10 Ways to Relax on Your Beach Vacation

For a vacation that’s all about rest and relaxation, look no further than Fort Lauderdale Beach. Take an unhurried approach to your getaway by indulging in soothing time on the waterways, participating in a yoga class, exploring our peaceful state parks, historic attractions, and so much more.

1. Salute the Sun

yoga on the lawn

Come enjoy the beautiful beach with the Yoga Community of South Florida who meet several times a week, both on the sand at the north point of Fort Lauderdale Beach as well as every Saturday morning at Las Olas Oceanside Park during the weekly Saturday Farmers & Artisan Market.

2. Bike through Nature

birch state park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a number of ways to work physical activity into your day, whether you choose to join in on one of their complementary Interpretive Ranger-guided walks each Friday and Saturday of the month, bicycle along the 1.9 mile drive, rent a canoe to explore the coastal dune lake or participate in a monthly Wellness seminar. View a complete listing of all the activities on the Birch State Park website.

3. Have a Picnic on the Sand

picnic basket from the market at bahia mar

Located directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, the Market Deli at Bahia Mar, is a full-service deli and convenience store with grab and go snacks, fresh-baked muffins, pastries, made to order breakfast items, Boar's Head premium sandwiches, pizzas, fresh fruit, specialty coffee drinks, homemade gelato, and all of your beach day essentials. Whether you are looking to plan a day at the beach or just grab a bite to eat, The Market offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options which you can pre-order or dine with indoor and outdoor seating.

4. Read A Book at the Beach

It's that time of year. Summer is in full swing, which means you could probably use a beach read right about now. Whether you're craving a breezy romance novel, a captivating thriller, or anything in between, look no further than our annual list of book suggestions from Barnes & Nobles top list of books to read in the Summer of 2022.

5. Enjoy a Spa Day

conrad spa

Fort Lauderdale Beach has become one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. It is here where sun worshipers come to play on Blue Wave Certified Beaches, Foodies dine ocean-side at the eclectic mix of casual to fine dining restaurants, and Adventurists take in its plentiful water activities. However, for those seeking serenity, relaxation and revitalization, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an impressive choice of luxuriously indulgent spas.

6. Take a Coffee Break

coffee on the beach

Whether you favor artisanal coffees, cortaditos, or cappuccinos, you can cozy up with a cup near your hotel in the morning or linger at dozens of breakfast spots over a piping hot cup. Need a grab and go? The market at Burlock Coast serves up Panther Coffee an pastries, or pop into the Starbucks street level outlet at Hotel Maren or the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

7. Learn Something New

class at bonnet house

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens believes in doing their part to advance the education of our community by offering a multitude of interesting classes and lectures that emphasize what was most important to the Bartlett family: art and nature. While on vacation, consider attending some or all of their fascinating classes which range from drawing and painting to orchid care, bird watching and more all year round.

8. Sail Away at Sunset

sunset cruise on spirit of lauderdale

A perfect way to end the day,  Spirit of Lauderdale's Sunset Cruise, calls for sun dresses, flowered shirts, sandals , cold beer and chilled wine. Take comfortable catamaran sails past cruise ships and “Millionaires Row” to view the mega mansions of the rich and famous. Relaxing music and breaking waves provide a tropical rhythm. Look back at the land as the sun slips away casting fiery hues of orange and red.

9. Enjoy Dinner with a View

dinner with a view

Fort Lauderdale Beach is lined with waterfront restaurants that offer scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean which melt away the day. For dinner and a show head to Spazio Italian Restaurant and Wine Lounge, where live music is always flowing and you can dine alfresco under the stars. For steak with a side of scenery, the buzzy Steak954  offers the chance to dine decadently. For everything in between - our Dining Guide features nearly 70 casual to elegant globally-inspired dining options.

10. Take a Moonlit Stroll with the Turtles

turtle walks at night

Every June through September, the Museum of Discovery and Science and Broward Sea Turtle Oversight Protection agencies host Moonlight Turtle Walks. While they can’t guarantee a nesting sea turtle will be spotted on every walk, when it happens, it’s a natural wonder you will never forget! Regardless the evening walks on the beach are in itself relaxing.