Brett & Derek
Things To Do
East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale’s “Main Street” is South Florida’s most architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic shopping and dining district. Stroll the boulevard where you will find over 30 al fresco dining options, 10 major international art galleries, 2 world-class museums, and 65 unique shops filled with fashion, accessories, gifts, and more.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Made world-famous by Connie Francis in the 1960 movie “Where the Boys Are”, the city of Fort Lauderdale keeps the Fort Lauderdale Beach groomed to spotless perfection. Tall pine trees line the coast, providing shade from the warm rays of the Florida sun. The supple white sand settles against the azure gradient of the ocean, and the stretch of brick behind the sand presents the perfect pathway to jog or stroll along while admiring the beach. There are lots of shops and restaurants along the beach’s promenade. There are beach chair and umbrella rentals adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton: https://www.boucherbrothers.com/portfolio-item/fort-lauderdale-beach-public-beaches/ The Ritz-Carlton also has the most comfortable lounge chairs on the beach ever! https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/fort-lauderdale/hotel-overview/directions For an upscale experience: the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons hotels both have lots of food options and fabulous views!
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its’ many beautiful waterways. One of the best ways to explore our city is from the water. The Water Taxi is more than just a boat ride. The captains and crew are well versed on the city and the many attractions that can be viewed from the water. As such, they provide a narrated excursion that includes historical information as well as fun and interesting information about the many mansions and mega yachts that line the waterways.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Since you have limited time in Fort Lauderdale, you'll want to see more of the city from the water. Take a boat cruise on the New River for great views of places that are otherwise difficult to access. Get close views of downtown, along with mega yachts and waterside mansions along Millionaire's Row as you travel through the canals and hear live commentary from the guide.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon is a stroll along the riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Spanning the banks of the New River is the Riverwalk Park of Fort Lauderdale, a waterfront green space right off famous Las Olas Boulevard. Along this historic bank, Native Americans once traded their handmade goods. This bustling area came to represent Fort Lauderdale’s birthplace. Today, pedestrians enjoy a lush tropical landscape, winding walkways, and plenty of shops along Florida’s “most beautiful mile.” What most don’t know is that the Riverwalk is more than a public park. It’s also a nonprofit initiative to unite the city. Through hosting diverse events, the Riverwalk harnesses art, history, entertainment, and local businesses to create a better city!
Museum of Discovery and Science
This amazing museum is located right off the Riverfront in the arts district of downtown Fort Lauderdale. At the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), spend a day exploring hundreds of interactive exhibits. Experience hurricane-force winds in the Storm Center, dig for fossils alongside a giant prehistoric megalodon, get close to a saber-toothed cat and see Dino Dana and her friends in the latest augmented reality (AR). Enjoy the playful antics of North American river otters in their two-story indoor/outdoor habitat. See "scientastic" demonstrations, discover animal encounters and the amazing Everglades in the Florida EcoScapes exhibit. Take a ride to Mars or soar through the skies in an FA-18 cockpit simulator or take a ride in the 7D Theater. Then, immerse yourself in a six-story-high film adventure at the AutoNation® IMAX® 3D Theater, home of the BIGGEST screen in South Florida.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is a premier cultural destination located between Miami and Palm Beach on vibrant Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s arts district. The museum’s distinctive modernist building, which opened in 1986, was designed by the renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. Under the direction of its dynamic Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater, the museum presents outstanding exhibitions and exciting programming ranging from live musical performances to lectures by leading artists and curators. The museum's permanent collections contain more than 6,000 works, including celebrated holdings by the post-war, avant-garde European Cobra artists, the nation’s largest collection of works by American painter William Glackens, and a major collection of works by leading Latin American artists. The museum also maintains a special focus on photography year-round.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an oasis of the last Tropical Maritime Hammock in all of Broward County. It preserves the natural heritage of subtropical coastal habitats that once covered southeast Florida. The property is a magnificent gift from the late Mr. Hugh Taylor Birch to Florida’s posterity. It includes his former estate nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. There are many amenities that visitors can enjoy during their visit, including renting canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards to enjoy the park’s one-mile freshwater coastal dune lake. There are also rentals for bikes, beach gear, jet skis, and more. There’s even an oceanfront, open-air restaurant serving delicious fare and craft beer. And there’s a 1.8-mile loop road through the park for biking, walking, and skating. Nature lovers can hike along several trails and learn about local plants and wildlife. You can also access the beach via the pedestrian tunnel under A1A.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Accredited by the American Association of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 35-acre historic estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach is an extraordinary blend of art, history, and nature. The whimsically-designed house was built in 1920 and was home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Bonnet House was the romantic, whimsical winter getaway of wealthy Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, an artist in her own right. But unlike lavish show palaces of the era, Bonnet House was a very personal, intimate creation intended just for family and close friends. It's been perfectly preserved in its 1930s and 40's period of significance, full of delightful surprises.
Dania Pointe
This was the former location of an amusement park in South Florida. It closed years ago, but the roller coaster shell was still visible from I-95 until it was finally demolished to make way for the development of Dania Pointe. Dania Pointe is South Florida’s newest destination to Dine, Shop, Play, Live, Work, and Stay. Experience a variety of dining choices, best-in-class retail, and unique entertainment offerings located in Dania Beach, It features over 60 stores and restaurants. It even has a branch of the Improv Comedy Club where Brett saw the hysterical Fortune Feimster on her first post-pandemic tour. Discover a vibrant destination in sunny South Florida, featuring the best in Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale shopping and entertainment, as well as boasting some of the best restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area. A great way to spend Saturday afternoon. The Wyndham Hotel has a free shuttle to Dania Pointe.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, features a unique guitar-shaped resort (we can see the guitar light show from our balcony every night), award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a lagoon-style pool, and Beach Club, a casino and a Hard Rock-inspired spa As South Florida’s premier entertainment destination, Seminole Hard Rock offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. The resort also features contemporary and casual eateries, including Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour, diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe - Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 155 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
Need to pick up anything you forgot to pack? The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations with more than 100 fashion retailers including Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, as well as popular stores, including American Eagle Outfitters, Apple, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Free People, H&M, J. Crew, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Pandora, Sephora, and Williams-Sonoma. The Galleria also features Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and several fine dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Truluck’s, P.F. Chang’s, and Blue Martini.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
The Wharf is a casual eatery and hang-out spot to spend the afternoon., The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is an open-air special event space that boasts a setting unlike any other in South Florida. The expansive 1.25-acre space includes four bars and five food-court–style eateries helmed by local restaurants.
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery
A gem located in our neighborhood (Flagler Village). A food hall. A brewery. A marketplace. A local spot to gather and experience the new Fort Lauderdale. From unique food vendors to cooking classes, brewery tours, art installations, live music, and even a music production academy - Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery really is something different.
Wilton Manors
Wilton Manors is known as the gay district, but it is much more. While the city does claim the majority of gay residents and businesses, it is also a family-friendly neighborhood with great shopping, dining, strolling, and people watching. Wilton Manors is completely surrounded by water and nicknamed the “Island City” whose motto is “It’s Just Better Here”. Enjoy a stroll along Wilton Drive ("The Drive") and a little lunch in the afternoon.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
This is an adorable "beachy" town that still feels like a throwback in time. For a small, walkable beach to visit while in Greater Fort Lauderdale, choose Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. The relaxing, casual town has the breezy atmosphere of a seaside village, mid-century modern architecture, and lowrise-only development reflecting the charming style of Old Florida.
Gran Forno Bakery
One of Brett’s favorite places on the planet! A traditional Italian rustic bakery that has been a staple on Las Olas Blvd for almost 20 years. It is perfect for breakfast pastries and coffee or the best sandwiches. They bake all of the bread fresh every day (the smell is heaven) and deliver to all of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Adorable and outside seating for good people watching.
Gran Forno Pronto
This restaurant has the same owners of the bakery where all of the YUMMY bread they serve comes from daily. With elements of a friendly Roman trattoria in the heart of Las Olas, Gran Forno Pronto serves up authentic Italian comfort food in a fresh and informal atmosphere. Wood-fired pizza, award-winning Ciabatta, modest prices, and an extensive wine list draw a relaxed day crowd while live entertainment brings a spirited night scene.
Rosie's Bar & Grill
Where the locals go for vacation, Rosie's is a tropical oasis in the heart of Wilton Manors. Dine outside on the breezy Key West style patio, relax at the outdoor bar with a fresh mojito or chuckle at the funny artwork. Known for juicy burgers, big salads, fresh fish, and amazing daily drink specials, you will love the food and campy service and menu item descriptions.
Boathouse At The Riverside
This was where we went out for our first restaurant meal after the pandemic started! The Boathouse at the Riverside restaurant offers a relaxed, vibrant and elegant waterfront dining experience in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The interior of the restaurant sports a tropical fish tank that greets diners as they enter from the sidewalk. Boaters who’ve docked their boats to dine with us access the restaurant via their lush, tropical patio with some of the best waterfront views in Fort Lauderdale. Grab a seat and a take in the beautiful view of the New River, while perusing a wide selection of local & international-inspired cuisine, creative specials, and diverse cocktail options. We love this gorgeous and delicious spot!
Village Cafe
This is an adorable little cafe one block away from the beach, with a cozy atmosphere. It’s in an adorable neighborhood of “old Florida” low-rise buildings and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Established in 2014. Village Cafe is an American contemporary fusion restaurant, located just one block away from Fort Lauderdale Beach!
Casablanca Cafe
Casablanca Cafe is the perfect beach location with great food and a beautiful view (and people-watching). Casablanca Cafe offers chef-inspired Mediterranean cuisine set to a charming and welcoming feel, created in part by the restaurant building itself - a nostalgic residential home built in the 1920s. Casablanca Cafe has been serving the community with unrivaled service and an unmatched dining experience.
S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
Located on the ground floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort S3 (Sun, Surf, Sand) centers on coastal cuisine and a unique sharable concept. It is the closest dining spot to the ocean anywhere along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy an eclectic mix of regular live music and acoustic entertainment.
Doc B's Restaurant + Bar (Fort Lauderdale)
Doc B’s is our favorite neighborhood restaurant since the day it opened! Set in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar serves food made from scratch daily. Incorporating the highest-quality ingredients, the menu includes a variety of entree-sized salads, "very special” entrees, crave-worthy burgers and sandwiches, signature Wok Out Bowl, indulgent desserts and so much more. Doc B’s also impresses with an extensive craft beer, wine, and spirits selection in addition to signature cocktails. The expansive menu truly offers something for everyone and is just minutes away from Las Olas. It offers a vibrant outdoor patio with televisions and an expansive bar area.
Sawgrass Mills
Need to get your shopping on? Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet, value retail, and entertainment destination in the US, featuring more than 350 retailers (It is the largest single-story outlet mall in the U.S.). Sawgrass Mills is THE destination in South Florida for the largest selection of name brand outlets and value stores offering discounts of at least 70% off. Shop more than 350 stores, 100 exclusive to South Florida plus enjoy a delicious meal at one of their 16 full-service restaurants. For luxury shopping, take a stroll outside in The Colonnade Outlets with an impressive collection of luxury brands along with seven restaurants and plenty of outdoor dining.
Broward B-Cycle
Broward B-Cycle is a bike sharing program that allows you to have a bicycle when you need it, and to give it back when you don't. It allows you to pick up a bicycle from one of the many convenient station locations around Fort Lauderdale, use the bicycle for as long as you need, and then return it to the same or any other station in the city.
Brightline
Looking for an adventure? Brightline provides high-speed rail service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Brightline is such an amazing train experience: it is a private railroad that is modeled after the abundant high-speed rail options in Europe. You can also arrange for door-to-door transportation to and from all Brightline stations. Then step onto your train, enjoy a cocktail, and head to downtown West Palm Beach or Downtown Miami in a half hour.
Hollywood
The City of Hollywood is a beachfront community located in southeastern Broward County midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Hollywood has the one-of-a-kind Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a promenade that stretches 2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this brick-paved thoroughfare hosts pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, and millions of others every year. Dozens of eateries and inns line the Broadwalk and the promenade. Historic Downtown Hollywood is a lively commercial, entertainment, and cultural arts district. Downtown Hollywood hosts hundreds of concerts, music festivals, dance exhibitions, shows, and art exhibits, and features dozens of amazing local bars and restaurants. Brett’s office is in downtown Hollywood, and he couldn’t love it more! Hollywood provides a hometown atmosphere with a world-class beach in the heart of South Florida.