Did you know that it’s sometimes cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale than Miami? Not to mention, Fort Lauderdale is becoming a vacation destination in its own right, with plenty of things to do and see. If you’re considering a trip to Fort Lauderdale, here are some things you should know:

Consider renting a car

If you’re planning a vacation, it’s a good idea to rent a vehicle in Fort Lauderdale. That’s because Florida is packed with highways, and renting a car will give you the freedom you need to get around and see more in a short amount of time.

One of the good things about doing this in Fort Lauderdale is you can easily rent in advance and pick your car up from the airport- then you can drop it off before you fly out.

Be ready to eat

While Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have a dining scene as well-known as say… Miami, it does have plenty to boast about. Everything from Mediterranean to Argentinean to Italian can be found here, including favorites like Mini Pita, Dolce Salato Pizza & GElato, and Cafe Seville.

If you like seafood, you’ll love Fort Lauderdale. In fact, most of the restaurants here specialize in dishes made with fresh seafood, caught locally and casual American fare. Check out Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille, and Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill.

Visit Bonnet House

This plantation-style property belonged to Evelyn and Frederic Barlett, and it’s now a great place to take a guided tour. Spend some time wandering through the art-filled studios and rooms, and explore 35 acres of subtropical gardens. This is also where you can find one of the best collections of orchids in the states.

Take a road trip

Fort Lauderdale is a great place for a road trip, but choosing vehicle rental in Fort Lauderdale will also allow you to see much more of the surrounding area. Go see South Beach in Miami, enjoy downtown, or even head north to Orlando where you can get tickets to some of the theme parks and relive your childhood.

One of the great things about doing this is if you travel in the shoulder season you also won’t need to worry about accommodation. Instead, you can drive wherever you like and simply find a place to rest your head whenever you run out of steam.