Girls’ trip: How to spend a weekend in Fort Lauderdale
Planning a girls’ weekend? You can do much worse than bringing everyone together in Fort Lauderdale. This coastal Florida city has just about everything you could want from a weekend getaway, complete with excellent resorts and hotels, fantastic beaches and more entertainment venues than you’ll be able to visit during your short stay.
With so many options to choose from, it’s helpful to get some guidance on the can’t-miss attractions and experiences you’ll want to hit. Here are five great ways to spend your time in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Find a place on the beach.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the logical approach is to seek out beachfront property. Whether it’s an Airbnb or a beachfront resort spa, you’ll want quick access to white sand beaches to make the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale.
Popular beachfront properties include the Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton, but there are plenty of other options to explore, based on your budget and the amenities you’re seeking for your stay.1
2. Book some time on a yacht.
With an estimated 50,000 yachts docked at any given time, Fort Lauderdale is unofficially known as the “yachting capital of the world.” It also offers more than 300 miles of waterways that wind through the city. Whether you rent out a private yacht, hop on board a yacht tour or reserve a dinner cruise, it’s a great way to spend some time on the water.
“Another popular yachting option is to take a water-borne tour of multi-million-dollar homes, as well as the homes of celebrities situated on the coast in Fort Lauderdale,” says a spokesperson for The Casino at Dania Beach. “Some of the popular yacht outings sell out ahead of time, so you’ll want to do your research and book one of these trips in advance.”
3. Bar hop on the Water Taxi
Fort Lauderdale’s famous Water Taxi makes about a dozen stops in the area, including popular tourist destinations offering food, drinks and other entertainments. Many visitors love using the Water Taxi as a way to bar hop and explore the city while also touring Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and enjoying the excellent weather. You can use the Water Taxi to plan out your touring route, taking the guesswork out of navigating the city and trying to decide what to do next.2
4. Take in the entertainment at The Casino at Dania Beach
Planning activities for a group of people is hard—but it’s easier when your destination has a little something for everyone. The Casino at Dania Beach offers a number of entertainment options, including live shows, that make it a perfect venue to hang with your besties—and maybe win a little money at the same time.
“Our live entertainment can include comedians and musical acts, as well as professional matches in our jai alai venue,” says a spokesperson for The Casino at Dania Beach. “We also offer multiple dining options, as well as a sprawling casino floor catering to every kind of gambler—including beginners.”
5. Wake up early (or stay up late) to watch a Florida sunrise.
The sunrise over the Atlantic ocean is one of Florida’s best attractions. Whether you’re staying in an oceanfront hotel or can make the short trek to the beach, it’s well worth getting to the shore to see the sun crest the horizon. As the sun rises, the sky and water are painted with brilliant colors that can change within minutes as sun fully rises into the sky.
Granted, if your last night started with the Water Taxi bar crawl, you might be up late enough to see the sunrise before you go to bed. Hey, it’s your girls’ weekend—do it however you want.
Sponsored by The Casino at Dania Beach
Sources:
1. Conde Nast Traveler
2. Water Taxi