What's to do in Ft. Lauderdale

[CaribbeanCrush]

We have had flights into Ft. Lauderdale a couple of times for cruise out of Miami but have never spent much time there. Our next cruise will be our first out of Port Everglade. We usually fly in a day or two before the cruise so I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on things to do and places to eat while we are there.

[capriccio]

We have had flights into Ft. Lauderdale a couple of times for cruise out of Miami but have never spent much time there. Our next cruise will be our first out of Port Everglade. We usually fly in a day or two before the cruise so I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on things to do and places to eat while we are there.

 

Start your research at http://www.sunny.org that lists attractions, restaurants, transportation, etc.

 

The most popular attraction is actually a mode of transportation: the water taxi (http://www.watertaxi.com), a hop on/hop off boat where the captain does a narration as you pass the mega mansions and mega yachts along the Intra coastal and the New River. It is the only way to see Fort Lauderdale! There are two other boat tours of about 1 1/2 hours each: the Carrie B and the Jungle Queen.

 

Another transportation alternative is the sun trolley (http://www.suntrolley.com) that charges $1/ride or $3/day a pass.

 

If you like to window shop (galleries, boutiques, etc.) visit Las Olas Blvd (http://www.lasolasboulevard.com). There are plenty of restaurants along the boulevard too.

 

For restaurant recommendations just start a thread listing what type of restaurant(s) you are interested in and price level and you'll get lots of recommendations from both locals and frequent visitors.

[CaribbeanCrush]

Start your research at http://www.sunny.org that lists attractions, restaurants, transportation, etc.

 

The most popular attraction is actually a mode of transportation: the water taxi (http://www.watertaxi.com), a hop on/hop off boat where the captain does a narration as you pass the mega mansions and mega yachts along the Intra coastal and the New River. It is the only way to see Fort Lauderdale! There are two other boat tours of about 1 1/2 hours each: the Carrie B and the Jungle Queen.

 

Another transportation alternative is the sun trolley (http://www.suntrolley.com) that charges $1/ride or $3/day a pass.

 

If you like to window shop (galleries, boutiques, etc.) visit Las Olas Blvd (http://www.lasolasboulevard.com). There are plenty of restaurants along the boulevard too.

 

For restaurant recommendations just start a thread listing what type of restaurant(s) you are interested in and price level and you'll get lots of recommendations from both locals and frequent visitors.

 

Thanks for the great info!

[1stimecruiser]

We did this last visit to Ft Lauderdale and it was a blast. The Jungle Queen tour takes you down the canals past the mansions and yachts. Just WOW... We had so much fun, we plan to take the tour and dinner again our next cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale with friends who have not done the tour. Enjoy. Wanda

[CaribbeanCrush]

We did this last visit to Ft Lauderdale and it was a blast. The Jungle Queen tour takes you down the canals past the mansions and yachts. Just WOW... We had so much fun, we plan to take the tour and dinner again our next cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale with friends who have not done the tour. Enjoy. Wanda

 

Thanks!

[BlueHerons]

The water taxi will take you past bigger and more expensive homes than the Jungle Queen.

 

They both provide excellent narration.

 

Restaurants:

 

Roccos Tacos

Big City Tavern

Lobster Bar

Tarpon Bend

Himmarshee Public House

Louie Bossi

JohnnieV

S3

Steak 954

Market 17

Coconuts

Casablanca

Gran Forno

Steak 954

[razzinger]

We did the water taxi last year, and it was great! Get on and off as need be, see what you want to see. Las Olas was fun, lots to see and window shop. The narration was great, lots of details on what happens in FLL. We got off at one point and walked to Bubba Gumps for dinner. There is a Cheesecake Factory on Las Olas, and many other local and chain places to try. And the yachts and homes are INCREDIBLE!

[seguincruiser]

I'm looking at staying at the Embassy Suite on 17th is there a water taxi stop near there? If not can anyone recommend a hotel that includes breakfast near a water taxi point. We're coming in on a Thursday for a Saturday cruise. We don't want to rent a car but don't mind taking a taxi to hotel and then to cruise morning of.

[capriccio]

I'm looking at staying at the Embassy Suite on 17th is there a water taxi stop near there? If not can anyone recommend a hotel that includes breakfast near a water taxi point. We're coming in on a Thursday for a Saturday cruise. We don't want to rent a car but don't mind taking a taxi to hotel and then to cruise morning of.

 

The closest water taxi to the Embassy Suites is at the Hilton Marina (which does not have a free breakfast) right at the 17th Street Bridge (the stop is actually under the bridge) - one mile east of the Embassy Suites. If you don't want to walk it you can catch the Sun Trolley at its terminus in the Harbor Shops shopping center for $1/ride or $3/day pass or take a cab.

Edited January 10, 2016 by capriccio

[seguincruiser]

Thanks. One mile isn't too far for us. It sounds like we can probably do the water taxi in the morning then catch the suntrolley to the beach in the afternoon.