Here are the top 5 ways to enjoy Fort Lauderdale before and after your cruise.

Are you planning a cruise vacation departing from Port Everglades? Fort Lauderdale, with its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, offers the perfect pre- and post-cruise getaway. Whether you have a few hours or a couple of days to spare, here are the top five ways to make the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale!

• Explore Las Olas Boulevard:

Stroll along this iconic boulevard lined with upscale boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy delicious upscale dining at  Wild Sea Las Olas  with fresh seafood sourced locally, offering a refined dining experience from Executive Chef Brian Woods. Menu options range from fresh salads, a raw bar and seafood specialties to pizzas, burgers, crab cakes, steaks and more. Located at 620 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 you can enjoy live music every Friday evening and amazing happy hour specials from 5pm-7pm daily.

Visit the NSU Art Museum for a dose of culture, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere and people-watch. Make sure to take advantage of Sunny Days/Starry Nights with free admission and extended hours and 2-for-1 drink specials the first Thursday of every month, 11 am – 7 pm. Be sure to experience the Glory of the World: Color Field Painting (1950s to 1983) exhibition through August 25, 2024. Curated by Bonnie Clearwater, Director and Chief Curator, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, the selection of paintings focuses primarily on the earlier years of Color Field beginning in the 1950s with Frankenthaler’s large stain paintings and ends 1983 when post-modern and imagist painters began to dominate the art scene.

Experience charming Riverwalk, which runs alongside the New River and offers stunning views and recreational activities and take a tour of billionaire’s row on the world famous Jungle Queen Riverboats. The New River, is home to some of the most amazing and expensive homes in Florida to owners like  television producer Michael Mann, who created the hit show Miami Vice, the heir of Kohl’s department stores and even catch a glimpse of  Steven Spielberg’s yacht! 

• Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach:

Unwind on the golden sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, known for its clear waters and picturesque coastline. Stop in and enjoy live bands and libations beachside daily at the famous Elbow Room founded in 1938. The Elbo Room has been a spring break destination since its opening and is the quintessential ‘no shoes, no shirt no problems’ beach bar! 

Enjoy water sports like jet skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, or simply bask in the sun with a good book. As one of the only hotels located directly on the white sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale Beach, B Ocean Resort is the perfect place.  Whether you’re poolside or tanning on the beach the Salty Siren staff staff will cater to your every whim with a variety of seaworthy options from the lite menu of salads and ceviches to juicy burgers and lobster rolls.

And definitely don’t miss the opportunity to catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

• Discover the Everglades:

Embark on an exhilarating airboat ride through the Everglades, just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. Get up close and personal with Florida’s unique wildlife, including alligators, birds, and tropical vegetation at Everglades Holiday Park. Catch a live gator show from Animal Planet’s hit show Gator Boys, take an airboat tour and see wild alligators, birds and natural everglades fauna, or experience live animal encounters with tortoises, skunks, raccoons, snakes, pigs, alligators, and with expert animal handlers. This is the perfect place to learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades and the importance of conservation and wild life rescue efforts.

• Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens:

Immerse yourself in history and nature at the Bonnet House, a historic estate nestled amidst lush gardens and scenic trails. Here you can experience five distinct ecosystems on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. Take a guided tour of the eclectic mansion filled with art and artifacts, or wander through the serene gardens at your own pace. This historic piece of Fort Lauderdale is one you won’t forget.

• Indulge in Waterfront Dining:

Treat your taste buds to fresh seafood and waterfront views at one of Fort Lauderdale’s many acclaimed restaurants. From casual beachside cafes to upscale dining establishments, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Savor local specialties like conch fritters, Key lime pie, and freshly caught seafood prepared with a unique South Florida flair at restaurants like The Wreck Bar.

Now that you know the top five ways to enjoy Fort Lauderdale before and after your cruise, why not extend your vacation and make the most of your time in this vibrant city? From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone to enjoy!

Book your stay with B Ocean Resort today. 

Questions & Answers:

Q1: What is traffic and parking like in Fort Lauderdale?

A1: Traffic can be a bit hectic along the beach and downtown area, especially during rush hour traffic from 4-7pm on weekdays and during city festivals or special events like Tortuga Music Festival or the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Parking is easily available with a variety of parking garages, both private a public as well as street parking available with the PayByPhone app. You can expect inflated parking costs during holidays and special events. For some travelers using ride sharing services such as Lyft and Uber are not only cost effective, but less of a headache to man to maneuver the city.

Q2: What kind of weather can I expect in South Florida?

A2: Typically, October through March you can expect breezy cooler weather ranging in the low 70s, with low humidity and little rain. The temperatures do tend to climb from April to September into the mid 90s with regular rain and storms. One thing to note when planning your trip is Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, with a peak in August and September, which also tend to usher in the hottest and most humid months of the year in South Florida.

Q3: How far is Miami from Fort Lauderdale and how can I get there?

A3: Downtown Miami is about 24 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, however this doesn’t necessarily mean its a stress-free or quick trip. You can expect the trip to take 45 minutes to an hour plus, depending on highway traffic Southbound on I95. However, you can now take the high-speed passenger train the Brightline, for a premium travel experience between Miami and Orlando — with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The Tri-Rail is another affordable option to travel with hourly train schedules from West Palm Beach to Miami International Airport.

Q4: What are the transportation options for getting around Fort Lauderdale, especially for visitors staying near Port Everglades?

A4: Transportation options for getting around Fort Lauderdale include rental cars, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, public buses operated by Broward County Transit, water taxis along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Sun Trolley, which serves various areas of the city including downtown, the beach, and Las Olas Boulevard.

Q5: Are there any family-friendly activities or attractions recommended for travelers with children in Fort Lauderdale?

A5: Family-friendly activities in Fort Lauderdale include visiting attractions like the Museum of Discovery and Science, Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, and the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Families can also enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, or taking a family-friendly airboat tour in the Everglades.

Q6: What is Everglades Holiday Park known for, and what experiences can visitors have there?

A6: Everglades Holiday Park is known for its airboat rides through the Everglades, offering close encounters with Florida’s unique wildlife, including alligators, birds, and tropical vegetation. During an airboat ride through the Everglades, visitors can expect to see wild alligators, birds, and other natural fauna native to the area.

Q7: What dining options are available in Fort Lauderdale, particularly those offering waterfront views and fresh seafood?

A7: Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of dining options, including waterfront restaurants like The Naked Crab and Coconuts, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood with views of the water.