Two Days in Fort Lauderdale: Beaches, Boats, and a Bonus Status Run
Beach and palm trees in Fort Lauderdale
A year-end push to renew United Platinum status brought me to Fort Lauderdale for a quick two-day, one-night escape between December 30 and 31, and it turned out to be a surprisingly great way to close out the year. With plenty of beautiful beachfront hotels to choose from, a lively downtown shopping district, and even an impressive museum in the city center, Fort Lauderdale offered far more than just a place to rack up miles. With easy access to the water via boat tours and water taxi, this status run quickly became a mini getaway worth savoring.
Places to stay
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa is the best place to stay in Fort Lauderdale if you want direct beach access, relative seclusion, and the benefits of a larger resort property farther down the road from the higher volume area of Fort Lauderdale beach just north. There are great pools, a wide, sandy beach, a variety of beach and pool cabanas, and a great spa with extensive amenities and and adults-only spa pool.
In downtown Fort Lauderdale, near the Las Olas shopping district, with plenty of boutiques and cafes nearby, two lovely places to stay are Marriott’s Dalmar Tribute Portfolio Hotel and the Hyatt Centric Las Olas.
The Hyatt Centric is well located just off the Las Olas Blvd shopping area. From there you are a short stroll to the riverwalk and just across the street from a great museum (see below).
Back at Fort Lauderdale Beach, just north from the Marriott Harbor Beach, there are many great options within a few blocks of one another.
W Fort Lauderdale: This hotel has a great pool deck and an amazing steakhouse on the ground floor (try the steak and eggs for breakfast at Steak 954.)
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: This is the best option for a low points redemption stay if you are using Bonvoy points. It’s a casual place compared to the W or Ritz, but still has all the amenities you need - good rooftop pool, solid spa, beach access across the street.
The Ritz Carlton: If you require luxury, this is a good option, but for the much higher price, the other hotels above or the Marriott Beach Resort are great alternatives. The most special thing about the Ritz is breakfast at Burlock Coast - an amazing restaurant to enjoy your first meal of the day or daily happy hour deals at the bar.
Where to eat
Burlock Coast in the Ritz Carlton on Fort Lauderdale Beach has one of the best breakfast menus we’ve tasted, with many excellent savory and sweet options. Highlights include the huevos rancheros (pictured below), the salmon board, short rib hash, and the house made granola (which comes with fresh berries). A perfect pot of coffee stays hot in a Stanley cup and the view includes people watching and the beach across the street.
Have lunch at Coconuts on the marina if you’re sticking with the beach area or Boathouse at the Riverside back in the Las Olas downtown area - both spots are casual bars, popular with locals, and often crowded. A cup of crab born chowder and glass of prosecco at the bar was a great pitstop during a walk along the riverside.
Have dinner at Michelin starred Maass (and if the fixed price menu is outside of your budget, at least have drinks and appetizers at the bar). The caviar shown below is absolutely spectacular and the open kitchen lets you see the chef and his team at work.
Try the happy hour drink and food specials at Casablanca Cafe to fill up with good food for low prices and great company at the lively bar - with live music just a few feet away.
Things to do
Visit the Nova Southeastern University NSU Art Museum in downtown Fort Lauderdale, an amazing small museum with intriguing exhibits and a great cafe and shop for souvenirs.
Have a spa day at the Marriott Harbor Beach. You can truly spend a full day taking advantage of several water amenities, having a meal by the pool, and of course enjoying your spa service.
Take a tour on the water. There are several options for dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, or tours of fancy homes on ‘millionaire’s row.’
Getting around
Use the water taxi (all day hop on and hop off boat) to see Fort Lauderdale from its intracoastal waters or to get from downtown to the beaches and other destinations.
