What to Do Before, At Night, and After the Show?

Fort Lauderdale, ‘The Venice of America’, is arguably the boating and yachting capital of the world, so it’s befitting that the city plays host to the world’s largest in-water marine industry event. But Fort Lauderdale is also a beautiful, diverse, dynamic and internationally-flavored destination, offering literally thousands of things to do, places to visit and sights to see, both on and off the water. So in the days and evenings before, as well as after, you should spend some time getting to know Fort Lauderdale beyond the show.

Where to Dine

Fort Lauderdale is home to a large variety of great eateries. Whether you opt for dining al fresco by the water or want to partake of our local fare, you can’t go wrong.

• Experience the best barbeque at historic Ernie’s on Federal Hwy. St. Louis style sauce with shaved pork; Manhattan style conch chowder with Bimini Bread legendary.
• A Fort Lauderdale mainstay–The Floridian on east Las Olas, for a unique old-school diner experience.
• Locals in search of an oceanside sandwich any time of day or night flock to Primanti Brothers, a Pittsburgh import with world-famous French fry stacked sandwiches, located not too far from the show up on the corner of A1A and Sunrise Boulevard. Years back, the owners literally threw the keys into the ocean so the place is open 24 hours (no table service 6-8AM, take-out only).
• M Bar, the restaurant, focuses on small plates, modern cuisine and burgers paired with custom cocktails, wine and craft beer. Just opened in June, it has a sleek, industrial atmosphere, a pretty big departure from the classic Mediterranean feel of the original Mancini’s. The restaurant also offers up specialty cocktails from “shotologists” and “master cocktailians.” mbarlasolas.com
• B Ocean Fort Lauderdale is the first property of the newly-launched, upper-upscale lifestyle hotel brand, B Hotels & Resorts. The hotel’s “B’Stro” offers “Wine Down” from 5:30-7PM, five samples of wines from around the world with a complimentary artisanal cheese platter for just $5. The perfectly sophisticated way to start any evening. bhotelsandresorts.com
• Watch “Marina” swim and enjoy happy hour specials at the Wreck Bar at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.  Underwater dancing Mermaids have been a popular attraction for years, and the Wreck Bar is an icon bar in Fort Lauderdale once featured in such films as Analyze This with Robert Dinero. Mermaids perform on Fridays at 6:30pm. starwoodhotels.com

And if you do plan on dining out, make reservations well ahead of time, as restaurants tend to fill up as soon as the show closes.

Destinations and Excursions

• For several blocks, the Shoppes of Los Olas Boulevard offer an elegant, tropical, yet cozy stroll through what many refer to as the Rodeo Drive of the east coast. Many unique boutiques and galleries can be found along this chic thoroughfare, from Zola Keller’s fabulous couture dresses to Herringbone and Hound’s designer fashions for men, women and of course, that loveable pooch in your life. Visitors can make a day of their shopping extravaganza by indulging in the dozens of nearby cafés and restaurants (most with porch or sidewalk tables) and spas which line the impeccably landscaped street.
• The IGFA (International Game Association) Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in nearby Dania Beach is a “reel screaming, mind boggling” must-do visit for angling enthusiasts.
• Speaking of museums, for the historic and culturally inclined there’s the Stranahan House Museum, built in 1901 by Ohio native, Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s first Postmaster. It’s the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and has served as a trading post, post office, town hall, and home to the Stranahans. With it’s wood-frame vernacular structure, wide porches, Virginia English gardens and stunning views of the New River, it has stood at the center of Fort Lauderdale’s growth since it was built and has played a significant role in the economic and social life of this community. A tour is like a journey through time and a link to back when Seminole Indians made friends with a young Ohioan who settled in the frontier town now known as Fort Lauderdale. stranahanhouse.org
• Ever wanted to tour beautiful South Florida by water? Be your own captain in a pontoon boat. You can start your morning off with a Coffee Cruise; or end your day on a Sunset Cruise; or take advantage of a full day or half day cruise. Whether you take the boat down the Intracoastal and dock for a bite to eat, anchor at a sandbar for a swim, or simply admire the mansions of the rich and famous, this will be an experience you will never forget. Boats can accommodate up to 13 people, and bring nothing else but YOU. Everything is provided: drinks, snacks, towels and even sunscreen. They have you covered. reevescoastalcruises.com
• Finally, for the more adventurous souls, take a drive westward to Weston where you’ll find Sawgrass Recreation Park. Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida’s most remarkable treasure¾the Everglades. This massive and unique ecosystem holds spectacular mysteries. Renew your spirit as you board an airboat and glide across miles of river at speeds up to 35 mph, getting up-close and personal with native wildlife, many of which who are endangered in this fragile environment. With numerous coastal birds, alligators, rare Florida panthers and black leopards, armadillos, bobcats and foxes, it’s always a kid-pleasing good time. evergladestours.com