Towneplace Suites Fort Lauderdale West

Re: Family Vacation week around Ft Lauderdale

by GenXVoice

No worries...you have selected a BEAUTIFUL time of year to hit Florida! The weather is still a bit chilly for we natives - but I am sure it will resemble a dream of balmy breezes and low humidity sunlight for someone from the north.

I wouldn't fret too much about the beach reviews in Fort Lauderdale. Although you have, unfortunately, hit our coasts during Spring Break season - there are options.

April 10th the Marine Center hosts a children's day where there are activities and fun on the sand all centered around our loggerhead turtles. The ages of your children might be a good fit for this activity and it is free of charge since it is a community event. http://www.marinelife.org/turtlefest Can't hurt to hit it on your way to the water.

The Miami-Dade County Fair is usually in town around this time each year. So, for a few bucks a head you get to see South Florida at its tackiest. http://www.fairexpo.com/thefair

You are no stranger to the family entertainment available in Orlando and I live seasonally between Coral Springs and Lakeland so the drive up the turnpike isn't as bad as it sounds on paper. Have many a night had dinner with friends in West Palm then shot up the turnpike for cocktails/late dessert with friends in Orlando. An hour's drive max with the right traffic.

Do not forget our many other beaches all within driving distance of Ft. Lauderdale. Jupiter, Cocoa, and West Palm have their mini beach fronts that are less popular with the tourists so worth the drive. I love to kayak in Cocoa's Thousand Islands through the mangroves and can spend an entire Saturday morning immersed in nature. But I would recommend using a guide since it is easy to get turned around in there. Dolphins and manatees swim along side of you. Love it every time.

And if your little ones are into astronauts - the Space Center is always an option. Pack a picnic lunch and you can spend many a day away from Fort Lauderdale, but home in time for dinner. That is the beauty of our state. We're only about 2 hours wide and you can shoot across Alligator Alley to beautiful Naples and get a taste of our Gulf Coasts as well. (Believe it or not - a completely different kind of Florida).

I know I sort of grazed around topics, but not knowing specific interests I didn't want to extend too much detail. If I can assist with any further information, please do not hesitate to ask! I am a Florida native and prefer the West/Gulf coast over our East...but that is merely because it is more European in flavor.

Either way - you will have glorious weather - so enjoy!!!

Kiki