Three thousand hours of sunshine yearly, 38 kilometers of beaches and a myriad of outdoorsy activities make Greater Fort Lauderdale an alluring destination, especially if you enjoy being outside to soak up the warm Florida weather.
Learn to hang ten, skim or go stand up paddling with Island Water Sports. Then spend the rest of the day on the water with a rental from Boatsetter in Fort Lauderdale. From pontoon boats to yachts, you’ll find just the right fit to cruise north along the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Pull up to the dock at Two Georges At the Cove Restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat before setting out on the water again. Cruise south to check out the Hillsboro Lighthouse
DAY 2: Butterflies, Airboats, and Alligator
Head to Coconut Creek to visit Butterfly World, the world’s largest butterfly park. More than 20,000 flitting butterflies make their homes alongside hundreds of exotic birds.
Next up, an adventure with Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston. Hovering atop the water, your captain will maneuver through the Florida Everglades on an airboat tour, all the while sharing its history and stopping for wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators and all types of birds.
After the thrilling airboat adventure, pull up a stool at Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar, 2the only tiki bar on Fort Lauderdale beach and part of Ocean Manor Resort. You can’t go wrong with the fish tacos and a frozen daiquiri.
DAY 3: Explore the Canals of the Venice of America
Board the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi to get a real feel for the “Venice of America,” as Greater Fort Lauderdale is known—there are 480 kilometers of navigable waterways in the area. Traveling through downtown on the New River, north along the Intracoastal Waterway or south towards Hollywood, hop on and off the Water Taxi as often as you’d like with an unlimited day pass.
Plan to hop off at stop #3 at 15th Street Fisheries, one of South Florida’s favorite waterfront dining spots for nearly 40 years. Snag a table downstairs for a casual lunch and watch the boats cruise by while dining on fresh local seafood favorites like Cedar Key clams, Mahi tacos, or spiny lobster tail.
Celebrate another terrific day at a themed happy hour like Martini Mondays and Tequila Tuesdays at Aruba Beach Café. in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Stay for dinner and dine on fresh seafood and succulent steaks, starting with ceviche from the raw bar.
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