Fort Lauderdale Getaway: December 19‑23, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Beachside Exploration (Dec 19)

Morning: Arrive at Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International Airport on United Flight UA 842 (9:15 AM). A pre‑booked airport shuttle will transport you to The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort for check‑in and a quick refresh.

Afternoon: After a light lunch at the hotel’s Ocean Terrace, stroll along Fort Lauderdale Beach to enjoy sun, surf, and the iconic promenade.

Evening: Dine at Coconuts on the Intracoastal Waterway, then unwind with a sunset walk on the Riverwalk promenade.

Day 2: Arts & Culture (Dec 20)

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then rent a bike and explore the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard, visiting boutique shops and galleries.

Afternoon: Lunch at Louie Bossi’s followed by a guided tour of the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, showcasing art and tropical flora.

Evening: Savor dinner at 15th Street Fisheries and enjoy live music at the nearby Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Morning: Grab a quick bite at the hotel, then head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for a kayaking adventure through the mangroves.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the park, followed by a scenic drive to the Everglades Airboat Tour for an exhilarating swamp experience.

Evening: Return to downtown for dinner at Rocco’s Tacos and a relaxing evening at the hotel’s rooftop pool.

Day 4: Science & Shopping (Dec 22)

Morning: Breakfast at a local café, then explore the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and then spend time shopping at the upscale Galleria at Fort Lauderdale.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal with dinner served aboard, ending the night with a nightcap at Elbo Room on the beach.

Day 5: Departure (Dec 23)

Morning: Leisurely breakfast at the hotel, followed by a final walk on Fort Lauderdale Beach to soak up the sunrise.

Afternoon: Check out, store luggage with the hotel concierge, and enjoy a light lunch at Stache before heading to the airport.

Evening: Take the airport shuttle back to Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International Airport for United Flight UA 843 departing at 5:30 PM.

Time and Cost Estimates

• United Flight UA 842 (Round‑trip) – 3 h 30 m each way – $420
• The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (4 nights) – 2 nights each – $1,600
• Airport Shuttle (round‑trip) – 30 min each – $80
• Rental Car (4 days) – 8 h/day – $260
• Fort Lauderdale Beach – 2 h – Free
• Coconuts (Dinner) – 1.5 h – $45
• Las Olas Boulevard (Shopping & Biking) – 3 h – $30 (bike rental)
• Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – 2 h – $25
• Louie Bossi’s (Lunch) – 1 h – $35
• 15th Street Fisheries (Dinner) – 2 h – $50
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (Kayaking) – 3 h – $40
• Everglades Airboat Tour – 2 h – $70
• Rocco’s Tacos (Dinner) – 1.5 h – $30
• Museum of Discovery and Science – 2.5 h – $30
• The Wharf Fort Lauderdale (Lunch) – 1 h – $40
• Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (Shopping) – 2 h – Variable (estimated $100)
• Sunset Cruise with Dinner – 3 h – $85
• Elbo Room (Nightcap) – 1 h – $20
• Stache (Lunch) – 1 h – $25
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,945

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day to explore nearby Miami Beach or take a day‑trip to the historic town of Fort Pierce for snorkeling. To shorten the trip, combine Day 2 and Day 3 by visiting Bonnet House in the morning and heading straight to the Everglades in the afternoon, cutting one night of accommodation and reducing overall costs.