Once travel resumes, domestic travel will become a popular choice. Heading south to enjoy some sun after being cooped up may be the perfect way to get some Vitamin D and enjoy vacations once again. Just before COVID-19 changed the course of 2020, Shane and I had just visited Fort Lauderdale, Florida, His childhood friend was celebrating a birthday and we couldn’t say no to the promise of sunshine, so I’ve decided to put together a weekend travel guide to the area.
They live in a traditional South Florida neighborhood, with shell gravel driveways and palm trees lining the block. They also happen to live within a quick drive of great spots Downtown.
Day ONE in Fort Lauderdale
We arrived in town, changed out of our airport clothes, and headed straight to Funky Buddha brewery. They had such a big selection of beers and a delicious menu. We hung around for hours playing corn hole, Jenga, and card games.
We headed back to their house to relax after we got a belly full of beer and a little sleepy, As a Miami native, I love sitting in a sunny backyard and while everyone took a catnap, I worked on my tan. As people woke up and regained their energy, we made our way to The Wharf. This place was totally my vibe. There was a nautical, Hamptons-like atmosphere as it sits along the water. Mojitos even came with a sugarcane stirrer! I haven’t enjoyed a sugarcane since my Cuban grandfather would stick them in my lunchbox in elementary school.
We headed to Louie Bossi for dinner. This is the birthday boy’s self-proclaimed favorite restaurant and it did not disappoint. Not only are the aesthetics adorable (we sat outside in the garden and the twinkle lights made me feel so cozy), but the food was out of this world. Big bowls of pastas filled our table and no one spoke until they were ready for their second glass of wine.
DAY TWO in fort lauderdale
The next day morning, a small group of us headed to a workout class and post-gym juices at JB&C Juice Bar and Cafe. It’s honestly my favorite way to start a day, especially when you’re on vacation and totally out of your routine. We headed home, freshen up, and grabbed an Uber to Miami. For the main birthday celebration, we reserved a cabana at the Mondrian pool on Miami Beach. I loved every minute of this. The service was great. The views were stunning. And we basked in the sun for a full day. After being sufficiently tan and full, we called it a day as the sun was setting over the horizon. We barbecued back at home for dinner and fell asleep after a dance party.
Fort Lauderdale was great fun and I honestly never expected the city to be filled with such great, and cute, places. Being from Miami, we usually never visited Fort Lauderdale since we had so much of the same stuff locally. It was fun to explore the city through the local eyes of our friends and now we can’t wait to get back when we can. I hope you use this Fort Lauderdale weekend travel guide to plan your next trip to South Florida. For an ultimate experience, make sure to take a look at this guided tour to learn more about the sight from a local.
Interested in checking out the mountains instead of the beach? Visit my blog post on Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
