With winter storms still popping up, you might be thinking about your next getaway to warmer weather. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home with Florida, or if you have your passport and are ready for an international getaway to Aruba, Sundance Vacations has the perfect destination waiting for you. Escape the cold with a vacation! If you’re traveling to Aruba or Ft. Lauderdale, this will help guid you in the right direction for fun in the sun!
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You don’t need a passport to escape to somewhere with warmer weather. April and May are prime times to visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With an average temperature of 83 degrees in April and 85 degrees in May, you can see why people love taking time to visit the Sunshine State. Fort Lauderdale is one of the top places to visit in Florida. It’s most famous for its beaches, arts, events, and culture. From shopping on Olas Boulevard to relaxing on a gondola ride on one of their canals, this is the “Venice of America”.
Things To Do
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas Boulevard is nestled in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is the go-to place when you’re visiting. It has everything from fashion boutiques and unique art galleries, to amazing restaurants, cafes, and bars. Take an afternoon walk up and down the boulevard and discover an unforgettable city. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with stunning palm trees and polite people. Enjoy the view of the million-dollar homes and impressive yachts while exploring the city.
Galleria Shopping Mall
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s premier shopping excursions with over one hundred stores including Apple, Michael Kors, Banana Republic and Sephora. There are many dining options to chose from as well, such as Blue Martini and Cooper’s Hawk Winery. It’s located just steps from the Fort Lauderdale Beach!
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Board the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and enjoy unlimited rides with eleven stops across Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Map out your perfect day with shopping, sightseeing, and socializing along the way. Enjoy the ride with a refreshing beverage, a light breeze, and fact-filled tours all while learning about the “Venice of America”.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a thirty-five-acre historic estate that is located on Fort Lauderdale Beach and provides exquisite art, history, nature, gardens, and five different ecosystems. The house was built in 1920 and was the home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. This house provided them with a perfect winter retreat. Take a trip through time at the beautiful Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Bonnet House is open year-round with the exception of some holidays. You can purchase tickets for the Self-Guided Tour which lasts about two to three hours.
Where to Stay
Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort is southeast Florida’s leading beachfront resort destination. The resort is centrally located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Located only one very short block from the beach, the resort is nested within small neighborhood with a variety of shops, restaurants, bars/lounges, a 24-hour restaurant, and a 24-hour convenience store. The Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is conveniently located about 9 miles away.
Interesting Tidbit:
Fort Lauderdale is a city on Florida’s southeastern coast, known for its beaches and boating canals. The Strip is a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It’s lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Other attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, with pools and a museum of memorabilia, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, featuring trails and a lagoon. Known as the Venice of America because of its extensive canal system, the city is the eighth largest city in Florida, with over 300 miles of waterfront, including beaches (23 miles), rivers and canals. Explore the city’s many sights via an old fashion Venetian gondola.
Did You Know?
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port, is only seven minutes away. With this superb location, everything you can want, and need is close and convenient.
Noord, Aruba
It’s not easy to pick a Caribbean vacation destination, but fortunately, we’re here to help you understand just what makes Aruba so special, unique, and worthy of your consideration. Aruba may be best known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, but venture off the sand and you’re sure to be amazed by an incredible set of new and exciting things to do. Whether you seek peace and tranquility, excitement and adventure, immersive cultural experiences, or an alluring romantic getaway, the “One Happy Island” has got you covered. With so many fun things to do in Aruba, you’re sure to find an activity, sight, attraction, or event that’s right up your alley! Aruba is warm year-round with sunshine, clear skies, and temperatures in the mid eighties! Some might even say that Aruba has the most sunny days in the Caribbean.
Things To Do
Jeep Safari to Arikok National Park
The Arikok National Park is located on Aruba’s east coast. This national park is home to some pretty amazing natural wonders and with some of Aruba’s most rugged terrain. It’s recommended to book a Natural Pool & Indian Cave Jeep Safari . Take a break from the perfect beaches and set out on an adventure! This four to five hour tour will take you to the famous Natural Pool in Arikok National Park so you can swim and snorkel in the afternoon. You will also stop by the Dos Playa Beach,Fontein Cave.
The Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm is a unique experience located just steps from beautiful Palm Beach! This attraction is a huge hit for people of all ages. Here you will step into a tropical garden loaded with a variety of butterflies, flowers, trees, and waterfalls. Learn about the life cycles of these mesmerizing insects form egg to caterpillar. This is truly a rare opportunity to capture for sure. If you arrive early in the morning, you just might witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first flights! Your admission ticket is valid for your entire vacation too, so stop in on day one and return as often as you’d like. P.S, if you want the butterflies to land on you, wear bright colors and citrus cologne!
Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
For any size donation, you can cuddle up with a number of friendly donkeys! Imagine fifteen to thirty minutes of snuggling and hugging these adorable animals. The Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba provides a safe haven for the wild donkeys on the island. Did you know donkeys love apples and carrots? Feel free to bring some along with you while visiting to feed them. There’s no admission price but donations are greatly appreciated to take care of the animals. Currently there are over 130 donkeys with individual names. If you’re looking to volunteer while on vacation, you can get there earlier in the day to help out with daily chores of feeding and caring for the donkeys. You can also just sit back and relax on the covered porch and enjoy a cold drink.
California Lighthouse
If you’re looking for a fabulous place to take breathtaking photos, the California Lighthouse is for you. This aged stone lighthouse stands as a silent watchman known as “Hudishibana” near the Northwestern tip of the island. This lighthouse has become one of Aruba’s scenic trademarks and offers a picture-perfect view of the coastline. The best time to get 360-degree view would be before sunset but if you wait for the sunset, you will experience a big ball of fire gently slip away into the Caribbean ocean. Keep your eyes open, you just might see a green flash! Next to the lighthouse, the lightkeeper’s house has been transformed into The Faro Blanco Restaurant and brags about their amazing lobster risotto dish and wine collection.
“A combination of rich Aruban culture and history coupled with spectacular views and picturesque sunsets topped off with a touch of the best Italian cuisine and a perfectly paired wine list with selections from around the world makes Faro Blanco Restaurant the perfect location for all occasions.”
Where to Stay
Azure Beach and Blue Residences
Azure Beach and Blue Residences are two condominium complexes located across from one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach. Aruba is known for being the happiest and friendliest islands in the Caribbean, also known as the “One Happy Island”. It is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, warm tropical breezes, and turquoise water. The island is ideal for family vacations, a romantic honeymoon, destination weddings, and a relaxing getaway for you to unwind. The resort is located about 8.5 miles from the International Airport Queen Beatrix.
Interesting Tidbit:
Just a five minute drive by car, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary sits behind the Azure Residences on acres of wetland and offers some unique bird watching opportunities. You can’t miss it as it is located just in front of the historical Old Dutch Windmill. Make sure to bring your camera as many of these birds will randomly fly by the observation tower giving a little show. This is a great place to bring kids for a unique and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be so close to the untamed.
Did You Know?
Aruba is 6 miles across and 19.6 miles long with a total area of 77 square miles. Aruba is part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea, and lies about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 18 miles off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela.
If you need more things to do in Aruba, check out our Escape the Winter Blues with Sundance Vacations blog.
If you’re looking for other awesome beach getaways, be sure to check out our Best Exotic Beach Destinations for 2022 blog.
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