10 Reasons to Visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale was once known as a top spring break destination, a place where rum runners were guzzled and the party scene never turned off. But spend time here on vacation and you may too discover how this so coined “party city” has transformed into a vacation destination with a lot more in the mix.

Find a laid back beach and water culture alongside a city that has been getting props for other tourist activities- some that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are 10 ways to experience the city on the water.

1. Dine at Cap’s Place.

The only way to reach Florida’s oldest restaurant is via boat. Captain Theodore Knight, simply known as Cap, started the joint in the 1920’s as a secret hangout spot for members to gamble. He later expanded the business to include illegal booze, smuggling it by boat from the Bahamas back to his restaurant near the Hillsboro Inlet.  Was he ever caught? Nope, his boat cruised faster than the Coast Guard’s and some say his brother, who manned the lighthouse, flashed codes to warn of trouble. Whiskey was tied to burlap bags on the side of the boat and dropped into the sea. Cap ended up bringing Albert Hasis on board and his family continues to run the hidden wooden ramshackle of a restaurant that frequently draws celebrities and elite. Past guests include FDR, Winston Churchill and JFK. Insider tip: Fresh seafood is a given but don’t overlook the hearts of palm salad- made from Sabal Palm trees imported from the Ever­glades that are grown by a Native American family.

2. Kayak Through Mangroves

For another on the water experience, slip into a kayak and paddle through narrow stretches of mangroves on a tour at Westlake Park. Learn about the history of the area, ecology and keep eyes alert for several different species of birds- including Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Osprey and Falcons. And, if you dare to take the North White Trail, set your eyes on banana spiders webbed high in the trees. Moonlight tours are available during full moons.

Video:  Check out our video on the water at Westlake while kayaking here. 

3. Catch Air Flyboarding

Try an emerging water sport that is making it mainstream with Flyboard South Florida. Riders secure their feet into a wakeboard of sorts connected by a long hose to a jet ski. High-pressure water rushes through the hose shooting the rider up to 50 feet in the air. Flyboard South Florida takes adventure seekers to the Hillsboro Inlet where the Hillsboro lighthouse stands as a nautical backdrop. After getting the hang of hovering mid-air, instructors teach riders to turn tricks. You may even learn how to dolphin dive.

Video: Catch Carri Crash Flyboarding

4. Climb the Hillsboro Lighthouse.

Afterwards, climb the 175 steps to the top of the Hillsboro Lighthouse, which flashes the world’s strongest beam at 28 nautical miles. The lighthouse was built after several vessels crashed because of the extensive coral reef off the coast. Check online for the tour schedule– which depart once a month from Sands Harbor Deck at 8:30 a.m.

5. Taxi the Intracoastal On Boat

Cruise the extensive canal system on a water taxi and see why Fort Lauderdale has earned the nickname “Venice of America.” Spot extravagant mansions and yachts, many of which belong to professional athletes, celebrities and founders of Fortune 500 companies like Staples, Pilsbury & Sports Authority . One ticket ($22 adults, $11 children) is valid all day and drops off at 19 places. Step off at Las Olas Blvd.; a one-mile outdoor pedestrian walking mall filled with outdoor cafes and high end boutiques.

6. Lounge at the Beach

Spend an afternoon on a stretch of the 23-miles of sand that link the 8 beach towns of Fort Lauderdale. Deerfield marks the northern most point and Hallandale the southern most with Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in between.  Each spot offers up a different vibe with.

Insider’s Tip: Go for fresh Greek and seafood at Anglin’s Beach Café in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Find everything from oysters, New England lobster rolls and pizza with shrimp and garlic. Don’t leave without trying the Mahi smoked dip and house made yogurt cucumber dip. Plus, for just $7.00 you can rent a fishing poll and reel in a fresh catch (no fishing license needed) from the pier of the restaurant.

7. Bike the Hollywood Boardwalk

You won’t find big white letters on a mountain top in Florida’s Hollywood (15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale) but can spend the afternoon on the classic boardwalk that can best be explored on bike. Grab a traditional bike from Sun & Fun cycles or mix it up with a surrey. Looking for more places to pedal? Head towards the historic downtown area lined with boutiques, art galleries and plenty more places to dine.

8. Chow Down At Le Tub

Washed up sinks and toilets found on Florida’s coast live a second life as funky décor at Le Tub, a restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a mesh of burger joint and seafood shack that sits on a dock built by hand in the 1970’s from washed up and reclaimed wood. It’s also the classiest junkyard you will dine in. Go for the slow cooked seasoned sirloin burger.

9. Horseback at Bar-B Ranch

Trot through the Wild Florida landscape with Bar-B-Ranch, a family owned business since 1969. Jason and Sam Hurley take riders across sand, narrow trails, near swamps and across open green pastures. Horses are matched based riding level and if you are feeling up to the challenge you can pick up the pace by trotting and cantering.

10. Cruise The Sea.

Spirit of Lauderdale anchors at sea allowing passengers to snorkel, jump on the water trampoline, play on the slide or lay out under a clear Florida sky.

 

Where to Stay: Fort Lauderdale Marriot Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

For a cool spot on the ocean where entertainment is built in, the Fort Lauderdale Marriot Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is your spot. The polished hotel has great options for dining, an extensive 24-hour a day fitness center and plenty of pool side seating. Upgrade to the amenity package for $25, which include

• 1 hour rental for a boogie board, kayak, surfboards or paddleboards
• Fitness classes: cycling, yoga, spin, on the beach boot camp (taught by a former colonel—ooohrah! )
• Time on the tennis court, including racquets and balls
• 1-hour snorkeling tour.

Details: 3030 Holiday Drive

954.525.4000