Fort Lauderdale Favorites - Guidebook
Sightseeing
Tired of Fort Lauderdale and want to experience something different? Visit the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk instead! The boardwalk is lined with shops and restaurants all directly along the beach.
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Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
101 N BroadwalkTired of Fort Lauderdale and want to experience something different? Visit the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk instead! The boardwalk is lined with shops and restaurants all directly along the beach.
Looking for more of a local beach spot instead of a packed touristy one? Visit Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to get a more laid back beach experience. They have a full set of facilities to use while at the beach (bathrooms, area to shower off, parking, etc.). Anglin Square is located right next to the beach and offers shops and restaurants as well.
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Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Looking for more of a local beach spot instead of a packed touristy one? Visit Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to get a more laid back beach experience. They have a full set of facilities to use while at the beach (bathrooms, area to shower off, parking, etc.). Anglin Square is located right next to the beach and offers shops and restaurants as well.
Las Olas is your main Fort Lauderdale downtown area. The entire street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars on both sides. Tons of great places to eat here (a few of which listed in the food scene section below).
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Las Olas
Las Olas is your main Fort Lauderdale downtown area. The entire street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars on both sides. Tons of great places to eat here (a few of which listed in the food scene section below).
Want to see something different than downtown Fort Lauderdale? Take a trip to Historic Downtown Hollywood instead! this area has more of a relaxed, local downtown area. They have a lot of shops and restaurants lined along Boulevard and Harrison street.
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Young Circle station
Want to see something different than downtown Fort Lauderdale? Take a trip to Historic Downtown Hollywood instead! this area has more of a relaxed, local downtown area. They have a lot of shops and restaurants lined along Boulevard and Harrison street.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
900 N Birch RdHillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
907 Hillsboro MileFood scene
Amazing Italian spot in downtown Las Olas for fresh pasta. Be sure to make a reservation and request their outdoor courtyard for a unique dining experience! We love going for dinner, but they have a great brunch as well. After dining here, you're in the perfect spot to explore all the other shops on the strip.
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Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
1032 E Las Olas BlvdAmazing Italian spot in downtown Las Olas for fresh pasta. Be sure to make a reservation and request their outdoor courtyard for a unique dining experience! We love going for dinner, but they have a great brunch as well. After dining here, you're in the perfect spot to explore all the other shops on the strip.
One of our favorite places on the Intercostal waterway for dinner. It would be a great spot for a romantic dinner on the dock, but we've also gone with family and friends to enjoy the views. They have great seafood selections, as well as options for non-seafood lovers as well. They offer a great happy hour as well, where you can enjoy their indoor or outdoor bar.
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Shooters Waterfront
3033 NE 32nd AveOne of our favorite places on the Intercostal waterway for dinner. It would be a great spot for a romantic dinner on the dock, but we've also gone with family and friends to enjoy the views. They have great seafood selections, as well as options for non-seafood lovers as well. They offer a great happy hour as well, where you can enjoy their indoor or outdoor bar.
Sistrunk Marketplace is located close to downtown and is a trendy food hall that opened relatively recently. We love coming here when we can't decide what to eat since they have so many different food vendors to choose from. It's also great for a group if not everyone can commit to one restaurant. On weekends, they tend to have live music. They accept reservations as well.
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Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery
115 NW 6th StSistrunk Marketplace is located close to downtown and is a trendy food hall that opened relatively recently. We love coming here when we can't decide what to eat since they have so many different food vendors to choose from. It's also great for a group if not everyone can commit to one restaurant. On weekends, they tend to have live music. They accept reservations as well.
Another great waterfront restaurant in the Fort Lauderdale area! They're located off of one of the canals, so they don't have quite as great of a view as YOT and Shooters, however, it's still one of our favorites. We would recommend this spot for dinner, or happy hour as they do have great options for food and drink on the happy hour menu as well.
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Boatyard
1555 SE 17th StAnother great waterfront restaurant in the Fort Lauderdale area! They're located off of one of the canals, so they don't have quite as great of a view as YOT and Shooters, however, it's still one of our favorites. We would recommend this spot for dinner, or happy hour as they do have great options for food and drink on the happy hour menu as well.
Amazing local American bistro located in Flagler Village (a neighborhood close to the downtown area). This restaurant should have something on the menu to please everyone. Both dinner and brunch here are amazing choices.
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The Foxy Brown
476 North Federal HighwayAmazing local American bistro located in Flagler Village (a neighborhood close to the downtown area). This restaurant should have something on the menu to please everyone. Both dinner and brunch here are amazing choices.
Highly recommend going here for dinner at night to see the tarpon! They have green lights lining their dock so you can see the fish in the water. They are located on the intercostal waterway and have a huge outdoor dining area. this restaurant is a little more casual that Shooters (also mentioned in the guide) and every meal we've had here has been delicious.
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15th Street Fisheries
1900 SE 15th StHighly recommend going here for dinner at night to see the tarpon! They have green lights lining their dock so you can see the fish in the water. They are located on the intercostal waterway and have a huge outdoor dining area. this restaurant is a little more casual that Shooters (also mentioned in the guide) and every meal we've had here has been delicious.
This is a true hidden locals spot. Extremely casual, perfect to stop by and pick up a sandwich or pizza after a day at the beach or sightseeing. The restaurant is lined with refrigerators of tons of different beers to try. They operate off the honor system, so you seat yourself, pick any beer you want out of the cooler, and at the end of your stay, bring your bottles/cans to the register. It is a really unique hole in the wall located in one of Fort Lauderdale's oldest neighborhoods.
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The Riverside Market Cafe
608 SW 12th AveThis is a true hidden locals spot. Extremely casual, perfect to stop by and pick up a sandwich or pizza after a day at the beach or sightseeing. The restaurant is lined with refrigerators of tons of different beers to try. They operate off the honor system, so you seat yourself, pick any beer you want out of the cooler, and at the end of your stay, bring your bottles/cans to the register. It is a really unique hole in the wall located in one of Fort Lauderdale's oldest neighborhoods.
While this restaurant is a little further North, if you have time, we think it's definitely worth the trip. The restaurant is located directly on the beach. If you can, sit upstairs. The whole top floor is open air (it is covered by a roof), and they have a couple levels of booths in a stadium style seating. The booths are all semi-circles so everyone at the table has an incredible view of the ocean. If you're looking for dinner with a beach view, this place can't be beat.
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Beach House
270 N Pompano Beach BlvdWhile this restaurant is a little further North, if you have time, we think it's definitely worth the trip. The restaurant is located directly on the beach. If you can, sit upstairs. The whole top floor is open air (it is covered by a roof), and they have a couple levels of booths in a stadium style seating. The booths are all semi-circles so everyone at the table has an incredible view of the ocean. If you're looking for dinner with a beach view, this place can't be beat.
Quarterdeck is casual restaurant located directly on the Dania Beach Pier. If you sit outside, or inside along the windows, then you'll see that you're dining right above the water. Their menu offers a little something for everyone as well - burgers, sandwiches, tacos, etc. and they have sushi as well. Great casual restaurant and perfect for a group of friends or family.
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Quarterdeck Restaurants
300 N Beach RdQuarterdeck is casual restaurant located directly on the Dania Beach Pier. If you sit outside, or inside along the windows, then you'll see that you're dining right above the water. Their menu offers a little something for everyone as well - burgers, sandwiches, tacos, etc. and they have sushi as well. Great casual restaurant and perfect for a group of friends or family.
Waterfront Dining on the New River. not only do they offer dining by the water, but also an outside bar on the dock. Great place to watch the yachts go by while enjoying a good meal. We love to go for brunch, they typically have a DJ and make it a lot of fun!
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YOT Bar & Kitchen
2015 SW 20th StWaterfront Dining on the New River. not only do they offer dining by the water, but also an outside bar on the dock. Great place to watch the yachts go by while enjoying a good meal. We love to go for brunch, they typically have a DJ and make it a lot of fun!
Upscale restaurant for a romantic date night. Weather permitting, I would recommend sitting outside under the whimsical greenery and market lights.
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Holly Blue
441 Northeast 3rd StreetUpscale restaurant for a romantic date night. Weather permitting, I would recommend sitting outside under the whimsical greenery and market lights.
Check out their schedule for the live mermaid show! They also have a Mermaids & Mimosas brunch on weekends.
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The Wreck Bar
1140 Seabreeze BlvdCheck out their schedule for the live mermaid show! They also have a Mermaids & Mimosas brunch on weekends.
Activities
The Water Taxi is an excellent way to see Fort Lauderdale's waterways without having to plan ahead and book a private charter. The Water Taxi operates daily and has 11 stops between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Depending on the time of day, I would recommend booking either the all day or evening pass, which allows you to hop on and hop off the boat at any of it's locations. It has stops at several of the major Fort Lauderdale restaurants (Shooters, 15th Street Fisheries, downtown Las Olas), so you could plan a nice daytime or nighttime trip.
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Water Taxi Stop #7
2670 E Sunrise BlvdThe Water Taxi is an excellent way to see Fort Lauderdale's waterways without having to plan ahead and book a private charter. The Water Taxi operates daily and has 11 stops between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Depending on the time of day, I would recommend booking either the all day or evening pass, which allows you to hop on and hop off the boat at any of it's locations. It has stops at several of the major Fort Lauderdale restaurants (Shooters, 15th Street Fisheries, downtown Las Olas), so you could plan a nice daytime or nighttime trip.
The Jungle Queen Riverboat offers a 90-minute narrated sightseeing cruise (noon/afternoon departure) or even a Tropical Isle and Dinner Show Cruise (evening departure). The cruise takes you along the New River, through the intracoastal waterways, and along Millionaire's Row with famous homes and Mega Yachts.
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Tour Jungle Queen - Fort Lauderdale
801 Seabreeze BlvdThe Jungle Queen Riverboat offers a 90-minute narrated sightseeing cruise (noon/afternoon departure) or even a Tropical Isle and Dinner Show Cruise (evening departure). The cruise takes you along the New River, through the intracoastal waterways, and along Millionaire's Row with famous homes and Mega Yachts.
Children's Interactive Pirate Ship Cruise. We personally haven't been on this cruise, but we've seen families having a blast on them along the intercostal waterway. If you arrive early, they offer pirate tattoos to help get into the pirate spirit and while on the ship they offer a treasure hunt and ability to shoot water cannons. In addition to the daytime family cruise, they also have a private sunset cruise offering as well.
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BlueFoot Pirate Adventures
801 Seabreeze BlvdChildren's Interactive Pirate Ship Cruise. We personally haven't been on this cruise, but we've seen families having a blast on them along the intercostal waterway. If you arrive early, they offer pirate tattoos to help get into the pirate spirit and while on the ship they offer a treasure hunt and ability to shoot water cannons. In addition to the daytime family cruise, they also have a private sunset cruise offering as well.
This is a HUGE casino located in close proximity to the house. The guitar shaped hotel opened just a few years ago and they have a light display on the guitar that they run each night. You will probably be able to see the beacon of light from the top of the guitar from the backyard of the home! The Hard Rock is not only a casino, but also hosts concerts/comedians and offers restaurants within the hotel. If you have time, it's worth the trip to see the hotel even if you're not interested in gambling.
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Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino
1 Seminole WayThis is a HUGE casino located in close proximity to the house. The guitar shaped hotel opened just a few years ago and they have a light display on the guitar that they run each night. You will probably be able to see the beacon of light from the top of the guitar from the backyard of the home! The Hard Rock is not only a casino, but also hosts concerts/comedians and offers restaurants within the hotel. If you have time, it's worth the trip to see the hotel even if you're not interested in gambling.
Dania Pointe recently opened within the last two years. It is a very nicely done outdoor mall, though not the typical shops you would expect. They have a few restaurants (enjoy the live music & try the Mai Tai at Marlin Bar!), as well as a comedy improv club, Bowlero (bowling & arcade), and movie theater.
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Dania Pointe
139 S Compass WyDania Pointe recently opened within the last two years. It is a very nicely done outdoor mall, though not the typical shops you would expect. They have a few restaurants (enjoy the live music & try the Mai Tai at Marlin Bar!), as well as a comedy improv club, Bowlero (bowling & arcade), and movie theater.
Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin RdCruisin' Tikis Fort Lauderdale
501 S New River Dr EShopping
The largest outlet mall in the South Florida area. It is seriously HUGE. You could easily spend a whole day here trying to visit all the stores. They offer tons of nice restaurant options as well.
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Sawgrass Mills Mall station
The largest outlet mall in the South Florida area. It is seriously HUGE. You could easily spend a whole day here trying to visit all the stores. They offer tons of nice restaurant options as well.
Shopping mall located halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. They have a movie theater and restaurant options as well.
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Centro comercial Aventura
19501 Biscayne BlvdShopping mall located halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. They have a movie theater and restaurant options as well.
The biggest shopping mall in the Fort Lauderdale area. they have a few nice restaurants as well and the mall itself is close to the intercostal, so you could plan a nice lunch/dinner somewhere along the beach/intercoastal before or after shopping.
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The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
2414 E Sunrise BlvdThe biggest shopping mall in the Fort Lauderdale area. they have a few nice restaurants as well and the mall itself is close to the intercostal, so you could plan a nice lunch/dinner somewhere along the beach/intercoastal before or after shopping.
Grocery Store
Publix is one of the closest grocery stores to the house. This is a great place to stop at once you arrive to stock up on groceries for your stay.
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Publix Super Market at The Riverland Center
3500 Davie BlvdPublix is one of the closest grocery stores to the house. This is a great place to stop at once you arrive to stock up on groceries for your stay.
Whole Foods Market
501 SE 17th StYellow Green Farmers Market
3080 Sheridan StCoffee Shops
A good coffee bar with a patio located in downtown Las Olas. They have a lot of options to choose from in terms of espresso drinks and milk varieties. I had a macadamia milk latte one time, didn't even know that type of milk existed! They also have a case of really nice desserts and pastries. If you happen to have some work to do, it would be a nice place to sit an work outside while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
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Ann's Florist Coffee & Wine Bar
1001 E Las Olas BlvdA good coffee bar with a patio located in downtown Las Olas. They have a lot of options to choose from in terms of espresso drinks and milk varieties. I had a macadamia milk latte one time, didn't even know that type of milk existed! They also have a case of really nice desserts and pastries. If you happen to have some work to do, it would be a nice place to sit an work outside while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
No trip to South Florida is complete without an authentic Cuban Coffee! The Vicky Bakery is a chain from Miami, so this is the real deal. We like to order a colada (no milk) or cortadito (milk) and can't pass up on the guava pastries! This is just one of several locations, so check where you're going and make sure this location makes the most sense in terms of your plans for the day.
Vicky Bakery
4 West Las Olas BoulevardNo trip to South Florida is complete without an authentic Cuban Coffee! The Vicky Bakery is a chain from Miami, so this is the real deal. We like to order a colada (no milk) or cortadito (milk) and can't pass up on the guava pastries! This is just one of several locations, so check where you're going and make sure this location makes the most sense in terms of your plans for the day.
Circle House Coffee
727 NE 3rd AveArchibalds Village Bakery
608 Breakers AveNightlife
The Wharf is an awesome open-air bar/event space to check out in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are located right along the New River and offer music, food trucks, and cocktails. They are open during the day on weekends and late night as well. Check out their event schedule as they host tons of special themed nights.
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The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
20 W Las Olas BlvdThe Wharf is an awesome open-air bar/event space to check out in downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are located right along the New River and offer music, food trucks, and cocktails. They are open during the day on weekends and late night as well. Check out their event schedule as they host tons of special themed nights.
Spectacular rooftop bar located in downtown Fort Lauderdale with great views of the city. They do take reservations since it's a popular place, but it is not required.
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Rooftop @ 1WLO
1 W Las Olas BlvdSpectacular rooftop bar located in downtown Fort Lauderdale with great views of the city. They do take reservations since it's a popular place, but it is not required.
The Wilder is a trendy cocktail lounge located close to downtown Las Olas. They have an amazing cocktail menu with several unique drinks. This is more cocktail lounge than night club, however, they do have music and a small area for dancing. If you're looking for a place to grab one after dinner drink, this would be the spot!
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The Wilder
701 E Broward BlvdThe Wilder is a trendy cocktail lounge located close to downtown Las Olas. They have an amazing cocktail menu with several unique drinks. This is more cocktail lounge than night club, however, they do have music and a small area for dancing. If you're looking for a place to grab one after dinner drink, this would be the spot!
Rhythm & Vine
401 NE 5th TerraceChops+Hops Axe Throwing Lodge
702 NE 1st Ave.Amazing rooftop cocktail lounge/restaurant for views of the city. Excellent choice for happy hour or cocktails with friends. Sometimes there is a DJ that can make the space noisy, so it can be difficult to converse with a large party over dinner. Keep that in mind prior to booking.
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Sparrow
299 N Federal HwyAmazing rooftop cocktail lounge/restaurant for views of the city. Excellent choice for happy hour or cocktails with friends. Sometimes there is a DJ that can make the space noisy, so it can be difficult to converse with a large party over dinner. Keep that in mind prior to booking.