As summer roles into Fort Lauderdale and temperatures rise, everyone is more than ready for a little getaway from everything. Summer vacations can be expensive, especially if you travel, but you can save money and time by enjoying a staycation in Fort Lauderdale!

C.B. Smith Park

Located in Pembroke Pines, C.B. Smith Park is a great way to spend the day with friends and family. The park has a little bit of everything, guaranteeing that everyone will have a great time while having a staycation in Fort Lauderdale. Admission to the park is only $1.50 per person, and children five-years-old and under are free.

Hot days in South Florida are plentiful, so, luckily, Paradise Cove Water Park is conveniently located inside C.B. Smith Park. Admission is only $10 person with children one-year-old and under free. The water park features four five-story waterslides, a water playground with three waterslides, a water playground for the little ones five and under, and a 400-foot lazy river.

For those not looking to get wet, C.B. Smith Park also has tennis courts, a golf course, and batting cages. You can also find basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds, horseshoes, camp grounds, and places to fish. Whether you plan to spend a day or a whole week here, you'll have something new to do every day!

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

It’s not summer time without taking a trip to the beach! Florida is full of beautiful beaches, and one of them is inside this state park. This private beach is perfect for family fun or a day out with friends. The beach stretches for three miles and has plenty of white sand for the kids to make amazing sand castles with. There's also a two-and-half-mile paved park roadway for bicycling, a 45-minute self-guided nature walk, and areas to picnic complete with grills and views of the beach.

Scuba diving is another favorite thing to do here as there is a gorgeous natural reef just 100 yards from the shore. There's also an artificial reef at the south end of the park. These reefs are home for corals, sea turtles, nurse sharks, tropical fish, and lobsters. Take the day or two to explore this beautiful park as a part of your Fort Lauderdale staycation. Cabin rentals are available for a moderate cost of $50 per night. Reservations fill up fast, so make sure to reserve your cabin early online!

Las Olas Boulevard

Nothing says vacation like a bit of exploring and shopping, and Las Olas Boulevard is the perfect place to do these things! Located along A1A, Las Olas has plenty to keep you busy for days on end with approximately 100 shops, boutiques, stores, and galleries as well as museums. Take a break from shopping with over 220 restaurant choices; it's not difficult to find a place everyone will like. From kid-friendly eateries to restaurants that will even welcome your four-legged friends, you never have to settle. Take a break from life and spend the day at Las Olas for your staycation.

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Just under two miles from Las Olas Boulevard, The Westin is one of Fort Lauderale's finest resorts. With cloud-like beds, a night at The Weston will put your body and mind at ease, and everyone will appreciate the modern surroundings and amenities. Pets are always welcomed at the Weston and can be provided a special dog bed as well as some yummy dog treats. If you want to enjoy the beach, the hotel has a private path right down to the water, or you can keep your feet clean of sand by dipping in the hotel's sparkling, blue pool.

W Fort Lauderdale

The W is a well-known luxury hotel with locations, including Fort Lauderdale. Right by the beach, wake up to a sunrise overlooking the ocean and experience picturesque sunsets.  You can also enjoy the hotel’s unique infinity pool with views of the Intercostal. The deck provides a perfect place for sunbathing and people-watching.

The W is also known for its Whatever/Whenever Service. Just as the name says, you can request whatever/whenever, and your wish is their command! Whether it’s a moonlit mariachi serenade on the pool deck or a meal from the local McDonalds’ delivered to your door at 3 a.m., they have you covered. As long as it’s legal, they will fulfill any wish you may have (for a fee, of course).

A staycation in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect opportunity to have a relaxing, enjoyable vacation without have the extra expenses of travel and accommodations. Start planning your staycation today!

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Cover photo courtesy of PxHere