With Valentine’s Day right around the corner the CruiseExperts.com has developed a list of our top picks for romantic spots in Ft. Lauderdale. If you’re here a few days before you depart on your long-awaited cruise, take advantage of the romantic getaways offered. Call it a vacation before your vacation.
From the city’s blue-wave sparkling beaches, world-famous Five-Star hotels, romantic fine dining restaurants and sizzling nightlife, it’s yours for the taking. And while the city oozes romance any time of the year. Enjoy romping on the beach and being amazed you can do this in the middle of winter. Perhaps take time and watch graceful flamingos or touring a beautiful century-old mansion and gardens.
So plan a few days before here before you embark on your cruise. The following are a few suggestions to fill your days and make this a memorable experience.
Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest Botanical gardens in this part of the state and a romantic place to visit. The gardens consist of a one-and-a-half-acre free-flight aviary featuring wading birds, a crocodile lagoon, river otter and bobcat habitats, wetlands, and a citrus grove. Visitors can choose to take a narrated tram tour or to walk a lovely paved path to see the grounds. There is also a small museum housed in the original home of the previous owners, which includes period furniture. Several cafes and shops are conveniently located within the grounds.
Photo Courtesy of Flamingo Gardens
The Jungle Queen Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise is a gentle and inspiring three hour tour. See the New River and take note of the fascinating Millionaire’s Row, downtown Fort Lauderdale. Snap a few photos of the Everglades and the Jungle Queen Indian Village, which is a tropical island environment with macaws, rare plants and birds, and even alligator wrestling. Also plan for the Bar-B-Q and Shrimp Dinner Cruise, which is a four hour adventure up the New River with an island stopover. Reservations are required.
Photo Courtesy of Jungle Queen Riverboat Ft. Lauderdale Florida
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a striking historic site and is a must-see for those with romance in their hearts. Set amidst a peaceful seaside oasis overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the unique 1920s-era house is filled with original furnishings and artwork created by the owners themselves. Explore the lush 35-acre grounds, home to one of the Southeast’s largest collections of orchids as well as parrots, swans and even wild monkeys. Due to the threat posed by nearby development, the National Trust and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation listed Bonnet House as one of America’s 11 most endangered sites in 2008.
Photo Courtesy of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Take an afternoon tour of the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art on Las Olas Boulevard and see the temporary exhibits as well a permanent collection of over 6,000 works. Art enthusiast or not you will be awed by magnificent Picasso ceramics, significant works by American painter William Glackens and contemporary designs by over 90 exiled Cuban artists. Make it a point to check their website often to mark your calendar to experience this true gem and gift to the city.
Enjoy a pleasant walk and from the beach into one of Fort Lauderdale’s favorite tranquil parks, The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. This 180-acre park lies on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Inland Waterway. This is popular for its peaceful beaches and swimming, salt water fishing, and surfing on the north shore. The area also includes freshwater lagoons, mangrove swamps, and a hardwood coastal hammock. Enjoy the subtropical climate on the nature walk, an exercise course, canoe rentals, picnic areas, and concession stand. Pause to watch a parade of boats as they seem never to end as they pass by on the waterway.
FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH
The world-famous Fort Lauderdale beachfront boasts four miles of publicly accessible coastline. Backed by a colorful array of exclusive shops, inviting sidewalk cafes and exciting entertainment venues, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Swim, Jet Ski, snorkel and dive in the exceptionally clear waters, or stroll along the award-winning wave wall and majestic, palm-lined promenade.
For the best cruise prices out of Ft. Lauderdale call the CruiseExperts.com today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784). Don’t forget to sign up for our Inner Circle for more great savings!