Spend the day in Ft. Lauderdale in style — Photo courtesy of sunny.org
Fort Lauderdale once had a reputation for being a Spring Break hotspot. While Spring Break is still enjoyed here, Fort Lauderdale has become so much more than simply a place to hang out on the beach. Now a sophisticated world-class destination all its own, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect vacation for every age group, economic expectation, and every member of the family. While most people flock here for fun in the sun and the sand and the spectacular year-round weather, there is so much more than just the beaches and the beautiful people.
Your full day of activity should begin in one of the city's favorite eateries, The Original Pancake House. This has been a special favorite of locals and visitors alike for over 55 years. Their Ft. Lauderdale location, which is one ten in South Florida, is conveniently located just a few miles from the beach on Federal Highway just south of Oakland Park. Here you will find a breakfast for everyone with their many delicious unique menu items.
First on the agenda will get you back to nature. And what exposure to nature it is. Billie Swamp Safari is a must for the visitor who wishes to experience all things South Florida. Located in the Florida Everglades off of I-75 (Alligator Alley) you will learn about the Unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Enjoy a swamp Buggy Eco-Tour and Airboat Adventure Tour, which depart daily and run through 2200 acres of untamed wilderness. Here you will witness an abundance of native and exotic wildlife that south Florida is known for. Everyone will be thrilled by the fascinating Reptile Show and the Swamp Critter Show. And don’t leave without eating in the Swamp Water Café, and perhaps even buying a few souvenirs.
Sawgrass Mills Mall — Photo courtesy of sunny.org
After a few hours in the outdoors, now is the time to indulge in another Ft. Lauderdale favorite – shopping. And Ft. Lauderdale is known for its incredible shopping venues. From the high-end and very prestigious Galleria on the east end of Sunrise Boulevard with such names as Neiman Marcus, the Apple Store and the Red Door Salon and Spa by Elizabeth Arden, to the very popular Sawgrass Mills, located at the far west end of Sunrise Boulevard, which offers discounted prices to eager shoppers with stores including Nordstrom Rack, Burberry Factory Outlet and the delectable Cheesecake Factory. There is no doubt that Ft. Lauderdale is a shopper's delight.
With evening nearing, plan to embark on a Ft. Lauderdale classic adventure on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise. This three-hour excursion on the city’s historic New River is fully narrated. The dinner cruise departs daily at 6 p.m. with a full tantalizing buffet and hilarious variety show. Listen in on the narrator as you witness this beautiful tour of the city. Pass by Millionaire’s Row and see stunning multi-million dollar yachts, and thrill the kids with a stop at a tropical isle to see rare birds, monkeys and an alligator exhibition.
As you will see by just this one day, Ft. Lauderdale is abuzz with activity for any visitor. This exciting excursion may serve as a reminder that another visit may be necessary after all.
