I chose this photograph because it gives a great perspective of the road, the walkway, and the beach. The hotels and restaurants are just left of the road shown. The road can be busy at times, but there are plenty of places to safely cross. The walkway on the beach side is wide with the curved beach retaining wall separating the beach and the walkway. It is lighted in the evening, and during all parts of the day, people are walking on it for exercise or to enjoy the outdoors. It was a daily event for us — walking up and down the beach on the walkway for miles, literally.
The beach is a must for anyone visiting Ft. Lauderdale. The water is warmer and clearer, and the sand is softer than the beaches in CA. Marriott doesn’t provide chairs or umbrellas, but you can rent them for $12-15/day for chairs and $20/day for the umbrella.
Here is a major TIP to help you save MONEY!!! The first day you are there, go to CVS which is right next to Beachplace Towers, and buy 2 cheap portable beach chairs and an umbrella. The chairs are about $20 each, and the umbrella is about $40 — or a total of $80 for 2 chairs and umbrella. They are portable and fairly easy to carry — plus you don’t carry them very far. If you use them at least 2 days, it will save you money. Five days on the beach would SAVE YOU about $150!! At the end of your vacation, simply donate the beach chairs and umbrella to some lucky couple on the beach that are paying for their chairs — they will really appreciate it!
I already mentioned the pool and how to get the best pool chair there https://maxingmarriott.com/2021/03/05/all-things-ft-lauderdale-you-have-arrived/. The Pool Bar & Grill is similar to all the Marriott Bar & Grills. Their menu can be accessed from the QR Code.
The Resort has some scheduled activities — Beach walks, exercise classes, pool games and activities, and to-go crafts. The crafts are in kits, some are free and some have a fee. They also have a free cookie decorating activity and a ceramic painting activity for $5.00. I’m guessing that as COVID restrictions continue to be reduced, these activities will become more interactive and frequent.
If you want to change up the pool and beach routine a bit, a visit down Las Olas Blvd. is a fun thing to do. We really enjoyed seeing the humongous yachts parked in the waterways on the way to the shopping district on Las Olas Blvd. There are lots of shops, restaurants, etc. — and is a great place to window shop and grab and bite to eat.
There are some museums, and tours you can do. TripAdvisor is a great resource to see what is available. TIP!!! Instead of reserving tours directly through TripAdvisor, go directly to the company to reserve your activity. It will save you money, and you get the exact same experience.
Thank you! Please keep the helpful tips coming. We are scheduled to go here at the end of March and I’m very worried about the Covid restrictions and what I’ve heard about the elevators. Tips on best rooms?
Donna,
I believe you also messaged me on Instagram, and I gave a reply to you there. I’ve been thinking about you going the end of March all morning. I even looked up a list of when colleges and universities are having spring break this year. There are still quite a few spring breakers the end of March, and I would base your decision on that. Because of the crowded beaches, and loud restaurants, I would probably avoid going there. In my opinion, the COVID restrictions were minimal and shouldn’t persuade you to forego going there until they open up more. As for the best rooms, call ahead about a week before you arrive and request a high floor facing the ocean for a wonderful view. You might not get that, but your chances are pretty good if you call.