what would you do if for two or three days in ft. lauderdale?

[terryg11]

My family and I are traveling to fort lauderdale for three days next week and were wondering if anyone here might have some ideas of what to do?
Some of the things looking at doing are an everglades tour or activity. Obviously seeing wildlife in natural habitat is ideal.

Snorkeling. Saw a glass bottom boat and snorkeling tour that looked reasonable.

affordable yet nice places to eat.

any suggestions are welcome, and thanks

[kcass1954]

1. Everglades Holiday Park

I'm not a real big one for "tourist-y" type stuff, but the airboat ride is cool. Here's the website - there's even discount coupons.

http://evergladesholidaypark.com/

Another neat place is Flamingo Gardens. There are the gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, and a free-flight aviary, and yes - there are flamingos there.

http://www.flamingogardens.org/

If you have elementary-age kids, they might enjoy the Museum of Discovery and Science. It has lots of interactive displays, but older kids might be bored. The IMAX theater is in the same complex.

http://www.mods.org/home.htm

Here's a link for other things in Ft. Lauderdale. This is all stuff that's located within the city limits, so it's pretty much east and not too far from the beach.

http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/leisure.htm

One placed we've always enjoyed is located in Dania Beach, the next town south of Ft Lauderdale. The International Game Fishing Association is headquartered there, and they have a great museum. Bass Pro Shops is in the same location, along with a popular seafood restaurant. (The Islamorada Fish Company has the greatest bread, but my personal opinion is that they're over-priced for mediocre quality.)

http://www.igfa.org/hq.asp


On to food -

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine - Great food, inexpensive - I've never eaten at this location, but I've been going to their place in Hollywood for 20 years or so.

Stork's Bakery on Las Olas has wonderful pastries and sandwiches, and is not expensive.

There's lots of good pizza here, as long as you avoid the big chains.

Catfish Deweys is a more moderate than inexpensive, but I've never had a bad meal there.

Southport Raw Bar is casual dining, good seafood, and outdoor tables on the dock.

And finally, Lester's Diner - No trip to Ft Lauderdale is complete without a meal at Lester's.


Edited to fix a link.

[SteppingRazor]

2. All great points, except...

No trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without a meal at The Floridian, not Lester's. :P

[Synnical]

3. Ah, C'mon! Both places are great!

But also need to mention The Downtowner Saloon and the best pizza in Fort Lauderdale - Downtown Pizzeria! They also do a great breakfast - and they deliver early morning and late nite. Love that place.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale