Once you pass about, oh, 35 or so, birthdays get harder and harder to swallow, especially when you hit a milestone year that keenly reminds you that you are, in fact, aging. My mother had such a year this year; a month later, I had one of my own. Since we’ve both faced significant challenges these last few years, I couldn’t let our birthdays pass without doing something different and truly special. The budget was tight, but I accepted that life is short, and we only have now. After much deliberation, we booked a Fort Lauderdale trip, deciding it would be the perfect way to commemorate our special days. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere promised an unforgettable experience that sounded like what we both needed.
The Airline
Our adventure began with a flight on Delta Airlines, which, if you haven’t figured out by now, has typically been my airline of choice when flying into and out of Salt Lake City. SLC International is a Delta hub, so sticking with the airline gives you the most options for flexibility if something goes wrong.
I like that I know what to expect with Delta. They offer flight and hotel packages to Fort Lauderdale, and the ticketing and bag check process is generally smooth. Since I utilize my Delta American Express, everyone on my itinerary gets a free checked bag, which is an added benefit. Sadly, Delta has recently changed several benefits of the status program. I won’t list the “benefits” here because my last few flights have seen little difference from silver or gold status versus no status at all. Basically, since the recent changes, Silver and Gold seem to be relatively worthless (but, I mean, if Delta wants to prove me wrong, I’m open-minded).
Most Delta planes have free in-flight entertainment systems for which they provide headphones, and in the last few years, they have expanded their snack offerings a little more widely than nuts and a kid-sized drink, so that’s a little bonus.
(In case you’re wondering it is sometimes possible to get your flight upgraded.)
Side Note: When booking air travel for your Fort Lauderdale trip, I highly recommend booking a direct flight if possible. It’s not usually difficult to get direct flights from SLC to FLL, but this time, we had to deal with a layover in Atlanta, which caused a 3-hour delay. Our flight that should have arrived around 9:30 pm didn’t get in until close to midnight. We took off from SLC at 11:30 am. Had we flown direct, the flight would have been around 4 hours.
The Destination: Fort Lauderdale
Funny story. If you Google it, you’ll see the term “Venice of America” used a bit. This is due to the network of scenic canals running throughout the city, stunning beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of nature, indulge in small moments of luxury, and experience the charm of coastal living, if only for a few days.
Upon landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, we were immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere. Florida is humid, and temperatures get rather hot in July, so there’s a bit of sticky breathability that makes you inhale the salty sea air. (We’re from a mountainous state and sitting at a high elevation–for us, sea-level oxygen is a luxury.)
Choosing the Perfect Stay: Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach by Hilton
Our home away from home for this Fort Lauderdale trip was the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach by Hilton, a resort we chose partly for its beach location and partly because I’ve come to trust the Hilton brand for comfort, luxury, and convenience.
Situated right between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bahia Mar offered breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, a private walkway that provided easy access to the beach, a marina that was part of the parking lot, and from where we could admire the yachts and boats, and a plethora of amenities (like free hotel beach chairs) that made our stay exceptional.
Our spacious and elegantly designed room had a balcony that provided stunning views of both the waterway and the ocean. Each morning, we were greeted by the sight of the sun rising over the water, casting a golden glow that set the tone for the day. We may or may not have “accidentally” wandered onto the waterway piers each night to dip our toes in the calm, glassy water.
The rooftop pool was another highlight, providing a serene environment to cool off, soak up the sun, and grab a delicious slushy drink. The hotel’s proximity to the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard meant we were just a short stroll away from exquisite dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Exploring Hollywood, FL: A Water Taxi Adventure
One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Hollywood, Florida, to check out the new Margaritaville resort and the surrounding area. We opted for a water taxi ride as our transportation, which added an element of adventure and provided a unique perspective of the area, including some beautiful glimpses of the Everglades.
While gliding through the water, we marveled at the beautiful homes and yachts lining the canals. The friendly and knowledgeable water taxi crew shared interesting facts and stories about the local landmarks, making the ride informative and entertaining.
Our destination in Hollywood was the new Margaritaville resort, a tropical paradise inspired by the laid-back lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett. Margaritaville exceeded our expectations with its vibrant decor, lively atmosphere, and variety of dining and entertainment options. As we approached the resort from the water taxi stop, we could hear live music coming from an open-air amphitheater, where we discovered a free concert.
We did a little dancing on our way to the Margaritaville restaurant because it was late and we were starving. There, we discovered more live music and the opportunity to eat on the outdoor patio that was designed to be reminiscent of a pirate ship—definitely our kind of place.
Creating Lasting Memories
The trip to Fort Lauderdale was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to create lasting memories with my mother. Here are some of the moments that made our birthday celebration truly special.
1. Beachside Bliss
Spending time on the white sand beaches of Fort Lauderdale was a definite highlight. We enjoyed leisurely walks along the shore, collected a single seashell (because there weren’t many), and basked in the warm Florida sun. The tranquil setting provided the perfect backdrop for heartfelt conversations and moments of quiet reflection. In addition, we loved bobbing up and down while the saltwater detoxed our skin, hair, and minds.
2. Delicious Dining
The one benefit of being “young” ladies is that while we genuinely are interested in good food, neither of us eats excessively. Instead, we were able to stop for smaller meals/snacks/appetizers as necessary throughout the day and mainly ate a bigger dinner. This gave us a chance to try a few different places, even though we were only there for three short days.
For instance, we had appetizers at Cafe Ibiza during an afternoon shopping stroll. Later that evening, we took a golf cart shuttle to an out-of-the-way dive restaurant called Sister Sara’s Crabhouse to get our seafood fix.
You guys. Sister Sara is not a nun. Now that I’ve been there, I’m imagining a dark-skinned Southern Belle who makes the MOST incredible crab you’ll find in the city. And the prices there were extremely affordable. For under $35 per plate, we received two snow crab clusters, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob, and all of it swimming in Sister Sara’s secret concoction of garlic butter. A.Maz.Ing. For an additional $16, we added stuffed oysters Rockefeller, which were also bomb. This honestly has to be one of the best seafood restaurants in South Florida.
3. Shopping and Souvenirs
For us, no trip is complete without a little shopping, and Fort Lauderdale provided plenty of opportunities to find unique souvenirs and gifts. We spent an afternoon exploring the boutiques and galleries on Las Olas Boulevard, where we discovered handcrafted jewelry and got permanent anklets as a memento of the trip, viewed local artwork and stylish clothing, and ate ice cream out of a coconut shell. As one does when it’s 90+ degrees out.
4. Cultural Exploration
If we’d had more time, we would have explored more in places like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a historic estate that promises a glimpse into the area’s history and natural beauty.
We also would have liked an opportunity to stroll through the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk to enjoy the art installations and picturesque views of the New River.
Next time, friends. Next time.
Reflecting on the Experience
Taking my mother to Fort Lauderdale for our birthdays was a decision that brought us closer and allowed us to celebrate our special day in a special and meaningful way. The trip was a blend of relaxation, adventure, and quality time spent together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Fort Lauderdale was the perfect destination for our celebration. As we look back on our trip, we’re both filled with gratitude for the experiences we shared and the moments we cherished.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Own Fort Lauderdale Getaway
If you’re inspired to plan your own getaway to Fort Lauderdale, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip:
1. Choose the Right Accommodation
Select a hotel or resort with the amenities and location that suit your preferences. Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach by Hilton was perfect for us due to its beachfront location and luxurious facilities. Plus, at a mid-range price point, it was surprisingly affordable.
2. Plan Your Travel
Book your flights in advance to secure the best rates and convenient connections. If possible, take full advantage of direct flights, even if they cost a little extra. The amount of time you save when there’s no connection is time away from your destination. I promise it’s worth a few extra dollars for the direct flight.
3. Explore Different Transportation Options
Consider unique transportation options like water taxis, golf carts, and other alternative forms of travel to add an element of adventure to your trip. The water taxi ride to Hollywood was a true highlight of our experience and allowed us to see the city from a different angle.
4. Create a Balanced Itinerary
Mix relaxation with exploration. Enjoy the beach and resort amenities and visit local attractions and cultural sites.
5. Indulge in Local Cuisine
Fort Lauderdale offers a diverse culinary scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to try fresh seafood and explore different dining options. And if you really want to enhance your experience, look for out-of-the-way gems like Sister Sara’s. You can’t go wrong with the places the locals favor.
6. Capture the Moments
Take plenty of photos to capture the beautiful moments and scenery. These memories will be cherished long after the trip is over.
Conclusion
This trip was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience for both of us. The combination of stunning beaches, luxurious accommodations, and exciting adventures made it a perfect destination for our joint celebration. Fort Lauderdale will always hold a special place in our hearts, not just as a beautiful travel destination but as the backdrop to one of the most memorable birthday celebrations we’ve ever had.
Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration or simply looking to create lasting memories with a loved one, consider Fort Lauderdale for an unforgettable experience.