Discover Fort Lauderdale’s sophisticated side as a vacation destination
In a past life, Fort Lauderdale was linked to throngs of Spring Breakers and dive beach bars where flip flops and tank tops were the unofficial uniform. While the South Florida coastal city still maintains its welcoming, laid-back personality (and its casual dress code), it’s also maturing into a sophisticated destination with luxury hotels, elevated nightlife and a sprinkling of chefs cultivating an inspired culinary atmosphere.
You can choose between blissful beach days and boating around Fort Lauderdale’s extensive canals and waterways — yachts and boats are the preferred transportation — then dive into the downtown area that’s pulsing with arts, culture and entertainment. Whether you prefer the beach or the city, or a mix of both, we’ve created an itinerary that showcases the best of both worlds.
Fort Lauderdale beach break
Check in: Evidence of Fort Lauderdale’s refinement is the new Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale, which recently received the city’s first-ever AAA Five Diamond hotel accolade. In other words — expect stellar service and supreme luxury. Spend vacation alternating between two sundeck pools which scan the ocean, and sunbathing on a chic lounger or in a private cabana on the pristine beach where a play-all-day attitude prevails. Families will love the complimentary water toys and beach games like oversized Jenga, and a beach concierge can book water adventures including paddle boarding and jet skis. Retreat to the spa for a medical-grade facial or a relaxing rubdown like the ‘Ebb & Flow’ massage. Wine and champagne are the main event in the glamorous lobby lounge Honey Fitz, a perfect spot to imbibe before having dinner at Evelyn’s restaurant where Chef Brandon Salomon masterfully crafts Eastern Mediterranean dishes with theatrical spins.
Other top beach stays: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, pet-friendly W Fort Lauderdale and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Beach. Also set to inject a new level of luxury into the area is the reopening of the iconic Pier Sixty-Six Resort in November 2024. The hotel’s transformational redevelopment includes 12 restaurants, multi-level pools, a superyacht marina, and the beloved Pier Top lounge that rotates in the sky.
Beach eats: Pretend that you don’t have to be in a bathing suit and start the day at Archibalds Village Bakery in North Beach Village to indulge in their sinful pastries and baked goods that are worth every calorie. Find your way to longtime local favorite Coconuts for a seafood lunch and boat spotting along the Intracoastal Waterway; you can also arrive at their dock by boat. Truly elevating Fort Lauderdale’s food scene is newcomer MAASS by chef Ryan Ratino, who’s behind several Michelin-starred concepts. Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, the restaurant is wrapped in elegance and its heartbeat is the open kitchen with a wood-fire oven, where a team of chefs whip up imaginative dishes infused with Japanese ingredients and executed with French flair. Culinary flexes include dainty macarons filled with foie gras, shrimp toast crowned with Virginia ham, a tomato dish that will blow your mind with its presentation and its fresh explosion of herbs, and a chicken stuffed with brioche that’s thrown on the fire and finished with a foie gras jus and black truffle puree. Other reasons to go: endless Veuve Clicquot for $60, all day, every day; and the intimate tasting experience at the chef’s counter.
Follow the cool crowd to Nubé Rooftop, a new sky-high lounge-restaurant on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort that floats above the ocean. As the only rooftop lounge on the beach, its wraparound balcony boasts unrivaled water and city views, especially at sunset. A DJ sets a dance-at-your-table vibe, and cocktails are served in playful vessels that smoke or impress with sea salt air foam. Nosh on caviar and potato chips, wagyu dumplings, or a seafood extravaganza of shrimp, oysters and ceviche. A dress code is enforced, so leave the flip flops at home — the views are worth it.
Beach attractions: When you need a beach break, head to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a 1920s historic estate that’s dotted with artwork, whimsical sculptures, and its expansive grounds are draped in dreamy tropical gardens. Neighboring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is perfect for leisurely walks through its canopy of trees and trails that weave along the Intracoastal Waterway (bring a picnic and sit along the seawall to watch the boats glide by). There’s always something happening at oceanfront green space The Loop, including a weekend farmer’s market, live music nights and seasonal movie screenings.
Fort Lauderdale cityscape itinerary
Check in: In Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the sleek boutique beauty Hyatt Centric Las Olas places guests at the doorstep of Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk and a range of cultural institutions. Some guest rooms and suites offer balconies with incredible city views or a front row seat to the constant parade of yachts along the New River. (Depending on which direction your room faces, watching the sunset casting its golden light over downtown is magic.) In addition to a rooftop pool and bar ELEV8, there are swanky touches like a lobby Champagne vending machine and a guest room transformed into a sultry speakeasy called Room 901 which can only be accessed with a password. Guests can hitch a ride within two miles of the hotel in the house Tesla — and with the beach only minutes away, the hotel provides two beach chairs, towels and an umbrella. Ask about discounts to nearby attractions like the NSU Art Museum and the water taxi.
Downtown dos: The biggest draws of staying downtown are easy access to Las Olas Boulevard’s myriad restaurants, unique cafes like Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar, boutiques, and art galleries, and the chance to stroll the scenic Riverwalk or hop on a riverboat tour like the Jungle Queen or the Water Taxi, which makes stops throughout the city.
The NSU Art Museum is a cultural gem where its director curates exhibitions by global up-and-comers and those often underrepresented in the art world. Another nearby treasure is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts which sets the stage for highly praised Broadway musicals, concerts and operas. Kids will love burning off energy at the Museum of Discovery and Science which mixes STEM, fun and animal encounters.
Best bites: Discreetly nestled between a row of condos off Las Olas, Café Bastille feels like a secret discovery that’s more like a quaint home than restaurant. With its breezy setting along a canal, you’ll want to tuck under a fringed umbrella by the water for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Owned by a French couple, everything is made from scratch including the pastries and to-die-for almond croissants. There’s healthy fare too, like green juices, smoothies and a perfect niçoise salad. To experience the area’s boating lifestyle, waterfront Casa Sensei restaurant on Las Olas partners with eco-friendly Riverfront Gondola Tours for a 90-minute sunset cruise. Order ahead from the restaurant’s global menu to have a spread waiting onboard. If you ask food-driven locals for standout spots, they’ll send you to The Katherine for shareable global-inspired plates bursting with flavor; or to Heritage where a passionate chef who doubles as a rock star makes the city’s best pastas and pizzas.
This story was originally published April 30, 2024 at 5:07 PM.
