Sure, Fort Lauderdale is packed with sunshine, shopping, beaches, boats, and bars — but did you know you’re just a short drive away from some of South Florida’s coolest, quirkiest, and most colorful destinations?
That’s the beauty of booking your stay with Grimaldi Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals: You get the comfort of a luxurious, centrally-located home base — and the freedom to explore a different vibe every day.
Whether you want art walks, snorkeling reefs, retro diners, or rainbow crosswalks, this guide has your itinerary covered.
🚘 Planning Your South Florida Escape: Where You’re Headed From Fort Lauderdale
Every location below is:
- 30 to 45 minutes or less from Fort Lauderdale
- Easily accessible by car
- Packed with unique things to do, local culture, and photo-worthy moments
Let’s hit the road!
1. 🌈 Wilton Manors – Culture, Cocktails & Canine-Friendly Vibes
🚗 Drive Time: 10–15 minutes
Welcome to The Island City, where inclusion, energy, and color light up every corner. Wilton Manors isn’t just LGBTQ+ friendly — it’s proudly queer, creative, and community-focused.
Don’t Miss:
- Wilton Drive: Lined with vibrant bars, indie shops, coffee houses, and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
- Drag brunch at Lips – iconic, fabulous, and utterly Fort Lauderdale.
- The Yard – South Florida’s only dog bar where your pup drinks pup-chinos while you sip craft beer.
🎯 Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone who believes travel should be loud, proud, and a little sparkly.
2. 🏖️ Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – Florida’s Best-Kept Beachfront Secret
🚗 Drive Time: 20 minutes
Want to feel like you’ve discovered a tropical village that time forgot — in the best way? Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming beach town where high-rises are banned, snorkeling happens right offshore, and locals still dance in the town square.
Don’t Miss:
- Anglin’s Pier: For sunrise photos and afternoon fishing.
- Snorkeling right off the beach: You’re 100 yards from coral reef magic.
- Village center at night: Live music, twinkle lights, and barefoot dancing.
🎯 Best For: Families, low-key travelers, beach lovers, and snorkeling first-timers.
3. 🚤 Hollywood, FL – Broadwalk, Bicycles, and Beachy Vibes
🚗 Drive Time: 30 minutes
Yes, Hollywood has a Broadwalk — not a typo. This laid-back stretch of beach is 2.5 miles of oceanfront fun, where you’ll find street performers, ice cream stands, and tiki bars every few feet.
Don’t Miss:
- Banana bike rentals: Ride along the ocean breeze.
- Live music at Margaritaville: Every night is island time.
- Eco-certified “Blue Wave” beach: Clean, clear, and perfect for swimming.
🎯 Best For: Groups, active beachgoers, and anyone who thinks sand tastes better with salt-rimmed drinks.
4. 🎣 Dania Beach – Fishing, Antiques & Old Florida Charm
🚗 Drive Time: 20 minutes
Dania Beach offers a refreshing mix of nostalgia, nature, and new adventures. It’s the opposite of flashy — and that’s exactly why locals love it.
Don’t Miss:
- The Casino @ Dania Beach: Live Jai Alai, crab legs, and neon vibes.
- IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame: For the fish-obsessed and curious alike.
- Antique Row: One of the best places in South Florida for vintage shopping.
🎯 Best For: Couples, curious explorers, and lovers of all things offbeat and off-the-radar.
5. 🐠 Pompano Beach – Reefs, Piers & Coastal Cool
🚗 Drive Time: 25 minutes
A quieter, more laid-back alternative to Fort Lauderdale Beach, Pompano is a dream for divers and seafood lovers. With sunken ships and pristine sand, it’s more than just a beach.
Don’t Miss:
- Shipwreck Park: A must-do for diving and snorkeling.
- New Pompano Fishing Pier: Modern design, amazing views.
- Beach House Pompano: Oceanfront dining at its finest.
🎯 Best For: Divers, beach bums, and laid-back travelers seeking beauty without the buzz.
6. 🎨 Delray Beach – Art, Pineapples, and Atlantic Avenue
🚗 Drive Time: 35–40 minutes
Delray Beach is where boho chic meets beachy energy. With public art on every corner and a walkable downtown packed with great food, it’s worth every minute of the drive.
Don’t Miss:
- Pineapple Grove Arts District: Murals, galleries, and public art.
- Atlantic Avenue: The heartbeat of the city, lined with shops and restaurants.
- Delray Affair: If you visit in spring, don’t miss this massive arts & crafts fair.
🎯 Best For: Art lovers, foodies, and anyone who wants Miami flavor with small-town soul.
🏡 Stay Central. Stay Flexible. Stay Grimaldi.
Here’s the best part — no matter which direction your day trip takes you, you’ll come home to comfort, privacy, and style with Grimaldi Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals.
We offer stunning homes in Las Olas, Victoria Park, Wilton Manors, and Coral Ridge, giving you the ultimate launchpad for your South Florida explorations.
✨ Book direct to enjoy:
- Private pools, chef kitchens, and canal views
- Local concierge support to plan your day trips
- Fast access to I-95, US1, and beach routes
- No booking fees, ever
🎯 Why limit yourself to one city when you can experience the entire coast?
👉 Book your Fort Lauderdale home base now
