Fort Lauderdale: To-Dos & Stays

the sparkling w hotel in fort lauderdale
The W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale
Immersed in Florida’s southeastern coastal stretch, Fort Lauderdale is where the Atlantic Ocean’s sapphire waves meet a sun-tinged shoreline. As the throbbing heartbeat of Broward County, this city teems with attractions, both natural and man-made. Glistening sands and labyrinthine canals grace its terrain, while its nightlife pulsates with unrivaled energy. Cultural epicenters such as the Museum of Art, the historic Stranahan House, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts offer insightful experiences. The chapters of Fort Lauderdale’s history are as captivating as its present. Native Tequesta Indians were its first dwellers, before European explorer Juan Ponce de León’s arrival in 1513. In 1838, to shield settlers from Seminole Indians, a fort was erected. Named after Major William Lauderdale who tragically fell in a battle with the Seminoles, the fort’s legacy still echoes.

Following its official incorporation in 1895, Fort Lauderdale blossomed. Its idyllic climate, enthralling beaches, and closeness to Miami propelled it into a favored tourist spot, also nurturing a dynamic shipping industry. When the 1960s societal revolution waved across the nation, Fort Lauderdale became a counterculture hotspot. Home to those breaking conventional norms, it also invited spring breakers, transforming into a paradise of youthful exuberance. Present-day Fort Lauderdale brims with financial robustness, with numerous banks and finance-driven institutions calling it home. Its pivotal role in the cruise industry stands unchallenged, with its port frequented by cruise ships worldwide.

A beautiful beach in Fort Lauderdale
A beautiful beach in Fort Lauderdale

Positioned strategically on the Atlantic Ocean, neighboring the New River, Fort Lauderdale is about 25 miles from Miami and nearly 100 miles from West Palm Beach. Its perimeter is sketched by Dania Beach in the north, Hollywood to the west, and Pompano Beach to the south. The city caters to diverse preferences with its distinctive beach, downtown, and suburban regions. Whether you’re attracted to the rhythm of the sea, the dynamism of downtown, or suburban serenity, there’s a slice of Fort Lauderdale just for you. Fort Lauderdale’s tropical climate promises warm winters and humid summers. With January’s average temperature around 72°F and July’s 87°F, it serves as a year-round haven.

The pillars of Fort Lauderdale’s economy are tourism, finance, and the cruise industry. Its rich array of plush hotels, culinary hotspots, and shopping outlets continue attracting tourists, while its financial sector and bustling cruise port contribute significantly to its economic dynamism.

For those seeking unforgettable experiences, Fort Lauderdale is an absolute delight. You can soak in the sun on sandy beaches, explore iconic canals, or enrich your knowledge at its renowned museums. Shop to your heart’s content at various outlets and when dusk descends, dive into the city’s effervescent nightlife.

Beyond the city’s core, the Everglades’ natural grandeur, rich wildlife, and fishing prospects invite exploration. Engage in memorable boat tours, spend a day at the zoo, or soak in the local sports scene. As the day unwinds, surrender to the allure of the beach and let the gentle waves lull you.

Your invitation to explore and experience Fort Lauderdale is open, a city where sunshine and seaside serenity coalesce into an unforgettable adventure.

WHAT TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Fort Lauderdale: Hotels and Highlights

The W Fort Lauderdale
The W Fort Lauderdale

★★★★ W Fort Lauderdale

W Fort Nestled in the vibrant heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, W Fort Lauderdale (5 stars, 2,514 reviews) presents an exciting urban oasis that’s just steps away from the beach, chic shopping venues, and eclectic restaurants. The hotel’s amenities are top-notch, boasting a sleek rooftop pool, indulgent spa, and well-equipped fitness center. Your stay will be elevated by rooms featuring panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, luxe marble bathrooms, and sumptuously plush bedding.

Review: “If you’re hunting for a luxe, trend-setting getaway, W Fort Lauderdale might just tick all your boxes! With its uber-cool vibe in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, this is the spot to spoil yourself with roomy, design-savvy quarters and top-tier amenities. Chilling at the rooftop pool and unwinding at the spa felt like a slice of paradise. Plus, the staff? Oh-so friendly and helpful, making our stay a dream. Thumbs up for W Fort Lauderdale – a no-brainer for a fabulous vacation!”

W Fort Lauderdale also has a private beach and rooms with ocean views. It is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. See Prices and Photos

Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale★ B Ocean Resort

Positioned right on the golden sands, B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale (5 stars, 2,080 reviews) gifts guests with arresting views of the Atlantic’s expanse. You can bask in the sunlit lazy river pool, unwind in the tranquil spa, or maintain your workout regimen in the fitness center. Rooms at B Ocean complement the scenic views with private balconies, stocked minibars, and contemporary flat-screen TVs.

Review: “Beach lovers, listen up! B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale is the dreamy seaside getaway you’ve been searching for. Think spacious, contemporary rooms with mesmerizing ocean views. The pool area feels like a resort within a resort – enormous, with a lazy river, a hot tub, and even a bar! But wait, there’s more – a relaxing spa, fitness center, and a kiddies’ club. A big shout-out to the uber-friendly staff who ensured our vacation was tops. B Ocean Resort is my top recommendation for a chillaxed, fun-filled holiday!” – B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale has a private beach and rooms with ocean views. It is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, just steps from the sand. See Prices and Photos.

★ TheRitz CarltonThe Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale (5 stars, 1,866 reviews) exudes timeless luxury in the midst of Fort Lauderdale’s bustling scene. The proximity to the beach, shops, and gastronomic hotspots make it an irresistible choice for discerning travelers. Amenities include an elegant rooftop pool, an inviting spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Rooms are adorned with marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and dedicated butler service, affirming the hotel’s commitment to uncompromising comfort and style.

Review: “Seeking out-and-out luxury? The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is your answer. Its grandeur lies in its spacious, plush rooms and premier amenities. The service? Exemplary! The team went the extra mile to make our stay special. The hotel’s heart-of-it-all location means you’re a hop, skip, and jump away from everything. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a top-notch choice for anyone craving a vacation with a touch of opulence.” – Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale has a private beach and rooms with ocean views. It is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. See Prices and Photos.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort★★★★ Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Perched on the beachfront, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (4.5 stars, 2,358 reviews) presents breathtaking Atlantic vistas to its guests. Besides the idyllic location, the hotel features a lazy river pool, a pampering spa, and an up-to-date fitness center. Each room enhances your stay with private balconies, well-stocked minibars, and sleek flat-screen TVs.

Review: “Vacay with the fam? Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s got you covered. With spacious, homely rooms, knockout ocean views, and an expansive pool area (yes, complete with lazy river, hot tub, and a bar!), this is the stuff great vacations are made of. They even have a kids’ club, a playground, and a games room to keep the young ones entertained. The staff? Super friendly and helpful – they made sure our vacation was a breeze. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort gets my vote for a fab and laid-back family vacation!” – Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort has a private beach and rooms with ocean views. It is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, with direct access to the sand. See Prices and Photos.

Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa★★★★ Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Adjacent to the shimmering beach, the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa (4.5 stars, 2,041 reviews) provides splendid ocean views. Guests can enjoy the lazy river pool, visit the rejuvenating spa, or keep up with their fitness routine at the gym. Each room serves as a personal haven with private balconies, ready-to-serve minibars, and modern flat-screen TVs.

Review: “If you’re after a combo of luxury, relaxation, and beachfront bliss, look no further than Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. It’s got you covered with roomy, stylish quarters and top-of-the-line amenities. The huge pool area, lazy river, hot tub, and bar – it’s like your own personal oasis. Plus, there’s a serene spa, fitness center, and a kiddies’ club. The staff was a friendly bunch, always ready to lend a helping hand. So here’s my suggestion – choose Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa for a vacation you won’t forget!” – Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is located on a bay, but it does have a private beach that is accessible by a short walk. See Prices and Photos.

★★★★ The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa – Gay Resort catering to Gay Men

Embrace your freedom at one of the finest gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale: The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa – a unique adults-only retreat nestled in Wilton Manors, Florida. Indulge in our heated saltwater pool that invites you to shed your inhibitions, clothing optional. Each of our contemporary rooms brims with style, flaunting a flat-screen cable TV for your entertainment. Located just a short 6.3 km from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, we bring you closer to Florida’s vibrant natural beauty.

Review: The spot? Absolutely stellar! As for the continental breakfast – well, it was your standard affair, nothing more, nothing less. The real gems here were the staff – such warm, welcoming folks who genuinely added a touch of home. The accommodations were on point, and let me tell you, that spacious shower was a total game-changer.

The pool scene was a rather close-knit affair, perhaps a bit daunting for the more introverted folks. But hey, I’m an extrovert through and through and have no qualms about making the first move. I certainly hope I didn’t come off as too forward, but it all played out well in the end!  – The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa is also a great option for a hotel with a sea view and a private beach. It is located in Wilton Manors, a short walk from the beach. The hotel has a rooftop pool with stunning views of the ocean, and all rooms have balconies with ocean views. See Prices and Photos.

Each of these sensational hotels grants you a front-row seat to the sea while pampering you with their private beaches. Your perfect choice hinges on your unique tastes and budget. Craving for a stay that puts you right on the sands? Then B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, and W Fort Lauderdale are your go-to destinations. If you’re hunting for value without compromising on experience, then The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa ticks all the right boxes. Choose your flavor of luxury in the sun-kissed city of Fort Lauderdale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?

Approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Miami, you’ll find Fort Lauderdale.
For more details: www.bonnesroutes.com

Can you tell me about the Fort Lauderdale cruise port location?

The cruise port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, claims the third spot in the list of the busiest cruise ports worldwide, trailing Miami and Port Canaveral.
Additional information: www.porteverglades.net

Where can I find Fort Lauderdale on the map?

Nestled in southeastern Florida, Fort Lauderdale is an Atlantic Ocean-front city situated about 25 miles (40 km) north of Miami and roughly 100 miles (160 km) south of West Palm Beach. For a visual representation see below the map.

What’s the location of Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is a proud city in Broward County, Florida, and serves as the seat of this state’s most populous county.

When is the Fort Lauderdale airport open?

Offering round-the-clock service, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) operates 24/7.
For more insights: www.fort-lauderdale-airport.com

Are the beaches in Fort Lauderdale worth a visit?

Indeed, the beaches of Fort Lauderdale are acclaimed for their white, soft sands coupled with the allure of clear, blue waters.

Why might one prefer Fort Lauderdale over Miami?

Though subjective, some people are attracted to Fort Lauderdale over Miami due to its less dense crowds, affordability, and its overall relaxed vibe.

What’s the zip code for Fort Lauderdale?

33301 serves as the zip code for Fort Lauderdale.

Where can I find a Fort Lauderdale beach cam?

You can enjoy a live glimpse of Fort Lauderdale’s beaches online, with one favored cam situated at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Pier.

Are there any good hotels near Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port?

Several high-rated hotels sit near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port, including the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, and Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.

Can you recommend some hotels close to Fort Lauderdale’s airport?

Yes, hotels such as the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport, and Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Airport are located near the airport.

What are some fun activities near Fort Lauderdale’s airport?

You can explore multiple attractions near the Fort Lauderdale airport like the Sawgrass Mills Mall, local movie theaters, and various golf courses.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels on the Map

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