Escape to oceanic dining and diving, local brews and fruits, starry nights on the roof or in the sand – Greater Fort Lauderdale abounds with refreshing summertime vibes well beyond its famously beautiful beaches. Here’s the top five reasons to @VisitLauderdale this summer.
1. Brand New Craft Brews + Coastal Culinary
EATS: Even Keel Fish & Oyster, a new seafood restaurant with a modern Floridian coastal dining setting, features a kitchen that is a chef-driven, farm-to-table workshop with ever-changing menus. Boulevard Kitchen + Juice Bar a brass-accented breakfast and lunch spot brings a bacon serving, vegan friendly attitude in tune to the rhythm of Fort Lauderdale. Inside Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, Steelpan Kitchen & Bar, features Caribbean-American fusion fare with a menu influenced by the multicultural island flavors of South Florida.
DRINKS: Beer lovers can check out newcomers 3 Sons Brewing Co. in Dania Beach with 26 taps featuring home brews and guest beers or American Icon Brewery, the Vero Beach import now in Flagler Village offers a rotating selection of beers on tap and a hefty menu of food for pairing.
2. Summertime Turtle Treks
Every summer, a natural wonder known as sea turtle nesting season takes over Greater Fort Lauderdale’s shores, hosting thousands of nesting sea turtles and newborn hatchlings – the only time to see this endangered marine creature on land. Through special ‘Turtle Trek’ experiences, several local turtle programs offer visitors the chance to see Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles come shoreside to lay eggs and the hatchlings make their maiden voyage to open water. Per the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, 2019 nesting is exceeding recent years; as of May 21, 2019, there are already 500 nests in Greater Fort Lauderdale beaches.
3. Rise to the Occasion at Rooftop Hotspots
Greater Fort Lauderdale is elevating – in every sense of the word. A concept by the same group behind New York’s famed Death & Co, Sparrow, the city’s highest rooftop bar yet opened on the 25th floor of The Dalmar hotel this May, evoking a funky 60s flair and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Sparrow was just named No. 1 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S. by Conde Nast. More destination rooftop haunts:
- Cielo Restaurant & Sky Bar serves up handcrafted cocktails with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal waterway.
- Rooftop @1WLO, a downtown staple for both locals and visitors, is Fort Lauderdale’s first rooftop concept loved for its contemporary vibe and innovative cocktails.
- The Muse Rooftop Bar & Lounge is Hollywood’s sky-high watering hole offering a vibrant chic atmosphere paired with cityscapes and craft cocktails.
4. Savor the Season with Florida-Grown Mangos
There’s nothing quite like a sweet, fresh Florida mango. Summertime is peak season to taste the best of this Florida-favorite. There’s mountains of mangoes at Greater Fort Lauderdale’s local farmers markets such as the legendary Bob Roth’s New River Groves, charming Marando Farms & Ranch or Yellow Green Farmers Market.
5. Three Words: LOBSTER. MINI. SEASON.
Every July, local divers and lobster lovers hit the water for the much-anticipated two-day lobster mini-season. The mini-season takes place July 24-25, 2019, allowing recreational divers to catch lobsters (or “bugs” according to local vernacular) leading-up to commercial season. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, an easy breezy Old Florida beach town, celebrates lobster mini-season with a BugFest-By-The-Sea (July 23-27) – a week of events including the Great Florida Bug Hunt, a Mini-Season Kickoff Party at Plunge Beach Hotel, lobster chef competition and more.
As a sweet bonus, the destination also offers it’s very hard-to-pass-up Summer Savings deals from May 1 through September 30. The Vacation Like a VIP offer is exclusive to the destination’s Resort Collection properties – featuring high-end amenities, decadent dining, world-class mixologists and breathtaking beach views with nightly rates starting at $159. The 2-for-1 Summer Savings Card features more than 40 BOGO (buy one, get one) special offers for boating/cruising, diving/snorkeling, museums, nature, restaurants, shopping, watersports, and spa and fitness.