At the southern end of Greater Fort Lauderdale, just before crossing into Miami, is Hallandale Beach. This beach is home to two fantastic beach parks: South City, where you’ll find a playground and volleyball courts, and North City, which is smaller but right by the ocean (and home to the locally designed Beach Ball Water Tower—perfect for an Instagram moment). For dining on the water, head to upscale eatery ETARU, a Japanese bar and grill that delivers directly to the sand at its beach bar on weekends. Time your trip to be in town during the fourth Sunday of the month in season (between December and April), when South City Beach Park showcases local musicians during its Beach Entertainment Series.
Along the brick-paved Hollywood Beach Broadwalk—which stretches over two and a half miles from Jefferson Street to Sheridan Street, ending at Hollywood North Beach Park—you can cycle or stroll while shopping or grabbing a bite at one of the many outdoor cafes. If you’re traveling with pup in tow, be sure to get a day pass to Dog Beach (which you may recognize from the film “Marley and Me”). Over the past few years, Hollywood has heralded a mix of new and revamped hotels like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, home to the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.
North of Hollywood, Dania Beach feels more like a hidden gem, meaning you won’t have to fight for a space on the wide, white-sand beach. The Dania Beach Fishing Pier is popular for anglers after sportfish like tarpon and snook, and the beach is one of the few that has dining directly on the water. Quarterdeck Dania Beach Pier serves up classic beach bar fare (fried calamari, smoked mahi dip) and more refined plates you wouldn’t expect on the sand (think sirloin steak and clams in garlic wine butter). Just north of the pier lies Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, a great spot for picnicking, kayaking, and swimming.
Located just over a mile from Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale each is the area’s beating heart. Get your bearings strolling along the infamous Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade, which skirts the coast and features a series of swanky hotels and happening restaurants and bars, like Lona Cocina Tequileria at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach resort and fine dining Japanese-Korean eatery at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. While wining and dining are the highlights here, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water, two favorites being by paddleboard or yacht tour.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea This walkable beach town has the feel of a seaside village with its mid-century modern, low-rise buildings (it also helps that it’s located on a barrier island seven feet above sea level). Swim through the shipwreck snorkel trail to spot wrecks like a British cargo steamer from 1900 or dive just 100 yards offshore at the first of a three-tiered natural coral reef system. The 24-hour Anglins Fishing Pier is also a favorite for casting a line (there’s a bait shop if you need supplies) and live music performances.
Pompano Beach Further south, Pompano Beach is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Many of the coral reefs are reachable right from shore, while you’ll find 18 shipwrecks further out (head to Shipwreck Park for a mix of artificial reefs and art installations). The area is also popular for sport fishing, and the Hillsboro Inlet Fishing Center can arrange charters on their modern fleet for half or full-day trips. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep them entertained, from multiple playgrounds to an interactive water fountain with ocean views.
The tiny town of Hillsboro Beach—which spans just three miles in length—is mostly beach. One of the highlights: climbing the 175 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse for sweeping sea views. Hillsboro Beach is also home to one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests per mile along Florida’s East Coast, so keep an eye out for nests (and maybe even prints from hatchlings).
Deerfield Beach South of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach is a family-friendly coastal community where you can spend your time building sandcastles and collecting seashells or surfing and swimming. Island Water Sports can get you outfitted for a day of water sports—and even provide private or group surfing, skimboarding, or paddleboard lessons—but the main draw here is the 1,000-foot-long international fishing pier. If you want to see what’s happening below the surface, check out the live underwater camera, which is located 30 feet below the pier, or take a walk underneath the pier itself for Instagram-worthy sunset pics. Discover the Charm of Deerfield Beach Near Your Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental When you book your stay with Lauderdale Vacation Living, you’re not just choosing a cozy and comfortable vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale — you’re also placing yourself within reach of one of South Florida’s most scenic coastal gems: Deerfield Beach. Just a short drive from our townhomes and waterfront rentals, Deerfield Beach offers the perfect day trip destination for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to unwind, explore, or enjoy some oceanfront fun. Why Visit Deerfield Beach? Deerfield Beach City in Florida Deerfield Beach is a quiet, family-friendly city located just south of Boca Raton and a convenient drive from our Fort Lauderdale vacation homes. Known for its clean, well-maintained beachfront and laid-back atmosphere, this beach community is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re interested in building sandcastles with the kids, taking long walks by the water, or enjoying sunrise views with a coffee in hand, Deerfield Beach delivers a relaxed, natural vibe perfect for guests staying at Lauderdale Vacation Living. Attractions and Activities at Deerfield Beach The International Fishing Pier: Stretching over 900 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic pier is ideal for fishing enthusiasts or anyone looking to take in spectacular ocean views. You can rent gear right at the pier or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll above the waves. Water Sports: Nearby shops like Island Water Sports offer rentals for paddleboarding, skimboarding, and surfing — perfect for active travelers and families with teens looking to add excitement to their trip. Local Eateries & Cafés: After a morning by the water, stroll into one of the beachside cafes or seafood restaurants for a fresh and casual lunch. There are plenty of dining options with outdoor seating and views of the ocean. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With lifeguards on duty, wide sandy areas, and shaded picnic spots, Deerfield Beach is an ideal beach for families staying in one of our vacation rentals for four guests or small groups. Easy Day Trips from Lauderdale Vacation Living At Lauderdale Vacation Living, our vacation townhouses and homes are conveniently located in quiet Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods, close to the beach, airport, and major attractions. A short drive north will take you to Deerfield Beach for a scenic change of pace — all without the need to book a second hotel or relocate. Enjoy the best of both worlds: spend your nights in a peaceful vacation home near the Intracoastal or Fort Lauderdale Beach, and enjoy your days exploring the beautiful shores of Deerfield Beach. It’s all part of the laid-back, flexible vacation experience we’re proud to offer. Plan Your Stay Today Booking with Lauderdale Vacation Living gives you access to more than just Fort Lauderdale’s hotspots — it opens up the entire coast of South Florida. With top-notch amenities like full kitchens, waterfront views, and space for small families or couples, our homes make the perfect base for exploring hidden gems like Deerfield Beach. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a romantic vacation, or a family trip, let Deerfield Beach be one of the highlights of your stay. Browse our rentals today and start planning your South Florida getaway!
Tom Magaddino gave up a corporate job in 2017 to open his first pizza shop in the county’s convention center. That became a mobile pizza van before Magaddino finally landed a home inside Gulfstream Brewing, where he’s putting out some of the best pies in town, literally from a tiny setup in the corner. Expect the typical, like margherita and pepperoni with red sauce, and also the wildly creative, like the carbonara-inspired Pork Belly & Egg.
Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr’s steakhouse takes up a choice waterfront spot at the bottom of The W hotel. But grab an indoor seat to enjoy what might be an even better view of a massive fish tank of glowing jellyfish. The traditional steakhouse classics are on the menu, with high-end choices covering dry-aged and wagyu cuts. While those steaks are fine choices, somebody at the table ought to order the $85 cheesesteak: American wagyu and truffle cheese whiz on a brioche roll, served with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut.
The ocean views are reason enough to come to Burlock Coast, but there’s also Adrienne Grenier, a talented chef producing a menu focusing on fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The casual market-style setup here might seem like a surprise being in the Ritz-Carlton, but that’s good news for anyone looking for a reasonably priced and well-sourced meal with sea views.
Runway founder Anthony Bruno, of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza fame, teamed up with restaurateur Marc Falsetto to give this Lauderdale classic a remake in 2023 into an Italian supper club with nightly live music. There are still the dishes regulars expect—cauliflower rigatoni, the absolutely huge “Sunday feast” plate, the little grandma cup of garlic butter served with the crusty hunk of bread to start. New items include carpaccio of thin-sliced wagyu filet, an Idaho potato stuffed with black truffle and cacio e pepe sauce. The don of this menu, the Danielle, is a breaded bone-in veal chop slathered in alla vodka sauce, dotted with peas and prosciutto and covered in islands of melted mozzarella.
For years, I declared this was my favorite Fort Lauderdale restaurant, although I’ll admit a part of that reason was that I could walk to it. It’s exactly the kind of spot you want in your neighborhood: unassuming, reasonably priced and regularly excellent. The menu is a limited collection of favorites, like the chicken valentino, but the long list of daily specials read aloud by the servers often include a massive antipasti plate with a “surprise,” lobster ravioli and a whole branzino charred crisp in the pizza oven. Regular’s tip: get aglio e olio pasta on the side of the whole fish for a meal that feels very Italian.
Some locals might be angry that we’ve written about Larb Thai-Isan, one of those strip mall spots putting out amazing food that you just want to keep to yourself. Now that the secret is exposed, bring friends so you can order a lot. To get you started: chicken or pork larb (of course); fried rib meat chunks marinated in fish sauce; papaya salad with salted crab; ground pork with chili and garlic; and especially the duck salad with a spicy, sweet fish sauce and crunchy fried duck skin.
Before arriving at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, chef Anthony Vitolo served a whole lot of celebrities at his Emilio’s Ballato in New York. No word yet on whether Taylor Swift will also visit the Lauderdale location, but I can say the dishes at Vitolo in Fort Lauderdale are worthy of her appearance. Generally, the menu runs the gamut of American red sauce Italian: bolognese, chicken Milanese and ricotta ravioli. But like the restaurant’s stylish space, these dishes are prepared and presented in more elegant ways—you might even say it’s like Taylor’s version.
A friend of mine who had recently returned from spending three months in Italy had a pretty wild declaration: he hadn’t had a pizza in the Old World better than the one at Heritage. It’s not entirely surprising to those who’ve had the pies here, which came about when chef Rino Cerbone perfected the dough recipe he learned in his family’s pizzeria to create his own version. Cerbone, who has a side hustle fronting a rock band, isn’t just a one-hit-wonder with those pies because his pasta and Italian-inspired dishes also sing, especially a baked razor clams dish that’s reason enough to come.
Timon Balloo made a name for himself first by collecting accolades as head chef of Sugarcane in Miami before heading north to open this homey neighborhood spot. At this restaurant named after his wife, Marissa Katherine, Balloo combines inspiration from family recipes, such as the Chinese dishes that his mom made as a kid and the sancocho of Katherine’s Colombian grandmother. That’s evident with the deeply umami heirloom tomatoes in coconut vinaigrette and the richly seasoned Trini oxtail with Haitian pikliz. While dining here, I’ve often said that I’d never had anything like the creative dish in front of us, but we hope very much to see them again soon.
Daniel’s took over the former Valentino/Canyon space in Rio Vista and quickly became the booked-every-night spot for Lauderdale’s yacht club crowd. They’re here for the ambiance, a glitzy supper-club decor uncommon in this flip-flops-at-dinner city. But they’re also here for the cooking of Daniel Ganem, also the chef at Coral Gables Italian spot Fiola. As the name suggests, this is a steakhouse but with a Florida theme; meats, fish, and produce are sourced within the state when possible and also serve as headliners during a once-a-week tasting menu. Because it’s Ganem, there are also a couple of pasta dishes on the menu, like cacio e pepe with an optional black truffle addition and a Key lime pie with a darling Italian meringue crown.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, underwent a massive $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, making it more than just a great place to stay. Travelers should head to the Hard Rock for dining, nightlife and – of course – gambling. The Seminole Hard Rock is a 10-mile drive southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and offers ample parking for visitors. At the more than 195,000-square-foot casino (the largest in South Florida), patrons can choose from 2,700-plus slot machines and nearly 200 table games. Those who aren’t willing to risk it all on the blackjack table will still find plenty to do. Seminole Hard Rock has dining establishments fit for all palates, ranging from fine dining at Council Oak steakhouse and Kuro (Japanese) to contemporary Asian cuisine at The Bol and the iconic Hard Rock Cafe. What’s more, a food court features pizza, burgers, hot dogs and Chinese specialties. The property also boasts the 7,000-person Hard Rock Live arena, which is a prime place to see touring entertainers like Maroon 5, Andrea Bocelli, Sting and more.
Located in Sunrise, Florida – about 15 miles west of downtown Fort Lauderdale – Sawgrass Mills mall is a shopping destination like no other. Known by locals simply as “Sawgrass,” it is the largest outlet mall in the United States. Within the 350-store complex, you will find a variety of retail sections with shops ranging from budget-friendly options like a Super Target, Marshalls, J.Crew Factory and Nike Factory Store to the Colonnade’s exclusive luxury-brand outlets like Tory Burch, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Kate Spade. Sawgrass also houses a cinema with an IMAX movie theater, a post office, two food courts and several restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Rainforest Cafe (a great spot for families) and conveyor belt style SushiGami. If you hope to see the entire mall, plan on spending at least one full day here. Sawgrass Mills is such a major shopping destination that it is not uncommon to see vacationers wheeling empty suitcases around the mall and filling them up with their purchases as they shop. Though Sawgrass Mills no longer offers an official tour bus to and from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, there are third-party direct shuttles and town car services available. Still, the best way to travel to and from the airport (and around South Florida in general) is by renting a car of your own. To cater to international travelers, the mall even has its own currency-exchange station. For transportation from the Fort Lauderdale-International Airport, take the Tri-Rail train to the Fort Lauderdale station and transfer to Broward County Transit bus No. 22 westbound directly to the mall. Recent visitors note that the mall can become extremely crowded – especially on weekends and around the holidays – and you may have to search for a spot in the free parking lot. To avoid these issues, get to the mall at opening time or plan your visit for a weekday. You can also look for a parking space in a less popular corner of the mall or opt for valet parking (between $10 and $25) outside of the Oasis and Colonnade sections, or in front of the Seasons 52 restaurant. Sawgrass is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours vary.
Situated just off Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, the Historic Stranahan House Museum is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest structure with a storied past. Frank Stranahan, an Ohio businessman, moved to Florida in the early 1890s and is considered to be Fort Lauderdale’s founding father. He built Stranahan House in 1901 for use as a trading post and community hall. It later transitioned into a private residence for Stranahan and his wife, Ivy, and was renovated between 1913 and 1915. After Stranahan’s untimely death in 1929 during an economic crisis, Ivy Stranahan rented out rooms of the home and leased the lower floor to a few restaurants. After her passing in 1971, the house was left to the Seventh Day Adventist Church and then purchased by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society in 1975. The organization restored the house between 1980 and 1984, and opened it to the public later that year as the Historic Stranahan House Museum. Visitors must take a guided tour to see the museum. Tours last between 45 minutes and an hour and take place at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. daily (with the exception of major holidays). Inside the property, you’ll learn about the history of the house, the Stranahan family and Fort Lauderdale as a whole. Admission costs $12 for adults and $7 for students. The Historic Stranahan House Museum is especially lovely during the holiday season, when it is decorated in a Victorian Christmas theme and entertains visitors with live music and tours by costumed docents. Most recent guests were pleasantly surprised by how interesting the museum was and felt it was a slice of Fort Lauderdale history worth seeing. They also enjoyed the house’s scenic location right along the New River. If you cannot find a parking space in the small on-site parking lot, Stranahan House suggests parking in public lots at the Riverside Hotel, along Las Olas Boulevard or elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the races or just find a nice spot for dinner, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach has you covered. The Gulfstream Park racetrack opened in 1939 as one of the top horse racing venues in the United States. It has continued its legacy with world-class races every Wednesday to Sunday from December through September, and it caters to both beginners and experienced bettors. Admission is free, but various luxury boxes and private suites are available for serious racing enthusiasts. Special events at the park include the annual Florida Derby – considered the biggest racing day of the year in South Florida – at the end of March or beginning of April. In recent years, Gulfstream Park has grown to include the Village at Gulfstream, a dining, outdoor shopping and entertainment venue. There you’ll find art galleries and stores like Crate & Barrel and Bang & Olufsen, dining options ranging from Texas De Brazil to Yard House and even a casino, a bowling alley and karaoke rooms. Recent visitors of Gulfstream Park loved the variety of entertainment options, with some even calling it an “adult dream world.” Many also praised the on-site dining options. Though criticisms were few and far between, one common issue was with the casino, which patrons say could use some sprucing up.
Butterfly World, the largest butterfly house on Earth and the first of its kind in the United States, has been in business since 1986 and is home to more than 20,000 live butterflies. The 3-acre attraction was the brainchild of Ronald Boender, a former electrical engineer with a fascination for raising butterflies. He is also known for starting the “Bring Butterflies Back” campaign in 1988, which led to the creation of thousands of new butterfly habitats and an increase in butterfly populations across North America. Today, visitors of Butterfly World can not only interact with more than 50 butterfly species at any one time, but also admire tropical birds and feed lorikeets. This Coconut Creek attraction, located about 15 miles north of downtown Fort Lauderdale, is a great place to bring children. Recent patrons said it was a beautiful and unique place to spend an afternoon, and they were amazed to see the butterflies flying all around them. Another highlight was feeding the birds in the lorikeet enclosure. No outside food is permitted at Butterfly World, but you can bring lunch to eat at designated picnic benches outside of the entrance. There are also two outdoor cafes on the premises that sell snacks and drinks. Butterfly World is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Final admission every day is at 4 p.m., and the butterfly flight area and lorikeet encounter close at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $32.50 for adults and senior citizens and $22.50 for children between the ages of 3 and 11. Admission is free for kids 2 and younger. Butterfly World is a part of the greater Tradewinds Park complex, so there may also be a small gate fee to enter the property.
This house sitting between the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale Beach has a long history. In 1919, a wealthy settler gave the 35-acre property (named after the bonnet lily flower that grew on the grounds) as a wedding gift to his daughter, Helen, and her husband, Frederic. In 1920, the newlyweds began construction of Bonnet....
Located a few blocks north of the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s position between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean makes it a fun locale for all types of travelers. Those looking to get out on the water can canoe or kayak in the largest of the park’s coastal ....
Diverse restaurants, a bevy of international art galleries and dozens of retail options line Las Olas Boulevard. But while casual walkers and window-shoppers enjoy soaking in the Floridian atmosphere and overall aesthetic of the boulevard, the more intent consumer may not find this commercial street as appealing due to the high price tags and crowded ....
If it’s a rainy day and you need an indoor activity that will appeal to the kids, take them to the Museum of Discovery and Science. The museum is filled with so many activities and exhibits, your kids may never want to leave. Admire the museum’s resident river otters at the two-story habitat, learn more …
Tucked away on an unassuming street in Davie, Florida, Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and Everglades wildlife refuge situated 17 miles west of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Once inside the gates, you will be transported to a stunning 60-acre tropical oasis filled with roaming peacocks, native Florida wildlife and more than 3,000 plant species. A …