South Florida is like a second home to me between having family and friends living there. I've been visiting multiple times every year since I was a kid. My grandpa moved down there when I was young, I had my friend Shelly from camp to visit and I made friends in other places that are from Florida. I have about 7 pages of personal notes of places I like to visit in FL but I cut it down to my favorite top places. I'm sure I will add to this post in the future with new places I like to visit. What places do you think should've made the list? Let me know!
Cute throwback to my grandpa who I visit while in Ft. Lauderdale.
Favorite Restaurants in S FL (there are some local finds but there is also a crazy amount of chains in this state)
Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria- We loved all their Italian options.
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar- Unbelievable frozen margaritas, I still dream about these to this day. They also will make fresh guac for you at the side of your table.
El Camino Fort Lauderdale- Delicious Mexican options that will for sure bring you back multiple times during your visit.
The Original Pancake House - Large and delicious breakfast portions. They make fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Aroma- Also a chain but the Panera Bread/Starbucks of Israel. There are only a handful around the USA and their iced aroma, hot chocolate or iced hot cocoa, salads, sandwiches, and of course, Shakshuka is to die for.
La parrilla rotisserie and grill - Latin flair - Food from Peru to Puerto Rico. Can't go wrong!
Chicken Kitchen- fresh, healthy fast Mediterranean/Mexican food!
The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian show- Food is not memorable but the entertainment is for sure. The garden in the back and the inside of the restaurant are decorated nicely.
These Chain Restaurants are nicer because they have views of the water.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant- This Italian chain is a treat since there isn't one near me in my hometown and I love "family style" sharing and that there are onions in the salad dressing, so tasty. Large parties are welcome here.
Benihana holds a special place in my heart because it means it's reunion time with family. We always have fun, it's not just dinner but also a cooking show.
Activities
There are some obvious ones like beach days, these beaches are my favorite in the world. There I said it, ahhh can't take it back now. My favorite beaches are Lauderdale by the Sea and Las Olas. Both are near restaurants, bars, and shops.
The Jungle Queen- Fort Lauderdale has many waterways and canals which is why it's often referred to as the "Venice of America". There is no better way to see the area than to take a boat ride and see all the luxurious billion dollar homes and visit animals on a private island (birds, gators were my favorite).
Everglades National Park is located on the southern tip of Florida. Often compared to a grassy, slow-moving river, it is made up of sawgrass marshes and pine Flatwoods that are home to hundreds of animal species. We took a boat ride and were able to get a bit closer than I ever wanted to gators. The boat was powered by a loud motor! We didn't wear earplugs but I saw some people did, likely a good idea.
The Festival Flea Market- Surprisingly most of the stuff here isn't used and is all covered inside a mall space. Many shops to check out. There are discounts if you are from out of town! There is a real deal crazy flea market in town if you want a more authentic experience, it's called The Swap Shop and is famous for being 'The World's Biggest Daily Flea Market'.
Miami Seaquarium- We swam with dolphins here when I was younger. It was something that my sister and I LOVED and enjoyed. However, now looking back on the experience the dolphins likely didn't enjoy swimming with us humans as much as we did. Zoos and Seaquariums are touchy space, yes they are educating people on the animals but animals are meant to be in the wild but now that so many of them haven't lived in the wild they may not do well there if we moved them back to their original home...it's complicated, to say the least. Tiger King and other Netflix documentary series have made me think a lot about how we interact with animals when we take them out of their home environment.
Sawgrass Mills- Lots of savings while shopping and delicious restaurant options as well. It's always bustling and people come with serious intentions to shop at this outlet mall. People roll suitcases and fill them up, they aren't messing around. It can be touristy but it's also one of the largest outlet malls in the USA. They also have statues of Alligators decorated by the restaurants that are fun to look at.
#miami
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