My boyfriend and I are flying from Iowa to Fort Lauderdale on January 1st and flying out again on the 6th. The reason for our trip is threefold: 1) To watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Orange Bowl on Jan 5th; 2) To watch the Dolphins (my team) and the Steelers (his team) on Jan 3rd...that's right these two games couldn't have been more perfectly scheduled...funny how things work out!; and 3) To get AWAY from the cold/snow/ice/wind.
I have a few questions about what to do on the 2nd and 4th, when we don't have a game to go to. We are staying in Fort Lauderdale and have a car rental for all days. What are some good things to do/places to go? We both enjoy the beach, but I wonder if it will be warm enough, really. We enjoy having drinks on patio bars, and if we can be pointed to a fun one by a beach that would be a plus. We are not much for nature type things...hiking and all that. We also aren't that interested in large shopping meccas, although I don't mind looking in small local shops...as long as it isn't all junk. Basically we are wanting some relaxation. We were thinking about driving down to the keys, at least through some of it, and back one day, but don't know where to stop or if that is even a good idea.
Are the water tours around Miami any good? Any company better than the rest? I have never been to Miami before, and I am a HUGE dolphin fan. FYI.
Also, looking for some good, casual, middle price range restaurants in the area.
Thanks for any help! Just don't want to miss out on any "must dos"!

Check out the W Hotel beachside bar. Are you interested in the South Beach area at all? It would be an easier drive than down to the Keys.

Yes we are up for anything really. Any recommendations would be great. Just have no idea. I have been to Florida many times before, just never to the SE. Thanks fo the help...

January weather is a crap shoot. Could be beach weather. Both Fort Lauderdale, South Beach and Key Biscayne are great beaches a short drive away.

Las Olas is the destination in FLL in the evening. Several good casual restaurants including Mangos.

South Beach's Ocean Drive has the clubs and restaurants along a four or five block stretch. The week you are visiting should be high season and both destinations will be very busy.

If you like zoos and aquariums, Miami has good ones. And if you like oranges and grapefruits, go to one of the groves and get them fresh. They're much, much better than what you'd get at the supermarket.

Right now its in the mid 80's here in South Florida, so it's just wrong to be hearing Christmas music! Watch the weather forecasts for your stay. If there's no cold front then you can expect the temps to be in the 70's - 80's. We don't go in the water at the beach during the winter but that doesn't stop our visitors. Water temps are still warmer here than for anywhere up North or California in the summer.

There are plenty of restaurants on Las Olas Blvd. and Himmarshee St. (sw 2nd St.) I like the Himmarshee Bar and Grill
http://www.himmarshee.com/
A good, inexpensive and casual for locals option on the water is Southport Raw bar:
http://www.southportrawbar.com/

You can also take the Ft. Lauderdale water taxi to most of the sites and to some restaurants. Its a cheap and scenic ride through "America's Venice"
http://www.watertaxi.com/

Comprehensive entertainment options are at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

In South Beach, you can park in the 17th St. or 14th St. Parking Garages and you can walk everywhere or its a short cab ride. Consult a map. Action is concentrated on Ocean Drive and on Lincoln Road. There's good shopping on Lincoln Rd and on Collins Ave. Between 10th and 6th Streets. It will be busy as the high tourist season begins. Have an expensive mojito at the Delano Hotel or Setai and pretend you're a celebrity

For water tours I've always liked the Powerboat ride in Miami:
http://www.thrillermiami.com/

Go Fish!

depending on the weather, you will find some great live music on weekends, but most areas are quieter during the week days

Thank you so much for all of your advice so far...I will continue researching. Anyone else who would like to give advice, feel free!!!! Thanks again...

sorry...one more question. we are staying in a hotel about 6 miles from the "beach". If we were to take the water taxi to a bunch of different places one day, would it be best to drive to one of the stops and pay for parking, or take a taxi? thanks again.

If you make the drive to the Keys, you need three hours from FLL to hit Islamorada, where the real feel of the Keys begins. Lots of good restaurants and activities in Islamorada. Search Keys on the Forum Search. This is a long day from Fort Lauderdale.