yotefan37

My DH and I are going on a cruise that ends in Ft Lauderdale. When we disembark, we plan on spending 2 nights in the Ft Lauderdale / Miami area since neither of us have ever visited these places. Our plans are to take a quick everglades tour and tour Miami to see some of the architecture, etc, and have a couple of fun dinners. We also plan on flying out of Ft Lauderdale.

The question is this: would it make more sense for us to spend the 2 nights in Ft Lauderdale or Miami? We don't know either area, so any help would be appreciated.

Also, I would love any great recommendations for lodging (~$150 per night), restaurants (~$50 pp), or area attractions.

Thanks in advance!!

-Yote

nancy

For me, it would be Ft. Lauderdale. Lots to see: Las Olas Blvd is nice to stroll up and down with lots of shops & restaurants; easy to get to an Everglades tour; & the boat ride around the bay is lovely - just to view the fabulous mansions along the way. There may even be hop on/off boats. I know there are other sightseeing places but can't think of them off the top of my head.

Miami is an hour drive south and I went once for a few hours just to see the beach and the shops/restaurants along the strand. Been there, done that and don't care to go back.

My son & his family live in Coral Springs (which I call a suburb of Ft. Laud.) so if you decide on Ft. Laud, let me know and I'll ask them about a nice restaurant in your price range. They may know of a hotel where some business clients have stayed.

It might be worth getting a tour book from AAA just to see what's around Ft. Lauderdale. [email protected]

karen67

I used to live in Miami, and now live in the West Palm Beach area, so am very familiar with both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. As a first-time visitor to the area, and if you plan to visit Miami to see the architecture (I am assuming you mean the Art Deco area on South Beach?), I would suggest staying in Miami. When is your trip? If it is during the summer months, you should have no problem finding accommodations in your price range. Also, what are your interests and what kind of activities do you like to do? This will help recommend restaurants, accommodations, and sights to see.

Travel_Glutton

I think you'll get better hotel options in Ft. Lauderdale than South Beach for your price range. Totally a matter of opinion but I very much prefer the beach in Fort Lauderdale-- seems cleaner, less crowded, fewer college kids. To see some of South Beach Art Deco buildings, you could just go into town one evening for dinner and walking around.

I lived in Miami years ago and a Fish Called Avalon in South Beach was one of our favorite restaurants but not sure what it's like nowadays.

Have a great trip!