Ft. Lauderdale in June!

[Urchina]

I'm heading to a cousin's wedding in Ft. Lauderdale in June. I'll be there for five days total and four of those days are available to use at my discretion. We are already planning a visit on one of those days to a historic plantation/gardens -- and I'm wondering if anyone has other recommendations for the area. I'd like to stay within an hour or so drive of Ft. Lauderdale, and I am not one for shopping (unless it's bookstores or farmer's markets). Other than that, I'm up for pretty much anything except snake wrestling. (Snakes are not my thing).

Thanks for any recommendations!

 

[MichaelB]

An everglades day trip is lots of fun if you enjoy outdoor nature activities. It's a bit more than an hour each way but some will include transportation to and from Ft L.

If you're more interested in human nature an afternoon and dinner on South Beach.

 

[Bestwifeever]

We did the water taxi that runs on the intercoastal waterway. Hop on, hop off, and the pilots tell you about the wealthy people's big houses that you pass. Water Taxi - Fort Lauderdale - Reviews of Water Taxi - TripAdvisor

We were there for a cruise and had a couple of extra days to kill, just DH and me. It was fun.

 

[oscar1]

One word. Beach! Enjoy the scenery.

 

[Urchina]

Thanks for the suggestions so far, everyone.

Are there any particularly great regional foods/brands I should try when I'm there? I'm assuming Cuban in Miami is a must-do -- is there good Cuban in Ft. L?

 

[MichaelB]

Are there any particularly great regional foods/brands I should try when I'm there? I'm assuming Cuban in Miami is a must-do -- is there good Cuban in Ft. L?

You might find some Caribbean food if you look around Broward County. From downtown Ft L to any part of the county is not more than 30 minutes driving. Odds are they will be lacking in appearance (aka dives) but will compensate in food.

Not sure about Cuban in Ft L. There are a couple of local chains (Padrinos) that are good. If you want a real classic, such as Lechon Asada, you'll have better luck in Miami.

Key Lime Pie is a local favorite, but you need to find one that is made with fresh lime juice. Same with mojitos, they are mighty tasty during those hot summer evenings.

For Cuban and Caribbean recommendations you may find helpful discussions at this board Miami - Fort Lauderdale - Chowhound