When people think of Florida, Miami immediately comes to mind, but located just a half an hour north, Fort Lauderdale is a growing city with a lot to offer. Fort Lauderdale has a much different, more laid back vibe than Miami, but still has something for everyone. While you’re here don’t forget about going a little east and a little west too.
The Everglades
When I say west, I mean The Everglades. If you’re down in the area, you’re too close to an entirely different ecosystem not to check it out. Crocodiles, a whole host of different birds and fish, marshes and swamps are some of the flora and fauna to explore out in this uninhabitable area.
Gator Park offers fan boat rides, crocodile wrestling shows and has nature centers to teach you about the local wildlife. If you’re looking for something more serene, you can also rent a kayak and paddle the infinite mangrove tunnels, guided or unguided. Scattered throughout The Everglades are camp sites if you are looking to get off-the-grid — just be sure you are prepared for mosquitos. Biking and hiking trails are also abundant if you want to explore nature on your own.
The Atlantic Ocean
East means a diving or fishing trip off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. Depending on the time of year the fishing can be great near the shore. There are hundreds of outfitters that will take you out for a reasonable price to try your hand at catching some bill fish or reef fish. If you’ve never been out fishing before I would say it’s something to try at least once.
If you have an interest in diving, there are some really good wrecks one a mile off of the coast. SeaExperience is a great dive company in the area. They run dive and snorkel trips daily.
Intercoastal Cruising
If it is not your prerogative to go out into the ocean you should definitely still get out on the water. Called the “Venice of the US”, Fort Lauderdale is an amazing city to see by water. The intercoastal waterway is packed with mansions, megayachts and historical sights along The New River. A reputable company to get on the water with is Amanzi Charters who will show you all of the sights on your own private yacht.
You can stop at any of the waterfront restaurants or hang out at the sandbar. See how the locals enjoy the Florida waterways and sun.
Las Olas
When you are ready to hit the town and get some good food, I would head straight for Las Olas Boulevard. It is an awesome walking street with lots of eclectic restaurants with ‘round the world cuisine, art galleries and coffee shops. You will easily stumble into a good restaurant here. Java & Jam is an amazing spot for breakfast and lunch; each dish is a hand crafted piece of heaven — don’t miss the banana bread!
Flagler Village
While Las Olas keeps in classy, you go to Flagler for a more grungy, Wynwood type vibe. Flagler Village is full of breweries, nitche bars, building-sized murals and yoga studios. The last Sunday of every month they have an Art Walk that closes the street down and allows local vendors to sell their goods. Food trucks are abundant during the art walk and outside of breweries daily for a taste of some homemade goodness. It’s a really laid-back, young area to walk around and get a feel for how the locals hang out.
My personal favorite in the area is Invasive Species, a brewery where you can taste the passion from the brewers — each beer is one of a kind and made with as many local ingredients as possible. Another unique spot is Glitch Bar with every type of old school video and arcade game you can think of — talk about a trip down memory lane!
