Month: February 2020

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, only 28 miles north of Miami and a part of Broward County. It’s to your advantage to plan your trip because this popular tourist destination has an average temperature of 75.5° Fahrenheit with about 3,00- hours of delightful sunshine annually. You can choose from over 560 hotels in the area with 4,000 restaurants, and tons of breath-taking views on the waterfront. You have 16 museums, 278 parkland campsites, 63 golf ranges, and a really good Fort Lauderdale Beach Restaurants, not to mention Fort Lauderdale is the 3rd largest cruise port in the world.

Whether you are traveling through the town or are contemplating a move to the area, you will want to know where the great eateries are located. This list should help with that dilemma. The first eight dining suggestions are considered to be the ‘hottest spots’ in Fort Lauderdale Beach. The following batches will list more establishments with a 4.5 or 5-star rating.

1. Tarpon River Brewing

You will find a beautiful venue just two miles from the beach with a 4.5 out of 5-Star rating. Stop by for Happy Hour from 4 PM until 7 PM – Monday through Friday. The unique downtown gastropub offers a full line of craft beer made on-site partnered with a delicious variety of foods on the menu. Enjoy the delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings or a Sunday Brunch.

2. ETARU Las Olas

This spot is a mere 1.4 miles from the beach, offering Sushi, Asian, and Japanese cuisines. Stop by for lunch or dinner or make a reservation and have a table ready when you arrive. Individual diet preferences include gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options. The restaurant is rated 4 out of 5 for excellence making it the #16 spot out of 37 Japanese eateries in the area. One of the best Fort Lauderdale beach restaurants you can find.

3. Burlock Coast

You will be delighted in the American bar, seafood, and deli-style restaurant located a short 1.7 miles from the beach. The Burlock Coast was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in 2017-2019.  Make a reservation or stop by the delightful waterfront restaurant for a unique rum-focused cocktail menu. Be captivated by the local bread and coffee choices. Brunch is also offered on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Lona Cocina Tequileria

It’s a time to remember if you visit the Mexican/Latin bar and pub restaurant, located just 1.6 miles from the beach area. Choose from a regular menu or options offered including gluten-free, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly delicacies. Enjoy the outdoor patio and bar for exquisite views of the beach and Atlantic Oceanfront! Private and semi-private rooms are available for larger groups from 10 to 200!

5. El Vez – Fort Lauderdale

This delightful Mexican/Latin cuisine offers a vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu option. Come by and enjoy the full bar with additional outdoor seating for a delightful view of the waterfront. The beach is 1.6 miles from El Vez, making it an excellent spot for Happy Hour with its menu of chicken tacos and spicy wings to complement the alcohol offerings or a full menu list to choose from if desired.

6. Henry’s Sandwich Station

You will find the sandwich stop perfect for a quick bite to eat since you will be only 1.2 miles from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Choose from its list of Artisan toasts, breakfast sandwiches, soups and salads, and a french fry bar. A special menu is offered just for kids! Enjoy a pie choice of the day or others, including blueberry, apple crumbles, strawberry rhubarb, banana cream, and so many more. Another one of the best Fort Lauderdale beach restaurants.

7. Terra Mare

If you are craving an enjoyable experience with excellent seafood and service, you must make Terra Mare your spot for seafood. Indulge in a delicious cocktail or wine option from the extensive listings. Enjoy Happy Hour from 1-7 PM every day! The restaurant uses fresh, locally sourced food items presented with a table-side preparation for extra excitement. See you there!

8. Premiere Cafe & Bar

Welcome to the 5-Star wine bar/gastropub, rated as the #2 bar out of 148 similar establishments in the area as well as #2 out of the 820 restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale Beach location. It also received a Certificate of Excellence from 2018 and 2019 with its local cuisine, Argentinean, and vegetarian-friendly menu. You will only be a mere 1.4 miles from the beach.

9. Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato

You will find this 5-Star restaurant is (#1 out of 119 Italian eateries in the area) offering pizza with a vegetarian-friendly menu if you desire. Patrons rave of the delicious gelato with patrons returning years later to enjoy the treat. Choose from the enticing menu, including pizza, sandwiches, panini and wraps, various types of pizza with toppings, smoothies, and so much more.

10. Mini Pita

Stop by and enjoy the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Greek cuisine offering a 4.5 out of 5-Star rating for service, value, and excellent food. You are about 3.6 miles from the beach but can enjoy gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and become one of the many to enjoy its warm, friendly, and attentive staff, which has been recommended by return customers. Word of mouth says it all!

11. Riverside Market & Cafe

The atmosphere is one that will provide an excellent spot for lunch or a snack to enjoy a beer in a cooler chosen from the line on the wall. Bring the family and have some fun. Choose from a fresh omelet, a variety of salads, delicious sandwiches – including a Reuben special, turkey club, or grilled cheese. Enjoy a pizza, a chicken parmigiana, or a blackened dolphin. The variety is there; all that is missing is YOU.

12. Steak 954

If you are seeking an ocean view in W. Fort Lauderdale, that’s a contemporary-style steakhouse; this is your spot featuring an exotic decor with deliciously creative dishes. You will find options for group dining with four distinct dining environments, including indoor and alfresco options. Enjoy the cocktail receptions with a delicious option of hor’s d’ oeuvres! See you soon.

13. Thai On The Beach

As you can imagine, you will be delighted at the traditional sushi and chow at this great ocean view eatery. Selections include salad, chef’s specials, sushi rolls, fried fish, and many dinner specials such as fried calamari, chicken basil, stuffed egg omelet, and so much more. Patrons were delighted with the menu, service, and setting. What more do you need? Bring the kids and enjoy it.

14. Casablanca Cafe

Looking for some live piano music or other entertainment with a dining experience with American and Mediterranean specialties? Give Casablanca a call or check the website for more details. Happy Hour prices are available (Bar Only) from 4 PM until 7 PM on Monday through Friday. Join the E-Mail Club for updates if you want special updates! See you there!

15. Tatts & Tacos Beer Garden

The Mexican cuisine is created in this rustic taqueria modern eatery with deliciously crafted cocktails, 40 beer options, and outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a great trendy spot. Friday night specials include a 2 ”4” 1 Happy Hour from 4 PM until 7 PM with a complimentary taco buffet until 6 PM. Sunday Brunch features live entertainment from 11 AM until 4 PM with special drink offers!

16. Coconuts

The American bar scene will encompass delicious seafood with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Choose from grilled jerk wings, coconut shrimp, smoked fish dip, or decide on the peel and eat shrimp. Salad options include a delicious in-house papaya dressing for your delicious Coconut’s house salad, steak, or sashimi tuna salad. That is just for starters since you can enjoy a delicious local fish of the day, and so much more.

17. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

You’ll find this American Seafood eatery & bar excellent for any occasion as a large group or special life events. Customers even remarked of the excellent service with servings “a bit oversized”. Its down-home style atmosphere will please eaters worldwide with dishes inspired by the movie, Forrest Gump. Bring the kids or enjoy the full bar with a waterfront view!

18. Dal Contadino Trattoria

You will step into a piece of Italy with the excellent service, food, and value rated as a 4.5 out of 5-Stars with a Certificate of Excellence in 2018-2019. Some of the patrons claim they were serenaded with lively Italian songs as the waiter joined in with the gala event of serving delectable platters of antipasti, tapas, salads, soups, and items from the grill.

19. 3030 Ocean Restaurant & Bar

Grab a beach view seat and enjoy the updated menu selection, including an oyster bar, grilled octopus, Florida Stone Crab, chilled Maine Lobster, jumbo shrimp, or spicy tuna tartar, or a salad. Delivery is also available, or you can enjoy the selections while staying at the resort.  Request the daily fresh catch or opt for a premium cut of meat. Come in and enjoy the casual atmosphere!

Conclusion

No matter what your dining preferences are, the Fort Lauderdale area is loaded with popular sites. These are just some of the most popular ones delegated by patrons who have visited and enjoyed the various cuisines the area has to offer. Some spots are great for kids, and some are geared more for adult downtime. With all of the options, you will surely find one that meets your standards of quality and value in the Fort Lauderdale beach restaurants.

Information

This luxurious and glamorous hotel conjures up images of the 40s and 50s in its beautiful decor. The hotel sits on the beachfront and its architecture reflects Fort Lauderdale’s placing as the yachting capital of the world. The architect was inspired by the bow of a ship when designing the elevated pool in the hotel. On top of this, several suites and guest rooms offer stunning water views. The hotel’s spa also features elements taken from the ocean.

The Signature restaurant in the hotel offers a delicious breakfast each morning, while the decor of Burlock Coast restaurant brings back memories of the Prohibition era, as well as tasty, farm-to-table dishes. Guests can also enjoy light snacks and tropical cocktails at the Poolside Cafe, overlooking the sea.

Chill out and relax in style at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale, with its elements of nature and local history. Treatments include massages and detox treatments, a sauna and steam room, as well as beauty treatments and a nail and hair salon.

The choice of guest rooms includes everything from an oceanfront room to residences with one, two or three bedrooms for a comfortable family stay. All are spacious, have home-like touches and offer a balcony with views of the sea or the Intracoastal Waterway.

Reviews of Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale

Google reviewers give the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Fort Lauderdale an average ranking of “excellent” at 4.6/5. Many of the reviewers wrote that service at the hotel was excellent, with staff members being “top-notch” and friendly. Rooms were highlighted for their space and sheer comfort, although some people complained about the pillows and said the beds were too soft.

Former guests reviewing the hotel on Facebook gave it 4.7/5 for comfort and beautiful views and again stressed how friendly and efficient the hotel’s staff is. The restaurants were lauded as being “great” with tasty cuisine and many commented on how lovely it was to visit the bar. While most enjoyed the facilities at the spa, a couple of reviewers complained that certain options were not open. This was reportedly due to ongoing renovations in the hotel and could not be helped.

Description

This quality resort is located directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach and is a short drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the downtown Las Olas Boulevard, and Port Everglades. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, South Beach Park, and Bahia Mar Shopping Center are all a short walk away.

The hotel was built in 1956 and was originally called the Yankee Clipper. B Ocean Resort was well known by some of the top American celebrities, including Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe, Robert De Niro, and others.

The resort offers a private beach and two infinity-edge swimming pools. Dining can be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurants, which include the casual Salty Siren and the Naked Crab seafood restaurant. For something different, appreciate the Mermaid and Aqua Burlesque shows while eating dinner at the renowned Wreck Bar, or enjoy an evening drink at The Florida Bar. Room service is also available.

Get away from the stress of daily life in the B Indulged Spa Suite, where you can be pampered with a relaxing massage, aromatherapy or hot stone therapy. Alternatively, work out in the state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center at B Ocean Resort.

In town on business? B Ocean Resort offers 10,000 sq ft of indoor function space for meetings and events, as well as 30,000 sq ft of outdoor function space. Conference rooms offer visual and audio equipment, flipcharts and other presentation equipment, blackout shades, and Wi-Fi.

Spacious rooms at B Ocean Resort offer modern decor and everything necessary for a comfortable stay. There is a choice of Junior or Posh suites, all with the resort’s signature Blissful Bed and FreeB Wi-Fi.

Reviews

Google reviewers have ranked B Ocean Resort as good with a 3.9/5 rating from 2,801 reviews. The hotel’s location is rated as being good and the beach is described as beautiful, although one reviewer said it would be good if the pool and beach bar stayed open later. As to the location, others wrote that shopping and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the resort. The Mermaid and Aqua Burlesque shows are very well received. Some reviewers commented that the design and decor is so good, it is difficult to believe the hotel is 63 years old.

Facebook users rate the hotel as being 4.2/5 with 1,551 votes. Reviewers rated the staff as being top-notch and helpful. However, another reviewer mentioned that they were not expecting the “resort fee” they were charged, which doubled the rate. They also said the cost of food and drink is very high at B Ocean Resort. Another reviewer mentioned that the resort is a great place to stay before or after a cruise. They loved the two pools, especially the one on the beach and also enjoyed dining at the resort.

About The Capital Grille Fort Lauderdale

The Capital Grille is located in The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale and is well-known for its dry-aged steaks and a great wine list. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and also offers lounge hours when visitors can relax with a drink.

The menu features a range of appetizers and soups, including New England Clam Chowder, Caramelized French Onion Soup, and their signature appetizer, Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers. They also offer a delicious range of fresh salads, including Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Wedge with Bleu Cheese and Smoked Bacon.

The burgers and sandwich menu includes Lobster and Crab Burger with House Tartar Sauce, Ribeye Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti and the restaurant’s Signature Cheeseburger.

Plates on offer in the restaurant include Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Chili Mayo, Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp with Mushrooms and Parmesan Risotto and delicious Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Roasted Garlic.

Entrees on offer in the Grille include the timeless Filet Mignon, Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip, Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Frites with House-made Bearnaise and for fish lovers, Sushi-Grade Sesame Seared Tuna with Gingered Rice, along with other delicious grilled options.

The critically acclaimed wine list offers more than 350 world-class wines from almost all the wine-growing regions in the world. Besides the extensive wine list, refreshments include House-made Grapefruit Soda, Fresh Brewed Iced Tea, and Fresh Mint Lemonade.

Reviews

The Capital Grille has received 841 reviews on Google, leading to a ranking of 4.6/5. While all reviewers compliment the restaurant on its fine food and service, one reviewer recently had an exceptional experience in the restaurant. She and her husband went to The Capital Grille to celebrate their anniversary and, having told staff of their celebration, received almost over-the-top service and a delicious meal.

Other reviewers say it doesn’t matter what you order on the restaurant’s extensive menus, the food is always delicious and well-prepared. Yet another said that this is how it is supposed to be done = with amazing and professional waiters and perfect cuisine.

Facebook users gave the restaurant a 4.8/5 rating from 841 reviews. Many users commented on their experience of a celebration in the restaurant, whether a birthday or anniversary, saying service was great and the food was excellent. Another reviewer said their experience at The Capital Grille was truly romantic and enjoyable.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Details

Be right on the beach at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, convenient to the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The 4-star Fort Lauderdale resort lies close to Las Olas Beach with its many attractions, as well as the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The pool deck and lounges of the resort offer beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort features three restaurants to choose from, including the Le Marché with French and American cuisine, Ilios and Sun and Surf & Sand. Enjoy snacks and great coffee in the resort’s coffee bar or relax with a drink in one of the three bars, which include a poolside bar. Breakfasts are available each morning at an additional charge and room service is offered.

Escape the pressures of daily life in the resort’s spa, where massages, facials, and body treatments are on offer. An outdoor swimming pool and a spa tub are also on the premises, as well as a 24-hour fitness center for those who wish to keep trim and fit.

The resort offers 374 comfortable air-conditioned rooms, which offer a pillow top mattress and a flat-screen TV with satellite programming, along with video game consoles and wireless Internet at an additional charge. Rooms feature a kitchenette for preparing light meals and offer a private balcony. Bathrooms feature complimentary designer toiletries and a hairdryer.

Visiting Fort Lauderdale for business? Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort features a 24-hour business center, as well as a limo and town car service. 10,000 square feet of meeting rooms and conference space with audio/visual equipment rental is available.

Reviews

Hotel guests who have left reviews on Google rank the hotel 4.4/5 and very good, from 2,239 reviews. Most reviewers describe the resort as being beautiful and perfectly located, right at the beach and close to all the attractions of Fort Lauderdale. Staff was complimented for their excellent service and food served at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort was deemed delicious. Many former guests enjoyed the pool deck and lounge areas of the resort which offer views over the water.

Tripadvisor members give Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort a 4.5/5, excellent rating based on 6,597 reviews. Again, guests found the resort to be modern and beautifully decorated and conveniently located to both the beach and other activities in Fort Lauderdale. However, one reviewer did say they hadn’t realized the property was a part condo, without the normal Hilton beds. The reviewer said the beds that are supplied are too soft. They did compliment the staff for its friendly and helpful attitude.

Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale Description

Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale is a multi-purpose park, offering a range of facilities for various activities, relaxation, sports and fitness options. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the public park.

Sports facilities include basketball courts, football, baseball and multi-purpose athletic fields, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, roller hockey rinks, volleyball and shuffleboard and also the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. A well-equipped gym gives every opportunity to get trim, healthy and fit, while there are also several fitness stations in the park and open play areas. For gentler exercise, there is a pleasant walking and jogging trail through the park.

Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale also offers a historic War Memorial Auditorium, which is a multi-purpose facility operated and owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The auditorium is located at the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway in Holiday Park and can be rented for a variety of events. The Parker Playhouse also hosts numerous enjoyable activities and events.

Holiday Park is also ideal for special occasions, including gatherings, office parties and birthdays. Many adult programs are run at the park, including ballroom dancing, tai chi, pickleball, and volleyball, as well as a variety of different sport-related youth programs. Various special sports events are held in Holiday Park regularly, including cricket and one local business offers Zumba classes in the park.

Reviews

The Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale has received a ranking of 4/5 from 56 Tripadvisor reviews. A local reviewer mentioned that a crosswalk has been added to cross Sunrise Boulevard to the park, which makes it safer for residents. They enjoy walking their dog in the park and taking it to the dog park. The sports fields were considered to be top-notch, with teams playing under the lights.

Other reviewers mentioned that there is something for everyone in Holiday Park, whether wishing to play sports, jog or stroll or just relax and enjoy the view. If the weather isn’t good for outdoor activities, the War Memorial Auditorium and Parker Playhouse always have something of interest going on.

Facebook users gave Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale a 4.3/5 rating on 165 reviews. One reviewer mentioned the enjoyable free music shows held there during the summer. However, one reviewer did warn to take care of the dog park as some large dogs are not kept under control by their owners.

About Victoria Park Fort Lauderdale

The beautiful, 1.4 acre Victoria Park is set in the Fort Lauderdale residential area of the same name and brings back memories of Florida of days gone by, with its quaint, white gazebo and floral gardens. This is also true for the luxurious upscale estates in the park, where many of the homes are genuine, beautifully preserved 1930 “cracker” houses, many of which are historically significant.

The namesake park itself has a waterfront location and offers water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. There is an open play area for the children and lovely walking and jogging paths. The park is also perfect for a relaxing picnic or barbeque. Victoria Park is beautifully maintained with limited parking in front and joins up by a bridge at the back to the Annie Beck Park.

Victoria Park is LGBT-friendly and is home to the Stonewall National Museum and Archives, with its many exhibits relating to a century of LGBT history.

The park is perfectly located, with several attractions of the city close by. The Galleria Fort Lauderdale upmarket shopping mall is an easy 0.4-mile stroll away, as is the beautiful English Park.  Holiday Park with its sports activities is 0.7 miles away, while Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and Gateway Shopping Center are both a 0.9-mile drive or walk away.

Many great restaurants are also located close by including Shuck N Dive, The Wilder, and Good Spirit’s Fifth & Fed, while the Victoria Park Hotel is an eco-friendly property with an outdoor pool and plenty of great room amenities.

Reviews for Victoria Park Fort Lauderdale

According to the Niche website, the Victoria Park Fort Lauderdale residential area is number 10 among the best neighborhoods to live in the city from 14 reviews. One resident said how great it was to live so close to the beach and many properties have wonderful ocean views. Due to the beach cleanup program in Fort Lauderdale, the beach is reportedly kept very clean, while the public park itself is well-kept.

Another reviewer wrote that with Victoria Park being in downtown Fort Lauderdale, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in the area. They did mention there are no “mom and pop” stores, but that all businesses are clean and their members of staff are respectful and friendly.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale

This eco-friendly, all-suite hotel is ideally located blocks away from the Intracoastal Waterway, Broward County Convention Center and Port Everglades Cruise Port. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale is also an easy walk to the Water Taxi.

The property is surrounded by more than 40 shops and restaurants, all within a two-block radius. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Downtown Fort Lauderdale are all a two-mile drive from the hotel.

Dining is offered at the E-Spot Restaurant, while cocktails and other drinks can be enjoyed indoors or out on the terrace at the E-Spot Bar and Lounge. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning, while the free evening reception offers guests drinks and light snacks. Guests can also relax in the tropical, 12-story atrium or at the heated outdoor pool. The property also offers a free fitness center.

For those with business or other events in mind, this all-suite hotel offers 13,000 sq ft of event space, as well as catering services and private boardrooms. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale features complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour Business Center. Parking is available at an additional charge and the hotel offers a shuttle service between the airport and Port Everglades cruise port at $12 per person.

Comfortable and spacious two-room suites offer a living area with a balcony and a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, both with a television, and a marble bathroom. While free Wi-Fi is provided, guests can take advantage of high-speed internet access at an additional fee.

Reviews

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale received a 4.2/5 Very Good rating from 2,289 Google reviews. Many reviewers said the hotel was good value for the price and that the rooms were spacious. Even though the building is old, many wrote that it was well-maintained and the decor was great.

However, others did mention that the room decor was a little “dated” and could use some modernization. The made-to-order breakfast was enjoyed by many guests, as well as the free evening snacks.

Previous guests complimented the staff at the hotel, especially after seeing a front desk staff member handle a very rude woman with grace and politeness. Guests who were cruising out from Fort Lauderdale said the hotel is in the perfect location. This was especially so as there is a shuttle direct to the cruise terminal at a small additional charge.

Once known as The Christmas Boat Parade, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade is a nearly 50-year tradition ushering in the Floridian Christmas season. Started in 1970, the boat parade showcases beautifully lighted boats of all shapes and sizes along 12 miles of New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Viewing locations such as the Grandstand Viewing Area can be reserved with tickets on the festival’s website. The boat parade takes about 2 1/2 hours from Stranahan House to Pompano Beach in Lake Santa Barbara. Celebrities are honored as Grand Marshal, with notable previous marshals including basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, actor Jim Belushi, and the infamous Kim Kardashian.

Description

The parade marks the festive Christmas season and is celebrated by parties, live music, and family-friendly events. A black-tie ball is the signature event, proceeding the actual boat parade on December 14th, 2019. For those who are unable to make the event in person, the boat parade will be aired on WSVN 7 in December and January. Overall, the boat parade lovingly called the “Greatest Show on H20,” gets some 1 million viewers. Santa Claus can be tracked in real-time during the event by downloading the Apple and Android app. The largest live event in the state of Florida, the Winterfest Boat Parade is truly a Christmas wonder to behold.

Winterfest Boat Parade is loved by millions of past viewers who make it an annual must-see. With each year being a different theme, viewing the boats lit up never gets old or repetitive. Be prepared to either pay the ticket price for the Grandstand Viewing Area or to have a bit of an entry fee if viewing from a restaurant along the river. Do note that the farther north one gets from the start of the parade, the thinner the crowd, and finding a free spot to view the parade is much more likely there. It is also possible to watch the parade from one’s own moored boat on the river. For those interested in joining in the parade, a $35 entry fee makes this an affordable and fun way to get into the Christmas season.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade partners with Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa, Hilton in Fort Lauderdale for overnight accommodations. Parking during the event can be tricky, and Water Taxi and Brightline serve as day-of transportation partners, in addition to Southwest Airlines offering flight initiatives. Overall, with a little planning ahead of time, this incredible nautical spectacle will make your heart swell with the Christmas spirit.