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Southwest Employees Share Their Favorite ‘Hidden Gems’ Spots in the Fort Lauderdale, FL Area

MillieT
Employee
Employee

 If you’re looking to get away for a few days or even a week, there are always places to go and experiences to be had—especially when you get to visit one Southwest’s 99 cities across the United States and 10 additional countries! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Fort Lauderdale area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!

 

A Fan Boat Prepares to take Visitors on a Tour of the Florida EvergladesA Fan Boat Prepares to take Visitors on a Tour of the Florida Everglades     Heart     Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers. 

 

Glide Across the Water

While I’m a beach girl, we had some friends come visit Florida for the first time, and I wanted them to really experience the state. We took them on an airboat ride through the Everglades with Everglades Holiday Park located on Griffin Road—it’s amazing! Riding on the airboat, you are low on the water and pretty much one with nature, including alligators and all the various swamp critters. Really cool!

 

-Customer Service Supervisor Ally Harrington

 

Boardwalkin’

One of my favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale is the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk where you can walk, bike, run, or roller-blade. It runs right along the ocean and there are more than 50 restaurants and 30-plus boutiques and shops. There are also three oceanfront resorts and 30 superior small lodging options right on the beach. Free live music can be enjoyed on most weekends. It’s one of the best places to just relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean. The sunsets are incredible too!

 

Customer Service Agent Donna Carey

 

Long stretch of Ft Lauderdale Beach in Florida with sandy beaches and numerous hotels and resortsLong stretch of Ft Lauderdale Beach in Florida with sandy beaches and numerous hotels and resorts

Just Relax 

I've been living in this city for more than 32 years and there are so many places that I could recommend, but I know a resort that is the best. It's called the Beachside Village Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (a small town with a lot to do). The location is perfect, the staff is genuine, and the hotel rooms are quaint and comfortable. It's newly renovated and the prices are very reasonable. No need for a car, as you have the beach, water activities, shopping, eating establishments, and music within walking distance. Check it out and you will be amazed at how relaxed you can be.

 

Cargo Agent Pamela Esposito

 

Bet On It

Every now and then, I enjoy spending time at the casino. Seminole Paradise, located on Seminole Way, is somewhere I would definitely recommend. It’s a great location for fun, shopping, dining, and night life. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is connected to the outdoor mall area.

 

–Station Administrator Susanne Apel

 

Shop ‘Til You Drop

I love shopping, and we are privileged enough to have Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retailer in the country. This outlet is huge! You definitely need the entire day to get through it all, but don’t worry! They have a Starbucks so you can get that caffeine kick early on, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. It’s truly an amazing place, and the best part is the great prices. This outlet is located only 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Check it out!

 

-Ramp Agent Supervisor Karen Davila

 

Outdoor cafe at Fort Lauderdale in Florida on a sunny summer dayOutdoor cafe at Fort Lauderdale in Florida on a sunny summer dayGet Some Grub

Fort Lauderdale has many things to do, ranging from a quiet day at the beach to great night life.  At night, downtown Hollywood becomes alive with a diverse crowd among the restaurants and bars. I highly recommend Buleria, a small Spanish restaurant. This is a great spot for tapas and some wine, and after 8 p.m. on weekends there is live flamenco music with Spanish dancers. 

 

Technical Operations Julian Bernardi

 

 

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