indesigna

I'm planning to take my 18 year old daughter to South Florida for four days. I have to be at the Palm Beach airport the day after she leaves to pick someone else up. My question is this: does anyone have any thoughts on Ft. Lauderdale vs. Palm Beach for us? We'll probably stay at a mid-priced hotel, like a Marriott and I'll rent a car. It looks like the two cities are only about an hour away, so I could drive up to PB if we stay in Ft. L. We like the beach, but can't sit in the sun all day. And the hotel doesn't have to be right on the beach as long as we can access it. We love good restaurants, shopping, and walking around. I haven't been to Ft. Lauderdale since I was in high school and it was the big spring break scene. I've heard that isn't the case anymore. I've never been to Palm Beach. Is it too sedate for a teenager? I don't want to take her somewhere where there aren't any young people. I really appreciate any advice. Thanks so much.

mclaurie

I don't really know where the best place for an 18 yr old would be, but wanted to say it's really not far from Miami all the way up to Palm Beach. I think South Beach would be the most fun for both of you for sun, shopping, dining etc.

indesigna

Thanks for your response. I was thinking about Miami, but i worried that it would be too much driving. I guess that it really isn't that far. I'll look into it. THanks again.

mrt

There is nothing for an 18 nyear old in Palm Beach area. Downstown West Palm Beach is nothing great. There is an outdoor trendy shopping Center (City Place)near buy that has nice shops and restaurants but that is it. Think about Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton

diann

We have stayed at both places, including south beach. Of the 3 choices I would take Ft.lauderdale. I love it there and it is great for all ages. We saw plenty of young people. Palm Beach is not for the young. I see no use in going to Miami when you can simply go to FLL. It is a unique city. Not sure of the price point, but Best Western had built new hotels on the beach. Most of the hotels are old on the beach with the exception of that new one and the Marrriot is nice. There is Las Olas blvd. for shopping, there is a boat that goes to Miami one day a week. Great restaurants. Charlies Crab is great. Have fun.

indesigna

Thanks so much. I'm going to take your advice and go to Ft. Lauderdale. I really appreciate it.

wow

WE have stayed many times in FLL & West Palm(Singer Island) w/ teenage kids( they are now 18 & 19). We love both places. My kids love the beach, the pool, shopping & going out for dinner every night w/ us. When we stay on Singer Island we take the water taxi to Clematis street on Thursday nights. Lots of fun...dancing in the streets, out door vendors, great restaurants. My kids also play golf & have some courses that they play regularly in West Palm/Palm Beach Shores area. (Don't know if you golf or not)
Having said all of ,we also love FLL. I think the Best Western referred to above is the Pelican Beach Resort.www.pelicanbeach.com. We stayed there a couple of years ago & loved it.Love teh lazy river! But, if you stay there make sure you ask for "the new hotel" as there is an old BW just to the north.( At least there was then ). If you go to FLL make sure you go to Charlie's Crab on the intracoastal at least one night. We have been goign there w/ our kids since they were 2...they love it!
You can't go wrong w/ either place...FLL or WPB, IMHO. The 2 are not far apart in terms of distance. The places that I ahve nmentioned are very close to teh FLL airport & PBI respectively.
Oh! you shd also check out www.lagomar.com in FLL.
And, www.tug2.net for rentals in FLL & Palm Beach Shores/ Singer Island. We like Marriott Ocean Pointe on Singer Island.You can walk to the Sailfish Marina & the water taxi from Ocean Pointe.
Hope this helps.When are you going?

wow

Just remembered that you are going for only 4 days. Don't think you can do a 4 day booking through TUG2...sorry.

indesigna

No problem, thanks so much for your wonderful advice.