How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2024)

Less than 30 miles from Downtown Miami lies a completely different experience. The world shined its spotlight on the coastal city in 1958 when Connie Francis and friends romped on the beach in the movie Where the Boys Are. Fort Lauderdale Beach retained its title as the Spring Break Capital of the World for years, but it’s recently received a rebrand.

The city is now a blend of classic and modern. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels, fine dining, and beautiful white-sand beaches alongside kitschy attractions like mermaid bars and speakeasies.

9 a.m. Walk Along Fort Lauderdale Beach

Before heading to the beach, grab your caffeine fix at Wells Coffee Company. Owned by Brandon and Nicole Wells, this locals-only shop roasts its own beans at its Flagler Village flagship shop (there’s also a location slightly south in Tarpon River). The shop specializes in pour-overs, but if you want a refreshing start to your day, the nitro cold brew or creamy horchata cold brew hits the spot.

Once sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time for a morning walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach. The beach’s pedestrian promenade, which runs from the B Ocean Resort to the South to Sunrise Boulevard at the north point, is slightly more than two miles, with direct ocean views the entire way.

Stop into Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, considered Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park.” The park runs from the beach to the Intercoastal Waterway, providing dual water views with several walking and bicycling paths. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, more than 250 avian species have been sighted there. Other wildlife include the gopher tortoise, multiple butterflies, and hundreds of raccoons. Pro Tip: As adorable as those raccoons are, the park asks you not to share your snack with these charming bandits. Watch your items while picnicking — these charming bandits have been known to swipe sandwiches (and even wallets).

Elbo Room.

11 a.m. Las Olas Market and Elbo Room

On Saturdays, check out the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antique, and Artisan Market at the Loop, on the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Seabreeze Boulevard. There, you’ll find more than 40 local vendors offering cheese, baked goods, plants, jewelry, vintage clothing, produce, and more. Grab a fruit cup and take it to the beach across the street, or join the weekly Yoga on the Lawn session.

Since you’re on staycation, head across the street to the world-famous Elbo Room for a real start to your day (the bar opens at 8 a.m. for beachgoers who want to get a head start). Founded in 1938, Elbo Room is a Fort Lauderdale institution. The bar became synonymous with Spring Break when featured in Where the Boys Are. The bar has retained its spirit and fame with daily live music and an Elbo Room cam that’s watched by millions worldwide. It’s so popular that Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk brought the Stanley Cup to Elbo Room the morning after the team’s NHL victory. Pro Tip: Bring Cash — Elbo Room doesn’t accept credit cards.

Noon: Brunch

Unlimited mimosas? Check! Bespoke mac & cheese? Check! Great beer list? Check! Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap, located in Fort Lauderdale’s trendy Flagler Village, is the perfect place for a long, leisurely brunch. Start with bottomless sangria, bellinis, or mimosas while making big decisions like ordering the sweet tea-brined chicken and waffles (opt for Nashville hot) or down-home good biscuits and gravy. Vegetarians and vegans in the group? Many veg-friendly options exist, like an Impossible scramble or a barbecue jackfruit sandwich.

Another idea: If you love being surrounded by pretty things, Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar is a combination of a florist and cafe on Las Olas Boulevard. Sip on an iced coffee or get a bottle of bubbles from the Champagne vending machine and enjoy freshly baked muffins, breads, and pastries, or opt for something savory like ham and cheese on a croissant or quiche. Be sure to pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers before you leave.

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Shopping on Las Olas Boulevard

Get a little retail therapy at Fort Lauderdale’s version of Rodeo Drive. There’s about a mile-long strip of stores, restaurants, and art galleries along this tree-lined stretch of the Boulevard that dates back to 1917, when a dirt road traversed the South Florida wetlands and led to the ocean. Get a new outfit and a co*cktail at, make your own candle at Candle Land, or channel your inner Palm Beach heiress at Lilly Pulitzer. Pro Tip: The LauderGo community shuttle makes its way east and west along Las Olas Boulevard — simply hail it down like a taxi and go for a ride — and it’s free!

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi

3 p.m. Take a Ride on the Water Taxi

The Water Taxi operates throughout Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and connects the mainland to the beach. No wonder why they call it the Venice of The United States. Pick up the Water Taxi behind the Riverside Hotel and stop at 15th Street Fisheries to feed the giant tarpon that live under the deck and grab a cold one. Hop back on the Water Taxi to head back to Fort Lauderdale Beach

Pro Tip: Although coolers and glass aren’t allowed on the Water Taxi — you are welcome to bring a go cup onboard (that includes adult beverages).

4 p.m. Poolside Drinks and Snacks

The Kimpton Fort Lauderdale Shorebreak Beach Resort is a quirky gem that channels a distinct Midcentury vibe with its seafoam-green accents and multiple zen waterfalls and gardens. The rooms — each equipped with a green mini fridge and a handy beach tote to borrow — are the perfect place to grab a nap or a good night’s sleep (and the entire property is dog-friendly). Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, take the elevator to the rooftop, where you’ll find the best views of Fort Lauderdale and a DJ spinning on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Escape, the rooftop lounge, offers light bites at surprisingly affordable prices. Pair it with a craft co*cktail with simple names that convey the essence of the drink: “Pineapple” is pineapple-infused gin, vanilla, lime, orange, and cinnamon; and “Cucumber & Basil” is a refreshing blend of cucumber puree, vodka, pamplemousse, lemon, and basil. On Sundays, enjoy 50% off all glasses and bottles of rose wine. If you’d like to enjoy some pool time, purchase a day pass for $50, which includes use of the pool, towel service, lounge chairs, and 10% off food and drink.

Pro tip: Take advantage of the daily sunset specials, which run from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after.

The Katherine.

6 p.m. Early Dinner at the Katherine

Chef Timon Balloo fittingly named this intimate restaurant after his wife, Marissa Katherine, since the menu is an homage to their individual roots and combined travels and history. The clam chowder fries, for instance, are a nod to the chef’s culinary beginnings in Belgium. A short rib orecchiette is a culinary snapshot of the couple’s romantic Italian getaways, and the oxtail is a recipe from the chef’s mom. If you’re looking for a restaurant with passion in every bite, the Katherine is it.

Other ideas: If you crave seafood, Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale boasts a fresh, local catch of the day. Executive chef Paula DaSilva also offers an ongoing “celebrity chef” series, serving dishes inspired by her culinary mentors and idols.

8 p.m. Mermaid Show at Wreck Bar

Inside the B Ocean Resort, you’ll find the world-famous Wreck Bar, a lasting treasure from the 1950s. The bar, which resembles the interior of a shipwrecked Spanish Galleon, is a kitschy undersea world of nautical delights and tiki co*cktails. You may notice the large portholes behind the bar, which look into the hotel’s pool. On Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Mermaid Leydis and her MerCrew perform aquatic ballets.

Pro Tip: The Mermaids will even help you propose to your loved one — call to inquire.

10 p.m. Beer, Wine, and a Speakeasy

Ease into the night with a few beers at Laser Wolf. Along with some train tracks, this triangular spot offers one of Fort Lauderdale’s best beer selections, including local Florida brews and out-of-state offerings in a rock-and-roll-meets-skateboarder- themed bar.

If wine is more your thing, find Sidewalk Bottle Shop steps from Laser Wolf. This tiny wine shop turns into a wine bar at night, offering bottles and wine by the glass.

Hidden inside Vinos Wine Bar on Las Olas Boulevard, you’ll find Sidecar Speakeasy. This 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy offers craft co*cktails and old-time music to complete your time travel experience. Dress to impress—no shorts or flip-flops. To enter, you’ll need a nightly door code. Call 855-BRAMBLE for the code.

Where to stay: Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, the B Ocean Resort Hotel, and the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale are all located on Fort Lauderdale Beach. In Downtown Fort Lauderdale, try the Riverside Hotel for a boutique experience or the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Hotel for modern vibes.