Vacation in Ft. Lauderdale? (Miami, Hollywood: to rent, casino, taxi)

[cats234]

I am planning on going on vacation about the last week of July along with my girlfriend. any recommendations on what to do? Of course will be hitting the beach but was wondering if anyone had any ideas. It is much cheaper than going to Miami right? and I will be renting a car so can go there one day anyway.

is Ft. Lauderdale a good vacation area? someone recommended Key west also

[southfleddy]

cats234,

I alway's use this website even if I live here...https://www.sunny.org/ways-to-play/attractions/ -> Then once you are done finding something that suits your needs I would suggest finding out if they have a groupon for that particular activity and just go. Many have different tastes and lifestyle then others. Visiting Ft. Lauderdale you can't go wrong with some of the basics:

1. Visiting the Everglades make sure the Airboat is covered because in July will be SIZZLING HOT! I would suggest Everglades National Park.

2. If you want to just chill at the beach I would suggest doing it when the sun is going down, I'm romantic like that. Also, mostly because they will be pack during the mornings. Try hitting a spot that you can eat nearby as well. I would suggest Quarterdeck Restaurant in Dania, be sure to go early or late in the afternoon. The views of the ocean while enjoying a red snapper is amazing. Plus, you can chill at the fishing pier afterword, just don't be critical of it b/c it isn't the cleanest.

3. Water taxi! It's super cheap and you can hop and go anywhere without the hassle of driving.

4. I'm pretty sure you'll get a lot more suggestions, but like I said it really depends on your taste and style.

Tips: Remember to alway's stay hydrated and carry a water bottle at ALL TIMES! If you are coming down with kids, I alway's carry fruits/snacks within your backpack. Most places around town will allow you to bring backpacks and or carryons.

Have fun, and keep us updated!

[cfbs2691]

You might want to also consider other beach areas such as Lauderdale by the Sea, Delray Beach, and Deerfield Beach

[bande1102]

I'd also suggest the broad walk in very nearby Hollywood. I love the food at the taco spot.

The casino is very close, too, if you're into that.

I love rod Stewart so I get a kick out of the hot rod show (cover band). It's definitely not for kids. They do a show on tuesdays at johnnie browns in Delray and the field in dania on wednesdays. Dania beach is really close to ft lauderdale/Hollywood, too.

[cats234]

thanks to both for the replies. I hadn't seen anything in a week so thought this had went out of sight with no posts. I'm renting a car so will be able to go to lots of places - actually a Corvette since it's my dream car and always wanted to rent one. We are actually planning a cross state drive to Sanibel beach for one day or maybe even Key Largo.

We have beach access with the resort but if we decided to go to other beaches are there usually beach fees?

No kids to worry about yet

[BNBR]

Not usually beach fees other than parking unless you go to a State park. Personally, I'd rather go to the Keys than Sanibel but people seem to like Sanibel anyways. It's a LONG drive to go for a day or so.

[cats234]

Originally Posted by BNBR

Not usually beach fees other than parking unless you go to a State park. Personally, I'd rather go to the Keys than Sanibel but people seem to like Sanibel anyways. It's a LONG drive to go for a day or so.

We are going to try and leave around 6 am

is the drive nice, like scenic/twisty?

[wizrap]

Taking Alligator Alley? You'll be driving on a major highway through the Everglades. It's literally a "River of Grass" to give you an idea what it looks like. You might see an occasional gator sunning themselves or swimming in the canal that separates the road from the 'Glades.
It's a straight 90 mile shot from FTL to Naples.

I really think you are short changing yourself by leaving early and spending only the day in Sanibel. It is such a quaint island known for the beautiful shells you can find on the beaches, cool restaurants and calm, blue green waters. There is a nice park, Ding-Darling that we like to visit when we go, especially for bird and nature watching. Last time we were there, one of the resident crocodiles made an appearance--much much larger & meaner looking than your average gator if you can imagine!

Anyway, depending on what time you leave Sanibel, you may not enjoy the drive back on the Alley. It's been awhile since I've driven it, but I don't recall many highway lights along the road. Just my thoughts....

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by cats234

We are going to try and leave around 6 am

is the drive nice, like scenic/twisty?

It's not scenic at all. Completely flat and straight. Probably looking at 2 1/2 hours drive.

Sanibel is nice and all, but I would never find it enough of a destination to justify driving from Ft Lauderdale during a limited vacation. It's more of a place you go if you live in Ft Lauderdale and want a weekend. Even then, I'd much rather go to the Keys. Count me in the "I don't really get why people like Sanibel so much" camp. I've been a couple of times, the water isn't as nice as it is over here, beaches are "ok", it's just nothing special or worth the trip in my opinion. Just so many other places to go in Florida that are better.

[ruski]

To be fair, there is one really shallow S curve on the Alligator Alley.

If you go to Sanibel, check out the Bubble Room restaurant and try their orange cake.

https://www.bubbleroomrestaurant.com/