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Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation: Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Viewed by 92 travelers

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale

Book a low-cost airline flight from Chicago O'Hare to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, arriving mid-day to start your beach vacation.
USD120 per person, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Settle into an affordable hotel or Airbnb near Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering easy beach access and a budget-friendly option for two.
USD40 per night, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Fort Lauderdale Beach

Enjoy the sandy shores and Atlantic Ocean at this free public beach, perfect for your first afternoon in Florida.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at El Camino

Dine on affordable Mexican-inspired dishes with a lively atmosphere at this local favorite restaurant, open daily from 11am.
USD15 per person, 1h0m
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Day 2: Beach & Exploration

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Java & Jam

Begin your day with reasonably priced coffee and breakfast sandwiches at this cozy café open from 7am.
USD8 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Explore scenic walking trails and picnic areas in this tranquil park located just steps from the beach, open 8am to sunset.
USD6 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at G & M Restaurant

Enjoy budget-friendly Cuban and Latin American specialties, popular with locals and tourists, open daily since 1975.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Fort Lauderdale Beach Boardwalk

Stroll this vibrant boardwalk for beach views, street vendors, and casual shops.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Discover this historic estate with beautiful tropical gardens and art collections; open 9am-5pm, tickets affordable.
USD20 per person, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Coconuts

Join a waterfront dining spot with casual seafood dishes and sunset views. Dinner prices are mid-range but offer good value. Open 11:30am-10pm.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Relax & Local Flavor

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Alchemist

Savor affordable organic coffee and pastries at this hip local café open from 7am.
USD7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Las Olas Boulevard

Explore this lively street filled with shops, galleries, and cafés; a great place to window shop and soak up local culture.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kilwins

Enjoy affordable ice cream, chocolates, and light lunch items on Las Olas Boulevard.
USD10 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beach Time at Fort Lauderdale Main Beach

Unwind at the central public beach area, free and perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at El Vez

Dinner on Mexican dishes at reasonable prices with a fun atmosphere located on Las Olas Boulevard.
USD16 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Your Accommodation or Nearby Bakery

Grab quick and affordable breakfast to fuel your day’s activities.
USD5 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Everglades Day Tour

Book an affordable guided half-day airboat tour to explore the unique Everglades ecosystem and wildlife. Tours typically last around 4 hours and include transportation.
USD45 per person, 5h0m

2:00pm

Late Lunch at CAFE Maxx

Refuel with affordable classic American dishes and sandwiches, a local casual dining spot.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rest or Light Walk on Beach

Relax at your accommodation or take a casual stroll on the beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Estacion

Try affordable Puerto Rican and Caribbean-inspired dishes in a casual setting popular with locals.
USD15 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax & Culture

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nanou French Bakery

Enjoy affordable French pastries and coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
USD7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Museum of Discovery and Science

Visit this engaging and interactive science museum, perfect for a fun educational morning; open 10am-5pm.
USD14 per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at El Camino

Return to El Camino for more affordable and tasty Mexican eats in a vibrant setting.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon siesta or beach time

Relax on the beach or in your accommodation before the evening.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tap 42

Casual American dining with affordable prices and a good beer selection, located near the beach.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Last Beach Day

Fort Lauderdale, USA on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Toast on Las Olas

Enjoy an affordable hearty breakfast at this popular local spot, opening at 7am.
USD10 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Relax at Fort Lauderdale Beach

Spend your final morning soaking up the sun and sea with free access to the beautiful beach.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Pack and prepare for departure

Return to accommodation to pack and relax before your evening farewell dinner.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at YOLO

Treat yourselves to a slightly upscale but still reasonable dinner with a vibrant atmosphere near the beach.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel Home

Fort Lauderdale to Chicago, USA on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Morning Flight from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago

Catch a morning flight back to Chicago, completing your budget-friendly beach vacation.
USD120 per person, 3h30m
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