Destinations: Fort Lauderdale
‘The Venice of America’ is now just a short flight from SAV.
With over 300 sunny days and 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, Florida is a literal hot spot for travel. Known for its beaches and boating canals, Fort Lauderdale has made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in the Sunshine State. Starting April 1, Fort Lauderdale will be closer than ever, with Silver Airways launching a direct flight service from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport straight to Fort Lauderdale. From luxury resorts to renowned eateries, here’s everything you need to start planning your trip.
Direct Flight
Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)
Duration: 2 hours
Airline: Silver Airways
Availability: Sundays and Thursdays, starting April 1
What to Do
Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Rides
This South Florida alligator park is a top attraction for locals and visitors alike, perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Set aside an hour for an unforgettable Everglades airboat ride and a chance to see Florida’s wild side. With miles of wetlands before you, you’ll journey deep into the Everglades with an expert tour guide leading the way. This fun-filled wildlife park on 29 acres is a great way to come face-to-face with some of the Everglades most unusual and exciting animals.
Las Olas Boulevard
In the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is at the forefront of everything from fashion boutiques and art galleries to memorable restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars. With shopping, dining, and entertainment, Las Olas is architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic. Stretching from the beach at A1A, the boulevard is lined with palm trees rising over the Intracoastal Waterway with magnificent views of million-dollar homes and spectacular yachts.
Water Taxi
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its many beautiful waterways. One of the best ways to explore this city is from the water. The captains and crews provide a narrated excursion that includes historical information as well as fun and interesting information about the many mansions and mega yachts that line the waterways. Some of the taxis have bars on them. You can get on and off at different bars and restaurants on the water as the taxis go from downtown via the Intracoastal to restaurants and bars.
Where to Eat
Shooters Waterfront
Despite Fort Lauderdale’s continuing growth and evolution, one restaurant on the Intracoastal has been there every step of the way. Shooters Waterfront offers dockside views, great drink specials, and live entertainment on evenings and weekends. You can drive or go by boat to this iconic Florida seafood restaurant. It also hosts a multitude of events, including dockside yoga, cooking classes and more.
15th Street Fisheries
15th Street Fisheries is the perfect spot for fresh seafood and a waterfront experience in an authentic Fort Lauderdale marina. The Fisheries is situated inside the city’s most famous nautical landmark, Lauderdale Marina, and offers the freshest seafood featuring waterway views in South Florida, both upstairs for dinner and all day at Fisheries Dockside. You can even take the water taxi to get there as this is one of the many stops on its route.
Louie Bossi’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria
Named for its New York-born chef, this restaurant specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, pastas and house-cured salami. With a beautiful outdoor piazza equipped with a firepit and bocce, diners can enjoy libations at the bar facing Las Olas Boulevard, or at the two bars indoors. This spot is in high demand so be sure to make reservations, or risk a long wait.
Where to Stay
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Nestled along a quarter-mile stretch of pristine private beach, this hotel has a perfect location near the shops, dining and nightlife of Las Olas Boulevard. Conveniently close to the airport, you can rejuvenate in the guest rooms and suites and soak in waterfront views from the private balconies before exploring the town. Dive into the lagoon-style pool, spend the day jet skiing and snorkeling, or pamper yourself at the luxury spa.
Ocean Manor Resort
Located on the Galt Ocean Mile, this beachfront hotel boasts breathtaking oceanfront accommodations, penthouse suites, and upscale amenities. Enjoy a day of fun in its poolside cabanas, soak up some sun on its 200-foot private beach, and hit up the best happy hour in South Florida at the Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar. Its authentic Italian restaurant, Casa Calabria, offers a fine dining experience complete with a lively piano bar.
Sun Tower Hotel & Suites
One of the last boutique hotels sitting directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Sun Tower Hotel & Suites offers local charm and a friendly smile, not to mention breathtaking ocean views from every single room. With a private beach, beautiful garden-side pool, and complimentary paddle boards and kayaks, you’re sure to enjoy your stay. Sun Tower is home of the Sandbar Grill, famous for its juicy Beach Burger and fresh Fish Tacos. You can relax on the beach and let them provide oceanfront service right to you.
