Three days — private yacht dinner cruise, spa at the Bahia Mar, and the quieter side of the intercoastal.
Arrive, get to the hotel, and have a sunset sail on the intercoastal before dinner. Fort Lauderdale's waterway is especially good at dusk when the mansions light up.
Several outfitters run 90-minute sunset sails through the million-dollar canal neighborhoods. The catamaran version is more stable; the sailboat is more romantic. ~$40–60/person on a group sail, $300+ private. Book through the hotel or Airbnb Experiences.
Fort Lauderdale hosts serious spring break crowds March through mid-April. The beach and A1A bars are packed and loud. The Las Olas and intercoastal areas are less affected. Plan around it or lean into it.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) typically has significantly lower fares than Miami International — especially on Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit. The 30-minute drive to Miami or 20-minute drive to the beach makes FLL worth looking at even for trips centered on Miami.
Old Florida-style boutique resort on the beach with an oceanfront pool and direct beach access. Less corporate than the Marriotts and Hiltons. Rates $200–350/night in season.
The Bahia Mar Resort spa and the W's spa are the two best options near the beach. Full-day couples package runs $300–500. The Bahia Mar has better waterfront ambiance.
Beach-side seafood at The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale — the raw bar and whole-roasted fish are excellent. Outdoor terrace with ocean views. Good wine list. Reserve for the ocean-view tables.
Head 40 minutes west to the Everglades for an airboat tour before flying home. Sawgrass Recreation Park off I-75 is the most convenient western entrance. 30-minute airboat ride, gator show, nature trail. $30/adult.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “Romantic Fort Lauderdale Weekend” and access the full block library.
Join free — become a WandererNo credit card required
Flights, stays, and experiences — find the best options for your dates.
Compare hundreds of airlines. See the cheapest dates and book directly — no markup.
Search flightsPowered by Travel Payouts
Bundle your flight and hotel to unlock package savings — usually cheaper than booking separately.
Powered by Expedia
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels, resorts, and rentals — free cancellation on most.
Search hotelsPowered by Expedia
Museum tickets, guided tours, and day trips — skip-the-line access, most with free cancellation.
Browse experiencesPowered by Tiqets
Pre-book a private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing.
Book a transferPowered by Welcome Pickups
Compare rental cars from top agencies — pickup at airports, hotels, and city centers.
Compare ratesPowered by Expedia
Whole homes, cabins, and condos — more space, full kitchens, and local neighborhoods.
Browse rentalsPowered by Expedia
Trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation — get a free quote in minutes.
Get a free quotePowered by Travelex