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Fort Lauderdale Vacation: The Ultimate Florida Holiday Checklist

Get ready for fun in the Florida sun in Fort Lauderdale with this Ultimate Holiday Checklist.

Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s best holiday destinations. If you’re planning to visit the Sunshine State anytime soon, this is probably one of the greatest contenders. Before spending time in the Venice of America, it’s vital that you know how to make the most of your stay. Follow this simple Fort Lauderdale ultimate holiday checklist, and get ready for the best Florida vacation.

Get ready for fun in the Florida sun in Fort Lauderdale with this Ultimate Holiday Checklist.
Get ready for fun in the Florida sun in Fort Lauderdale with this Ultimate Holiday Checklist. Photo: Pixabay

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Fort Lauderdale Vacation: The Ultimate Florida Holiday Checklist

We've got 10 reasons you should visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida for your next vacation.
We’ve got 10 reasons you should visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida for your next vacation. Photo: Pixabay

Located on Florida’s southeastern coast, Fort Lauderdale is known for its amazing beaches and maze of boating canals.

Running along oceanside highway A1A is its equally amazing promenade, lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels.

But where to go, where to start, and what to do on your Fort Lauderdale vacation? Or guest contributor gives us the ultimate Florida holiday checklist with these 10 things to see and do in Fort Lauderdale.

Pack for the sun.

The sun is likely to shine in Fort Lauderdale no matter what time of the year you plan to visit. This means that you must take the necessary precautions including sunblock and packing summer clothes is essential.  (Read this great Ultimate Family Beach Packing List from our friends at TravelingMom.)

Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale?

From hotels to resorts, villas to AirBnB, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers many types of accomodations
From hotels to resorts, villas to AirBnB, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers many types of accommodations. Photo: Pixabay

Click on the interactive map below to compare every available hotel deal and Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale.

The standard hotel option is fine, but many guests find that villa rentals can be a far better option. This way you’ll gain a sense of privacy and home comfort while still gaining the rewards of staying in a luxury property.

How to get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to your accommodations?

Flying to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood FLL Airport is the best way to get to this beautiful city in the Sunshine State. Travel in style by booking a Fort Lauderdale limo ride service can get you to the final destination. This should provide the perfect start to your adventure.

4. Take a cruise.

Take a cruise -- one of the many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Take a cruise — one of the many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Pixabay

Given the city’s nickname, Venice of Florida, it’s unsurprising to learn that there are various river cruises on offer. Frankly, there is no better way to explore this incredible city and the many waterways that give it its unique vibe and atmosphere.

Spend time at the beach.

Your Fort Lauderdale vacation - ultimate Florida holiday checklist #fortlauderdalevacation #floridavacationplanning

Fort Lauderdale Beach,  Las Olas, and Hollywood Beach are all fantastic places to top up your tan. Or you could play beach sports, water sports, or experience using a Segway. Either way, a day of sun, sea, and sand is always a winner.

Enjoy the Fort Lauderdale excursions.

Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve on the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida.
Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve on the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida. Photo: Pixaby

You could easily spend your entire holiday in Fort Lauderdale with immense joy. Still, with Miami and the Everglades on your doorstep, it would be a huge shame to miss out on those opportunities.

Looking for an Everglades tour — click here.

Sample the seafood.

Sample the amazing seafood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sample the amazing seafood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Pixabay

The city has many great restaurants across various cuisines. Nonetheless, the freshness of the seafood is incredible. It’s possible to build a day tour around the concept of trying all the different places. Or you can just choose one that tickles your fancy.

8. Visit the car museum.

Step back into time with a visit to the Fort Lauderdale antique car museum.
Step back into time with a visit to the Fort Lauderdale antique car museum. Photo: Pixabay

Fort Lauderdale antique car museum is a delightful venue filled with history and stunning motors. Even if you’re not a major petrolhead, there’s no doubt that a few hours in this stunning place will be far more enjoyable than most traditional museums.

Pack your camera.

Capture your Fort Lauderdale Vacation by bringing your camera.
Capture your Fort Lauderdale Vacation by bringing your camera. Photo: Pixabay

There are many wonderful sights and horizons to see during your stay. Taking a camera and learning how to take great photographs is something that will ensure those memories last a lifetime. Those snaps can even become your holiday souvenirs by turning them into canvases.

10. Travel with the right people.

Ok, so this one isn’t limited to Florida. Still, the importance of traveling with the best group is vital. Take your multigenerational family, take the grandkids, or invite your friends — but pack your bags and enjoy your Fort Lauderdale vacation. 

Want more things to do in Fort Lauderdale? Read Diana Rowe’s Fort Lauderdale off the beaten path.

8 thoughts on “Fort Lauderdale Vacation: The Ultimate Florida Holiday Checklist”

  1. Everglades National Park is looking absolutely amazing. I would like to visit one day for sure. Also going on a cruise sounds like a lovely idea, so I can plan a whole vacation starting from Florida.

  2. Thanks for posting this, Everglades looks amazing …. can’t wait for our trip this November. I will definitely visit these places

  3. A couple years ago, I watched one of those HGTV House Hunter shows that was searching around Fort Lauderdale. Prior to that, I hadn’t really heard much about the city, but watching the show got me really interested. I love that name, “The Venice of Florida”! One of these years, we’ll have to come see it for ourselves.

  4. This is such a great resource. I feel like I’m always “passing through” Ft Lauderdale. Clearly, I’m not giving it the time it deserves. Hopefully next time I can stop for a bit!

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