With sunkissed beaches, outdoor cafes, shopping galore and exciting attractions just minutes away, it's easy to trade airport blues for sunny hues.
Here are some ways to play before your flight home.
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Take a leisurely stroll, people watch, sip a cappuccino at an outdoor cafe or shop the chic boutiques along Las Olas Boulevard, a sophisticated mile of fashion, art and sidewalk cafes. Stop by Stranahan House, a preserved 1900s house furnished with antiques of the era. Or " follow the red brick road" of Riverwalk, the landscaped park, to the Arts & Entertainment District. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
RIVERWALK ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Downtown Fort Lauderdale (954) 468-1541
The heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale is comprised of shopping, dining, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions -- the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery & Science, Florida Grand Opera, Historic Second St., Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and Stranahan House. All are along brick-lined Riverwalk, a meandering promenade that runs along the New River. The 22-block district includes chic Las Olas Blvd. and Las Olas Riverfront, the entertainment complex. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.
BEACHFRONT PROMENADE
Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard (954) 760-9570
Only two miles north of Port Everglades, you can experience the landscaped beachfront promenade with its signature white wave wall and brick paved path. Across the street, visit Beachplace for casual fun, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.
BOAT TOURS ALONG INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY & MILLIONAIRE'S ROW
Water Taxi
(954) 467-6677
Scheduled service from 10am. Closest docks to Port Everglades are stops # 7, (Convention Center / Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel) and stop # 6 (Hyatt Regency Pier 66), both on 17th Street. Additional stops include beach access, restaurants, and attractions. Call for taxi schedule and more information. All-day, unlimited service pass is $13, $7 after 7pm.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
(954) 462-5596
Bahia Mar Yacht Center on A1A. 3-hour narrated sightseeing cruise. Daily 10am and 2pm. Adults $16.50, children $11.75. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
Riverfront Cruises
(954) 463-3440 Las Olas Riverfront
1 1/2-hour sightseeing cruise. Every 2 hrs from 10:30am-6pm. Adults $17, kids 3-10 $10. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
IGFA FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
300 Gulfstream Way, Dania Beach (954) 922-4212
World-class state-of-the-art facility includes seven galleries, an outdoor marina, living wetlands, a theater and indoor/outdoor demonstrations.Open: daily 10am-6pm. Adults $6, seniors & children $5. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale (954) 563-5393
Just about two miles away, nestled between the beach and the Intracostal waterway, is Bonnet House, a 35-acre historical estate that was once home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Learn about Fort Lauderdale's history, art, nature, and a true love story between two artists. Open: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm, Closed Mon and some holidays. Adults $20, seniors $18, children 6-12 $16. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
SAWGRASS MILLS MALL
12801 West Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise (954) 846-2350
The world's largest discount and entertainment mall features over 350 designer outlets, specialty shops and restaurants. Don't miss the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass, a new high-end luxury fashion district, including Coach, David Yurman (the first U.S. outlet store), Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo. Dining scene includes Grand Lux Cafe, Legal Seafoods, PF Chang's and more. Allow at least three hours to experience this shopping mecca. Taxi from Port Everglades: $35 for 30 min. ride.
SWAP SHOP
3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954)791-7927
The Swap Shop is the largest outdoor/indoor flea market in the U.S., featuring more than 2000 vendors selling new merchandise plus video arcade, plants, carnival rides and farmers market. Open Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5:30pm, Fri.-Sun. 8am-6:30pm. Free. Taxi from Port Everglades: $13-18 for 20-min ride.
THE GALLERIA
2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954) 564-1015
For more shopping adventure just off of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Galleria Mall features Neiman-Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's, Red Door Spa, restaurants, nightlife. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.
DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD
Harrison St., Hollywood Blvd. and Young Circle, Hollywood (954) 921-3016
Characterized by quaint sidewalk cafes, brick-lined walks, unique boutiques, shops, art galleries and dozens of excellent restaurants along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street. In the heart of downtown is the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle. Taxi from Port Everglades: $13-18 for 20-min ride.
HOLLYWOOD BEACH BROADWALK
A1A between Sheridan St. and Hollywood Blvd.
Skate, walk, bicycle or jog along this new wide 2.2 mile long paved Broadwalk along Hollywood Beach. Restaurants and shops can be found along the way. In-line skate and bike rentals, including unusual 6 person bicycles are available. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.
FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET MALL
2900 W Sample Rd, Pompano, (954) 979-4555
Indoor flea market with over 600 stores of new, brand name merchandise at below outlet prices, Winners Arcade, food court and farmers market. Open Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-5pm. Sat.-Sun. 9:30am-6pm. Wheelchairs/strollers/free valet parking available. Buses welcome - call for details.
01/2009
