Southeast Florida
Southeast Florida is a vibrant region known for its bustling cities, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural offerings. The region’s warm climate and scenic coastline make it a popular destination for outdoor activities, from water sports and fishing to golfing and nature walks in places like the Everglades. Fort Lauderdale and Miami, located in Dade County, Florida, offer a vibrant mix of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty.
- Miami, is famous for its diverse neighborhoods, world-class nightlife, and vibrant arts scene. South Beach is a hotspot for sunbathing, people-watching, and trendy nightlife, while the Wynwood Arts District showcases colorful street art and galleries. Visitors can also explore the historic architecture of the Art Deco District or indulge in Cuban cuisine in Little Havana.
- In Fort Lauderdale, visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, waterfront dining, and upscale shopping along Las Olas Boulevard. The city is also known for its intricate network of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of America.”
The Same
While both twins have been to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and most of the area beaches. The Family usually chooses to go back to visit Hollywood Beach. This area holds a special place in our hearts as we grew up visiting family here every year. We always went to Hollywood beach which we find less hectic and more family friendly than Miami Beach.
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach, Florida, is a picturesque coastal destination known for its pristine sandy shores, lively boardwalk, and vibrant atmosphere. Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood Beach offers a relaxed yet bustling ambiance that attracts visitors of all ages. Hollywood Beach also boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from casual beachside cafes serving fresh seafood to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine.
- Hollywood Beach: Visitors can soak up the sun on the sandy beaches, swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. We found this beach more low key and family friendly than Miami beaches and Fort Lauderdale beach.
- Hollywood Beach Boardwalk: The highlight of Hollywood Beach is its iconic 2.5-mile long boardwalk, named one of America’s best boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine. Lined with palm trees, cafes, shops, and entertainment venues, the boardwalk is perfect for leisurely strolls, bike rides, or rollerblading. Most evenings we would take a stroll along this famous boardwalk.
- Explore Downtown Hollywood: Just a short drive away, Downtown Hollywood offers art galleries, shops, and dining options.
- Breweries and Craft Beer: Visit breweries like Hollywood Brewing Company for locally brewed beers and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Hollywood Beach Theatre: Enjoy live performances and events at the outdoor theater located along the boardwalk. As kids we loved dancing to whatever the band was playing.
- Hollywood Trolley: Hop on the Hollywood Trolley to explore different parts of Hollywood, including downtown and the beach area.
Local Cuisine
As always, we try to enjoy local cuisine. This area is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and its food scene reflects this rich culinary heritage.
- Cuban Cuisine: The areas Cuban population has heavily influenced its food scene. Be sure to try classic Cuban dishes such as Cuban sandwiches, Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), picadillo (ground beef hash), and of course, Cuban coffee.
- Seafood: Given its coastal location, this region offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Enjoy dishes like ceviche, stone crab claws, grilled fish, and conch fritters at seafood restaurants and waterfront eateries.
The DINKs
In addition to the above some other things we love in there area include Everglades National Park, Pompano Beach and more.
Everglades National Park
Nearby, the Everglades National Park provides opportunities for eco-adventures such as airboat tours and wildlife viewing.
Exploring the Everglades National Park through a guided airboat tour is a thrilling and immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the unique ecosystem of this iconic wilderness area. As one of the largest tropical wildernesses in the United States, the Everglades is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the famous American alligator. During a guided airboat tour, visitors are led by experienced captains who navigate through the park’s maze of mangrove forests, marshes, and shallow waters. Along the way, passengers have the opportunity to spot alligators, exotic birds, turtles, and other native wildlife in their natural habitats. We unfortunately did not see any gaters during our tour but it was fun to watch the guide “wrestle” one afterwards
Pompano Beach
While looking for Airbnbs in the area, we happen to find a reasonably priced one in Pompano beach. Pompano Beach, Florida, is a picturesque coastal city known for its pristine beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and abundance of recreational activities. Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach offers accessibility to all the great things above but is a retirement haven which means it offered amenities like morning yoga, a nice ocean walk area and a work out “park.” There was this little coffee shop at a gas station that had amazing Cubano and pastries.
Pompano Beach Brewing Company: Enjoy craft beers brewed on-site, often featuring a variety of styles and flavors. It’s a great spot to relax after a day at the beach.
Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf at the Greg Norman Signature Pines Course or other nearby golf courses.
Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach, Florida, situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse entertainment options. The city boasts pristine stretches of sand along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. With its central location and array of attractions, Hallandale Beach provides a delightful blend of relaxation and excitement for visitors seeking a coastal getaway in South Florida.
We didn’t actually go to the beach when visiting Hallandale but have visited it several times in the evening for entertainment and dining.
Gulfstream Park is a major venue for Thoroughbred horse racing and a popular destination for both racing fans and casual visitors. Enjoy the excitement of live horse racing throughout the year. The park offers racing schedules with multiple races happening daily during their racing season. It is even free to enter. The facilities are really nice and we enjoyed watching the races. n addition to horse racing, Gulfstream Park also features a casino offering a variety of table games, slot machines, and poker. You must be 21 or older to enter the casino.
- Quarterdeck Restaurant in Hallandale, FL, is a popular dining spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu. This casual eatery offers a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, burgers, and ribs. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dinner or a light bite. We loved that it was on the pier with stunning views of the beach and ocean.
Sports in Miami
Miami is home to several professional sports teams, including: Miami Heat (NBA basketball,) Miami Dolphins (NFL football,) Miami Marlins (MLB baseball,) and Inter Miami CF (MLS soccer)
LoanDepot park, formerly known as Marlins Park, is a state-of-the-art stadium located in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. The stadium features a retractable roof, ensuring that games can proceed rain or shine, and a unique modern design that reflects the vibrant culture of South Florida. It was also nice to have it closed during the heat of the summer but was a little chilly with the AC on high so you may want to bring a sweater. (Or we may have just been sunburned from our day at the beach.)
The stadium offers a variety of seating options, from premium suites to general admission sections, ensuring that there’s something for every budget and preference. So much so that we were able to get seats behind the plate for less than we pay for outfield seats at most ball parks.
In addition to the action on the field, loanDepot park also features interactive fan experiences, including the Marlins Park Sculpture, an iconic home run feature that comes to life with colorful lights and sound effects whenever a Marlins player hits a home run. They also has a smaller version of the classic club the Clevelander pool and all. (No we did not go in the pool.)
South Beach
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring historic landmarks, or soaking up the vibrant nightlife, South Beach has something for everyone to enjoy. We find it a bit much so we tend to stay outside the area and come into Southbeach for the day.
- Las Olas Cafe: Grab a delicious Cuban sandwich at Las Olas Cafe. This cozy spot serves up authentic Cuban cuisine and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Clevelander South Beach Hotel and Bar: Located on Ocean Drive, the Clevelander is a legendary hotel and bar known for its energetic atmosphere and beachfront location. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and people-watching at this iconic South Beach hotspot.
- Versace Mansion: Take a stroll down Ocean Drive to admire the opulent Versace Mansion, formerly owned by fashion designer Gianni Versace. The mansion, also known as Casa Casuarina, is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture and is now a luxury hotel and restaurant.
- Mac’s Club Deuce: For a taste of old-school Miami charm, head to Mac’s Club Deuce, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved dive bars. This no-frills establishment offers cheap drinks, a jukebox, and a laid-back vibe that attracts locals and tourists alike.
- Happy hours in South Beach typically feature discounted drinks and appetizers at various bars, restaurants, and lounges along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Visitors can enjoy cocktails, beers, and wines in lively settings with ocean views or stylish interiors. Many venues offer outdoor seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing and people-watching. Whether you prefer a casual beachfront bar or a chic rooftop lounge, South Beach’s happy hours provide a diverse range of experiences.
The Family
When we traveled to Hollywood, we were with extended family, but we don’t typically visit Southern Florida very often. Usually, we opt for the Keys over this part of Florida.
Summary
Exploring the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area of Florida brought back cherished childhood memories for both of us, particularly at Hollywood Beach. Its nostalgic charm captivated us, evoking fond recollections of sunny days spent by the sea. The Dinks savored additional adventures in the region, from the untamed beauty of Everglades National Park to the vibrant scenes at Pompano Beach and Hallandale Beach, as well as the energetic sports culture in Miami. These experiences highlighted the area’s diverse offerings and left us with lasting impressions of its natural beauty and lively atmosphere. While the Family doesn’t frequent this region as much, its allure still leaves us eager to return for more coastal delights and cultural explorations.
Leave a Reply