When I think about the perfect Florida weekend getaway, I picture beautiful beaches, incredible restaurants, a little adventure, and enough downtime to actually enjoy being on vacation. And while Fort Lauderdale is certainly known for its gorgeous coastline, there’s so much more to experience beyond the beach.
Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a couples’ escape, or simply a few days away to recharge, Fort Lauderdale offers a wonderful mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, fantastic dining, and luxury accommodations.
For this weekend itinerary, I’m highlighting Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a beachfront resort that recently introduced an interesting new wellness concept called DopaMenu. I’m also including some experiences worth exploring around the city, including pickleball lessons at The Fort, dinner at UKIAH, and a few of the area’s beautiful rooftop and waterfront restaurants. Here’s how I’d plan the perfect three-day weekend in Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale: Beach House Fort Lauderdale
Choosing the right hotel can make such a difference when you’re only visiting a destination for a few days. For this itinerary, I’d recommend considering Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a luxury all-suite resort located directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Formerly the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, the property underwent an extensive renovation and debuted its refreshed identity in 2025. The resort features 375 suites, many with beautiful ocean views, along with residential-style amenities such as kitchenettes or kitchens and separate living areas.
I particularly love the idea of staying somewhere that combines the convenience of a beachfront location with enough amenities that you don’t necessarily have to leave the property to enjoy yourself. Beach House Fort Lauderdale offers a beautiful pool, Spa Q, multiple restaurants, rooftop cocktails, and dedicated beach services.
And one of its most interesting new additions is a wellness offering called DopaMenu.
What Is the DopaMenu at Beach House Fort Lauderdale?
The hotel’s exclusive DopaMenu is inspired by the concept of a dopamine menu, which encourages people to intentionally choose activities that bring them enjoyment or help them feel refreshed.
Instead of following a strict wellness schedule, guests can explore a curated selection of experiences organized into categories inspired by a restaurant menu. Depending on availability, these experiences may include oceanfront yoga, poolside massages, fresh juices, adult coloring activities, and even borrowing a bestselling book for a relaxing afternoon.
I love this approach to wellness because I don’t think relaxation should feel like another item on our to-do lists. Sometimes, taking care of yourself means a workout or massage. Other times, it means spending the afternoon at the beach with a good book.
The DopaMenu isn’t a medical treatment or a proven way to raise dopamine levels, but it offers a fun way to think about incorporating more enjoyable experiences into your vacation.
Day 1: Arrive, Unwind, and Enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s Beachfront
Check In and Get Settled at Beach House Fort Lauderdale
After arriving in Fort Lauderdale, I’d start by checking into the hotel and taking some time to settle in. One of the perks of staying at Beach House Fort Lauderdale is having so much within easy reach.
Once you’ve unpacked, head out to explore the property, grab a refreshing drink, or spend some time relaxing by the pool. There’s no reason to over complicate your first afternoon.
Walk Over to Fort Lauderdale Beach
One of the best parts about staying at Beach House Fort Lauderdale is that the beach is just across the street. And you don’t have to worry about packing your own chairs and umbrellas. The hotel offers dedicated beach service, including loungers, umbrellas, and food and beverage options, making it easy to spend a few hours enjoying the Atlantic Ocean.
For me, this is exactly the kind of convenience that makes a beachfront hotel worth considering. Instead of spending your afternoon coordinating beach equipment and finding somewhere to grab lunch, you can simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Be sure to confirm which beach amenities are included with your reservation and whether additional charges apply.
Sunset Cocktails at Nubé Rooftop
For your first evening, I’d recommend heading to Nubé, the rooftop restaurant and lounge located on the 26th floor of Beach House Fort Lauderdale. With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, creative cocktails, and shareable dishes, it’s a beautiful place to kick off a weekend getaway.
There’s something about rooftop cocktails overlooking the ocean that immediately puts me in vacation mode. Whether you’re traveling with girlfriends or planning a romantic weekend, this is the type of experience that feels a little more special than an ordinary dinner out.
Dinner at S3: Sun, Surf & Sand
After cocktails, consider dinner at S3: Sun, Surf & Sand, another dining destination associated with Beach House Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant offers an oceanfront atmosphere with seafood, sushi, and shareable dishes.
It’s a great option for travelers who want to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s lively coastal dining scene without venturing far from their hotel.
Day 2: Pickleball, Shopping, and Dinner at UKIAH
Start Your Morning With Pickleball Lessons at The Fort
One of the more unexpected activities I’d recommend adding to a Fort Lauderdale weekend itinerary is a pickleball lesson at The Fort.
Pickleball has become incredibly popular, and I love the idea of incorporating an active, social experience into a vacation. The Fort is a dedicated pickleball destination in Fort Lauderdale, offering courts and programming for players of different skill levels.
Whether you’re brand-new to the sport or simply want to improve your game, look into booking a lesson or clinic during your visit. I think this would be such a fun addition to a girls’ weekend, especially if you’re looking for something a little more interactive than another morning by the pool.
Be sure to check the facility’s current lesson schedule, availability, and reservation requirements before your trip.
Spend the Afternoon Exploring Las Olas Boulevard
After pickleball, I’d spend some time exploring Las Olas Boulevard, one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-known shopping and dining areas. The boulevard is filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafes, and places to stop for a drink or coffee.
I always like incorporating a little shopping into a weekend getaway because it gives you an opportunity to explore a destination at your own pace. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, take your time browsing the shops, stopping for lunch, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Dinner at UKIAH
For dinner, I’d add UKIAH to the itinerary. UKIAH brings a Japanese-inspired dining experience to Fort Lauderdale, offering an interesting change of pace from the seafood-focused restaurants you might naturally gravitate toward during a coastal vacation.
It’s the type of restaurant I’d consider for a fun evening out with friends or a date night, particularly if you’re looking for creative flavors and a lively atmosphere. I’d recommend checking the current menu and making a reservation ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during a busy weekend.
Day 3: Wellness, Waterfront Dining, and a Relaxing Send-Off
Start the Morning With a DopaMenu Experience
For the final morning, I’d take advantage of Beach House Fort Lauderdale’s new wellness offerings. Depending on what’s available during your stay, that might mean joining an oceanfront yoga session, scheduling a massage, or simply choosing something relaxing from the DopaMenu.
I think it’s a wonderful way to end a weekend because it encourages you to slow down rather than trying to squeeze in one last packed day of sightseeing.
Enjoy Breakfast or Coffee at the Hotel
For a convenient breakfast, Beach House Fort Lauderdale offers ilios, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dining, and Le Marché Gourmet Market, where guests can pick up coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go selections. Both are great options before heading out for the day.
Make Time for One More Beach or Pool Afternoon
If your travel schedule allows, I’d leave a little time for one last afternoon by the water. You could head back across the street to Fort Lauderdale Beach, reserve a poolside cabana, or schedule a treatment at Spa Q.
And if you’re interested in something a little more interactive, ask the resort about available experiences such as cocktail-making classes. Activities and schedules may vary, so confirm availability when planning your stay.
Enjoy a Relaxed Meal Before Heading Home
For a casual final meal or afternoon drink, Barto, the lounge at Beach House Fort Lauderdale, offers Latin and Caribbean-inspired small plates and cocktails. It’s a convenient place to unwind before departure, especially if you want to enjoy a little more of the resort without leaving the property.
Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting for a Weekend?
Absolutely. Fort Lauderdale offers a wonderful combination of beach relaxation, dining, shopping, outdoor activities, and wellness experiences, making it easy to customize a trip around what you enjoy most.
What I particularly like about this itinerary is the balance. You can spend one afternoon relaxing on the beach, the next morning taking pickleball lessons, and the evening enjoying cocktails and dinner. And with Beach House Fort Lauderdale’s new DopaMenu, there’s an added opportunity to approach the weekend with a little more intention.
Whether your version of a perfect getaway includes a massage, an afternoon of shopping, a great meal, or simply a few hours with your toes in the sand, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer.
Sometimes, the best weekends aren’t the ones where you do the most. They’re the ones where you return home feeling like you actually had a vacation.
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