A Local's Guide to Exploring Fort Lauderdale

• Explore miles of public and private hotel beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for relaxing with friends and family.

• Stay at one of the many beachfront resorts, all with stunning pools, restaurants, and ocean views.

• Rent a jet ski or boat and cruise the famous Intracoastal Waterway for a fun adventure on the water.

• Book an offshore or deep-sea fishing charter and try your luck catching something big.

• Kick back at lively beach bars along the coast, where there’s always great music, good food, and a fun crowd.

• Dine your way through the city with options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual pizza and wings.

• Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard for boutique shopping, delicious restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and live music.

• If you're feeling active, check out Birch State Park or the scenic Riverwalk for biking, walking, or just soaking in the beautiful waterfront views.

• Skip the Uber and catch a ride on the water taxi for a fun way to get around town.

• Catch a Florida Panthers hockey game and experience the excitement of the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions. If it's not hockey season but you're a sports fan, South Florida still has plenty to offer. Nearby teams include the Miami Marlins (MLB), Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), and Inter Miami CF (MLS).

Favorites near the beach

• 15th Street Fisheries: Casual seafood restaurant on the water where you can sit outside for great views of the Intracoastal and boats coming in.

• S3: Large selection of food on the menu—great for all ages and food preferences. Sit outside for ocean views.

• Bo's Beach: Sports bar and grill. Fun atmosphere during the day to cool off after the beach or watch a sports game.

• Coconuts: Hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurant with amazing oysters and shellfish.

• MAASS: Michelin-starred restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel. Worth the price for the food selection, views, and service. Perfect for a romantic night or celebration.

• Takato: Japanese and Korean fusion with an omakase option. All plates are meant to be shared. Enjoy the sushi and specialty cocktails.

• Vitola: A quiet, New York-style Italian restaurant in the Conrad Hotel. Fantastic pastas and a great value.

Favorites on Las Olas Boulevard

• Luigi's Pizza: Casual pizza and wing spot, great for the kids. My favorite is to order takeout and relax at home with a pizza.

• Caffe Europa: Quiet Italian restaurant with fantastic food. Make sure to order the chicken meatballs!

• Moxie's: Great for a large group of friends or brunch. The restaurant offers Wine Wednesday and happy hour deals.

• Sakana Nikkei: Pan-Asian restaurant along the river.

• Vinos Wine Bar: Great happy hour spot for good wine and Italian appetizers.

• Sixty Vines: Wine bar and casual restaurant to enjoy good food and good vibes without breaking the bank.

• Lobster Bar: Delicious seafood and steak for a higher-end experience.

Favorites for coffee & breakfast

• Anne's Florist: Local coffee shop and florist on Las Olas.

• Wild Sea: Great casual breakfast inside the Riverside Hotel. Sit outside along Las Olas for a great start to your morning.

• Java & Jam: Cute breakfast spot on Las Olas with a coffee bar inside. Enjoy breakfast with a brunch cocktail.

• Crema: Chain restaurant with good coffee and casual breakfast and lunch options. Great location for a start to your morning on Las Olas.

• Bagels & Co: My breakfast go-to is a bagel and coffee, and this is my local favorite. They also have great deli sandwiches and to-go options for a picnic on the beach

Favorites for a drink

• Moxie's: Outside bar area has a lively atmosphere seven days a week.

• Elbo Room: Fort Lauderdale’s most famous beach bar. Come here day or night for live music and a good time. Bar is cash only.

• Blondie's: Bar along the beach with pool tables and other games.

• Vinos Wine Bar: Sit back and relax with a great bottle of wine and snacks. Make sure to check out Sidecar, the speakeasy in the back.