Discover Fort Lauderdale’s sophisticated side as a vacation destination

In a past life, Fort Lauderdale was linked to throngs of Spring Breakers and dive beach bars where flip flops and tank tops were the unofficial uniform. While the South Florida coastal city still maintains its welcoming, laid-back personality (and its casual dress code), it’s also maturing into a sophisticated destination with luxury hotels, elevated nightlife and a sprinkling of chefs cultivating an inspired culinary atmosphere. You can choose between blissful beach days and boating around Fort Lauderdale’s extensive canals and waterways — yachts and boats are the preferred transportation — then dive into the downtown area that’s pulsing with arts, culture and entertainment. Whether you prefer the beach or the city, or a mix of both, we’ve created an itinerary that showcases the best of both worlds.

Check in: Evidence of Fort Lauderdale’s refinement is the new Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale, which recently received the city’s first-ever AAA Five Diamond hotel accolade. In other words — expect stellar service and supreme luxury. Spend vacation alternating between two sundeck pools which scan the ocean, and sunbathing on a chic lounger or in a private cabana on the pristine beach where a play-all-day attitude prevails. Families will love the complimentary water toys and beach games like oversized Jenga, and a beach concierge can book water adventures including paddle boarding and jet skis. Retreat to the spa for a medical-grade facial or a relaxing rubdown like the ‘Ebb & Flow’ massage. Wine and champagne are the main event in the glamorous lobby lounge Honey Fitz, a perfect spot to imbibe before having dinner at Evelyn’s restaurant where Chef Brandon Salomon masterfully crafts Eastern Mediterranean dishes with theatrical spins. Other top beach stays: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, pet-friendly W Fort Lauderdale and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Beach. Also set to inject a new level of luxury into the area is the reopening of the iconic Pier Sixty-Six Resort in November 2024. The hotel’s transformational redevelopment includes 12 restaurants, multi-level pools, a superyacht marina, and the beloved Pier Top lounge that rotates in the sky.

Follow the cool crowd to Nubé Rooftop, a new sky-high lounge-restaurant on the 26th floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort that floats above the ocean. As the only rooftop lounge on the beach, its wraparound balcony boasts unrivaled water and city views, especially at sunset. A DJ sets a dance-at-your-table vibe, and cocktails are served in playful vessels that smoke or impress with sea salt air foam. Nosh on caviar and potato chips, wagyu dumplings, or a seafood extravaganza of shrimp, oysters and ceviche. A dress code is enforced, so leave the flip flops at home — the views are worth it. 

Beach attractions: When you need a beach break, head to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a 1920s historic estate that’s dotted with artwork, whimsical sculptures, and its expansive grounds are draped in dreamy tropical gardens. Neighboring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is perfect for leisurely walks through its canopy of trees and trails that weave along the Intracoastal Waterway (bring a picnic and sit along the seawall to watch the boats glide by). There’s always something happening at oceanfront green space The Loop, including a weekend farmer’s market, live music nights and seasonal movie screenings.