Pre Cruise Day in FLL

Our flight arrives on our pre cruise day at 9:30 AM, so we have the whole day in Fort Lauderdale. Any tips, must sees that are within walking distance of the Embassy Suites? I have never been to Fort Lauderdale before, so I am in virgin territory.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

For an overview of Ft Lauderdale, you might consider either the sun trolley or the water taxi. We have done both and have always managed to do one or the other when we are in FL. Great way to spend the day and love the evening trips on the water taxi. You can hop on and off to check out shops and restaurants.

The trolley goes by the ES and into the Harbor Shops near your hotel. The water taxi can be picked up under the bridge, by the Hilton.

Darcy

Check out the following websites:

• Start with http://www.sunny.org, the Fort Lauderdale tourism website that includes info on attractions, transportation, etc.
  
• Water taxi (mentioned above) hop on/hop off boat that is a combination of transportation and a tour narrated by the captain: http://www.watertaxi.com
  
• Sun Trolley (also mentioned above) - cheap ($1/ride or $3/day pass) transportation with its terminus in the Harbor Shops shopping center behind the Embassy Suites: http://www.suntrolley.com
  
• Las Olas Blvd downtown Fort Lauderdale's main street: http://www.lasolasboulevard.com
  

Fort Lauderdale is a city to see by water, not by land.

My suggestion would be the water taxi. Tons of restaurants and shopping to hop on and off for.

It is most beautiful at night.

There are a few must sees, or nice to sees... The only one in walking distance to ES is the water taxi from Hilton Marina. You are able to see the city from the water. Be sure to take the route that goes up the New River.

Others a very short ride away:

--beach (Beach Place is the best place to go because there is shopping, dining, and public restroom)

--Las Olas Blvd shopping and dining and people watching

--New River Riverwalk

--Museum of Art

--Stranahan House

--Bonnet House

--Center for Discovery (families) and IMAX

--Galleria Mall (Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillards, H&M, etc)

We are staying at the Hampton Inn near the port. Where should we park our car so that we can spend as long as we want off and on the water taxi?