I will be staying in Lauderdale by the Sea March 3-9. Staying at the Captain's Quarters (based on a recommendation by GoTravel). We aren't renting a car. What is the best way to get into to Ft. Lauderdale - bus, taxi? Any recommendations for trip from the airport to our hotel? Have you ever been on the Carrie B river tour, or would you recommend the water taxi for the mansion and waterway tour? Any recommendations for restaurants in LBTS? We're basically coming down for some beach R&R at our hotel, and really just want to spend one day shopping, strolling, and sightseeing in Ft. Lauderdale.

You seem to know your stuff....I'll appreciate any advice you give. Thanks!

we have vacationed in lauderdale by the sea twice and just love it...we did rent a car, but it would not be an expensive cab ride from the airport...a great little casual place with outdoor seating is Mulligans, right in the center of 'town'...and there are several other restaurants within walking distance... we stayed both visits at High Noon Resort, right on the beach, with a heated pool, and efficiency apts...just a great little town that you will love!

Also forgot to say that the water taxi tour of mansions etc is very much fun, and be sure to get off at River Walk on Las Olas for eating, shopping, etc...when we were in LBTS in Jan, the fishing pier was closed for repairs...but the pelicans have claimed it and they were a riot to watch...

Sorry for the delay in replying, my computer was down the past two days.

Since I live here and have my own van, I don't know about the rates for cabs. The bus system would probably be too much trouble, as we don't have the advanced systems like they do in other major cities. Just grab a cab to your motel/hotel.

Carrie B is a great cruise. If you get here on a Friday, grab the Sun Sentinel and look for a Buy 1 Get One Free coupon (or you might be able to find one on their website www.carriebcruises.com

The differences between the Carrie B ($15 regular adult fare) and the Water Bus ($5 all day) is that the Carrie B does not stop at all, but it gives a very thorough tour of the inland waterways and the beautiful mansions with loads of info; it also has a bar and several decks. It's a larger vessel and a great tour all the way from the Las Olas area to Port Everglades. Their current 2 for 1 coupon mentions you can see the Queen Mary 2 on March 6th in the Port. The tour takes several hours.

The Water Bus is more like a taxi service. It stops at various locations and is a great way to get around. You can take a quick cab ride to the nearest pick-up location and it shouldn't cost much for a cab ride a couple miles. That would be much cheaper than renting a car and then having to pay to park it somewhere --UGH!

You'll love LBTS, it will be just what you are looking for if you want some laid back R&R. I think the Captains Quarters is close to the pier, and that is in the center of town.

Feel free to email me at [email protected] if I can be of any other assistance. I can check the local paper for anything coming up in the area that you might like to attend while you are here.

PS: I have a coupon for the Carrie B that expires on 3/8/04 and I'll be happy to mail it to you if want it. They depart everyday at 11am, 1pm & 3pm and it says the tour last 1-1/2 hrs.

Buffalo Girl,
I visited FLL last summer with a number of friends. We all took taxis to our hotel since there was no courtesy shuttle. Each one of us (there were about twenty) had a similar experience: cab driver appeared to get lost, when we arrived at the hotel none had any change and would ask us to wait while they went to get it (apparently in the hopes we would lose interest and leave). On the return trips we all had lots of singles and got an agreement on rate before we left. While in FLL we either walked or used the marvelous water taxi.

For a fun, casual place to eat in LBTS, try Arubas-it is right on the beach.

Thanks for the replies everyone...I really do appreciate it.

Heartburn3: A special thanks to you....for the advice AND the coupon offer, which I will take you up on. I'll send an e-mail to the address you provided. If you're ever in Buffalo (or Niagara Falls) give me a holler!!!

Have a great time and don't forget to write a trip report! LBTS is such a lovely quaint town!

We were in Ft. Lauderdale last year in November. Had a great time. We went for some R&R ourselves. We stayed at Marriott Harbor Beach resort. Lovely hotel. We did rent a car. Unfortunately our hotel did charge per day for parking. That was the only negative. The water bus taxi even picked up near our hotel. We never used it. We also did the Carrie B tour. We really enjoyed it!!! It's very informative. They will even take a picture of you before you board. Of course you'll have the option of purchasing it at the end of the cruise. I'm jealous. You'll be enjoying nice sunny warm weather. Also we loved the Cheesecake factory restaurant. Located on las olas blvd. Very good food and cheesecake. Hops was another one of our favorite restaurants.
Check out this website- sunny.org You'll find it helpful with info on Ft.Lauderdale. They even have a live webcam where you can see the beach.
Have fun!!
p.s. I'm glad you thought to ask Heartburn info on Ft.Lauderdale. Heartburn was very helpful when we booked our vacation last year. Thanks again Heartburn!!

Thanks for the compliments! I enjoy helping everyone have a great vacation in Fort Lauderdale, whether it's a day or a week. I think we have the best of South Florida right in my own backyard!!