Fort Lauderdale sightseeing ideas

[Sailingseas]

We are staying in Hollywood for three days before our Panama Canal cruise in February. I know that the King Tut exhibit will be in FL at that time. But what other suggestions do you have for interesting sights? We initially thought we could go to the Everglades, but it seems that the Park is too far to be able to spend enough time. We aren't interested in those "Jungle Ride--catch a crocodile" type venues. Would appreciate any help in determining some worthwhile sights to take in.

[Bequia]

We are staying in Hollywood for three days before our Panama Canal cruise in February. What other suggestions do you have for interesting sights? We initially thought we could go to the Everglades, but it seems that the Park is too far to be able to spend enough time. Would appreciate any help in determining some worthwhile sights to take in.

 

If you have a rental car you can cover a lot of territory in three days. First you can get a taste of the Everglades at Holiday Park, about 45 minutes west of Hollywood. http://www.evergladesholidaypark.com/ or the Sawgrass Recreation Park http://evergladestours.com/. Either park offers airboat tours that will bring you well into the glades.

 

Don't pack any clothes, go straight to Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall and spend the day shopping for your cruise clothes. This is the largest outlet mall in SoFla with over 300 stores to shop in. http://www.sawgrassmillsmall.com/static/node784.jsp;jsessionid=a7bFHjfLLr-c

 

Miami Metrozoo is a great day trip about an hour south of Hollywood http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/en/Home_Page.asp?ss_id=A7FCC30EAA204F6D9F29B48B52D473DE and the Miami Sea Aquariam is fun as well http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/index.htm

 

A daytrip to the lower keys is doable. If you like to snorkel, try Bahia Honda State Park http://www.bahiahondapark.com/. The best part of getting there is going over the Seven Mile Bridge http://www.e-isle.com/key_west/seven_mile_bridge.htm

 

Of course there's Miami Beach, South Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables that's well worth exploring. And you cannot pass on the water taxi that traverses the intercoastel. Check out the Las Olas Riverfront district. There's tons to do and see in SoFla all within a short drive from Hollywood. ;)

[rjscott]

We've been to Butterfly World in Ft Lauderdale (Coconut Creek) twice and loved it. Here's their website: http://www.butterflyworld.com/

 

We also went to the Morikami Museum near Boca Raton (Delray Beach). It's a beautiful place with Japanese exhibits and lovely grounds to stroll around. Here's the website: http://www.morikami.org/

[Sailingseas]

Thanks for the suggestions from both of you. There are some good choices among them. I guess our hope is to avoid the kitschy tourist attractions, and instead enjoy the flavor of Florida (never having been there although we've traveled to almost every other state and parts of the world). So, we are looking for places and activities that will allow us to experience the uniqueness of the area. Thanks again!!