Mar 12: Cruise Views: Day Two

You're about to go on your big cruise. Or maybe just finishing up a voyage. Now it's time to play in Fort Lauderdale. That's the premise behind my series of cruise blogs, which I offer as an experienced cruise writer and longtime South Florida resident. Today I'm answering this question: If I had 48 hours for my first visit to this area, what would I do? That's enough time to make a serious dent as a tourist. Assuming I could swing the extra money, I'd rent a car to make the most of two full days. This is a sprawling place and public transportation has its limits. But with an automobile you can go anywhere and waste little time doing it. After picking up the car, you should head to that beachside hotel I suggested in last week's blog. (To read it, just click here).  You also may want to follow last week's ideas fairly closely on Day One, perhaps with a nice drive down Las Olas tossed in the mix. But on Day Two, you'll have a different adventure:

• After breakfast, head to the Everglades. This really is a South Florida must if you have the time, the only environment of its kind on the planet. Drive to Sawgrass Recreation Park for an airboat ride, where you'll almost surely see alligators in the wild.
• Spend some time walking around the park after your airboat tour. Check out the animal exhibits, with live creatures both native and non-native.
• Take Interstate 595 east to I-95 north, getting off at Hillsboro Boulevard, then go east again to the Intracoastal. You'll lunch at the Cove, a classic local boating restaurant with good food and great views of the water.
• Drive to A1A, the ocean highway, and slowly head south all the way back to your hotel - it's a lovely drive with lots of local color, including a real lighthouse.
• After a breather in your room, drive A1A south again to Hollywood's Broadwalk. This is a terrific pedestrian walkway right on the beach with many places for cocktails or dinner.
• You can hang out there well into the evening. Or you might wander to downtown Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale for supper after your Broadwalk Happy Hour.
• Take a moonlight walk along the beach. South Florida is a very romantic spot. Or if you're a real gambler, consider visiting the Seminole Hard Rock complex, where you'll also find lots of nightlife.

Your 48 hours have given you more than a taste of greater Fort Lauderdale - you've gobbled down a good big bite. Next week, we'll wrap up our Cruise Views series with ideas for those folks lucky enough to have even longer with us before or after their cruise. The added time will bring them places even many locals haven't seen. They'll be touring on land, on water - and under the water too. See ya then!