Let’s face it: the typical South Florida beach day usually starts with a parking lot battle, feeding a hungry meter, and dragging half your belongings across melting asphalt.
This is not that story.
This is the version where you trade the traffic for e-bikes, hop on a boat, and let the Intracoastal do the driving. If you’ve only ever thought of the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi as a tourist novelty, consider this your official wake-up call.
Start with Breakfast at Beach Place
We kicked off the morning by cruising on our e-bikes down to The Beach Place, right on Fort Lauderdale Beach. There is just something electric about rolling up on two wheels with the ocean breeze already in your hair that sets the perfect tone for the day.
We snagged a table outside, took our sweet time, and enjoyed a ridiculously good breakfast. Sitting out there, sipping coffee, and watching the beach wake up is exactly how a day like this is supposed to begin.
All Aboard the Water Taxi
From there, we boarded the Water Taxi heading south to Hollywood Beach. Honestly? The ride itself might just be the best part of the whole trip.
The route winds along the Intracoastal, cruising past jaw-dropping waterfront homes and a parade of boats of every size. We spent the entire ride just pointing things out to each other. The absolute highlight was pulling up to Marina Village and spotting an actual fireboat. (Seriously, did everyone else know fireboats were a thing? Because I can’t stop thinking about them. If any firemen/women who want to let me shoot that water gun on the fireboat are out there, I am readily available.)
If you’ve only ever driven to Hollywood Beach, arriving by water completely changes the game. The trip stops being a commute and instantly becomes part of the adventure.
Strolling the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Once we docked, we hit the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, not Boardwalk. In my book, this remains one of the most underrated stretches in Greater Fort Lauderdale. It’s wide, super walkable, and packed with restaurants, shops, and nonstop ocean views. It has that old-school Florida beach town energy that’s getting harder and harder to find.
We were on a mission for food, and spoiler alert: we found it.
Quesadillas, Extra Cheese, and Zero Regrets
Our first stop was Señor Frog’s, right on the Broadwalk. We ordered a quesadilla and added extra cheese—because, cheese. It was exactly as incredible as it sounds. Sometimes the ultimate beach food isn’t some fancy culinary experience; it’s just hot, gooey, and eaten with sandy feet.
A Margaritaville Stop (With a Twist)
You can’t do Hollywood Beach without paying your respects to Margaritaville. So, we settled in and ordered the most obvious choice on the menu: a caramel macchiato.
Okay, yes, really. Jimmy Buffett might not have written a song about it, but it totally hit the spot. Plus, the people-watching from that patio pairs perfectly with a caffeine buzz.
Why You Should Do This Trip
By the time we caught the Water Taxi back, the entire day had that rare, elusive quality of feeling completely unhurried. No parking stress. No traffic jams. No logistical nightmares. Just e-bikes, boats, beach time, and great food.
If you’re looking for a day trip that feels like a full-blown vacation without ever leaving South Florida, this is your blueprint:
- E-bike (or walk) to breakfast at The Beach Place on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
- Catch the Water Taxi south toward Hollywood Beach.
- Keep your eyes peeled around Marina Village for impressive boats (especially that fire boat!).
- Stroll the Broadwalk and let your appetite lead the way.
- End with a drink at Margaritaville before enjoying the scenic ride home.
Greater Fort Lauderdale truly shines when you slow down and see it from the water. This was a 10/10 day, and it definitely won’t be our last trip down the Intracoastal.
Have you taken the Water Taxi down to Hollywood? Tell me your favorite stops in the comments, and subscribe to the newsletter for more of the most properly places in South Florida!
Looking for more car-free South Florida adventures? Browse the Things to Do section for local eats, events, and hidden gems across Greater Fort Lauderdale.