Fort Lauderdale, located in Florida's southeast, is a fantastic city to explore and a must-see location while visiting the country. It's a city that, in many ways, feels less unexplored than locations like Miami, yet it's still one you shouldn't pass over. You'll be spoiled for choice in Fort Lauderdale because there are so many things to do there. However, if you spend only a few days here, it would be a good idea to plan what you want to see and do. Let's look at some of the best weekend getaways in Fort Lauderdale area.
Go Wherever the Water Taxi Takes You
The Fort Lauderdale water taxi, which runs around every 30 minutes or so, is a terrific way to enter the riverways and see the city from a new angle. The water taxi travels through several predetermined routes around Fort Lauderdale's downtown, including the picturesque River Routes and attractive Margaritaville Express Route (this one runs every hour). Fort Lauderdale is home to a number of other lovely attractions in addition to the ocean waves you can see from your stylish beachfront resorts. The city's numerous canals have earned it the nickname The Venice of America. In light of this, traveling by water taxi is one of the best ways to enjoy the city. The captain and crew will amuse you with their knowledge of the region and its history as you go to historical and cultural places, shopping, and culinary hotspots, and they will point out some of the most renowned mansions and giant yachts that line the canals.
Explore Las Olas Boulevard
One of the best avenues to explore while in Fort Lauderdale has to be Las Olas Boulevard. Full of everything, including the top martini bars, culinary hotspots, some adorable tiny stores, and a few museums. If you want to dine or grab a cup of excellent coffee – you're in the right place. Just stroll down the famous boulevard, and you'll find everything you need there.
Check Out the Amazing Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale History Center, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum are a few of the arts and entertainment institutions that make up this unique sector in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. There is plenty to see here, and you might want to check the schedules to see if there are any exciting plays or exhibits you don't want to miss.
Don't Forget to Visit Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
One location that is hard to spot in Fort Lauderdale is Bonnet House since it feels so secluded and far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Now, Bonnet House has to be your first destination if you're seeking a tiny piece of old Fort Lauderdale. It is not only one of the best weekend getaways in Fort Lauderdale, but it also has a long history that stretches back to the early 20th century.
Bonnet House, a historic plantation-style waterfront estate built in 1920 and located on 35 acres of natural preserve, transports guests to an age of gracious living, elegance, and whimsy when Florida was one of the country's last frontier outposts. The grounds are a draw-in and include one of the few remaining instances of a native barrier island environment in South Florida, along with an Atlantic beach, sand dunes, a freshwater slough, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. Spend some time exploring the property, getting a tour of the home, and taking in the stunning oasis, one of the last remaining natural barrier island environments.
Hotspots for Shopping
Fort Lauderdale offers a wide variety of retail options. Shop around on Las Olas Boulevard. Visit The Galleria to see the posh clothing there.
If you want to do some real shopping, Sawgrass Mills is the best place, with more than 350 stores. According to getmovedtoday.com, there you can find things to complement the décor of your new home if you ever consider moving to Fort Lauderdale area. After a wonderful weekend visit, you will start thinking about a permanent relocation.
Take a Look at the Hollywood Art Murals
Hollywood is a fantastic place to see some of the most significant art murals on the east coast and, maybe, all of Florida, and it should not be mistaken with Hollywood, California. When you get there, you'll see a ton of outdoor murals by famous worldwide painters like Tatiana Suarez, Evoca1, Rone, The London Police, and Jessy Nite, to name a few!
The Mesmerizing Beaches of Fort Lauderdale Area
You didn't think we'd forget to mention the breathtaking beaches in Fort Lauderdale, did you? If nothing else, the beaches of the Fort Lauderdale area are enough for the perfect weekend getaway. You'll want to visit some of Fort Lauderdale's top beaches after all the sightseeing in Hollywood, eating, strolling through the city, and just relaxing and chilling.
Visit Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach, North Ocean Park, and Hallandale Beach for some of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale and to explore its magnificent beaches. Remember to bring sunscreen—Florida is renowned as the Sunshine State for a reason.
Explore Flamingo Gardens
Visit Flamingo Gardens' botanical gardens and animal refuge after spending the morning lazing on Fort Lauderdale's beaches. The wildlife sanctuary, which cares for birds that might otherwise perish, is located here, along with the impressive sixty acres of botanical gardens. The entire complex of gardens is a veritable treasure trove of exquisite flora that protect the natural history of this stunning area of Florida. It's a fantastic location and unquestionably among the most remarkable things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Visiting Fort Lauderdale's wonderful natural surroundings and abundant animals is worth your time. Beautiful beaches and the water may be found on one side, while you can find the ever-interesting and magnificent Everglades on the other.
Best Weekend Getaways in Fort Lauderdale Area: Final Thoughts
In the end, whether you're in town for a few days, a week of complete leisure, or you're just looking for the best weekend getaways in Fort Lauderdale area, there's a great selection of activities, and delicious eating establishments, and magnificent beaches that you'll enjoy. We hope our tips will help you have a fantastic time in the Sunshine State and one of its most beautiful parts.