If you’re craving sunshine, flavor, and a little old-Florida charm, a weekend in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood is exactly what you need. Just 20 minutes apart, these neighboring beach towns offer the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and foodie finds.
Fort Lauderdale offers a vibrant atmosphere, art-filled streets, and a lively beachfront, while Hollywood leans into its vintage, laid-back vibe with a nostalgic Broadwalk and easy coastal pace. These cities make the perfect pair for a weekend escape filled with beach time, good food, and relaxing discoveries.
Our Travel Experience
We visited Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood during Christmas time. The warm and sunny weather made it an enjoyable escape from Columbus’ freezing climate. However, it’s also a busy travel period, so expect crowds at popular spots and longer wait times at restaurants.
We flew into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from Columbus, Ohio, and rented a car to get around – highly recommend for the flexibility to explore both cities at your own pace. During our trip, we didn’t encounter any major issues with parking, especially since we aimed to arrive at popular spots early in the day. Still, beachside parking can fill up fast, so planning ahead is key.
This post shares our favorite experiences, laid out as a suggested itinerary for anyone looking to enjoy a fun and flavorful weekend getaway in South Florida. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Fort Lauderdale
- Start with breakfast at Café Bastille. In downtown Fort Lauderdale, Café Bastille is a charming French bistro known for its upscale breakfast and brunch. Think buttery croissants, egg dishes, and velvety cappuccinos served with a Parisian flair. The atmosphere is both sophisticated and welcoming, setting the tone for your day ahead.
- Relax and explore Fort Lauderdale Beach. Just a short drive away, the beach is a beautiful expanse of white sand and gentle waves. Bring a towel, take a swim, or just people-watch along the promenade. The vibrant yet chill vibe makes it easy to stay for hours. While parking is available near the beach areas, it’s best to arrive early as spots fill up quickly.
- Enjoy oceanfront dining at Casablanca Café for lunch. Just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers scenic views and a laid-back atmosphere. Their seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails pair perfectly with the salty breeze and sun-soaked setting. It’s an ideal spot to recharge before an afternoon of exploring.
- Stroll through Las Olas Boulevard for shopping, galleries, and treats. Las Olas is the perfect spot to wander without a plan. You’ll find unique boutiques, local art galleries, and delicious treats. If you’re craving something sweet, don’t miss Pan’e Dolci – their gelato is among the best we’ve had. It’s a small shop tucked into Las Olas with Italian pastries that are just as tempting as the gelato. Although we visited Las Olas both during the day and night, we especially loved strolling here in the evening when it transforms into a glowing, music-filled strip bustling with people.
- Walk the scenic Riverwalk and enjoy the waterfront views. As the afternoon cools, stroll along the palm-lined Riverwalk. Water taxis glide by as you take in the peaceful surroundings. It’s a great way to unwind before dinner.
- Wrap up the evening at either Casa Sensei or El Camino. Casa Sensei delivers an elegant experience with Latin-Asian dishes and romantic canal views. The portions are generous, the flavors rich, and they even serve a cotton candy treat after your meal. If you’re in the mood for bold Mexican street food and zesty cocktails, El Camino offers a vibrant alternative with upbeat vibes and colorful décor. Make a reservation in advance – both spots are popular for good reason.
Day 2: Hollywood
- Begin with pastries and espresso at Gran Forno Bakery. Though technically still in Fort Lauderdale, Gran Forno is a worthy detour before heading to Hollywood. Grab a flaky pastry or focaccia and a strong coffee to go. The bakery’s aroma alone is worth the visit.
- Drive to North Beach Park for a nature break. North Beach Park offers elevated walkways through coastal mangroves and scenic views of the Atlantic. The wide stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing or swimming, and there are plenty of shaded spots nearby.
- Have a waterfront lunch at Le Tub. This quirky burger joint is as famous for its decor as it is for its massive sirloin burgers. Built from driftwood and found objects, Le Tub feels like a secret locals’ hangout, even though it’s received national acclaim. Grab a table on the dock, sip something cold, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. We liked the hand-cut fries a lot, although the burger was normal, and the setting made it all worthwhile.
- Spend the afternoon at Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Hollywood Beach feels more peaceful and low-key, perfect for a relaxed vibe. The Broadwalk is where locals and visitors ride bikes, skate, or wander between beach bars and souvenir shops. It offers a vintage Florida feel with its mix of beachgoers, cyclists, and live music.
- Cool off with a sweet treat at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor. A trip to Hollywood isn’t complete without a stop at this legendary ice cream parlor in nearby Dania Beach. Jaxson’s has been serving homemade, old-fashioned ice cream since 1956 in a retro setting filled with license plate décor. Think banana splits the size of your head, 1950s jukebox vibes, and over-the-top sundaes piled high with whipped cream, fudge, and sprinkles. We waited about 15-20 minutes for a scoop, but it was totally worth it.
- If you’re ending your trip in Fort Lauderdale, get back to Las Olas for dinner. Louie Bossi’s Ristorante serves house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and robust wines in a stylish, garden-style setting. With its lively energy and bold flavors, it’s a great spot to celebrate the end of your trip. Be sure to make a reservation – it fills up quickly in the evening.
If you have extra time, check out these places:
- Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this colorful estate is a mix of art, history, and lush tropical gardens. It’s a peaceful and inspiring place to explore.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, the park offers hiking, fishing, kayaking, and picnic spots nestled among lush greenery.
- Anne Kolb Nature Center. Just minutes away from Hollywood Beach, Anne Kolb Nature Center is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. If you need a break from the beach, you can kayak through mangroves, hike elevated trails, or climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the wetlands. It’s quiet, serene, and a great place for spotting herons, iguanas, or even the occasional manatee.
Combining Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant energy with Hollywood’s laid-back charm gives you the best of both worlds in a single weekend. You’ll leave with sand on your shoes, the lingering taste of gelato, and a few new favorite places in your memory.