We all know how difficult it can be to stick to your workout routine, no matter how minimal, when traveling. While a break from gym shorts and jogging shoes can be a good thing, we rarely get the chance to visit places where exercise actually is the vacation and the reward.
Fort Lauderdale, of course, is one of those rare, wonderful places. From surfing to swimming to snorkeling and running on the beach, you’ll keep burning calories almost despite yourself. When you sit down to dine on the healthy, delicious cuisine and fresh seafood with a glass of wine or three, you’ll actually be refueling, rather than binging.
And with all the beautiful bodies in this beach resort town, that’s a very good thing.
Here are six great ways to explore Fort Lauderdale while keeping beach-ready…
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1. The Beaches
The area boasts several of the world’s best beaches, including Sebastian Street gay beach. Populated mostly by men, this beach is see-and-be-seen in that low-key Lauderdale way. You’ll find nestled along the corner of Sebastian Street and A1A across from the Casablanca Cafe. Get up early for an invigorating morning beach run as the sun rises–before the boys arrive–and take a dip and swim to cool down.
2. The Food
Perched on the southern coast of the Atlantic, Lauderdale boasts some of the best seafood in the world. Join Bravo’s Top Chef Josie at Bubbles & Pearls for a feast of champagne and wonderful east coast oysters, among other delicacies from the ocean. (The flat bread pizza is also a specialty.) You can also head over to Beauty & the Feast for the delicious, healthy whole red rockfish with lemons and tomatoes. And after that beach run, you certainly can justify some carb loading at Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria. Chose the black ink squid pasta with shrimp for the protein and carbs.
3. Walk the (sandy) aisle
The resort town has become a popular same-sex wedding destination. In 2015, not long after marriage equality became the law of the land, Fort Lauderdale hosted a mass wedding for 100 couples on the beach, and its reputation as an ideal destination has only grown since. It’s easy to see why: The weather and beaches are pristine to almost guarantee an ideal wedding ceremony, and the resorts and hotels within walking distance provide a launching pad for all the celebrations and related events. Broward’s ambassador of bliss will even get you started on your planning, from where to obtain your marriage license to how to plan the big day itself.
4. Scuba Diving
You will hardly notice the exertion as you explore miles of coral reef and sea life on the coast of Lauderdale because Scuba diving is an excellent workout. Sign up for exploring via a guided boat tour or take lessons.
5. Beach Volleyball
With more than 23 miles of beaches, you can find a pickup game to suit your level just by walking along the ocean. Sebastian Beach features everything from tournaments to casual competitions to just enjoying the guys playing volleyball from the sidelines.
6. Dance the night away
You can dance away a thousand calories at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar in nearby Wilton Manners in a matter of hours, and it will never feel like an effort as you are carried away by the music. Weekend nights features shows and DJs, but this is a place to start your day with brunch or finish it with a cocktail. Catch Dame Edna’s show while she’s still in town.
And for your viewing pleasure:
