Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is an expansive coastal community on the east along the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal community is a major seaport known for its tropical climate, oceanfront, and active culture. It is also known for its food and shopping, especially at the attractive Las Olas Boulevard and luxury Las Olas real estate. There are also many art galleries and museums in the area. The city has numerous parks for residents to explore and natural open spaces. Fort Lauderdale is a lively community with a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. There are so many unique areas where residents can plan a staycation and experience the beautiful city.
Hotels and Resorts
There are several hotels and resorts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, if you are looking for a local relaxing getaway. Many upscale resorts offer excellent service and impressive facilities, such as pools, spa treatments, and luxury overnight accommodations.
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
Photo courtesy of The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is a beachfront hotel with a nautical theme and a splash of 50s glamour. It is a luxury hotel that offers many upscale amenities and features. The rooms feel like home with spacious floorplans, balconies, and water views. Guests can enjoy the spa and indulge in signature treatments like detoxifying scrubs and cleansing rituals.
The spa is a sleek and modern facility that also includes a hair and nail salon for a relaxing full-service experience. The elevated pool features private cabanas and unobstructed ocean views from the comfortable lounge chairs. Hotel guests can also dine on-site at several restaurants, including Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits. The restaurant is an intimate space with Prohibition-era influences, water views, and a seasonal menu with fresh seafood and high-quality meats. The restaurant proudly offers local artisan menu items like coffee and fresh-made bread.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Photo courtesy of The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is an oceanfront hotel and resort in a prime location, minutes from Las Olas Boulevard and a short commute to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport. The overnight accommodations are modern and clean, with simple coastal décor, fine linens, and large windows. Spa Q is a tranquil facility with indoor treatment rooms, a terrace, and oceanview outdoor treatment spaces. The spa offers many massages and beauty treatments like heated sea shell massage, hot stone massage, facials, waxing, and nail treatments.
The on-site Sun, Surf, and Sand Restaurant is on the ground floor and serves coastal cuisine and sides from local ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe with comfortable outdoor seating, live music, and seasonal events and entertainment. Guests can also take advantage of the beautiful pool, fitness center, and private beach access.
Ocean Manor Beach Resort
Ocean Manor Beach Resort is an oceanfront resort on Galt Ocean Mile near downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can enjoy the ultimate beach staycation with luxury rooms and penthouse suits. The rooms are upscale with quality décor, like hardwood floors, tile, quality linens, and comfortable seating. Guests can enjoy unobstructed ocean views or sparkling city views with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. The resort has a spa and salon where guests can receive full-service treatments like hair styling and massages. The resort also has several dining options for relaxed and casual beachfront experiences.
Casa Calabria is an upscale restaurant centered around Celabrian décor and authentic dishes with imported meats and cheeses. The restaurant also has an upscale bar that creates fresh cocktails and has a piano player for live entertainment. With the beach being a central attraction for resort guests, there are many beachfront amenities like private cabanas, beachfront massages, yoga on the beach, and the tropical beach café that serves breakfast and brunch.
Museums and Parks
While planning your staycation in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to explore the many museums and parks in the community. Locals may not experience all the incredible attractions during the busy work week, but with a staycation, you can visit these beautiful spots.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an expansive natural area between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal waterway. The preserve provides many exciting recreational opportunities, such as camping, biking, fishing, swimming, and rollerblading. If you feel adventurous and want to camp in the park, it has six cabins, restrooms, air conditioning, and a lodge with a full kitchen and dining space.
NSU Art Museum
The NSU Art Museum connects locals to visual and expression art from around the world through collections and exhibitions, and educational programs. The museum is more than 80,000 square feet of space and features a 25,000-square-foot exhibition center and a large auditorium. Locals can also participate in events and programs like tours, speakers, and art education.
Holiday Park
Holidays Park is a beautiful spot to stop on your staycation for a stroll before the beach or time in nature before you hit the shops on Las Olas Boulevard. Holiday Park is a large, centrally located park with a wide range of amenities like:
- Open fields
- Sports fields and courts
- Playground
- Walking paths
- Trails
- Dog park
- Fitness stations and equipment
- Recreation center
International Swimming Hall of Fame
The International Swimming Hall of Fame is a world-class aquatic and training center that attracts visitors nationwide. Locals can have a membership to the community for access to the facilities or stop to tour the museum with historical artifacts. The hall of fame is an iconic building with massive training pools and a multi-story building with floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition, the hall of fame is going to have the tallest dive tower in the Western hemisphere — opening January 28, 2023, and 88 feet (27 meters) tall.
Are you ready to make Fort Lauderdale your home and explore these exciting destinations any time you want? Many Fort Lauderdale Beach homes are for sale in vibrant neighborhoods close to upscale amenities and walkable shopping centers. D’Angelo Realty Group is a top-performing real estate group in Fort Lauderdale with in-depth local market knowledge and comprehensive marketing tools to help clients buy and sell their homes. Find your next Fort Lauderdale Beach property and explore the stunning coast.