Day Trips in Ft. Lauderdale

(Prices, tours, hours of operation change, please contact numbers below for details.)

  ____Las Olas Boulevard

·  A boulevard of note
Description 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.
Address  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

_Everglades Holiday Park

·  Everglades airboat tours, camping and more 
Description Airboats (and alligators) are the primary diversions at this campground, which is located on the edge of the Everglades marsh. Fishing, boat rentals and tent and RV camping feature both full and partial hookups. Campground amenities include gas, showers, laundry facilities, restrooms and a grocery store. One-hour airboat rides are $14.50 for adults, $7.50 for children under 12. Rental boats are $67.50 for five hours on a four-passenger boat.
Address  21940 Griffin Road
 (take Griffin Road West Exit from I-95)
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33332
Neighborhood: West Ft. Lauderdale
Phone: +1 954 434 8111
Fax: +1 954 434 4252
E-mail: info@evergladesholidaypark.com
Url: http://www.evergladesholidaypark.com/
Open hours: 9am-8:30pm daily
  ____Carrie B Cruises

·  See Florida's "front" doors
Description 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.
Address  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
 
  ____Riverfront Cruises

·  Touring the Venice of America by water

Description 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.
Address  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

  _____Jungle Queen Riverboat

·  A south Florida institution 
Description 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).
Address  Bahia Mar Yachting Center
 Route A1A
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33316
Neighborhood: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Phone: +1 954 462 5596
Open hours: 10am-7pm daily
  ___The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills

·  Outdoor entertainment complex
Description 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.
Address 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
  ____Hugh Taylor Birch Rec. Area

·  Tropical gardens, rare wildlife
Description 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.
Address  3109 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33304
Neighborhood: North Beach Area
Phone: +1 954 564 4521
Open hours: 8am-sundown daily
  ____Sea Escape Party Cruises

·  Casino cruise ship
Description 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.
Address 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
  ____Sacks Group Yachting Professionals

·  Luxury yacht vacations
Description 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.
Address 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
  ____Las Olas Tiki Tours

·  Catamaran tours
Description 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.
Address  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
  __Markham Park

·  Canoe rentals and fishing 
Description 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.
Address 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
  ____Secret Woods Nature Center

·  Self-guided nature walks
Description 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.
Address  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
 
  ___South Florida Trolley Tours

·  See the sights by trolley
Description 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.
Address  998 South Military Trail
 Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

·  Neighborhood: North Beach Area
Phone: +1 954 926 2480
Open hours: Tours begin at 9am daily