Ft. Lauderdale and surrounding areas, things to do, places to go & people to see

[LuvOrlando]

Contemplating a snowbird lifestyle and with family already living in a very fancy part of North Miami we are poking around in other areas close by but not quite as $$$$$$$$ as the rich and famous. When we were in Ft Lauderdale 2 years ago we thought it was a beautiful area so we are looking to spend Christmas (and the last day of Hanukkah) in the area with the whole family. Most of what I am seeing on here and elsewhere is focused on a quick passthrough of the town to the cruise ships and now I'm wondering if we should go to another town for Christmas or town hop. Anyone out there very familiar with Ft Lauderdale and the surrounding areas? Are there any amazing restaurants? Is there enough to do to stay occupied for a week within driving distance?

 

[White Cat]

Yes
Yes
Yes

 

[princesscinderella]

There are tons of great restaurants of all kinds of cuisines in both Broward and Dade counties. There’s definitely enough to do to fill a week vacation. Beach day, Everglades boat ride day, visit Vizcaya and beautiful property and gardens and one of the older ones in Miami. You could go to a Heat game, panthers game or dolphins game depending on their schedules. Go to one of the many nice malls - Aventura or Bal Harbor for luxury, Dolphin mall or the giant outlet mall Sawgrass mills. Sawgrass has a Disney character premiere store that you can get all the parks merchandise typically half off or less. There are two performing arts theaters Broward Center and Arsht Center in Miami that usually have a Broadway show during the holidays. It’s Les Miserable at Broward center at the end of December. You can get a day pass for the water taxi and bar hop too all the restaurants along the route. You can do a variety or water sports, charter fishing, jet skis, paddle boarding etc. The Jungle queen has a nice tour of all the mansions along the intracostal and you can do an evening cruise that has a show and bbq on their island. Mai Kai is tiki bar and restaurant with a Polynesian show that just reopened after a huge renovation. You can ride the brigtline or drive up to west palm and check out Mar-a-lago too if you want.