Must See Sights and Landmarks in Surfside Area

"Las Olas Boulevard is one of the best known spots in Fort Lauderdale and you need to come here to check out the atmosphere for yourself. You will find a range of quirky shops in the area that seem to sell anything and everything, or there are more upscale boutiques if you prefer. The area is also known for art galleries that you can visit during the day, and at night you will find a buzzing nightlife scene that includes a range of clubs and live music venues."

"This next attraction on the list is one of the top shopping experiences for things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids. Enjoy a collection of cultural arts and entertainment from choirs, bounce houses. This year-round destination features themed events like Christmas on Las Olas, Winter Fest, Santa on the Beach, and the Annual Las Olas Art Fair."

"Neighborhoods300 SW First Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301MoreLess Info. Las Olas Riverfront is an open-air shopping and dining complex that includes restaurants, a flea market, shops and movie theatres, a science museum, art galleries and a hotel."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"3485 Main Hwy This historic Florida State Park is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and spans about 5 acres. Dade County’s oldest home resides on this five-acre site that overlooks the scenic Biscayne Bay. It was built by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe in 1891."

"A mere 21 years after Miami was officially incorporated as a city, the mission-style "coral rock" building of the Plymouth Congregational Church was constructed in Miami's oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove."

"Continue your exploration of Miami street art and mouth-watering food by driving north to Wynwood, the city’s artsy neighborhood. This up-and-coming district was nothing more than warehouses and wholesale retail stores a few years ago, but it’s now home to some of Miami’s best restaurants, trendiest bars, and most Instagrammable spots."

"Without traffic, the drive from Little Havana to Wynwood will only take 15 minutes. You may have caught a glimpse of colorful, large-scale murals while driving on I-95, but nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking art that overwhelms the Wynwood Art District just north of Downtown Miami."

"DAY TWO: WYNWOOD AND DESIGN DISTRICT – MODERN ART & RETAIL THERAPY Spend your morning at the beach, enjoying the beach club service of your hotel. Lunch light in your lounger—the beach clubs offer full food and beverage menus—or enjoy something a bit more epicurean on the terrace at"

"Or you can experience the pulse of a multi-dimensional metropolis, exploring 1930s to 1950s Art Deco glamour in South Beach and Mid-Beach, big city sophistication in Downtown, avant-garde art installations in Wynwood, shopping in the Design District, and a melting pot of Latin heritage in Little Havana. Given short driving distances between these eclectic neighborhoods, it’s possible to explore Miami’s multiple identities in a weekend without feeling rushed."

"After seeing your fill of water views and tropical plants, make your way to Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by Versailles, a favorite Cuban restaurant, for a syrupy Cuban coffee, a guava-filled pastelito, or, if you’re already hungry, a meaty Cuban sandwich. Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir."

"Put some miles on your car; Little Havana calls. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is another world, and you’ll know it immediately by the language of the street signs. Salsa music pours out from storefronts onto the streets. The scent of fresh guava pastries is never far."

"801 Johnson Street A delightful Intracoastal-front park with boat ramps, two pavilions, bicycle path, nature trails restrooms and a waterfront observation tower."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants Overtown. By day, this 30,000-square foot riverside station makes for the perfect family-friendly afternoon outing. With a carnival-like atmosphere, little ones will get a kick out of lawn games such as cornhole and ping pong, along with the live acts featured weekly."

"A riverfront drinking joint with a dock full of food trucks, The Wharf features samplings from Miami hot spots like Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken, and Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Paired with lazy furniture and a water view, a jaunt at The Wharf is a happy hour dream. View this post on Instagram"

"This place is located on the historic and pristine Miami River. This place is popular for its open-air events. There are wines, beers and cocktails to quench your thirst and 4-5 food trucks to satiate your hunger."

"Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on East Sunrise Boulevard, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a stunning tropical oasis in which to enjoy a range of activities and local wildlife watching. Once home to Hugh Taylor Birch, who donated the estate to Florida’s public, the park is now home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, marsh rabbits, and the gopher tortoise, as well as over 200 species of birds. A mile-long freshwater lagoon provides the perfect place for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching while other recreational activities include hiking, cycling, inline skating, and Segway Tours."

"For even more beach photography, check out Fort Lauderdale’s version of Central Park. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is located on abarrier island nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Here, youcan enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and canoeing, all with a beautiful backdrop!"

"This state park was a gift from Hugh Taylor Birch to residents of Florida. His former estate is a 180-acre park that sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. This green space is a welcome oasis, perfect for a quiet walk on the trails or an afternoon picnic."

"Las Olas Boulevard's best kept secret, Preston's Wine & Martini Lounge boasts a comfortable oasis amidst the hustle of city life. A grand piano graces this living room lounge as our resident pianist plays old classics and new favorites. Featuring the hotel's original 1936 coral fireplaces and period art pieces, Preston's also affords its guests an intimate outdoor courtyard, a tranquil garden patio set among tropical foliage."

"However our server was in a hurry and I felt like she gave us attitude. When we paid we wanted separate checks a..."

"On Ocean Drive, the sweets-centric spot Sugar Factory serves a signature devil's food cake that's sinfully delicious. The cake is fluffy, flavorful, and layered with a sweet and bitter blend of dark and milk chocolate mousse, dressed in bittersweet chocolate fudge sauce, and adorned with delicate chocolate pearls. Devour a large slice for $16, or snag a whole cake for $40."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants South Beach. Willy Wonka has nothing on this South Beach sugar emporium. Up front, the bulk bins overflowing with sweets and adorable rubber duckies are sure to lure little ones in, but it’s the brasserie in the back that cinches the deal."