- States:
- Florida
The warm subtropical air, the cooling sea breeze, the sounds of the palm trees rustling – I felt instantly on vacation the moment I arrived in beautiful Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Although the sun was setting as I stepped off the airplane, I couldn’t wait for the morning to explore Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 37 kilometers of sunny beaches.
Exploring Hollywood Beach
Our day began at Hollywood Beach, which I found absolutely charming. We sat right on the boardwalk, an attractive, paved brick thoroughfare that runs for four kilometers along the coastline. This really was the perfect spot to find a tranquil restaurant, enjoy our morning coffee and people-watch. But we couldn’t sit for too long because the cyclists seemed to be having so much fun – we had to rent bikes and join in. Pedaling with the ocean breeze in my hair, the sun warm on my back and the expanse of the open boardwalk in front of me – this was perfection.
After enjoying Hollywood Beach and the gorgeous weather, we were hungry. As luck would have it, we found the Taco Beach Shack. Put this on your list because their brisket tacos – a warm taco shell, with juicy, sweet brisket inside and tangy cilantro mayonnaise –are not to be missed. And the pina coladas were perfectly creamy and not too sweet. There was live music, too, to make the evening even more memorable.
Casual outdoor dining in Fort Lauderdale
Luxury in Hallandale Beach
The next day, we visited The Diplomat Beach Resort near Hallandale Beach, which is south of Hollywood. The gorgeous sands and blue-green waters are here as well, but this beach has an upscale, almost urban, beach vacation feel to it. The ocean views from the towering resort were just incredible. The infinity pool that appears to run into the sea is so relaxing. And if you have children, even they get prime treatment, as the staff puts out a huge array of buckets and pails on the beach for the best sandcastle building experience!
Incredible views from the soaring Diplomat Beach Resort
Family Fun in Deerfield Beach
On our last day, we drove north to Deerfield Beach to find a local favorite: JB’s on the Beach; yes, it really is right on the beach. Fresh shrimp salad and spectacular surf and turf hit the spot. The view was worth the trip, too, with gorgeous blue water and white sand stretching out in front of us. What I loved most about this spot was its family feel. It’s a wide stretch of beach, and we saw plenty of kids playing Frisbee, volleyball, catch, you name it.
We thought we were lucky to be greeted with perfect weather every day of our stay in Greater Fort Lauderdale, but locals told us that we didn’t just happen to luck out. It is sunny and about 18 degrees Celsius nearly year-round here! Come any time of the year and enjoy this wonderful Florida vacation spot on the Atlantic.
A day at the beach in Fort Lauderdale
