Guidebook for The Perfect Day Trip in Ft. Lauderdale (According to Reese + Kay)

Reese + Kay
Nov 27, 2024
5 min read

Honestly, this "perfect day trip" guidebook could take you 3- 5 days to enjoy everything.... You might want to consider extending your trip for an extra day... or for a week.

There's no harm in slowing down to enjoy your stay a bit longer. Here are Reese + Kay's idea of the perfect trip itinerary for all types of memory making.

None of these recommendations are sponsored, and are recommended based on our own experiences, we get nothing out of this, except the joy of giving our guests a great experience not only on our property, but in our city.

Make Memories Exploring

Stop # 1. Pura Vida Ft. Lauderdale

Statue of a woman in front of the Pura Vida Ft. Lauderdale restaurant — The Statue in Front of the Pura Vida Ft. Lauderdale

Start with the breakfast of champions. Pura Vida offers casual healthy dining (breakfast, lunch or dinner) with a picture worthy moment in front of a 14 ton sculpture of a woman displaying the pure lushness of her heart.

Stop # 2. Water Taxi at Stranahan House

The Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi on the Move

Hop on the Water Taxi at the Stranahan House. Make sure you grab a map and the pamphlet that lists all the discounts you can access while cruising through Ft. Lauderdale on the water. You'll see gorgeous multi-million dollar mansions along the way with witty tour guides sharing fun facts and a little history. The taxis stop at each pickup point every 30-45 minutes.

Check out this link for a list of all 20 stops you can choose from and other activities you can consider exploring on the Water Taxi.

To purchase Water Taxi tickets select this link.

Track the different boats locations and times here.

LOCAL CHEAT CODE: You can get a FREE cinnamon bun from the bakery next to the Water Taxi dock by The Stranahan House (Stop 1) with the proof of your Water Taxi ticket purchase. *I'm not sure how long this promotion will last, but it's always worth asking. If Cinnamon Buns aren't your thing, there are quite a few restaurants along the way that offer discounts and freebies for being on the water taxi.

Access all the discounts and promotions at each stop here.

Stop # 3, Option A. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with the Las Olas Beach Pictured in the Background

This is perhaps Reese & Kay's favorite perfect day stop, as it's our favorite place to explore nature trails, rent kayaks/ bikes, and/or access the iconic Las Olas Beach. It also happens to be stop 8 on the Water Taxi.

Local Bonus Insight: The Park & Ocean restaurant inside the park is a cute place to grab a drink and a snack with a view of the Las Olas Beach if your peckish (not a place we'd recommend for feasting), but if you want a great meal, standby for the options that follow in the Perfect Day line up.

Stop # 3, Option B. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens — A view of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

The Bonnet House can be accessed on the Water Taxi's Ft. Lauderdale Line's Stops 7 or 8. This historic landmark brings a unique artistic spin on a modest estate and Ft. Lauderdale's history. Be prepared to do a lot of walking to get there and if you want to explore the entire home, art, and gardens.

Stop # 4, Option A or B. Lunch at Shooter's Waterfront or Bokampers

After hopping back on the Water Taxi, consider stopping at Shooters Waterfront Restaurant or Bokampers at Stops 9 and 10 if you'd like a good meal. Either way, the water taxi docks right at the restaurants, so no long walks are required.

Check out the menus here to make an informed decision based on what you'd enjoy:

Stop # 5, Las Olas Boulevard

If you still happen to have energy after your returning to the Water Taxi, Las Olas Boulevard can be a great conclusion to your evening. This historic boulevard is a major cultural and social hub with tons of restaurants, shopping, night life, art galleries, and more.

Stop # 6, Tropical Oasis Villas

Returning to the Tropical Oasis Villas is a relaxing conclusion to the day. We've done our best to pay attention to all the details that will make the difference: great water pressure, a comfy bed, warm lighting and more.

Make Memories Indulging in Luxury

Stop # 1. Cafe Bastille

The French toast & compote from Cafe Bastille

Brunch at this French bistro and bakery are a divine start to an indulgent day of luxury. Reese loves the gluten free French toast with a mixed berry compote., and Kay loves the Truffle Croque Madame.

Checkout the menu for yourself here.

Stop # 2. The Yoga Joint

Yoga may not be considered a luxury, but breathing and stretching with on a slow morning is such a treat. Check out the Yoga Joint in North Ft. Lauderdale for diverse yoga classes and options for all fitness levels here.

Stop # 3, Option A. Sana Skin Studio

This spa will make your skin the primary star of the show. We love that they customize your skin experience based on your unique needs and skin care goals with science.

For more details check them out here.

Stop # 3, Option B. Park Place Medical Spa

If you're interested in Botox, Body Sculpting and other medical spa treatments with minimal down time, Park Place medical Spa is a great place to visit. You'll return from your vacation looking and feeling like a new person.

You'll find details regarding their services and guest experiences here.

Stop # 3, Option C. The Space Ft. Lauderdale

If you're strictly interested in body recovery, The Space Ft. Lauderdale offers cold plunges, saunas, and more. Checkout this link to see if their services fit your needs.

Stop # 3, Option D. Casbah Spa

For a one stop spa experience, Casbah offers numerous spa experiences under one roof for facial treatments, massage, salon services, and more. You'll find details about them here.

Stop # 4. Luxury Shopping at The Colannade in Sawgrass Mills Malls

Access numerous luxury brands at the Colonnade at Sawgrass Mills Mall like: Armani, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi. Tory Burch, Gucci, and more. There are not only luxury brands in this mall, but also outlet stores for great retail therapy. Review the store options here.

Stop # 5. Dinner at Kaluz

Kaluz a waterfront fine dining restaurant

We love this upscale restaurant on the water. The ambiance is sultry, the service is stellar and the menu deserves a chef's kiss.

Make Memories with Adventure

Stop # 1, projectRock

If you're looking to the rush of a good climb, projectRock will be a great fit. Details here.

Stop # 2. Xtreme Action Park

Xtreme Action Park has a variety of fun activities for all fitness levels, including: go-karts, bowling lanes, indoor rope courses, escape rooms, arcades, mini golf, trampoline park, laser tag and more

Stop # 3. Water Sports