48 HOURS IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

Want an itinerary to suit everyone? Here’s how to spend a perfect long weekend in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

FRIDAY

CHECK IN TO: AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach. This chic bolthole places you right at the beach and has a sleek lobby bar, a pool and a modern, minimalist design.

DINE AT: Casablanca Cafe. Don’t fancy straying far from your hotel on the first night? This convivial and historic restaurant is right on your doorstep. Modern European and American dishes are on the menu – dive into plates of garlicky escargot and shrimp cocktails and mains such as grilled New York strip. It doubles as a piano bar, so your evening entertainment is sorted too.

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST AT: your hotel or start your day with a sweet pastry or delicious breakfast sandwich at Nanou French Bakery & Café on Las Olas Boulevard.

HIT THE SHOPS: on Las Olas Boulevard. Once you’re fuelled up for the day, hop between boutiques and galleries on this bustling street. Make time for a coffee stop at Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar too. This lovely antiques store and flower shop doubles as a cheerful cafe.

LUNCH AT: Boathouse at the Riverside. Gorgeous views of the water are the drawcard of this charming restaurant – in fact, boaters can dock right outside and enter via the patio. On the menu are gourmet flatbreads, seafood dishes and pasta.

SPEND THE AFTERNOON: on the water. After you’ve soaked up the vistas over lunch, explore miles of pretty inland waterways with a Cruising’ Tiki tour – their grass-thatched-roofed vessels are hand-crafted in the USA. Or hop aboard the historic Jungle Queen riverboat, which has been cruising since 1935 and recently revamped its dinner cruise and show.

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST AT: The Alchemist Café in Wilton Manors. The carefully sourced coffee and made-to-order waffles are well worth the short drive from your hotel.

WHILE AWAY THE MORNING AT: Fort Lauderdale beach. Kick back on the buzziest stretch of sand in the area or – if you’ve got the need for speed – rent jet skis from one of the outlets by the sand. For a little more peace and quiet, Dania Beach is a short drive away.

LUNCH AT: Coconuts. Keep the laid-back vibe going with waterside Coconuts, whose menu includes salads, lobster rolls, jambalaya and the catch of the day. They have a punchy cocktail list too.

BECOME ONE WITH NATURE: with a hike at Tall Cypress Natural Area. It’s around a 45-minute drive out to this precious slice of swampland and pine forest, with boardwalk trails and abundant birdlife.

DINE AT: Takato. A short walk up the beach from the AC Hotel, Takato serves elegantly plated Japanese-Korean dishes in an equally stylish setting.

CATCH A SHOW AT: The Parker. Check the schedule at this local playhouse, which hosts tribute bands, comedy shows and dance performances.