Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide
Heading to Fort Lauderdale for a girls trip or couples getaway, and looking to stay somewhere a little more low key and less of a chain hotel? Escape just a block off the main strip from Fort Lauderdale beach to The Goodland hotel. Everything we did + recommendations below for the Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide for a Girls Trip!
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale – The Goodland Hotel
My friend Stella and I headed to Fort Lauderdale a few days early for my bachelorette trip and The Goodland Hotel was the perfect spot for us! The boutique hotel had 2 pools – a rooftop pool with 180 degree views of the canal, downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline, and ocean, as well as a courtyard pool.
Overall, the hotel just opened last year, and was revamped and renovated into a modern coastal oasis with a bit of retro flare. Our room felt bigger than the typical hotel room – with 2 closets and a giant shower. We loved the retro touches of wallpaper in the closet and turquoise mini fridge!
The first night, we enjoyed afternoon cocktails on the rooftop pool before heading down to check out the hotel’s restaurant, Bontanic. And let me tell you – it is not a typical “hotel” restaurant, where even locals recommended it!
We enjoyed the shrimp aguachile, brussels and pappardelle with spiced pork meatballs. Do not skip on the decadent desserts – we went healthy with poached pear.
In the morning, we enjoyed a breakfast in the courtyard overing the gorgeous courtyard pool area. I absolutely love the cabana area!
We were in walking distance to the beach (about a block) and the Goodland gives you beach bag filled with towels, chairs on the beach, and even bikes if you wanted bike around town instead of walk.
What to Do In Fort Lauderdale
After our quick stay at The Goodland Hotel, we went to a larger Airbnb with 8 girls for my bachelorette trip! I’ll be creating another blog post soon with the bachelorette activities – but will highlight some key places to enjoy dinner and fun activities to do in Fort Lauderdale!
Sea the City – Sea the City is a hot tub boat cruise – need I say more?! The cruise was along the canal – where you had endless views of million dollar homes and yachts. It was the perfect activity to do in January when it was a little cooler – the hot tub was a life saver to keep warm!
Beach & Pool Time – Obviously, the beach and pool! We love that The Goodland Hotel had 2 pools and access to the beach!
Where to Eat in Fort Lauderdale
- Louie Bossi – loved this place – it’s PERFECT for large groups! Fun dinner atmosphere with delicious apps and pastas.
- Yolo – Another fun and upbeat restaurant with a great bar area!
- Lona – best “on the beach” food you can get – you have to trip the crab guacamole! Sip a few drinks, eat some tacos and look out at the ocean from the patio seating at Lona.
- Botanic – the restaurant inside The Goodland Hotel, and we recommend it even if you’re not staying there!
Where to go Out in Ft. Lauderdale!
- We loved hanging out the O Lounge after dinner! It actually connects to the Yolo restaurant!
- Rooftop @1WLO
- Bodega – dark, club, DJ music
- Booze Garden – another club style, packed in like sardines bar. My friend actually got her phone stolen here from her back pocket so be careful!
We had an amazing, relaxing stay at the Goodland Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, and we are already itching to go back! Fort Lauderdale was such a fun town, and it can be as wild or as tame as you want your trip to be! I hope this Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide was helpful!
Another Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide coming!
Stay tuned for another Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette Party Recap! In the meantime, you can check out my other travel guides here and what to do in Nashville.
