As a Floridian, I always wonder why no one knows the secret. Fort Lauderdale is a great vacation spot anytime. Fort Lauderdale in the summer is a dream multigenerational vacation destination. Everyone seems to rush to Disney when school is out and no one thinks to end the Disney tour with a relaxing few days on the one of the most beautiful beaches with wonderful things to do with children. If your trip to Disney is a definite, think about renting a car and driving the three or so hours from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. The Vero Beach Premium Outlets, almost in the middle, breaks the trip up well and Restoration Hardware Outlet just opened there! See Vero Beach Outlets for the summer events and schedule.
So many times northerners ask me how hot it is in the summer in Fort Lauderdale. Most of the time, it seems the Fort Lauderdale forecast has more comfortable weather than other places in the summer, especially if you stay on the barrier island, on the beachside. The ocean breeze makes it comfortable all day.
Here are the Fort Lauderdale temperatures from Trip Advisor:
Monthly Averages
Month High Low Precip
May 83°F 71°F 4 in
Jun 86°F 74°F 6 in
Jul 87°F 75°F 4 in
Aug 87°F 76°F 4 in
Sep 86°F 75°F 6 in
Oct 83°F 72°F 4 in
That being said, one must remember the tropical sun and lots of sunscreen—the newest kind that covers everything at any time—is a must at all times. Also, the best times of the day to be out and about are anytime other than about 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in the summer due to the tropical sun, stronger than one is used to up north. Since the beach and surf exhaust everyone, a nap for everyone in the family after lunch might be in order. That lets everyone stay up to enjoy the beautiful evening breezes. Fort Lauderdale seems to have less rainy days than before, but even then, showers, especially on the beach side, are only in the afternoon, and they help cool off the evening summer breeze even more.
There is a beachside hotel available at every price range on the beachside, from small older inns off the beach to the major hotel chain hotels. Pick your favorite chain hotel and check out Fort Lauderdale summer specials. The point values to use points are also lower in the summer. My favorite large hotel in Fort Lauderdale is the Marriott Harbor Beach right on the ocean, but there is also the Marriott Beach Place which has kitchens (great shopping at the best supermarket, Publix, over the bridge on 17th Street on the mainland side). The number one small hotel in Florida according to Conde Nast is in Fort Lauderdale, the Pillars, on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Pillars is romantic and has one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, if the grandparents want to leave the grandchildren after Disney and have a few romantic days alone before leaving Florida. Remember, airfares from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are comparable and inexpensive in the summer.
Summer is also when the local attractions offer two for one deals. So to Summer Offers to print a summer savings coupon card which can be used at most attractions. You can go to the Museum of Discovery and Science and the kids can fly airplane simulators, which you can’t get them away from to enjoy the rest of the fabulous museum. There is even a toddler section. There is Butterfly World, which also has a great outdoor playground to run around in after seeing the attraction inside. Charter any size boat along the beachside and you can take the kids fishing for the early morning or late afternoon, for significantly less cost that in high season. If you love the water, there are loads of weekend and week long cruises at bargain rates from the port of Fort Lauderdale.
The best attraction is the beach in the summer. The beach is beautiful. Yes, the shops are honky tonk, but there are some fabulous places to eat, even with children, with a view of the ocean. The Deck has some of the best breakfasts and is inexpensive. La Spadas subs on 17th Street and Tom Jenkin’s B-B-Q, on the main land side are Fort Lauderdale traditions. Right near there is Giorgio’s for great local Italian; Shula’s hamburgers; Chuck’s Steakhouse with a great salad bar; Kelley’s landing with its Tuesday night lobster special; Outback Steakhouse; Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill (great burgers and salads, salmon and soups too), Joe’s Diner great for any meal with kids; and any and every fast food restaurant one’s heart desires. Back on the beach side is Casablanca Café, East End Brasserie, and Saia Sushi, and even Primanti Brother’s Pizza, all with views of the ocean. For a great seafood night that is pricey is 3030 Ocean inside the Marriott Harbor Beach. Aruba Beach Café for great casual dining is in Lauderdale By the Sea on the beach, one town north of Fort Lauderdale on A1A. This little town is quaint with Kilwin’s Ice Cream as an evening snack. There is another Kilwin’s on Las Olas Boulevard, another quaint area to walk around in the evening and maybe take the kids to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Of course, there are lists of other excellent restaurants for an adults’ night out. As a tourist area, fabulous food to suit any palate is readily available. Great shopping is at the Galleria Mall near the beachside or on Las Olas Boulevard, or take a half day trip to Bal Harbour Mall in Miami Beach for one of the best malls in the world or to Sawgrass Mills for one of the largest outlet malls.
The best is the laid back Florida atmosphere in Fort Lauderdale after the frantic pace of Disney and Orlando. Think about a mellow beach sigh while looking at the beautiful sunrise or the palm trees swaying in the breeze on the beach. Say, Ahhhhh . . . and take a look at the Jet Blue specials and maybe even vacation specials.
Joy,
Mema
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