Weekend Getaway Guide: Four Days in Fort Lauderdale

 

Searching for the best place for an exciting weekend trip? Look no further than Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Fort Lauderdale is the perfect spot for a Florida weekend getaway. It’s easy to get to, whether you’re driving in or flying from out of town. Once you’re here, there’s so much to do, from exploring the waterways and beaches to checking out great restaurants and outdoor activities. But if you’d rather just relax, it’s the perfect place for that, too! You can kick back in a chair by the water and let the stress melt away while enjoying the view.

Fort Lauderdale Getaway Four-Day Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary of what your weekend in Fort Lauderdale could look like. Prefer to make your own schedule? Be sure to check out our guides on Fort Lauderdale boating and things to do around the city.

Day One: Arrival in Fort Lauderdale

After a morning of traveling, you’ve finally arrived in Fort Lauderdale— welcome! Once you’ve checked into your accommodations (more on that later) and you’ve settled in, it’s time to start exploring.

 

If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, start by grabbing a bite to eat at one of our favorite lunchtime eateries. 

 

Of course, you may be tired from your morning of traveling. That’s why we’ve started with the most relaxing option: an afternoon spent at the beach.

 

Grab a towel, chair, and sunscreen and head towards the water. There are many beaches in the area to choose from, with no wrong choice. Each beach offers something different in terms of amenities, nearby attractions, and overall atmosphere. Visit Lauderdale offers a good overview of each beach in this guide.

 

As the sun sets, pack your bags and head to Coconuts for a casual waterside dinner.

Day Two: Explore the Waterways at Your Own Pace

Day two will be focused on one of the things that make Fort Lauderdale so unique— its maze of waterways.

 

Morning

Start your day by stopping by getting breakfast at The Floridian, an iconic diner on Las Olas Boulevard that has been a Fort Lauderdale staple for over 70 years. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk along Las Olas. Browse boutique shops, check out local art galleries, and soak in the fun aura of this area.

Once you’ve had your fill of Las Olas, board the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi to continue your adventure. The water taxi will be your bus for the day, taking you to different points of interest throughout the city. 

Midday

Next, take in the following stops on your water taxi adventure:

 

• Stranahan House Museum: If you’re a history buff, take a short tour of this historic gem, which offers a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s early days.

• 15th Street Fisheries: Ready for lunch? Stop at this waterfront restaurant for a fresh seafood lunch. 

• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk: Stay on the water taxi and take it down to Hollywood Beach, where you can enjoy a promenade filled with shops, snacks, and beach access.

 

These are just our suggestions— but the great thing about the water taxi is that the world is your oyster. If a stop looks interesting, get off and explore! There will be another taxi coming by soon to pick you up.

 

Late Afternoon and Night

Experiencing Fort Lauderdale from the water at night is just as neat as it is during the day. As the sun begins to set and the lights start twinkling off the water, board the water taxi again and take it back up to Shooter’s Waterfront for an upscale seafood dinner.

 

If you’re in the mood for nighttime fun, head back to where you first started your day! Las Olas Boulevard has numerous nightlife options, from laidback dives to swanky rooftop bars.

Day Three: Get Outside and Active

Get ready to get moving on day three with these great outdoor activities.

 

Morning

Start the day with breakfast at Casablanca Cafe, a Mediterranean-American restaurant that is located in the oldest standing building on Fort Lauderdale beach.  

 

After breakfast, head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to enjoy the park’s outdoor activities. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the park’s coastal dune lake, or take a leisurely bike ride along its scenic trails. There’s also plenty of space for a nature walk under the shady canopy of trees.

 

Midday

Fuel up at The Grove without ever having to leave the park! After lunch, you can continue to explore the state park if you didn’t get enough. If you’re ready for a change of scenery, head to the Bonnet House. This historical estate is a must-see when visiting. Wander through tropical gardens, marvel at local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquil outdoor setting.

 

Evening and Night

Take a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway. Many local companies offer tours that highlight the area’s stunning waterfront mansions and yachts.

 

If you want to combine this experience with dinner, be sure to check out the Jungle Queen cruise, which offers a dinner cruise combination!

Day Four: Wind Down and Pack Up

The weekend has come and gone so quickly, but there’s still time for last-minute adventures.

 

Start your final day with a sunrise at the beach and breakfast at Nanou French Bakery, where you can enjoy authentic French pastries and coffee. 

 

If time allows, visit the Flamingo Gardens, a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary featuring Florida-native plants and animals, including its namesake pink flamingos.

Where to Stay for a Florida Getaway

One key to a successful weekend getaway is staying somewhere central to the action. You want to spend your days enjoying what the city has to offer— not driving to your destinations. 

When planning your weekend trip to Fort Lauderdale, Yacht Haven Park & Marina is the perfect place to stay. Located along the New River, this resort offers spacious RV sites with full hookups and cozy RV BNBs for those without their own rig.

Whether you’re enjoying the heated pool, strolling through the lush grounds, or relaxing by the waterfront fire pit, you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind. With its on-site marina and convenient location near Fort Lauderdale’s top attractions, Yacht Haven is ideal for both relaxation and adventure!