Two days — Las Olas lunch, water taxi on the intercoastal, beach afternoon, and a bar crawl that doesn't require a Miami budget.
Las Olas for lunch and a walk, then the Water Taxi to explore the canals and see the mega-yacht scene. The water taxi stop at Shooter's is a Fort Lauderdale institution.
All-day pass on the water taxi network — stops at over 30 waterfront restaurants, marinas, and attractions. Watch yachts that cost more than some city budgets. The Stranahan River section is the most interesting. $30/adult all-day pass.
Steakhouse in the W Hotel with an underwater-themed aquarium design — the bar area has a shark tank. More theatrical than some steakhouses but the prime beef is genuinely good. Budget $80–120/person with drinks.
Uber from FLL to the beach is $15–25 and 20 minutes. The Tri-Rail connects FLL to downtown but not the beach. Once on A1A, The Wave shuttle bus runs along the beachfront for $1.50 and hits all the main stops.
The NSB Art Museum in the morning, then Flagler Village for lunch and the emerging arts district scene in the afternoon.
One of Florida's better art museums — the collection includes work by Picasso, Warhol, and a strong Latin American section. The temporary exhibitions are usually worth a look. $15/adult.
Outdoor dining on the waterfront with a live jazz pianist most evenings. The view of the intercoastal is the reason to go. The food is fine — grilled fish and cocktails. The ambiance delivers.
Las Olas Boulevard is the restaurant and gallery strip — good for walking and eating. A1A is the beach road — good for the beach, bars, and watching spring break happen. Most visitors split their time between both. They're about a 10-minute walk apart.
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