Free day in FLL post-cruise. Suggestions?

[gargoyle999]

We are not flying home until the day after our cruise in Feb on the Miracle and would like something to do for the day in the Ft Lauderdale area. We'll have a rental car so driving around would not be an issue.

 

I know water taxis are mentioned a lot but would like to get some other recommendations as well.

 

I think an airboat into the Everglades would be fun, but it seems like most of the tours are just 30 minutes. That doesn't seem like it's worth it. For a few hundred you can charter an air boat for 1-4 hours, but that is more than I can spend.

 

What other suggestions do you have?

[royalcruz]

Sawgrass Mills Mall is a huger than huge outlet mall.

 

Fort Lauderdale beach is very nice and free. Park near Las Olas Blvd and A1A for the action.

 

Las Olas Blvd downtown is an upscale shopping and dining mecca.

 

You can rent a boat for a few hours or jet ski.

 

Vizcaya in Miami is a beautiful mansion/museum to visit.

 

Jungle Queen river boat gives an amusing guided waterfront tour of Fort Lauderdale. They then take you to an island and give you a meal and a show.

[Bequia]

The Everglades is a one of a kind site to see. There's nothing like it anywhere else in the country. There are tour operators off of the Tamiami Trail that provide more extensive tours that would exceed your expectations. One that comes to mind is Everglades Safari, a wonderful local company:

 

http://www.evsafaripark.com/exclusive.htm

 

The scenic route getting there is half the fun. Best way would be I-595 west to US 27 south to Krome Ave to the Tamiami Trail (head west). Most of the ride is along the perimeter of the everglades. At the intersection of Krome Ave and the Tamiami trail is the Miccosukee Casino with a inexpensive all you can eat buffet.

 

http://www.miccosukee.com/dining.htm

 

If you decide to take a pass on the tour you can still see the Everglades simply by driving on Alligator Alley (just continue west on I-595 past US 27). Take it to Everglades City for lunch. You can take boat tours through the Glades to an area called 10,000 islands. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental as well.

 

http://www.florida-everglades.com/evercty/echome.htm

 

If your fortunate enough to be there next February, the Everglades Seafood Seafood Festival is huge! After a day at the festival you probably won't touch seafood again for months, so much food, so little time.

 

http://evergladesseafood.com/

[gargoyle999]

Thank you for the suggestions! :)