Planning on being in Fort Lauderdale on January 1-4. Any recommendations for fun bars and other things to go do in that area ? Good steakhouse to hit ? Hotel options ? Is there a reason we’d want to be on the Ocean for all nights vs. downtown ? I’ve heard different opinions on that. Thanks MDS
There's no 'downtown' in the sense of NYC or Chicago...few tall buildings but activity basically goes from Las Olas to the Beach, then north to Lauderdale by the Sea or south a few blocks. There's a Mortons, but I've heard great things about Fogo de Chao + Chima on Las Olas for steaks. Cafe Sensei on Las Olas is good fusion. Tons of restos to choose from. Ann's Florist + Coffee is a cool spot. Heritage in Flagler Village is good Italian. Live music? Tin Roof. The Elbow Room is on the beach...kinda loud + crazy but it's the oldest bar in Ft Laud. The Stanley Cup was there recently. Rock Bar is right next door. Coconuts is beachy good seafood on the Intracoastal... Rocco's tacos, Rythm + Vine, Rooftop @1WLO...the adult bars tend to be inland, the crazy ones at the beach. There's tons of hotels on the beach from a Sonesta up north to a Hilton, Ritz, etc. Bahia Mar (if you're a Travis McGee fan) is good... IMO worth it to be on the beach, especially if you're escaping MN in January. Hit the Riverwalk. They did a v nice job integrating the river + the city. There's a free shuttle service...Ride Circuit...either have the hotel order or put the app on your phone, or there's tons of brightly lit golf carts plying Las Olas to prey on tourists. Swimming Hall of Fame if you're interested...couple of preserved houses, Stranahan House, Bonnet House + Gardens...founders of Ft. L Lots of great homes on the islands/canals to gawk at N or S of Las Olas. Enjoy. (Was an absolutely incredible Packard museum here...one of every year made + tons of accessories + memorabilia, but the founder died + his kids sold it all a few years ago. Same deal with Preston Henn's Ferrari collection at the Swap Shop...would have been a must see a few years ago, but nothing left now...)
> Spazio- Next door to Elbo Room- primarily italian > Ibiza- Short walk down A1A from Spazio- primarily Mediterranean > Blue Martini- short Uber ride- on Sunrise next ro Galleria mall- great live music- good food- great drinks
I agree with the rec to stay on the beach, it's gorgeous in many ways. I like using the water taxi, great views of the iconic homes and convenient for visiting Las Olas with it's many restaurants and galleries.
I would absolutely stay on the beach - why else would you go to Florida (in the winter). It's too bad Ocala is so far away, 300 miles, I'd suggest going to Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum. I'm looking at South Padre Island TX, maybe in January, AirBNB's are 1/3rd the cost of Ft Lauderdale. I've been there many times, I know the place.
Come down and visit us at the store (Curated ), we're in Miami if you find yourself having some time to come further south than Fort Lauderdale
Honestly, I'd rather watch the boats going by while having a beer than lay on the beach - that's why I was considering the Riverside Hotel. Now we're planning on staying on the beach because the back side will have the boats going by. We'll do a beach walk in the AM. MDS
I was not suggesting laying on the beach, but just being on it, walking on it, visiting the bars and restaurants on it.
