Explore Exciting Fort Lauderdale, FL

Unique Fort Lauderdale Vacation Ideas

When i think of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale brings back some of my best memories. The city is easy for travelers to get around and has a great beach vibe. There are fun open air bars along the coastline and fun people around every turn. This popular tourist destination is truly a hidden gem to visit. There are plenty of vacation rental properties in the area to enjoy and some great hotel properties to visit.

Some of my favorite hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Take in stunning water views from your private balcony at Fort Lauderdale’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a casually elegant beachfront retreat where guests can relax in the sun on the seventh-floor pool deck, indulge in an ocean-inspired treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, bask on the beach, or browse nearby shopping boutiques. Enjoy beautiful Atlantic blues and grays in the redesigned rooms and residences with enhanced technology – smart TVs, USB ports, and Nespresso machines. Try the oceanfront seafood at the innovative Burlock Coast restaurant or their Club Lounge, with five meal services.

Tip:

Book an expansive one-, two-, or three-bedroom Residential Suites, which come complete with kitchen units – perfect for preparing family meals.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

Hailed as the beacon of luxury on Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive North Beach, the beachfront oasis offers all-suite accommodations with gourmet kitchens, marble bathrooms and panoramic views from private balconies or terraces. Home to a 20,000-square-foot Sky Deck, soak up the sun from a poolside cabana, the oceanfront terrace and while enjoying a bite to eat from one of our indulgent restaurants. Or, relax at CONRAD Spa offering a high-tech fitness center and wellness classes.

Tip:

Poolside suites allow you to walk straight from your private terrace to the swimming pool. Larger suites with kitchens and dining areas that are perfect for families and small groups to enjoy.

If it is food you are after, check out Dune, a local seafood restaurant that will have your taste-buds tingling. Former Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi chef Edgar Beas has moved from Santa Fe to Dune, which draws inspiration from its beachfront setting in dishes such as raw-bar yellowfin crudo with pomelo, mango, and avocado, and octopus a la plancha with sofrito. A charcoal oven turns out succulent whole roasted branzino, with eye candy on the side: ocean views from inside the glass-walled dining room and on the expansive terrace.

One of my favorite activities is taking a tour of the beachside bars and finding local events around the area. Some of the historic locations like Elbo Room (Founded in 1938) has daily live bands beachside and was the first commercial establishment in the world to “go live” with cameras online in 1994.

Another activity you may want to check out is Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Built in 1920, Bonnet House is an historic house museum on 35 acres on Fort Lauderdale Beach where visitors can find an oasis in the heart of the city. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places & is a City of Fort Lauderdale Historic Landmark.

Capone’s Ghostly Pub Walk is another favorite. This night tour starts at the notorious Capone’s in Fort Lauderdale and they will help you discover all the secrets of why Al Capone chose Fort Lauderdale to set up his Speakeasy and Brothels. Have a drink in an actual haunted location and maybe see a Spirit or two…

Downtown Miami is just a short drive away so if you feel like you would want to include that into your trip, by all means! Many cruise ships sail from here and it is an easy drive down to the terminals. Depending on your airport, you may want to fly in or out of Ft. Lauderdale to catch a ship in Miami. The value may be better for you to stay the night before here and grab an Uber to head down.

Overall, there is plenty of stuff to do for people of all ages. Sunny Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful playground any day of the week. Take the weekend to spend relaxing on the beach and then enjoy the rest of the week checking out a variety of local attractions. Taste the delicious food and enjoy the scenery as you create time for you and the perfect trip.