Fort Lauderdale is more than just a spring getaway beach city. Have you been before? You can shop and dine along Las Olas Boulevard, take an air boat ride in the Sawgrass Recreation Park, or tour the romantic, historic Bonnet House and walk through its lush gardens to catch a glimpse of monkeys. How awesome would that be? After a long day of exploring, you might want to retreat to one of the many Fort Lauderdale hotels near the beach and get your feet wet in the surf. I wanted to share with you a few places I learned about that look like a pretty fantastic place to stay.
An ideal place to enjoy high-end shopping, Las Olas Boulevard runs from Andrews Avenue in the central business district of Fort Lauderdale, and stretches for about a mile. In the evening, the stores are brightly lit with twinkling lights and a refreshing breeze comes in off the ocean, making it ideal for window-shopping and fine dining. There are also numerous nightclubs along Las Olas, where you can listen to live music and kick up your heels before retreating to your hotel. Check out the Kira Mar Waterfront Villas, if you’re looking for a hotel within walking distance of this shopping paradise. What a great place to stay to have shopping so close. 
At the Sawgrass Recreation Park, you can take an air boat ride during the day — or be adventurous, and take one of their alligator-spotting rides in the dark of the night. The park also features reptile exhibits, where you can learn about the creatures that live in the swamp, and come face-to-face with a 1,000-pound alligator. You can even hold a live baby alligator in your hands. After a day of exploring the swampland, head back to the Wingate by Wyndham Miramar for a good night’s sleep in one of their 100 guest rooms.
Next, The Bonnet House symbolizes the history and free spirit that is Fort Lauderdale. The lavish estate and grounds were owned by the late Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Helen Louise Birch. Their home for more than 70 years, the house is now a museum that focuses on art boasting freedom of expression and featuring the natural beauty of the region. The lavish grounds are home to a troupe of monkeys and a vast array of native Florida plants. Stop in at one of many beachfront bars or restaurants on your walk back to the boutique AQUA Hotel.
Not only is Fort Lauderdale beautiful, but it features an abundance of shopping, culture and beaches that help make any weekend getaway or vacation a memorable event. Fort Lauderdale is one of the places I have not been to in Florida. Honestly, probably because I didn’t know much about it. Knowing more about it and it’s features makes you want to plan a trip.
Have you been to Fort Lauderale before? Let Hipmunk help you plan your trip.
