Fort Lauderdale

ana & dee carry on twins
4 days ago
4 min read

A Carry On Twins getaway you'll want to copy if you're going to Fort Lauderdale!

If you're looking for a mix of beach, amazing food, and fun vibes, Fort Lauderdale completely delivered. From cozy coffee shops to waterfront dinners and the best travel day setup, this trip became an unforgettable one. Here is everything we did (and what we would recommend) :

Beach Days: Where to go (and where to skip!)

We spent most of our beach time at Las Olas Beach, and honestly it was perfect.

It is lined with beautiful hotels and resorts, which makes it feel clean, lively, and super convenient. There are tons of food options nearby, and you can easily make a full day out of it. One thing to note: umbrellas are typically reserved for hotel guests, so plan accordingly!

Hot take: we do not recommend Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It felt way more crowded and

had fewer food options, which just didn't compare to the Las Olas area.

Coffee Shops you need to try

Our mornings started at Pura Vida Miami, and it quickly became a daily ritual. Their lattes were great, but we are still dreaming about their bagel with scallion & dill cream cheese- so simple but so good! They also have a wide variety of pastries, breakfast items, and smoothies!

Then there is Porfa Coffee Shop, which might be one of the cutest coffee shops is Fort Lauderdale. The whole seashell aesthetic and branding instantly pulled us in- and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We tried the churro latte, the flan latte, and their adorable seashell cake pop. If you love a good aesthetic coffee shop, this is a must!!

Lunch and Dinner spots we loved

Waterfront Dinner and Entertainment:

Santorini by Georgios was such a fun surprise. Not only was the food incredible (we loved the falafel wrap and chicken gyro), but the atmosphere was amazing!

There was a DJ, a fire dancer (!!), and the restaurant sits right on the marina- so you can watch boats pass by while you eat. The whole area is super walkable and had the cutest vibe.

Mexican done right:

We had a great dinner at El Vez at the W hotel. Everything we ordered was so good- nachos, enchiladas, taquitos, chips and salsa. It all had such an authentic taste. It is such a fun, lively spot with amazing energy- perfect for lunch or a casual night out!

Elevated and Unique Dining:

The Florida Room completely exceeded our expectations. Located at The Fort (aka the largest pickleball facility), this spot is so fun and unique. They have tons of pickleball courts, a beach area, and such a cool atmosphere. The restaurant itself if a scratch kitchen, which made everything feel extra special. We had the braised beef "meatloaf" and the scallops, and both were incredible. Plus, the staff was so friendly- it made the whole experience even better.

Fun spots to check out

We did not get the chance to go out here, but The Wharf Fort Lauderdale looked like the place to be. It is an outdoor bar with tons of seating, fun drinks, and a really lively vibe. Definitely on our list for next time!

We also heard amazing things about S3 Sun Surf Sand, which is super close to the beach and The Conrad Hotel. It looked adorable and came highly recommended- another must try for your list!

Cafe Bastille is such a cute brunch spot with a French-inspired menu and the most aesthetic presentation! Think delicious lattes, pastries, and yummy dishes that are almost too pretty to eat. It is perfect for a slow morning or a cute content moment with friends.

If you are looking for gorgeous views, Nube Rooftop is the spot! It is a chic rooftop lounge with incredible city and ocean views, making it the perfect place for sunset drinks or a night out. The whole vibe feels elevated and trendy- definitely a place to check out!

The area around Marina Village (including The Shorely) is such a fun place to hang out. It is super walkable with waterfront views, food spots, and a lively atmosphere. The Shorley (a docked boat bar!) is such a unique experience- perfect for grabbing a drink, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying that coastal Fort Lauderdale vibe.

The best travel day hack

We ended our trip with a stay at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, and it completely changed the way we will do travel days forever.

We booked it through ResortPass, which lets you access hotel amenities without booking a full overnight stay.

Here is why we loved it:

We could check our bags
Relax by the pool
Walk right onto the beach
Use all the hotel amenities

It made our last day feel like a part of the vacation instead of a stressful travel day. Every single staff member at The Conrad was so kind and welcoming- it honestly couldn't have been a better experience.

Final thoughts

Fort Lauderdale is such an easy, fun getaway with a little bit of everything- beach days, amazing food, cute coffee shops, and fun nightlife. If you are planning a trip, or a cruise that leaves out of Fort Lauderdale, this exact itinerary is so worth copying. And if you take one tip from us, let it be booking through ResortPass for your travel day, you will love it!