Many cruises start in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as the “Venice of America”. There are more than 300 miles of Intracoastal Waterway and navigable inland canals lined with lavish mansions and yachts. Greater Fort Lauderdale consists of 23 miles of soft-sand beaches along the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a number of beach parks and natural attractions are located a stone’s throw from the cruise port.
Start the morning off by watching the sunrise on the beach, and catch breakfast at St. Bart’s Coffee Co. (441 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard), a charming little cafe with outdoor seating. The restaurant faces the ocean and is a perfect spot for people-watching.
Next, get up close with local wildlife at Flamingo Gardens (3750 S. Flamingo Road), a 60-acre tropical oasis that consists of the Botanical Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary. The gardens are home to more than 83 native species, including alligators, bobcats, panthers, otters, eagles, peacocks and, yes, flamingos. There are also more than 3,000 species of plants and trees; a 25-minute narrated tram tour gives visitors some background information on South Florida’s natural environment. It runs on the hour, every hour.
Shopping
Anyone who spends time in Fort Lauderdale will inevitably find themselves on Las Olas Boulevard. This is a lively and popular street packed with restaurants, art exhibitions and galleries. There’s also lots of stores perfect for window shopping (or actual shopping, if you feel like treating yourself).
If you want to get a taste of old-school Florida, Downtown Hollywood is a solid bet. Not only are the stores friendly and lively, but the surrounding ambiance will make you understand why Floridians have so much pride in the history of their state.
Fort Lauderdale Beach has plenty of bright sand and sparkling water for you to enjoy. The beach offers incredible views of the ocean. You might even be able to see your cruise ship in the distance!
Dining in Fort Lauderdale
For an elegant but casual dinner near the beach, try Casablanca Cafe (3049 Alhambra Street). It is a Mediterranean restaurant with indoor and outdoor patio seating, beautiful ocean views and live piano music. They do not accept reservations, so arrive early to avoid a wait.
This trendy Ft. Lauderdale locale offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, not to mention art galleries, historic homes, and the Riverwalk. Whether you choose to stroll the area by foot, wave down a Sun Trolley, or hop on a Water Taxi, Las Olas is a must visit destination and one of the Best Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale on a Cruise. You can spend the day window shopping at some high end boutiques and art galleries then stick around for some lunch or dinner. Whether you decide to dine at the casual Mango’s, the popular Royal Pig, or our pick La Bonne Crepe, you are sure to please your palette.
No visit to Ft. Lauderdale would be complete without exploring the Everglades. Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is the home to several species of birds, fish, and of course, alligators. You could plan a visit to this 1.5 million acre sanctuary on your own to explore on a number of hiking, biking, and kayaking adventures, but we suggest taking an airboat ride.
