Day Trips in Ft. Lauderdale
(Prices, tours, hours of operation change, please contact numbers below for
details.)
See Florida's "front" doors
A comfortable craft, this vessel is air-conditioned but has
plenty of deck space for those who want to stroll around in the fresh air. A
cruise aboard this sleek, elongated cruiser includes a tour around a part of
town called Millionaire's Row, past massive yachts docked outside elaborate
homes, and the region's busy port, jammed with huge cruise ships and Navy
yachts. Food and beverages are offered from a full bar. Adults pay $10.95;
children under 12 pay $5.95.
500 East Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301 Neighborhood:
Downtown Ft Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 768 9920 Url:
http://www.carriebcruises.com/ Open hours: Cruises:
11am, 1pm, 3pm daily
Touring the Venice of America by water
You can see the city from cruises that depart from Las Olas
Riverfront Marketplace, itself a waterside dining and shopping spot. These
cruises chug by the city's most historic sites, mega-yachts and cruise
ships, showy hotels, the city's International Swimming Hall of Fame and
Marina. Tours are 90 minutes long, leaving every two hours on the half hour
beginning at 10:30am. There is an evening cruise at 8:30pm. It is wise to
call ahead, however, as times may change seasonally. Fares are USD14 adults,
USD8 children 4-10.
300 Southwest First Ave
(one block West of Andrews Ave)
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301 Neighborhood:
Downtown Ft Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 463 3372;
+1 800 499 2248 Url:
http://www.riverfrontcruises.com/ Open hours:
10:30am-8:30pm, departing every two hours; call for seasonal changes
A boulevard of note
On this chic boulevard in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, you
will find boutiques, narrow alleyways, brick walkways, tiny white lights
rimming windows and dozens of trendy restaurants. Among more than a hundred
shopping and dining options, you will find homemade ice cream at a dessert
cafe and a live jazz bar that is always packed. You'll also find hot Tommy
Bahamas tropical clothing shop with an antique bicycle parked at the door, a
shop specializing in stained glass lamps and another in needlework, stylish
hairdressers, unique gift shops and a variety of art galleries.
500 Las Olas Boulevard
(from Himarshee Canal to Andrews Avenue)
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301 Neighborhood:
Downtown Ft Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 765 4466 Open hours: Shop and
restaurant hours vary
A south Florida institution
For more than 50 years, visitors have traveled on this
stately riverboat. Tours sail past estates while an entertaining monologue
by the captain points out the homes of the famous and the infamous. On
three-hour day tours or four-hour dinner voyages you can sail to an island
where you will dine amid tropical foliage. Evening cruises feature a dinner
of barbecued ribs and shrimp, with a variety revue and sing-a-long cruising
back. Tickets are adults/children: USD15/10 (under 12). Dinner cruises are
USD24 per person, and day sailings are adults/children: USD11/8 (under 11).
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Route A1A
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33316 Neighborhood:
Greater Fort Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 462 5596 Open hours: 10am-7pm
daily
Outdoor entertainment complex
Located at the Sawgrass Mills Mall, the Oasis adds an outdoor
entertainment phase to the original mall complex that includes major
restaurants. Opened in 1999, there is a 23-screen multiplex cinema, as well
as Gameworks, a high-tech video arcade/restaurant and a lounge. Bring your
kids to these attractions and then head for some shopping. Surrounding these
diversions are outlets of name brand specialty shops and boutiques. It has
an Automated Teller Machine onsite and free parking available.
12801 West Sunrise Blvd
Sunrise,
FL 33323 Neighborhood: West
Ft. Lauderdale Phone: + 1 954 846 2350 Open hours: 10am-9:30pm
Mon-Sat; 11am-8pm Sun; Restaurant and cinema hours vary
Tropical gardens, rare wildlife
This 180-acre park was given by Hugh Taylor Birch to the
state of Florida. Birch came to Florida in the last part of the 19th century
and promptly fell in love with the area; he eventually purchased more than
three miles of oceanfront property in the little town of Fort Lauderdale.
More than 100 years later, Fort Lauderdale is a busy metropolis, and Birch's
land thrives as a wildlife preserve and botanical wonderland. A number of
animal and plant species have found a safe home here alongside the ocean and
the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors are free to hike or bike the designated
trails, canoe around the lagoon, take a dip in the ocean and visit Birch's
home, which is open to the public. Excellent camping facilities are
available.
3109 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33304 Neighborhood: North
Beach Area Phone: +1 954 564 4521 Open hours: 8am-sundown
daily
Casino cruise ship
Advertised as "Las Vegas with an Ocean View," these day and
evening cruises depart from convenient Port Everglades. Day cruises include
a generous breakfast or lunch buffet. Evening cruises include a delicious
dinner buffet. All cruises offer casino games such as baccarat, roulette,
blackjack, poker, bingo and slot machines. There's also a discotheque
onboard, and cabins are available for an additional fee. Fares: USD35 for
day and evening cruises; add USD5 for Saturday cruises. Prices do not
include tax. Discounts are available for advanced ticket purchases and
groups.
17 Spangler Blvd
(Port Everglades)
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33316 Neighborhood: Port
Everglades Phone: +1 954 453 3333 Url: http://www.seaescape.com/ Open hours: Day Cruise:
11am-4:30pm Tue-Sun; Evening Cruise: 7:30pm-12:30am Mon-Thu; 7:30pm-1:30am
Fri-Sat; 6:30pm-11:30pm Sun
Luxury yacht vacations
Specializing in yacht brokering and new construction as well
as luxury yacht vacations, this is the place to go if you're looking for an
upscale charter trip. Sacks Group books charters staffed with professional
crews. Diverse destinations include Florida and the east coast of the United
States, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Pacific
Northwest, Australia and the South Pacific. For true adventurers,
around-the-world trips can also be arranged.
1600 Southeast 17th St
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33316 Neighborhood: Port
Everglades Phone: +1 954 764 7742 Fax: +1 954 523 3769 E-mail: jennifer@sacksyachts.com Url: http://www.sacksyachts.com Open hours: Call for
hours and rates
Catamaran tours
New to the Fort Lauderdale area, this company offers narrated
90-minute tours of Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale waterways aboard a
custom-built 50-foot catamaran. The boat features a thatched-roof Tiki Bar,
live palm trees and a power sound system. If you're looking for a different
sort of sightseeing adventure, this tour may be for you. The boat is also
available for special occasion charters. Call for cruise details and for
individual and group rates.
301 Seabreeze Blvd
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33316
Latitude: 26.118844 | Longitude: -80.106188 Neighborhood: Port
Everglades Phone: +1 954 779 7660 Open hours: Departs:
10:30am daily
Canoe rentals and fishing
Located approximately seven miles west of Fort Lauderdale,
this park attracts avid boaters and fishers alike. The 26-acre lake features
ramps for launching boats into the New River Canals. A popular feature is
the park's outdoor target range, which includes rifle, pistol and skeet
shooting. The park also rents canoes, paddleboats, and johnboats for use in
the park. Fishing is permitted from the shores of both the lake and the
canals. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Call for
rental rates and additional information.
16001 West State Road 84
Sunrise,
FL 33326 Neighborhood: West
Ft. Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 389 2000 Fax: +1 954 389 2019 Url: http://www.co.broward.fl.us/ Open hours: Jun-Aug:
8am-6pm daily; Sep-May: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri; 8am-7:30pm Sat-Sun
Self-guided nature walks
This 55-acre park, designated an "urban wilderness area,"
offers guided and self-guided nature walks on a network of trails. The New
River Trail features a 3,200-foot wheelchair accessible boardwalk through
oak hammocks and freshwater and saltwater wetlands. The Oak Trail features a
1,200-foot walking path through an oak hammock. An interpretive nature
exhibit is also available as well as educational classes. The park office is
happy to assist with any park-related questions. Call for additional
information.
2701 West Road 84
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33312
Latitude: 26.121300 | Longitude: -80.132100 Neighborhood: West
Ft. Lauderdale Phone: +1 954 791 1030 Fax: +1 954 791 1092 Url: http://www.co.broward.fl.us/ Open hours: 8am-6pm daily
See the sights by trolley
For a unique way to tour Fort Lauderdale-area sights, this
organization runs 90-minute narrated sightseeing trips around Fort
Lauderdale aboard a quaint trolley. You will learn about the area's history
while enjoying a safe and comfortable ride. Tour routes vary, so call ahead
to obtain the latest schedule of departures and route. The trolley stops to
pick-up at most area hotels. Fee: USD12 for adults, free for children 11 and
under.
998 South Military Trail
Deerfield Beach,
FL 33442
Neighborhood: North
Beach Area Phone: +1 954 926 2480 Open hours: Tours begin
at 9am daily