Fort Lauderdale is located less than an hour’s drive north of Miami on Florida’s coast. Known as the “Venice of America,” its extensive canal system and river connect the Everglades with the Atlantic Ocean. But more significantly, its year-round sunshine, wide sandy beaches, and attractions make it a favorite destination for holidaymakers and yacht owners. If you were interested in yachts for sale in 2017, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to start your search. The city is tropical, whimsical, and welcoming. Locals are proud of their city, and it has a more laid-back feel than Miami, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do. If you come to the upscale resort city looking for yachts for sale in Florida, there’s plenty to experience in just 24 hours.
Settle In
If you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale and strapped for time, you’ll want a waterfront hotel with direct access to the beach. The Ritz-Carlton is the best centrally-located option with unparalleled service and immaculately kept rooms. It has a seventh-floor, ocean-view deck with an infinity pool and private cabanas, which is hard to tear yourself away from, but that’s precisely what you should do since there’s so much to see and do nearby.
Lots of Yachts and Lunch
Have a wander down Seabreeze Boulevard to the marinas, just a short stroll from the hotel. This is where you can see world-class superyachts and make inquiries if you’re interested in any yachts for sale in Florida. These only represent a small selection of Fort Lauderdale’s thousands of yachts, so if you want to see more hop on a water taxi and take in the waterways full of multi-million dollar homes.
Disembark at Frank Stranahan’s House, the oldest developed real estate in Fort Lauderdale that doubled as a trading post and community hall when it was founded in 1901. It is close to Las Olas Boulevard, the central entertainment district of Fort Lauderdale, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and people-watching. Wander and window shop at your leisure, but this is also a great street for lunch options. The nearby River Walk is the hub of the city’s arts and history and home to exciting attractions like the NSU Art Museum and the Florida Grand Opera. If you haven’t already eaten, we recommend Sun Surf & Sand opposite the ocean for al fresco dining and a refreshing early cocktail; after all, this is Florida and the perfect time to relax.
Hit the Beach
Head back towards the Ritz Carlton and grab your beach gear from the hotel and head to the beach to catch the last of the sun’s rays and watch it set against the cityscape, setting the skyline ablaze. The water is warm and the beach is clean making it a wonderful place to relax on the sand to rival that of any Caribbean resort. However, if you’re not interested in sunbathing, you can always head further along the coast to the lush retreat of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a tropical forest trail with plenty of picnic spots.
Sample the Nightlife
Once the sun has disappeared, it’s your cue to explore the local nightlife, and, fortunately, Fort Lauderdale was made for fun. First of all, fill up delicious food at the Capital Grille at the Galleria, a sophisticated shopping mall on East Sunrise Boulevard. It has everything from New England clam chowder to steak in a relaxed but elegant setting, ideally located near the water taxi stop. Alternatively, Coconuts is a waterfront restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best bars include the sophisticated Blue Martini cocktail bar, the Blue Jean Blues Jazz Club, and the unique 1920s-themed speakeasy Stache. One of the hippest late-night hotspots is Vibe where the trendy decor and good drinks harmoniously combine with DJs and live music. It gets crowded at the weekend, so it’s best to book a VIP table.
So that’s Fort Lauderdale in a day, but if you still have more time, be sure to visit the Flamingo Gardens and the Bonnet House Museum for some more nature and culture.
