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Once I landed in Ft. Lauderdale it didn’t take me long to realize, that the best way to truly get to know “The Venice of America,” was on the water. You don’t need a boat either, because the easiest way to get on the water is the Ft. Lauderdale is the Water Taxi. You can use it as your main transportation or take a tour, or, why not both?
The Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi is quite a deal—an all day adult pass is $40. Military gets a discount to $35. Kids five and under are free. There’s also an evening pass for only $20. It’s the perfect way to see Ft. Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterways and get you can get off and on as often as you like. At each stop, you’ll find bars, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions in the area. If you’re planning on drinking this is the way to go as you don’t have to worry about a designated driver. Also, you could easily spend $40 in parking fees.
Yellow water taxi.
The Water Taxi tour is about two to three hours spent drooling over the million-dollar yachts and multi-million dollar homes. It really is mind-boggling how many celebrities and gazillionaires keep a home (and the requisite yacht) in Ft. Lauderdale. Your tour guide on the water will give you the insider stories.
What To Do In Ft. Lauderdale In One Day
The Las Olas neighborhood is the heart of Ft. Lauderdale. I liked cozy European feel of Las Olas, and could have easily spent the better part of a day there strolling the boulevard, stopping for a coffee or cold drink, and browsing the art galleries. Las Olas Blvd. used to be a dirt road that led to the beach. Olas means waves in Spanish.
Have a continental-style breakfast at Gran Forno Pronto, or get your coffee and pastry to go. You can catch the Water Taxi at the Riverside Hotel next door.
Riverside Hotel Las Olas
Where to stay in Ft. Lauderdale
If you are staying at one of the hotels on the regular route, you can call ahead and arrange for the water taxi to pick you up.
Of the many possible spots for pick up, my choice would be the historic Riverside Hotel. I did not stay there but I liked the location and the old world ambiance. It’s right on Las Olas Blvd. so you can easily walk to restaurants and shops. If you want to be closer to the water check the Expedia rates for the Hilton Marina Hotel where you can also connect with the Water Taxi bound for the Hollywood Beaches.
Take a water taxi to the beach!
Parking problems are solved by taking the water taxi to the beach. Just get off at either stop 7 or 8 for the Ft. Lauderdale beaches. You can also pick up a bottle of water or something to rehydrate while you’re soaking up the Florida sunshine. Spend the day at the beach then return to Las Olas in plenty of time for an alfresco dinner and drinks.
Ft. Lauderdale Gondola Tour
For a more romantic experience you can end the evening with a gondola tour of the canals. Or hop back on the Water Taxi for the night ride. A great way to end a beautiful day in sunny southeast Florida.
The intercostal waterway.
How To Get To Ft. Lauderdale
You can fly into the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. You don’t need to fly into Miami and I don’t really recommend it unless you plan to spend more time in Miami. You can check airline prices on Kayak.com
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