as did my massage in the spa with its own ‘private’ adult-only pool. Nice touch, Harbor Beach.
The huge pool and pool area has lots and lots of chairs and spots to choose from so you never have to worry about staking out a spot super early. Plus the pool is large enough so that the kiddies (noise) are mostly at the shallow end and the deep end was far enough away to not be bothered by it.
Why go to the Dominican Republic when you have it all here?
Check this out if you are looking for more romantic getaways in Florida.
Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale
Tree-lined Las Olas Boulevard is packed with charming bistros, cheese shops, and boutiques. And, thankfully, nary a wet t-shirt contest in sight.
Before dinner, hit up Big City Tavern for a drink. The very popular spot is reminiscent of the big, old steakhouse/bars you’d find in New York or Chicago. It gets rave reviews for its chic bar scene and outstanding selection of California wines.
With an acronym name standing for “You Only Live Once”, you may think that YOLO could be a crazy, spring-break type of party bar. But you’d be wrong. It’s a sleek, sexy, and modern restaurant that will have you falling for its wonderful salads, decadent truffle oil and bleu cheese chips, and way-better-than-the-ice-cream-man’s ice cream sandwiches.
Asia Bay is said to have some of the best sushi in town. The trendy and modern spot presents dishes that are as Instagram-worthy as they are tasty. You can also enjoy Thai dishes in this “minimalist-chic” space.
What to do in Fort Lauderdale
Hop on the Waterboat Taxi at any twelve of its stops. More tour boat than taxi, the ride takes you through several miles of canals (yes, some call it the “Venice of America” – of course so is actual Venice, California) in and around the Intracoastal Waterway. I couldn’t help, but gawk at the huge homes sitting side-by-side on these canals. For a $20 hop on/hop off ticket, you can cruise past Mediterranean villas and mansions of celebrities and moguls along what’s known as Millionaires Row.
When you jump off, take a stroll on the Riverwalk along the New River to Las Olas Boulevard and all its shops and restaurants.
For a unique experience, travel inland about 40 minutes to the Holiday Everglades Park. The Everglades is a two million acre subtropical wetland ecosystem that stretches from central to southern Florida.
After you pass the last subdivisions and strip malls of suburban Ft. Lauderdale, it feels like you’ve come to the end of civilization at one big bog. Here you can take an airboat tour into the swamplands that make up the middle of Florida and see alligators, hundreds of species of tropical birds, and a gaggle of vultures up close and personal (well not that personal).
Click here for more Fort Lauderdale attractions.
Want to walk on water? Try your hand at Stand Up Paddle-boarding over at Aloha Watersports just in front of the Marriott Resort. This newer water sport has its origins in Hawaii and is catching on around the globe. It’s much easier to learn than surfing and you get a great core and arm workout. Plus when you get tired you can simply lie down on the board and make it your very own ocean lounger.
For more info:
Visit Ft. Lauderdale
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort
Disclosure: I was a guest of the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort, but as usual all writing and opinions are my own.
Nostalgic for Fort Lauderdale
My husband had a business meeting in Boca Raton a few years ago & afterwards we spent a day in Ft. Lauderdale. It was so great hanging out at the beach. I’d love to spend more time there and do some of the things you’ve mentioned here (including indulging in that delicious-looking food).
I adore Florida, largely because of the Everglades. It’s very much like here, I think, you have to get over the main touristy stuff to get the feel of the real place, although it’s a possible for next winter as my son might be working there – yay! I’ll be keeping this for reference then!
I sooo want to go there.
Loving the food pictures. Are the things with chocolate some kind of rice crispy bars?:)
I have lived in Ft. Lauderdale all my life and moved to Orlando last year. Thanks for the memories. Your photos are awesome 🙂 I try to get back every couple of months just to stroll up and down Las Olas. Make sure you stop in Mangos the next time your in Ft. Lauderdale. It turns into a really nice club after 9 p.m. They always have really good bands. YOLO is great but a little to “young” for me LOL.