Fort Lauderdale is known for its beaches and water activities, which makes it the perfect spring break destination. We’ve discussed popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale Beach, Sawgrass Mills, and East Las Olas Boulevard in Plan Your Fort Lauderdale Trip with Sundance Vacations, but what about the lesser-known locations? If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale with Sundance Vacations and looking to explore, be sure to check out some of these activities and hidden gems!
Day Activities
Marando Farms & Ranch
You could easily spend a whole day at Marando Farms & Ranch. The fresh farm-to-table café, the petting zoo filled with rescued furry friends, and fun year-round monthly events for children and families are only a few of the experiences that Marando Farms has to offer. Children can participate in gardening classes, farm education, natural outdoor activities, and more. Stop by the market for local produce grown through sustainable food systems and to support farmers who work tirelessly to protect the environment.
Yellow Green Farmers Market
Speaking of delicious, crisp fruits and veggies, Yellow Green Farmers Market is the perfect place to gather goods for sustainable living. Not only will you find food and snacks for a multitude of dietary needs, but you’ll also stumble upon artisans, entertainment, and a variety of crafts. The outdoor venue is chock-full of food trucks and vendors selling mouth-watering ethnic treats, like American food, Spanish food, Korean street food, Cajun food, and much more. New expansions are coming soon to the market, too. The Station is set to be a relaxed, yet refined ambient space, while The Nest is described as a nostalgic trove of antiques and collectibles.
Old Florida Book Shop
In need of a new read to enrich your mind? Just want to absorb the renowned archival atmosphere? William Chrisant & Sons’ Old Florida Book Shop is home to over 30,000 books, antique maps, prints, and ephemera. Photos of the Old Florida Book Shop transport you back in time. With towering bookshelves filled with literature and rows of collector’s items that you won’t find anywhere else. This dreamy shop is a book lover’s paradise. The cozy aura is unbeatable, especially if you’re looking to escape the Florida sun for a bit. You can find new, used, and vintage books in the collections. This Dania Beach bookstore is not to be missed while in Fort Lauderdale!
Cruisin’ Tiki
As their website ingeniously states, “Why go bar hopping when you can hop on the bar?” Cruisin’ Tiki tours take Fort Lauderdale boat tours to a whole new level. Four unique types of tiki bar boat cruises are offered—sunset cruises, late-night jazz cruises, tiki fun cruises, and sandbar trips. Bring your desired food and drinks and connect your phone to the on-deck Bluetooth stereo for a night of fun! A cooler will be provided, and a blender can be requested. Certain cruise types also allow guests to customize their trips with stops at waterfront venues and a swim at the sandbar. Choose the length of your cruise and soak up the sights of the stunning homes and yachts that line the waterways.
Take a Break
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour has been a South Florida landmark since 1956. Time to ditch ordinary ice cream because Jaxson’s offers massive portion sizes and dozens of delicious flavor combinations. We’re especially fond of the two-on-a-blanket sundae– Two slices of pound cake topped with a scoop each of vanilla and chocolate ice cream and covered in hot fudge, marshmallow sauce, and toasted almonds. From milkshakes and soda floats to banana splits and waffles with ice cream scoops, you’ll have something new to try on each visit! You can also stop by for diner-styled food, like hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and sides! Make your meal a sundae special to finish it off with a creamy scoop of ice cream!
Gran Forno Bakery
There’s nothing better than authentic Italian treats, especially from Fort Lauderdale’s Gran Forno Bakery. Gran Forno offers both sweet and savory treats, like cakes, pastries, breads, and paninis. Made with quality ingredients, over 800 ciabatta loaves are baked daily, which is no surprise with its foot-traffic-heavy location on Las Olas Boulevard. Online reviews rave about the freshness of the food and the fantastic customer service. This open-air bakery is the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and unwind while the inviting scents of baked goods waft around you.
Nighttime Fun
Rebel Wine Bar
Rebel Wine Bar states it best; “We take pride in providing personable service and approachable wines. Whether you’re looking for a place to bring a date, enjoy a ladies’ night, or simply catch up with a few friends, we’ve got you covered.” This generation-defying establishment was awarded Restaurant Guru’s Top 10 Best Pub & Bar in Oakland Park for 2024. Besides being a great place to meet new people during happy hour, Rebel Wine Bar also offers a private wine-tasting experience. Whether your particular taste is dry, sweet, or something in between, their vast menu offers flavorsome options by the glass or by the bottle.
Mama Hank’s Speakeasy + Kitchen
Talk about exclusive—Mama Hank’s captures the feel of a prohibition-era speakeasy; it’s even sealed behind a 400-pound bulletproof vault door! This hidden gem is mellow and classy—the best of both worlds. Oh yeah, and you need a code to get inside! When you book a reservation, you’ll receive instructions on how to get inside, which makes it feel like a secret hideaway! The genuine twist on a modern speakeasy may be enough to attract visitors, but that’s not its only draw. The food is also spectacular, with the deviled eggs and cheesy mashed potatoes seeming to be fan favorites! If you’re looking for the perfect date night spot, Mama Hank’s is it!
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