Ft Lauderdale-Port Everglades
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Port Everglades
Things to do before or after your cruise from Port Everglades.
I lived in Ft Lauderdale for many years. I will share some of my favorite things to see and do.
As you arrive or leave Port Everglades, get on U.S. highway A1A on U.S. 1. North will take you to Ft. Lauderdale, and south will take you to Dania and Hollywood Beach. In Dania, you can establish a base camp. The reason for this choice is that there is a nice vibe to staying in a smaller beach town. Ft. Lauderdale is just a little much for me.
Dania has many fun, low-cost, and free things to do. Of course, one of those free things is the beach. You can rent a bike and explore the area near and around the beach. Hollywood Beach is just south of Dania and has a beautiful beach boardwalk that can be ridden by bike.
Restaurant Recommendation
Jaxson’s Old Time Ice Cream Parlor
My family loves Jaxson’s!
They serve N.Y. deli-style food and huge Ice cream sundaes.
Upon your arrival at Jaxson’s, you will see a line formed out the door. Please do not let this discourage you. It is worth the wait; the line goes quickly. There is a walk-up window if you are running short of time.
I suggest you sit down and get the whole Jaxson experience. You will first notice all the antiques and various car license plates hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. I would want to be the person who had to dust the place.
Taking In The Whole Jaxson’s Experience
When seated, you will be given menus and an endless bowl of freshly popped popcorn. The menu is jammed full of delightful options.
This menu will be challenging. There is so much variety, from a simple foot-long hot dog to a massive, full-blown pastrami on rye.
You may have to visit a few times while in the area, whereas you could eat there every day for a month and have something different. Yes, you would gain fifty pounds, and the airlines would make you buy an extra seat. Kidding aside, you will love this place.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino
After this delicious meal and ice cream delight, go to the beach and walk it off. Or get in the car and go west on Stirling Road until you hit The Hard Rock. You will know you have arrived when you see this enormous guitar-shaped hotel. This is Florida Seminole land. The Seminole Tribe owns and operates the Hard Rock Casino, and all the drive-through tobacco trailers that line SR 441.
Check show times for entertainment. Hard Rock is known for bringing in some top-name entertainment. You can see a great show even if you are not interested in the casino. I suggest buying your tickets while planning your trip. This will ensure you are satisfied when you arrive, and the show is sold out.
Visit The Florida Everglades
I suggest a nearby daytime excursion: a visit to the Florida Everglades. This day trip is due west of Ft. Lauderdale on Griffin Road. You take Griffin Road west to the end. You will see airboat tours and boat rentals available when you arrive. This will be the day trip you have talked about for a long time.
Traveling North on U.S. 1 from Dania, take Seventeen Street Causeway to A1A.
If you are on U.S.1, you can take the 17-street causeway to A1A, the beach route. It is a beautiful ride but congested. Many cars cruise back and forth up and down the strip.
Las Olas Boulevard
While at the beach, you can go west on Las Olas Boulevard. Please notice the homes of the rich and famous. All the homes on the canals off Las Olas have a Yacht behind them.
Parking is challenging. You can put an app on your phone to pay for parking.
Once in the heart of Las Olas, the world is your Oyster.
You will see seafood restaurant after seafood restaurant. If your visit is in the winter, I recommend outside dining. It is too hot and humid for an outside dining option most of the year.
After dinner, stroll and people-watch, looking at all the beautiful people. Further west on Las Olas, there is a large, colorful water fountain.
Las Olas Upscale Boutique Shops and Art Galleries
Las Olas has upscale boutique shops and art galleries to explore. Your only limitation is time and money. Hopefully, you have a lot of both. If not, it does not cost you to look.
Jungle Queen Cruise and Dinner
The Jungle Queen was started in 1935. I have been on the river cruise many times and will go again. While on the River Boat, you will get a unique view of Fort Lauderdale from the water. The history of who lived in what mansion is fascinating. The list of rich and famous will surprise you.
You can go on a day cruise or a nighttime dinner cruise. I recommend the dinner cruise. You get dinner and old-time vaudeville-style entertainment. The whole family will enjoy it. There is something for everyone; the food is good!
Please check out the dining options.
While In Ft Lauderdale
Drive up AIA north, and you will go to Palm Beach County. If you are pressed for time, you can go to Palm Beach on I -95 North.
Travel South on I-95, you will enter Miami-Dade County.
Years ago, South Florida was called Dade-Broward and the Palm Beaches. Now, it is South Florida. The population has grown so much that it is tough to know what county you are in.
Traveling North from Base Camp in Ft. Lauderdale
North to Palm Beach County or Orlando. This can be accomplished by car or train. The Brightline train goes to Palm Beaches and Orlando International Airport. Eventually, a leg of the train will go to Tampa.
The Brightline train is a train that travels in style. There are numerous fare options.
Palm Beach County is home to Worth Avenue. This is the equivalent of Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, California. Minus celebrities. Although you never know who you may see.
Most Northern Part of Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari
Tickets- check the Website for ticket pricing.
This is a big African-style game park you drive through. I’ve always wanted to go on an African Safari. Now you can when you visit Palm Beach County. You name it: Zebras, Elephants, and Wild Cats. They are all there for viewing. Please stay in your car.
Visit The Flagler Mansion
Tickets are $26.00. Please note that it is closed on Mondays.
Learn about Henry Flagler and the railroad he built to the Florida Keys. Nearby is the world-famous Breakers Hotel and Resort. Make dining reservations.
Boca Raton-Morikami Japanese Gardens
Tickets $16.00
SEE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Northern Broward County near Palm Beach County line off I -95
Butterfly World
Tickets $32.00
I have been here many times, so do not let the admission fee scare you. It is worth every penny. You will have a fantastic time there. You could also plan a wedding in the enclosed world of Butterflies. A unique venue for a destination wedding. Then go on your cruise.
Palm Beach County Zoo
Tickets $29.95
See Website for more information.
Suppose you have access to a car.
Travel to Miami going south on I-95
Please see the post on Port-Miami for day trip recommendations from your base in Ft. Lauderdale.
Now I have given you more suggestions than the time to do them.
Reflect on the world’s beauty before or after your cruise. I hope you enjoy your time in the Sunshine State. Thanks for visiting.
