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My wife and I are visiting Ft Lauderdale (staying with folks in Weston, actually) for the first time next month from Houston TX. I can read up the tourist spots but what do you natives find really cool, interesting, quirky, offbeat etc that would really give a newcomer a sense of the place. I know it's got great beaches, nice rum bars, etc. but what else is there in such a large, amazing city?
Also, we are hoping to take side trips to Miami and Key West. Same thing there would be appreciated from Floridian natives and long-term residents. I've heard that almost all of Key West is pretty quirky and offbeat, not to mention a beautiful BUT LONG drive. In you'alls opinion, is it worth the drive when you have an 8 day visit?
There is a lot to see and do in all 3 cities. I'll break it down by city, and by the "must do/must see" things if you have a limited amount of days to spend.
Fort Lauderdale-
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach/strip is a must-see. This is where the famous spring-break spot is, and there are a bunch of shops, restaurants, and bars on the strip. Go during the day and brings your beach towels. You can park your car near along A1A near the intersection of Las Olas Blvd. Then you can walk along the strip and see all of the stores/shops. You can also set up your beach towels right there on the beach.
Also, if you want a quieter beach to just relax, you can go to the beach just about anywhere along the coast and its usually less hectic than Fort Lauderdale Beach. Pompano beach, Deerfield Beach, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach are neat beaches too.
2. Las Olas Blvd./downtown- This is the old section of Fort Lauderdale. There are a bunch of shops, cafe's, restaurants, and artsy places along this strip. This is also a place where I recommend you park your car and walk. You can visit night or day.
3. Sawgrass Mills- The largest shopping mall in FL, it is collosal. It is a big tourist attraction as well. If you have time it might be worth checking out. It is located in Sunrise which is located about 10 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and very close to Weston.
4. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (in Hollywood)- Even if you're not into gambling, this is a really cool place for adults to check out. On evenings the place is absolutely jumping. There are a whole bunch of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment here. This is also where Anna Nicole Smith died of the overdose, not that it matters, lol.
5. The Water Taxi- You can take a water taxi ride in the Intracoastal Waterway for about $13. You ride in the Intracoastal Waterway and a tourguide gives you a tour of all of the sights along the water. There is so much to see, lots of rich CEO's mansions like the guy from Circuit City, Donald Trump, Wayne Huzuinga, etc.
6. FL Everglades- You can travel west from Weston only a few miles and you're in the FL Everglades. Airboat rides are a lot of fun. Also, along I-75 there are several exits where you can park your car, get out and walk, and enjoy the scenery of the Everglades. Often times you can see Alligators and exotic birds right along side of the road in canals and creeks. The only thing is I'd rather you travel down to Miami and go on the Tamiami Trail into Everglades National Park because there is more to see down there.
MIAMI-
Definately worth checking out. You are really missing out if you don't go to Miami at least for a day.
1. South Beach- The main attraction in Miami. Take a drive along Collins Avenue and Ocean Avenue, and you can see all of the Art Deco architecture. Also, park your car in a garage, get out and walk along Collins or Ocean between 1st Street and 20th Street. There are a ton of unique restaurants, shops, bars, etc. You can also bring your beach attire and sit out on South Beach during a sunny day. There is so much to see, and there is no better place to people-watch. You will see a lot of interesting people out there, lol.
2. Lincoln Road- This is more of a night place, but you can also visit during the day. Take your wife here for a good meal, to people-watch, or to get some ice cream after dinner. There are a ton of shops, restaurants, etc. and Lincoln Road extends about 6 street blocks to the beach. You can walk around the beach in that area at night and its very safe.
3. Coconut Grove- Interesting little city within a city where you should park your car and walk. There are several restaurants and bars, and a bunch of small shops. It is neat to visit at night. Another big tourist attraction is Viscaya which is a famous old Spanish hotel located near Coconut Grove and downtown Miami.
4. Bayside and Brickell (downtown miami)- I recommend you take a drive through the Brickell area in downtown. Its really a sight to see all of the tall buildings and condos. They are the same buildings you see on the show CSI Miami. Also, Bayside is a big attraction, and there is a Hard Rock Cafe there that overlooks Biscayne Bay ( a beautiful view).
Also, I recommend you take a ride through downtown Miami on the People-Mover which is an elevated rail. It takes a relatively short amount of time to ride in a circle through the downtown area and you are elevated so you have a great view of the downtown area while riding. Just ignore the sketchy people who ride it, but its pretty safe. You should be fine. Stay off of the metrorail system because it will take you away from downtown into areas you don't wanna be in.
5. Key Biscayne- A really neat drive from the mainland across the Rickenbacker Causway. You can pull over along the side of the causeway and get out and take pictures, walk, etc. The water is right there and lots of boating/recreation going on. You can picnic there too as there are tables and grills. The Miami Seaquarium is on Key Biscayne, and there are some beautiful beaches you can set up on. The most impressive sight is the drive back across the causeway to the mainland. Absolutely beatiful.
6. Coral Gables- If you have time it is interesting to ride through Coral Gables which is another city within the city of Miami. There is lots of interesting architecture to see, and you can park your car and get out and walk. Its a very ritzy/wealthy area.
7. Tamiami Trail/Everglades- If you travel west away from Miami you eventually can access the Tamiami Trail which takes you through Everglades National Park. This highway is far more scenic than I-75/Alligator Alley, and you can pull over and park just about anywhere as there is lots of interesting nature. You can take airboat rides which are really fun from several different places along the Tamiami Trail. Also, you can see Seminole Indian Reservations. This highway eventually leads to the west coast of FL, but you don't need to go that far outside of the Miami-Dade metropolis to see lots of nature.
8. Take a long drive along Miami Beach from the heart of South Beach all the way up to Fort Lauderdale. It takes about an hour, but you see so much. You drive on A1A through each of the little towns like North Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Haulover Park, Sunny Isles Beach, Hallandale Beach, and Hollywood. Its really cool as you get a real taste of FL beach lifestyle.
KEY WEST/The other Keys-
The drive is long, but might be the most beautiful/scenic drive you've ever taken. 7-mile bridge is really cool on the way, where you are driving on top of nothing but ocean for 7 miles. Key West is a neat place to walk around, and you will need to spend a night in a hotel there since it is too far to drive back at night.
1. The Southernmost Point of the U.S. (in Key West)- is a landmark on Key West. You are exactly 90 miles from Cuba.
2. Duval Street- this is the main strip in Key West. Spend a night walking around Duval Street. There are a ton of restaurants, bars, and entertainment including Fat Tuesdays, etc. Key West has a New Orleans/Bourbon Street feel to it, but its also slightly different. You can also sit out at the beaches during the daytime, but they are not very nice beaches compared to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
3. Key Largo- This is the biggest and first FL Key you hit on your drive down. You can pull over and eat at a good seafood place. You can visit John Pennekamp State Park and go snorkeling. There is great fishing here and snorkeling/diving.
4. Marathon- Another interesting Key located about halfway between Key Largo and Key West as you're driving down. You might only spend a few minutes here, but the beaches are nice.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE-
If you are interested in seeing the 3rd biggest lake in the U.S., take a drive out to Lake Okeechobee. You will see lots of alligators and wildlife. This may be the last destination I'd recommend out of all of the options I laid out for you, but its interesting nevertheless.
Thanks a heap, "NoleFan"! You're a great booster of S. Florida. My wife's a real beach connesseur and having that detailed insider's knowledge of the vibe of the different ones will be real useful in keeping her happy and content.
Also, I hadn't thought of it but that's a great idea to check out Lake O. We have a couple of great 'gator spots around Houston too if you're ever this way (esp. Brazos Bend State Park). It will be fun to compare (I already know yours is probably a whole order of magnitude bigger!).
Again, thanks for the wonderfully information-filled reply!
Your wife will love the beach here. The beaches are very accessible here. That's a big reason why I like S. FL over the west coast of FL. The beaches are much more accessible. You can basically go anywhere along the east coast and there are public beaches every half-mile.
I have never been to Houston and would love to visit when I get a chance. As far as gators, no thanks because I see enough of them here, lol. I think the other areas I mentioned are more interesting than Lake O. For instance if you only had 3 days to spend, I'd rather you stick to Miami Beach, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale. I would only recommend you see Lake O. if you have time and you've already seen the other areas mentioned. The Everglades airboat rides are more fun.
There's really not a whole lot to see at Lake O. besides alligators, and there's very little development out there. There's a town called Clewiston and there's a good BBQ restaurant there. You can drive in a circle around Lake O. and there's a place called Port Mayaca on the eastern side of the Lake. That is a great place to pull over and see alligators in the retention ponds that surround the lake. The entire Lake is fortified with retention ponds that are alligator infested, so you can probably pull over just about anywhere to see them. Just don't feed them, lol.
But the can't miss areas are Fort Lauderdale Beach, Miami Beach, and Key West is really neat if you have the time and can afford to stay in a hotel/motel there overnight. I also think you would enjoy Coconut Grove in Miami.
Well, we took the trip and had a blast. Probably went to 80% of places mentioned in NoleFan's note and even made it first step into the Keys (Key Largo). Had a nice time at the aqueaous state park.
Believe it or not, I'd say despite the wonderful beaches, the highlight was the fabulous Sunday Brunch at the wonderful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Best seafood (yeah, for breakfast!) I've ever had in my life. Only could stuff maybe 1/3 of the offerings in my pie-hole. MUST come back before I die!
Glad you enjoyed the trip! To anyone else who has the same question, one of the things I enjoyed was the Hugh Taylor Birch Park. Right on Ft Lauderdale beach near Sunrise Blvd. Natural South Florida flora and fauna. Lots of Iguanas!
Last but not least, there is John Pennikamp Park as you get into the keys. Great for snorkling. There are also other beaches along the way to Key West see: Florida Keys Beaches
Have fun. Oops ... I see I am posting after the fact - but still good info.
Last but not least, there is John Pennikamp Park as you get into the keys. Great for snorkling. There are also other beaches along the way to Key West see: Florida Keys Beaches
Have fun. Oops ... I see I am posting after the fact - but still good info.
That's the "aquatic park" I mentioned we went to. Very unique. Both hiking paths on raised boards through the shore/swampy areas as well as snorkling "trails". Also, large boat escursions to get out on the reefs.
Last time I was in Miami my fiance and I checked out Vizcaya and thought that was pretty amazing. The architecture, the gardens, the tour, the setting, the history... all great.
There is a lot to see and do in all 3 cities. I'll break it down by city, and by the "must do/must see" things if you have a limited amount of days to spend.
Fort Lauderdale-
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach/strip is a must-see. This is where the famous spring-break spot is, and there are a bunch of shops, restaurants, and bars on the strip. Go during the day and brings your beach towels. You can park your car near along A1A near the intersection of Las Olas Blvd. Then you can walk along the strip and see all of the stores/shops. You can also set up your beach towels right there on the beach.
Also, if you want a quieter beach to just relax, you can go to the beach just about anywhere along the coast and its usually less hectic than Fort Lauderdale Beach. Pompano beach, Deerfield Beach, Dania Beach, and Hollywood Beach are neat beaches too.
2. Las Olas Blvd./downtown- This is the old section of Fort Lauderdale. There are a bunch of shops, cafe's, restaurants, and artsy places along this strip. This is also a place where I recommend you park your car and walk. You can visit night or day.
3. Sawgrass Mills- The largest shopping mall in FL, it is collosal. It is a big tourist attraction as well. If you have time it might be worth checking out. It is located in Sunrise which is located about 10 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and very close to Weston.
4. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (in Hollywood)- Even if you're not into gambling, this is a really cool place for adults to check out. On evenings the place is absolutely jumping. There are a whole bunch of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment here. This is also where Anna Nicole Smith died of the overdose, not that it matters, lol.
5. The Water Taxi- You can take a water taxi ride in the Intracoastal Waterway for about $13. You ride in the Intracoastal Waterway and a tourguide gives you a tour of all of the sights along the water. There is so much to see, lots of rich CEO's mansions like the guy from Circuit City, Donald Trump, Wayne Huzuinga, etc.
6. FL Everglades- You can travel west from Weston only a few miles and you're in the FL Everglades. Airboat rides are a lot of fun. Also, along I-75 there are several exits where you can park your car, get out and walk, and enjoy the scenery of the Everglades. Often times you can see Alligators and exotic birds right along side of the road in canals and creeks. The only thing is I'd rather you travel down to Miami and go on the Tamiami Trail into Everglades National Park because there is more to see down there.
MIAMI-
Definately worth checking out. You are really missing out if you don't go to Miami at least for a day.
1. South Beach- The main attraction in Miami. Take a drive along Collins Avenue and Ocean Avenue, and you can see all of the Art Deco architecture. Also, park your car in a garage, get out and walk along Collins or Ocean between 1st Street and 20th Street. There are a ton of unique restaurants, shops, bars, etc. You can also bring your beach attire and sit out on South Beach during a sunny day. There is so much to see, and there is no better place to people-watch. You will see a lot of interesting people out there, lol.
2. Lincoln Road- This is more of a night place, but you can also visit during the day. Take your wife here for a good meal, to people-watch, or to get some ice cream after dinner. There are a ton of shops, restaurants, etc. and Lincoln Road extends about 6 street blocks to the beach. You can walk around the beach in that area at night and its very safe.
3. Coconut Grove- Interesting little city within a city where you should park your car and walk. There are several restaurants and bars, and a bunch of small shops. It is neat to visit at night. Another big tourist attraction is Viscaya which is a famous old Spanish hotel located near Coconut Grove and downtown Miami.
4. Bayside and Brickell (downtown miami)- I recommend you take a drive through the Brickell area in downtown. Its really a sight to see all of the tall buildings and condos. They are the same buildings you see on the show CSI Miami. Also, Bayside is a big attraction, and there is a Hard Rock Cafe there that overlooks Biscayne Bay ( a beautiful view).
Also, I recommend you take a ride through downtown Miami on the People-Mover which is an elevated rail. It takes a relatively short amount of time to ride in a circle through the downtown area and you are elevated so you have a great view of the downtown area while riding. Just ignore the sketchy people who ride it, but its pretty safe. You should be fine. Stay off of the metrorail system because it will take you away from downtown into areas you don't wanna be in.
5. Key Biscayne- A really neat drive from the mainland across the Rickenbacker Causway. You can pull over along the side of the causeway and get out and take pictures, walk, etc. The water is right there and lots of boating/recreation going on. You can picnic there too as there are tables and grills. The Miami Seaquarium is on Key Biscayne, and there are some beautiful beaches you can set up on. The most impressive sight is the drive back across the causeway to the mainland. Absolutely beatiful.
6. Coral Gables- If you have time it is interesting to ride through Coral Gables which is another city within the city of Miami. There is lots of interesting architecture to see, and you can park your car and get out and walk. Its a very ritzy/wealthy area.
7. Tamiami Trail/Everglades- If you travel west away from Miami you eventually can access the Tamiami Trail which takes you through Everglades National Park. This highway is far more scenic than I-75/Alligator Alley, and you can pull over and park just about anywhere as there is lots of interesting nature. You can take airboat rides which are really fun from several different places along the Tamiami Trail. Also, you can see Seminole Indian Reservations. This highway eventually leads to the west coast of FL, but you don't need to go that far outside of the Miami-Dade metropolis to see lots of nature.
8. Take a long drive along Miami Beach from the heart of South Beach all the way up to Fort Lauderdale. It takes about an hour, but you see so much. You drive on A1A through each of the little towns like North Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Haulover Park, Sunny Isles Beach, Hallandale Beach, and Hollywood. Its really cool as you get a real taste of FL beach lifestyle.
KEY WEST/The other Keys-
The drive is long, but might be the most beautiful/scenic drive you've ever taken. 7-mile bridge is really cool on the way, where you are driving on top of nothing but ocean for 7 miles. Key West is a neat place to walk around, and you will need to spend a night in a hotel there since it is too far to drive back at night.
1. The Southernmost Point of the U.S. (in Key West)- is a landmark on Key West. You are exactly 90 miles from Cuba.
2. Duval Street- this is the main strip in Key West. Spend a night walking around Duval Street. There are a ton of restaurants, bars, and entertainment including Fat Tuesdays, etc. Key West has a New Orleans/Bourbon Street feel to it, but its also slightly different. You can also sit out at the beaches during the daytime, but they are not very nice beaches compared to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
3. Key Largo- This is the biggest and first FL Key you hit on your drive down. You can pull over and eat at a good seafood place. You can visit John Pennekamp State Park and go snorkeling. There is great fishing here and snorkeling/diving.
4. Marathon- Another interesting Key located about halfway between Key Largo and Key West as you're driving down. You might only spend a few minutes here, but the beaches are nice.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE-
If you are interested in seeing the 3rd biggest lake in the U.S., take a drive out to Lake Okeechobee. You will see lots of alligators and wildlife. This may be the last destination I'd recommend out of all of the options I laid out for you, but its interesting nevertheless.
Dear Nolefan34,
I am really impressed by your knowledge of the are (I've increased your reputation :-)
I'm leaving in CT but my company is asking me to move to Miami. Our office is in Hollywood and I need to find a place to live and commute...
I leave alone and I'd love to find a nice and safe place, possibly near the sea (water view) and near to a nice area where is "easy" to meet people and make some friends (this is the main problem here in CT...). I was thinking about the Brikell, someone suggested Ft Lauderdale...what's your suggestion knowing so well the area?
Many many thanks,
Miki
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