Ft. Lauderdale

[Lifeplus3]

We are considering moving our 50' boat to a marina near or in Ft. LAuderdale for the winter. We are doing this as we can get a direct flight from the NE. Does anyone have some day trips they recommend or even a week long trip? We plan on moving it up north for the summer but want to poke around FL this winter and spring. I have two kids (11 and 9) so need some activities..

[HopCar]

You might consider moving a little further South to Miami. From Miami you can make day trips in Biscayne Bay or longer trips to the upper keys. Biscayne National Park is worth a visit. Miami Beach can be fun. Sunset Harbor is a nice marina in Miami Beach with good access to a big grocery store, restaurants, and other fun stuff. Do the kids snorkle? Lot's of nice shallow water places for the kids to snorkle. A jump over to Bimini is not unreasonable. Do you fish? Offshore and inshore fishing is good from Miami. Bouncer Smith out of Miami Beach Marina is a great guide for both types of fishing.
Miami also has a great marine store run by friendly people.

[JanetGroene]

Fort Lauderdale is pricey but handy to the huge Sawgrass Mills discount mall, which runs a shuttle to the beach. Also the airport, the Keys, one of the best sidewalk art shows in the nation. Public trans is good including the water taxi system. Lots of upscale shops and restaurants including waterfront restaurants with docks. You can take the Greyhound down the Keys. Don't miss the turtle hospital, dive museum and many other historic and nature sites. Key West is a world in itself.

[capttman]

Not much going on in the city.. Move on down to Byscayne bay and enjoy..

[Denali2017]

I disagree that there is not much going on, you need to get connected in. My wife and I love Ft. Lauderdale. We go sailing with friends almost every weekend. Usually end up back at someones house for food and drinks. Miami is nice, but I think Ft. Lauderdale is a little more laid back.

[Denali2017]

Oh also forgot to mention that there are people we know that are doing 5-7 day trips to the Bahama's etc. You may want to sail with others for the company. There is a meetup group on meetup.com that you can look up.