Disclosure: Hotels.com asked us to share our travel experiences in Ft. Lauderdale, while all opinions remain our own.
What can be more romantic than crystal clear water and sandy beaches, delicious food, and all-day sunshine? Fort Lauderdale offers all this and more to its visitors, making it the perfect romantic weekend getaway destination in Florida. In Fort Lauderdale you can enjoy delicious dinners at the many fine restaurants, boat rides, stunning beaches, top notch shopping and breathtaking sunsets. In this weekend getaway itinerary we include the most romantic things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Day 1: Enjoy the beach
Check in into your hotel
After arriving to Fort Lauderdale, we recommend heading to your hotel to check in if possible or at least drop off your bags, so you can get the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale. We recommend staying either in the beach district near South Atlantic Blvd or in downtown Fort Lauderdale near Las Olas Blvd or close to Dania Beach. Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers a rich variety of food scenes, arts, culture, shops, museums, nightlife and museums.
Take a stroll along the Fort Lauderdale Beach
Start off your romantic weekend getaway in Fort Lauderdale by strolling along the Las Olas Boulevard and getting your toes wet at the beach. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with boutique stores, restaurants, and bars. If you are up to the adventure you can race your loved one on a Jet Ski or go snorkeling.
Enjoy a tour with Jungle Queen Riverboat
For the second half of the day head over to the Jungle Queen Riverboat kiosk to sign up for a tour along the New River. The tour takes you through downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades and makes a stop on a secluded island. Here you can see an alligator show and take photos of the different rescued animals, including macaws. Taking a tour with Jungle Queen Riverboats is one of the most romantic things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Eat some delicious Sushi at SuViche
SuViche offers a fusion cuisine from Japan and Peru. Their delicious and fresh sushi dishes are inspired by the famous Peruvian Ceviche. If you ask, your sushi can be served in the shape of a heart shape to make your experience even more special and romantic.
Day 2: Spend a day around nature
Take photo of the Flamingos at Flamingo Gardens or with butterflies at the Butterfly World
The Butterfly World is our favorite spot in Fort Lauderdale and it’s a charming place to take your love. It is the world’s largest butterfly park with over 20,000 butterflies from around the world. The botanical gardens and Everglades wildlife sanctuary is another great option to take your significant other. In the Flamingo Garden you will find alligators, a bear, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks and of course Flamingos! Make sure to not miss out on the flamingo pond.
Go on an Everglade Safari
You cannot come to South Florida without going on an Everglades airboat tour. We took our tour at the Everglades Holiday Park and had a blast searching for alligators. The park is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale. Your ticket includes a 60 minute airboat tour, an alligator presentation and one Kodak photo of the whole tour group. It costs $31.50 per person for adults and $20.50 for children. The park is open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
Sunset tour with Tropical Sailing
Close out the last day on your romantic weekend getaway by sailing into the sunset on a catamaran. It is the best way to say goodbye to Fort Lauderdale and witness the beauty of the city, passing some amazing mega-mansions, from the water while the sun goes down. Make sure to pack a light sweater to stay comfortable with the cool ocean breeze.
Farewell dinner at Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
Your night is not complete without one last chance to enjoy the culinary highlights of Fort Lauderdale. Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria is the best restaurant at Las Olas Boulevard offering a superb menu with fantastic crusty pizza right out of a wood burning oven. If it is a warm evening, make sure to get a seat in the piazza inspired back garden complete with a fire pit and bocce ball court.
Disclosure: Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic some attractions maybe closed or limited at this time. Make sure to consult local authorities about current restrictions and guidelines. Please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you do decide to travel at this time, please wear a face mask, wash your hands regularly and bring hand sanitizer with you.