10 Unique Experiences All Offered Within a Short Drive of Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Here are the top 10 unique experiences, all offered within a short drive of Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Jungle Queen

Located on A1A on the beach, which just happens to be the longest-running tourist attraction in Ft. Lauderdale. The Jungle Queen is a vintage riverboat that offers sightseeing tours of Ft. Lauderdale waterways where you will be able to see famous mansions which many celebrities call home; included with your cruise is an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner including ribs, chicken and sides while you watch a themed show on a private isle. I have been going to the Jungle Queen since I was a child and it's always great to do it when family or friends visit.

Broward Center

The Performing Arts-located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Here you can see plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows and children's performances. Make sure to check their website for upcoming events so you can enjoy an entertaining night out.

Las Olas Boulevard

Located downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Las Olas means "waves" in Spanish. Here is a 2.5-mile street offering a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, shopping, entertainment, galleries and fairs and festivals. You can enjoy dinner or a cocktail before or after your visit to the Performing Arts Center.

Butterfly World

Located in Coconut Creek, it is the largest butterfly park in the world and houses 20,000 live butterflies. Besides seeing butterflies, which will probably land on you, which will make a great photo op, you will see birds and tropical plants and flowers. In addition, you can feed the lorikeet birds. This is a great attraction for all ages. My mother and I visit yearly and still continue to love.

Davie Rodeo

Most people are shocked to hear that Broward County is home to the #1 ranked Rodeo in the US by USA Today. It's located in a western-themed town in Davie.

Sawgrass Mills Mall

Located in Sunrise, it is the largest outlet mall in the US. It has over 355 stores, 16 restaurants and a movie theater. It is also located across the street from where the Florida Panthers Hockey Team plays at Live Arena.

Flamingo Gardens

Also located in Davie and was founded in 1927, is a 60 acres botanical garden with attractions. You can see alligators, birds, black bears, flamingos, otters, panthers, bobcats, turtles and more. They offer a guided tram ride around the park every hour. Make sure to check their website for monthly events that are being offered. My mother and I have an annual membership and visit a few times a year for the different events that are offered.

Florida Everglades Airboat Ride

Located at Everglades Holiday Park, which is also home to the famous Gator Boys from TV. You will be able to enjoy an hour narrated airboat tour (hopefully you will see alligators), a 20-minute live alligator show; be able to see different animals throughout the park from alligators, snakes, panthers, foxes, peacocks, skunks and turtles; and shop for souvenirs in the gift shop. For an extra fee, you can have an animal encounter with 5 different unique animals. The Everglades are home to 1.5 million acres of wetlands and are home to endangered and threatened species. It also happens to be the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western hemisphere. This is always something I do with family and friends from out of town since you are only able to experience this in South Florida.

South Florida

A sports town. Go see a hockey game, soccer game, football game, baseball game or a basketball game.

• Florida Panthers-Live Arena in Sunrise

• Inter Miami CF Soccer Club-DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale

• Miami Hurricanes-Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens

• Miami Dolphins-Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens

• Florida Marlins-Loan Depot Park in Miami

• Miami Heat-Kaseya Center in Miami

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Located in Hollywood, is home to the Guitar Hotel, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Besides a hotel and casino, it also offers fine dining, contemporary dining and quick bites and bars and lounges. If you are looking for some entertainment, it is home to Hard Rock Live, where you will be able to see A-list celebrity performances, shows and sporting events.

There is so much to see and do around Ft. Lauderdale. Just make sure you plan so you can make the most of your vacation and experience everything that we have to offer.

• Greek Island Taverna - 3300 N. Ocean Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale

Make sure to buy a bottle of their Ladoregano sauce to take home. They use it to marginate everything from lemon potatoes, chicken and meat.

• Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant - 128 S. Federal Hwy Ft. Lauderdale

Has been opened since 1956. It is a South Florida landmark. They offer 50+ ice cream flavors from sundaes, to banana splits, shakes, soda floats and waffle ice cream.

• Croissan' Time French Bakery - 1201 North Federal Hwy Ft. Lauderdale

Has been opened since 1986. They sell breads, cakes, tarts, mini pastries, croissants and they have a deli so you are able to buy cheese, meats and quiches.

• Casablanca Cafe - 3049 Alhambra St. Ft. Lauderdale

You will have amazing views of Ft. Lauderdale Beach with outdoor seating on a patio. The cafe is a Mediterranean home that was built in 1927 and converted into a restaurant.

• Tropical Acres Steakhouse - 2500 Griffin Road Ft. Lauderdale

Has been opened since 1949. It is South Florida oldest steakhouse.

• Shooters - 3033 NE 32nd Ave Ft. Lauderdale

Has been opened since 1982. It is located on the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Rustic Inn Crabhouse - 4331 Angler's Ave Ft. Lauderdale

Has been opened since 1955. They are known for their world famous garlic crabs. It is a very casual restaurant where you are given a mallet, bib and eat with your hands.