Planning your visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale around a special event can be extra rewarding. Perhaps you’ll be here for one of the music festivals, sporting events or a nautical event. Whatever exciting endeavor brings you to town, the experience doesn’t have to end there. Greater Fort Lauderdale has a tempting gourmet scene, high-end nightlife, as well as fine shopping, so you can make every moment sensational.
Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
Perhaps it's the altitude, but the ambiance is somehow better at a rooftop bar. And when that “golden hour” light hits just right in the early evening, have your phone handy for some infinitely Instagrammable moments.
Make a date with signature cocktails at Rooftop @ 1WLO, a garden in the sky that serves handcrafted cocktails above Las Olas Boulevard and the New River.
At The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the rooftop bar pairs perfectly with the expansive rooftop pool at Sip ‘n Dip. Relax poolside on the chic, neutral lounge furniture or grab a stool at the bar. They know the views are the things and offer a Sunset Hour menu to help you celebrate. Try the Mayan Mojito, a delicious blend of Zacapa 23 Rum, Grand Marnier, lime juice, simple syrup and Moet Brut, topped with a charred lime wheel and mint.
Elevate Your Dining
If you’re craving more than appetizers, make a reservation for dinner at Sparrow, The Dalmar’s rooftop restaurant with a groovy 60s flair and inside-outside seating. The enticing menu includes Wagyu Skirt Steak, Tempura Rock Shrimp and Lobster Ceviche. For dessert, choose from Fresh Fried Churros and Key Lime Pie.
You don’t have to get a rooftop table to elevate your dining in Greater Fort Lauderdale. The gourmet restaurant landscape is thriving, with exquisite experiences for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Overlooking the ocean at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits serves innovative modern-coastal cuisine and ultra-fresh seafood for brunch, lunch, and dinner. There’s even a fish market on-site, so explore the Raw Bar menu, including Tuna Poke, Coconut Shrimp Ceviche and Maine Lobster.
Casa Sensei restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard has created an authentically unique cuisine that harmonizes Pan-Asian and Latin flavors into a menu that is unforgettably delicious, including Lobster Guacamole, Red Shrimp Ceviche and Korean Grilled Steak Chimichurri with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes. Dine amid the restaurant’s warm, rustic ambiance featuring Indonesian teak furniture, or select the Gondola Experience. Yes, Casa Sensei takes full advantage of its setting on the Intracoastal Waterway and invites patrons to order their meal ahead and then dine on a gondola as they glide along the waterway.
Chic Shopping Destinations
As long as you’re on Las Olas Boulevard, stroll, sightsee and seek some highly fashionable souvenirs. You’ll find an array of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques along this tree-lined thoroughfare near the New River, including local brands as well as well-known brands, such as Tommy Bahama.
Conveniently located near a Water Taxi stand, Fresh Produce Clothing specializes in breezy, colorful casuals you’ll want to wear on your perfect Fort Lauderdale beach day. With clothing, accessories, sunglasses and more, you’ll find everything you need to put a complete outfit together — including sales staff who are more than happy to be helpful.
Meanwhile, with its suits, refined casuals, and contemporary classics, Moda Mario will tempt you to build an entire wardrobe during your vacation, including bespoke suits, jackets, and pants that are made to measure. You might want to get an extra suitcase.
Since you’re already near the Water Taxi, why not cruise up to The Galleria Fort Lauderdale? You’ll find the most coveted brands at Neiman Marcus, as well as a weekday Happy Hour at the store’s Mermaid Bar. J. Crew, Williams-Sonoma, Swarovski are just a few of the hot shopping destinations.
While you’re at the Galleria, stop for lunch or dinner at The Capital Grille, Seasons 52 or Truluck’s. Dining at Truluck’s is an absolute must-do when stone crabs are in season, from October to May. At Blue Martini lounge and bar, you can wrap up your retail excursion with live music, upscale tapas, and specialty martinis.
Whatever brings you to this sunny, beachy destination, remember that there’s always more to explore. Wander, discover and learn more right here at sunny.org