As somebody that completely loves heat climate and seashores, south Florida is considered one of my favourite areas in the USA, however till very just lately, I had by no means explored Higher Fort Lauderdale. This space encompasses 31 cities and municipalities in south Florida, so there’s actually quite a bit to expertise. I’m so pleased that I used to be lastly in a position to get pleasure from it over the course of 5 days. When you might undoubtedly keep in Higher Fort Lauderdale for much longer and possibly by no means get bored as a result of there’s a lot to do, 5 days was sufficient time for me to get pleasure from among the greatest wheelchair accessible issues to do in Higher Fort Lauderdale! 

Whether or not I used to be rolling on wheelchair accessible seashores, cruising by the “Venice of America” on a tiki boat, touring exceptional sights and museums, or consuming scrumptious meals, my 5 days in Higher Fort Lauderdale had been jam-packed with enjoyable. I found that the world has a lot to supply, it doesn’t matter what your skills are, and I already can’t wait to return and expertise much more of the vacation spot. 

If you’re inquisitive about wheelchair accessible issues to do, the perfect accessible eating places, or the place to remain in Higher Fort Lauderdale, this journey information has you coated. By the point you end studying it, you’ll be able to e-book your personal journey to this south Florida oasis! 

Wheelchair Accessible Higher Fort Lauderdale Points of interest & Issues to Do

Watch the quick video under to see eight wheelchair accessible issues to do in Higher Fort Lauderdale after which maintain studying for all the particulars about every attraction –

See quite a lot of animals at Flamingo Gardens

I visited some fairly superior sights throughout my 5 days in Higher Fort Lauderdale, however Flamingo Gardens was undoubtedly considered one of my favorites. At Flamingo Gardens, you may see quite a lot of animals, together with flamingos, otters, a black bear, alligators, peacocks, and a lot extra! 

Flamingo Gardens is situated in Davie, Florida and it is among the oldest botanical gardens and sights in south Florida. Along with the botanical gardens, it’s a wildlife sanctuary as effectively, so there’s actually quite a bit to see. I’d counsel planning at the very least 3-4 hours for a go to. 

All through the gardens, there have been paved paths, so it was straightforward for me to get round as a wheelchair consumer. Some sections had been a bit steep, so you might want some help if you happen to use a handbook wheelchair, however my powered wheelchair dealt with every part with ease. 

At the beginning of your go to at Flamingo Gardens, I might advocate doing the half hour tram tour of the property. A wheelchair accessible tram with a ramp and securement straps is on the market. This tour was a beautiful method for me to get a fast overview of the property, after which see what I wanted to return to later. 

Whereas at Flamingo Gardens, you should definitely take a look at the Wildlife Encounter Reveals, which occur a number of instances per day. Or you may get pleasure from different experiences like VIP Excursions and encounters with flamingos or the bear if booked prematurely. It’s additionally price noting that if you might want to lease a wheelchair or scooter to make use of throughout your go to, they’re obtainable on the entrance within the present store. 

On a pleasant day, there’s no higher place to spend a while than Flamingo Gardens! Admission prices $24 per grownup and $17 per youngster when booked on-line prematurely of your go to. 

Get pleasure from accessibility in Pompano Seashore

There are over 24 miles of seashores in Higher Fort Lauderdale, however some of the wheelchair accessible seaside choices is Pompano Seashore. Pompano Seashore affords quite a lot of issues to do, together with the seaside in fact, so I spent half a day testing among the greatest accessible issues to do on this a part of Higher Fort Lauderdale. 

My time in Pompano Seashore began by rolling on the Fisher Household Pier. This pier is sort of 900 toes lengthy and whether or not you simply need to take within the views from the top of the pier or go fishing, it’s price experiencing. 

It’s utterly free to go on the Fisher Household Pier if you happen to simply need to sightsee, and it’s $6 if you wish to fish. They do have fishing rods obtainable to lease as effectively for $27. 

The pier is wood, however not like many different piers that I’ve rolled on, it was surprisingly easy in my powered wheelchair. I didn’t have any points rolling on the pier and I liked that there have been some lowered viewing areas, in order that wheelchair customers might simply see the wonderful views of the ocean. 

After rolling on the Fisher Household Pier, it was time to go to the seaside. Pompano Seashore really has six wheelchair accessible entry factors to the seaside and I used to be in a position to roll to a number of of them from the pier. The six entry factors have seaside entry mats (a mixture of Mobi-Mats and AccessMats), so I used to be in a position to roll out on the seaside in my very own wheelchair, which was good. 

If you want to enterprise additional out on the sand, seaside wheelchairs can be found on a complimentary foundation. You will discover them at Lifeguard Towers 2 and seven, however they’re first-come, first-served, so maintain that in thoughts when planning your day in Pompano Seashore. 

Pompano Seashore is a lovely space and I used to be thrilled to see such nice accessibility throughout my few hours there. There’s even an inclusive playground at Sgt. Kip A Jacoby Park, which is a must-visit when you’ve got youngsters. 

Tour the long-lasting Bonnet Home

Earlier than visiting Higher Fort Lauderdale, I had by no means heard of the Bonnet Home Museum & Gardens to be utterly trustworthy, nevertheless it rapidly turned considered one of my favourite sights. Immediately, Bonnet Home is a spot that preserves Florida’s previous and as I rolled by the home and grounds, I felt like I went again in time to the early twentieth century. 

To provide you a little bit of historical past, Bonnet Home was bought again in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch. He later gifted the property in 1919 to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Just some years later, Helen handed away, so then Frederic remarried years later and he and his spouse made Bonnet Home what it’s immediately. It’s nonetheless very a lot precisely what it was when the Bartletts lived at Bonnet Home, so it was fascinating to see. 

I went on a guided tour of the home, however you can even go for a self-guided tour if you happen to favor. Self-guided excursions are $25 per individual, however if you happen to’d love to do a 90 minute guided tour with a docent as an alternative, they’re $30 per individual. The guided excursions happen Tuesday-Friday at 10am and 2pm, and on Saturdays at 10am. 

I might extremely advocate doing a guided tour, as I discovered a lot they usually did an excellent job of creating it accessible for me. In the course of the 90 minute guided tour, I used to be in a position to enter each room of the home apart from one. Bonnet Home had transportable ramps for me to make use of since there was a step to enter most rooms. I actually loved seeing all the artwork all through the home and studying the story behind among the items from our information. 

One other factor that I actually liked about Bonnet Home was the truth that a wheelchair accessible golf cart was obtainable to get round. The property is unfold throughout 35 acres, so the golf cart got here in helpful and was actually a great way to preserve my wheelchair’s battery energy. I used to be in a position to roll up a ramp into the golf cart and as soon as I used to be inside, securement straps stored my wheelchair in place. 

Bonnet Home is closed on Mondays and if you happen to’re keen on doing a guided tour, advance reservations are really useful. You’ll be happy to know that accessible parking areas can be found on the entrance and complimentary wheelchairs can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation. 

Cruise by Fort Lauderdale with Cruisin’ Tikis

Anytime I’m close to water, I attempt to discover wheelchair accessible boating alternatives, however I’m usually left empty handed. It’s difficult to search out boats which are keen to accommodate a powered wheelchair consumer in lots of locations, however Fort Lauderdale had a novel expertise for me… a tiki boat cruise!

On a sunny day in Fort Lauderdale, I loved an hour and a half experience with Cruisin’ Tikis and it was a lot enjoyable! Cruisin’ Tikis has essentially the most photographed boat on the water as a result of it’s extremely distinctive. It’s a floating tiki hut with a bar within the center, however you do have to deliver your personal drinks and meals. A Bluetooth stereo system is on the market as effectively if you wish to play some music. 

Throughout our experience, we cruised the waterways of Fort Lauderdale (do you know that Fort Lauderdale is named the “Venice of America”?), noticed many mansions, and the climate was simply excellent. I actually loved seeing the various mansions and listening to in regards to the historical past of them from our Captain. 

To get onboard the tiki boat, I used my transportable ramp, however if you happen to use a handbook wheelchair, you possibly can get on with no ramp, I’m certain. It was a simple course of with the transportable ramp and I used to be in a position to maneuver round with ease. When you gained’t be capable of deliver your personal transportable ramp and also you want one, simply speak to the pleasant of us at Cruisin’ Tikis while you make your reservation and I’m certain they may work out an answer for you. They had been tremendous pleasant and I tremendously loved attending to know them throughout our cruise. 

When you’ll be in Higher Fort Lauderdale, it’s best to completely e-book a cruise with Cruisin’ Tikis for a enjoyable day trip on the water. The tiki boat can maintain as much as six folks and pricing begins at $350 for 90 minutes. You may make reservations on their web site right here.

Go to the Museum of Discovery and Science

If you may be visiting Higher Fort Lauderdale with youngsters, the Museum of Discovery and Science ought to be a must-visit. Whereas the museum is good for kids and would’ve actually been paradise for my 8 yr outdated self, I truthfully had a good time on the museum and I visited with none youngsters. It’s actually a beautiful museum for anybody that loves science! 

The Museum of Discovery and Science has over 20 immersive and interactive displays, starting from dinosaurs to an out of doors backyard to displays about outer house and a lot extra. I used to be within the museum for about two hours, however you possibly can simply keep longer, particularly if you happen to or your loved ones are participating with all the interactive components of the museum. 

Along with the various displays, there’s additionally an IMAX theater on the museum. The display screen is a whopping six tales tall, making it south Florida’s largest film display screen. They present quite a lot of varieties of films on daily basis within the IMAX theater, from instructional documentaries to the latest blockbuster films. You should definitely e-book your tickets prematurely, as it is a extremely popular theater in Fort Lauderdale. 

When it comes to accessibility, the Museum of Discovery and Science does a wonderful job they usually try to be inclusive for all visitors. The complete museum was wheelchair-friendly for me with elevators to succeed in every flooring and companion care restrooms had been obtainable as effectively. If you might want to borrow a handbook wheelchair in your go to to the museum, they’re obtainable without cost on a first-come, first-served foundation. 

Watch a Florida Panthers ice hockey sport

As somebody that grew up in north Georgia, I didn’t know something about ice hockey… till I went to Higher Fort Lauderdale, that’s! I used to be in a position to attend my first ever ice hockey sport whereas in Higher Fort Lauderdale and it was such an entertaining sport. I’m formally now an ice hockey fan!

We watched the Florida Panthers from wheelchair accessible seats within the Membership stage and had an ideal view. I might simply see all the motion and I even received to satisfy the Florida Panthers mascot, Stanley C. Panther. It was a vigorous sport and the proper factor to do on the finish of a enjoyable day in Higher Fort Lauderdale. 

Within the Membership stage the place our seats had been, there have been tons of choices for meals and drinks. We ate proper earlier than we went to the sport, so I didn’t attempt any of the meals, nevertheless it appeared scrumptious. I did get pleasure from some sizzling chocolate although and it was fairly tasty! 

I used to be additionally pleased to see {that a} household/companion care restroom was obtainable on the Membership stage of Amerant Financial institution Enviornment. Accessibility all through the sector was nice and I by no means had any issues getting round. Elevators had been obtainable to entry the a number of ranges of the sector, and the workers had been pleasant and pointed me in the suitable route once I requested the place the companion care restroom was situated. 

The Florida Panthers play from October-April, so if you happen to’re in Higher Fort Lauderdale throughout that timeframe, make time to see a sport. Whether or not you’ve been a fan of ice hockey for years otherwise you’re a model new fan like me, you’re certain to have a superb time. You may view their upcoming schedule and buy tickets on their official web site right here.

Catch a present on the Broward Heart for the Performing Arts

When you’ve learn my weblog through the years, then you definitely most likely know that there isn’t a lot I really like greater than dwell theatre. As a former theatre child, I all the time love seeing reveals in any vacation spot I go to, and Higher Fort Lauderdale affords some spectacular dwell theatre yr spherical on the Broward Heart for the Performing Arts. 

The Broward Heart has reveals nearly each night time of the yr and typically a number of reveals are occurring on the similar time, because of there being a number of theaters on the Heart. You may see every part from orchestras to live shows and touring Broadway reveals. It’s vital to test the Calendar of Occasions to see what will likely be enjoying throughout your go to to Higher Fort Lauderdale.

Once I visited the Broward Heart, I used to be in a position to watch “Sister Act: The Musical” and it was improbable! I’ve all the time liked the Sister Act film and the musical took the story to new heights. The present came about within the Amaturo Theater and I had an ideal view of the stage from our wheelchair accessible seats. 

Accessibility all through the Broward Heart for the Performing Arts was nice. Accessible seating was obtainable, as I discussed, and wheelchair accessible stalls are in each restroom. When you want a household/companion care restroom although, these can be found as effectively. 

Admire artwork on the NSU Artwork Museum

Situated in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the NSU Artwork Museum is considered one of Florida’s greatest artwork museums. After spending a while within the museum, I can actually see why so many individuals really useful it to me.

The museum has over 7,500 artworks in its everlasting assortment. One factor that makes the NSU Artwork Museum stand out is the truth that their art work locations an emphasis on ladies, Black, and Latinx artists. The museum additionally has the biggest assortment in the USA by artist William Glackens. 

Along with the everlasting assortment, NSU Artwork Museum all the time has some non permanent displays on show. Once I visited the museum, I liked the non permanent “Parrot Jungle” exhibit from artist Walasse Ting. I had by no means heard of Ting till this go to, so I actually loved being launched to a new-to-me artist. You may see what’s presently on show on the museum right here.

The NSU Artwork Museum is completely wheelchair accessible with elevators obtainable to entry each ranges of the museum. All the displays had been spacious as effectively, so I had no points maneuvering all through the museum. I had a pleasant time exploring the museum and would extremely advocate visiting it if you happen to’ll be within the space.

The place to Eat in Higher Fort Lauderdale

There are such a lot of nice locations to dine in Higher Fort Lauderdale. Whereas I didn’t have an opportunity to go to all of them (it might most likely take a lifetime!), I did have some improbable meals and would like to share a few of my favorites with you. Listed below are 5 of my favourite accessible eating places in Higher Fort Lauderdale –

Vitolo

Indisputably, this was considered one of my favourite meals I’ve eaten in a VERY very long time. I loved a scrumptious dinner at Vitolo, which is an Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. I had meatballs to begin after which the striped bass for my entree. Every part was perfection and for a comparatively easy meal, the flavors had been out of this world. The customer support was excellent as effectively, which made for a very nice eating expertise. If I lived close to Fort Lauderdale, I might undoubtedly be at Vitolo on a weekly foundation. 

Coyo Taco

When you love Mexican meals as a lot as I do, you might want to attempt Coyo Taco in Fort Lauderdale. From the rooster tacos to the esquite (avenue corn) to the wild cocktails, my entire meal was improbable! I often don’t drink alcohol, however one drink at Coyo Taco appeared so distinctive that I simply needed to give it a attempt. The drink was referred to as a Michelada and it’s beer combined with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, sizzling sauce, and lime juice… then topped with a bacon wrapped jalapeño popper, a birria flauta, and extra. Appears like a enjoyable time, proper?! 

The Chunk Eatery 

It doesn’t matter what type of meals you’re within the temper for, you’re certain to search out it at The Chunk Eatery in Pompano Seashore. It is a meals corridor with about ten completely different eateries, with each specializing in a special type of meals. You may get pleasure from Mexican, Cuban, Asian, Italian, and Peruvian meals, together with burgers, sandwiches, lobster rolls, gelato, and craft cocktails on the bar. I had some edamame and sushi from Yin & Yummy and it was scrumptious! After spending a day on the accessible seashores of Pompano Seashore, The Chunk Eatery was an ideal place to indulge. 

Java & Jam

When you’re on the lookout for an excellent brunch spot (and who isn’t?!), then Java & Jam is the place for you! They’re open on daily basis of the week for breakfast and lunch, they usually do serve breakfast all day, however a lunch menu can be obtainable beginning at 11am. Java & Jam has each indoor and outside seating, and because it was a pleasant day once we visited, we selected to sit down exterior. I had the roasted turkey membership sandwich with a fruit cup, which was very tasty, and I actually liked the iced latte that I received. 

Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante

I’ve by no means met an Italian restaurant that I didn’t like, however Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante is a particular place. They serve genuine Italian meals that’s made “the old-school method” they usually have fairly the fame in Higher Fort Lauderdale. Nearly everybody that I met throughout my journey informed me that I wanted to eat at Louie Bossi’s, so I did simply that. I loved the coccoli fritto for an appetizer, which was little breads that you possibly can fill with ricotta and prosciutto, and the grilled rooster panini for my entree. Every part I had was scrumptious, however there are a number of pizzas and pastas on the menu as effectively. 

The place to Keep: Plunge Seashore Resort

There are a plethora of wheelchair accessible inns to select from in Higher Fort Lauderdale and there are alternatives for each finances. All through my time within the space, I stayed on the improbable Plunge Seashore Resort! 

Plunge Seashore Resort is situated in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and only a quick drive from all the nice sights inside Higher Fort Lauderdale. It’s a beachfront resort as effectively, so you may actually get pleasure from some enjoyable within the solar. When you’d wish to get within the resort’s outside pool, a pool entry raise is on the market. 

When you’re on the lookout for good meals, the resort has a seaside bar (with yummy fish tacos!!) referred to as Backflip, a breakfast restaurant referred to as Octopus, and a espresso store on-site. I attempted all three throughout my keep they usually had been glorious! There are a number of eating places inside a brief drive of Plunge Seashore Resort as effectively. 

In my wheelchair accessible room, there was one king sized mattress and I had loads of house to maneuver all through the room in my wheelchair. The mattress was an excellent peak for self-transferring, however if you happen to use a hoyer raise for transferring, it was a block body mattress. A hoyer raise couldn’t roll beneath the mattress. 

Within the rest room, there was a roll-in bathe with a fold-down bathe seat and a handheld bathe wand, a pull-under sink, and there have been seize bars by the bathroom. The lavatory actually couldn’t have been higher for my wants. 

It’s uncommon to discover a lodge that’s in a beautiful location, has loads of eating choices, and has a room that works fantastically for my accessibility wants, however Plunge Seashore Resort had all of it! Once I return to Higher Fort Lauderdale someday, I might completely keep at Plunge once more.

Total, my journey in Higher Fort Lauderdale was really spectacular and inside simply 5 days, I fell in love with the vacation spot. It’s now considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Florida and in my view, it’s some of the wheelchair accessible as effectively. Whether or not you’re seeking to get pleasure from a soothing seaside trip or perhaps you need a busier itinerary with numerous accessible sights to take a look at, you’ll actually have a enjoyable expertise in Higher Fort Lauderdale! 

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*Thanks to Higher Fort Lauderdale for working with me on this journey and displaying me the perfect of wheelchair accessible Higher Fort Lauderdale! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.

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