Ft. Lauderdale Vacation

An April 2005 trip to Fort Lauderdale by rsamsel

Helen S Photo - Fishing on the Helen S, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Quote: Fort Lauderdale is an annual vacation spot for our family. We love the area and the variety of things to see and do here.

8 Photos

Ft. Lauderdale Vacation

Overview

Hillsboro Light House Photo - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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On this trip, we crossed the state to visit Marco Island, headed south to Key Largo, spent a day in the Everglades, went on a fishing expedition, went shopping at the Sawgrass Mills, and generally lazed around on the beach.

Quick Tips:

Make sure you get ahold of one of the local activities directories. These have a wealth of information and coupons to assist your selection of daily activities.

Best Way To Get Around:

I would strongly suggest renting a car down here. Unless you think that you can stay within walking distance (or use the bus), this is the only way to go.

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Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Hotel | "Holiday Inn"

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We were supposed to get a ocean-view room, but we got a second-floor side room with little view of the ocean. The hotel was obviously booked solid, and so the level of activity in the hotel was high. The only means of getting out was via the elevator, which was slow, small, and frequently full of other passengers by the time it reached the 2nd floor. Due to our room location, right next to Sunrise Blvd. and the bars on the side street, the noise at night is unbearable – not abating until about 3am. If you are a light sleeper, forget a restful night's sleep. Our room had a micro-fridge but no microwave oven – they said they would have to charge extra for that. The good th...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach
999 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Key West, Florida
(954) 563-5961

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Coral Tides Condominium

Hotel

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Best Things Nearby:All the major ocean-type activiesBest Things About the Resort:Great jumping-off point to all areas of South FloridaResort Experience:Coral Tides is a low-end converted beach condo-type resort with little in the way of amenities. There is no staff on site after 5pm weekdays and Saturday, and the office is closed on Sunday. Be sure you call ahead if you will be arriving after office hours, as you will not otherwise be able to gain access to your room. While the rooms were clean, they were tiny and not very well-cared-for. The walls and cabinets are in need of repair/renovations, and there is only the bare minimum of utility in the way of furni...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Coral Tides Condominium
Briny Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL

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Bobby Rubinos

Restaurant

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Bobby Rubino's has some of the best baby-back ribs you can get. Tender and juicy, they fall off the bone. Be sure to ask for the sweet bourbon sauce - it's out-of-this-world. Make sure you eat them with a glass of merlot - the taste will pop in your mouth.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Bobby Rubinos
2501 N. Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33064
(954) 781-7556

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Cap's Place

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant

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Authentic echo of Florida's past, a former 'speak-easy' bar, this silvered rambler of a shack serves fresh fish, seafood, and a famous hearts-of-palm salad. The only way to this restaurant is via the pontoon boat shuttle from the opposite side of the Intracoastal. To say Cap’s is rustic is an understatement. This is a beat-up old shack that looks like a strong wind will do it in. That is why we were so surprised by the prices of the meals. The cheapest fare was a $13.95 chicken dish, and the rest of the choices (not many, mind you) were $20 to $40 per meal. Our table was very close to the entry so we got the chance to observe the staff and clientele interactions. The hostess was a s...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Cap's Place
2765 Northeast 28th Court
Lighthouse Point, Florida 33331
+1 954 941 0418

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Upper Deck

Restaurant | "The Upper Deck"

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This place is a gem. Overlooking the intercoastal waters right next to the Atlantic Ave. drawbridge, The Upper Deck is a wonderful way to dine and watch the sun go down while watching the boats travel up the intercoastal waters.

There is an Italian flair to this primarily seafood restaurant, with specials that will surprise and delight. The waitstaff is friendly and welcoming, giving helpful suggestions and courtesy, which seems to be a fading commodity today.

By far, this local restaurant gets our vote as the best dining experience of our vacation.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Upper Deck
101 Riverside Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 946-8323

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Fishing on the Helen S

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:

The Helen S is an 87-foot fishing boat that is well-equipped for the task. The boat owner has much experience and will certainly provide good fishing spots. The crew is on the ball, not letting you bait your own hook. If they see you cranking, they're right there to see if they can lend a hand to either land the fish or re-bait the hooks. The equipment is is good condition and the line is changed frequently - I observed that they changed the lines on reels not being used on the trip during the times we moved from one spot to another. This was a trip I will do again next time we visit the area. Oh, look for their $2 off per person coupon in the activities directori...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 26, 2005

Fishing on the Helen S
Lighthouse Point Marina
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Attraction

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We spent the day at Pennekamp without doing the paid tours this time, just spending the day wandering around the park, snorkeling and relaxing. This park is a must-do for nature lovers. They do a wonderful job helping people understand the reef system and how we can do things to help save it from destruction.

Try the snorkeling or diving (or glass-bottom boat) to really see the great aquatic life at this very special park.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 27, 2005

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
MM 102.5
Key Largo, Florida 33037
(305) 451-1202