How to Do a Weekend in Fort Lauderdale

From drinks on the beach to mermaid shows and millionaire cruises, there’s so much to do in this sunny beach town. Here’s how to do a weekend in Fort Lauderdale.

Hotel

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the B Ocean Resort is the perfect spot to relax on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Though the B Ocean is a newly renovated resort, the property has been a fixture of the city since it was built as the Yankee Clipper Hotel in 1956. It is famous for hosting American icons from Marilyn Monroe to Robert DeNiro. With a spacious lobby and suite of new restaurants, the B Ocean celebrates nostalgia with a wall of black and white photographs, as well as the world-famous Wreck Bar mermaid shows, which have been entertaining hotel guests and locals since the 1950s.

With a range of accommodation options, a fitness center, two pools, and a private beach complete with ocean-side food service, there is plenty to entertain those looking for a relaxing retreat at the B. For those who want to get out and explore downtown Fort Lauderdale and the million-dollar homes that line the Intracoastal, the B is only a short drive from downtown or a quick walk across the street from the nearest water taxi stop.

Friday

Start your weekend in Fort Lauderdale by checking into the B and then spending the afternoon exploring all of the resort’s options. Let yourself relax with lunch on the beach or by the pool at the Salty Siren. Beach chair rentals are included for all guests in the resort fees, so make sure to take advantage and find yourself a nice spot in the sand.

In the evening, just cross the street and hop aboard the Jungle Queen for one of Fort Lauderdale’s most fun and memorable experiences. Operating since 1935, the Jungle Queen cruises through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, taking guests through the backyards of the rich on Millionaire Row, and hosting all passengers for dinner and a show on a private island. For four hours of family-friendly fun, the Jungle Queen’s dinner cruise is the best deal in Fort Lauderdale.

Saturday

Add some adventure to your weekend in Fort Lauderdale with some morning kayaking through BG Whiskey Creek Hideout. You can rent a kayak on your own or take a guided eco tour. Located in the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, this is a great opportunity to spot wildlife while kayaking or paddle boarding.

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Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head downtown to Louie Bossi’s Ristorante for a casual lunch of well-deserved pizza or pasta. While you’re here, you can explore the shops and galleries around Las Olas like the National Geographic Fine Art Gallery or Hoffman’s Chocolates.

Make sure to get back to the B Ocean early so you don’t miss the Wreck Bar’s live mermaid show. The mermaids don’t make their first appearance until 6:30, but seats are first-come, first-served. It’s one of the most popular shows in town, so you’ll want to be early. If you miss the show or are in the mood for something a little spicier, the performers return at 9:30 for a strictly 21+ burlesque show.

Sunday

On your last morning in Fort Lauderdale, keep it simple with a leisurely bike ride along Seabreeze Boulevard—just ask the front desk about the hotel’s bike-sharing program.

For lunch, head across the street to the Bahia Mar Bar and Grille, a local Fort Lauderdale haunt. Between the affordable drinks, fun-loving atmosphere, and sunny patio, this spot is the perfect place to relax at the end of a busy weekend in Fort Lauderdale.

Bars & Restaurants

• Wreck Bar, B Ocean Resort
• Bahia Mar Bar & Grille, Bahia Cabana Beach Resort
• Loui Bossi‘s Ristorante, Las Olas
• Boatyard, Fort Lauderdale Harbours
• Rhythm + Vine, Downtown
• Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park
• Stache, City View

More from SmarterTravel:

• Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide
• The 6 Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale
• The 5 Best Cheap Hotels in Fort Lauderdale
• The 7 Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels
• Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
• The Top 9 Must-See Fort Lauderdale Attractions
• 9 Best Fort Lauderdale Golf Courses
• 10 Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurants
• Best Cheap Eats in Fort Lauderdale
• 9 Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Restaurants
• What to Wear in Florida
• What to Pack for Florida

Jamie traveled to Fort Lauderdale courtesy of the B Ocean Resort. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.