The Perfect Girls' Getaway in Fort Lauderdale: Why Las Olas Won Me Over
Champagne? Check. Shopping? Check. Rooftop pool? Check. Walkable restaurants, art galleries, waterfront views and a hidden speakeasy? Also check.
Las Olas surprised me in all the best ways.
While Fort Lauderdale often gets credit for its beaches, this vibrant downtown neighborhood offers everything girlfriends need for a memorable getaway. Between canal cruises, boutique shopping, incredible dining, wellness experiences and a fabulous home base at Hyatt Centric Las Olas, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t planned a girls’ trip here sooner.
Highlights
- Make Hyatt Centric Las Olas your headquarters with a rooftop pool, walkable dining and a hidden speakeasy.
- Cruise the scenic canals to admire waterfront mansions, luxury yachts and stunning sunset views.
- Learn America’s fastest-growing sport with a beginner-friendly pickleball lesson at The Fort stadium.
- Shop, dine and gallery hop along the Riverwalk to discover the best of vibrant Las Olas.
Editor’s note: the writer was hosted.
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The Perfect Headquarters: Hyatt Centric Las Olas
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Rooftop pool, walkable location, complimentary bikes, a hidden speakeasy and no need to fight traffic.
WHY STAY? Hyatt Centric Las Olas places you in the middle of the action. Restaurants, galleries, shopping, nightlife and Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale all sit within easy walking distance. Add floor-to-ceiling windows, plush beds and a rooftop pool with skyline views and you’ve got the perfect girls’ getaway headquarters.
WHAT I LOVED: The location, complimentary bikes, rooftop pool, Room Nine01 speakeasy and the hotel’s surprisingly local vibe.
Take a Sunset Canal Cruise
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Cocktails, waterfront mansions, sunset photos and plenty of “wow, look at that house” moments.
WHY GO?Fort Lauderdale’s canals rival Venice and a sunset gondola cruise offers one of the best ways to experience them. Glide past multimillion-dollar estates and luxury yachts while your captain shares local stories and insider details.
WHAT I LOVED: The peaceful ride, gorgeous sunset views and feeling like I had stepped into a completely different side of South Florida.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If your tribe is feeling more adventurous, try early-morning paddleboarding along the canals.
Learn Pickleball at The Fort
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Friendly competition, beginner lessons, cute athleisure shopping and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
WHY GO? The Fort claims the title of the world’s first pickleball stadium and has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s hottest attractions. Whether you play regularly or have never picked up a paddle, lessons make the sport accessible and fun.
WHAT I LOVED: The energy, the pro shop and finally understanding why everyone seems obsessed with pickleball.
Brunch & Mushroom Coffee at Emily’s Garden
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Coffee, brunch, plants and a dreamy garden setting.
WHY GO? This restored 1920s estate feels like a hidden oasis tucked away from the city. Grab brunch, browse plants and unique planters and settle in with a specialty coffee.
WHAT I LOVED: The Chaga Latte. I’d been curious about mushroom coffee for months and finally tried it here. Smooth, creamy, delicious and now I completely understand the hype.
Fort Lauderdale’s Impressive Arts Scene
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: World-class art museums, highly walkable independent galleries, major national art festivals and an inspiring cultural scene.
WHY GO? Las Olas offers far more than just great boutiques and restaurants. Creative groups can easily spend an entire afternoon soaking in fine art and culture, switching seamlessly between prestigious museum exhibits, neighborhood art walks and top-tier seasonal festivals.
WHAT I LOVED:
- NSU Art Museum: The perfect destination to immerse your group in vibrant art, captivating culture and refreshing air conditioning.
- The Walking Gallery Scene: Spending a leisurely afternoon browsing distinct independent spots like Effusion Gallery, Chic Evolution in Art and Bellagio International Gallery-all located within easy walking distance of one another.
- Iconic Masterpieces: Catching dynamic museum and gallery exhibitions featuring legendary artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and William Glackens.
- Las Olas Art Fair: A premier outdoor event that is consistently ranked among the Top 100 art festivals in the nation, making it a must-visit if your trip lines up with the festival dates.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Hyatt Centric guests can request complimentary NSU Art Museum passes at the front desk.
Bike the Riverwalk
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Scenic bike rides, striking public art, waterfront views and active outdoor adventures perfect for exploring together.
WHY GO? Fort Lauderdale’s flat, beautiful terrain makes it an incredibly cyclist-friendly city. Utilizing local bike programs allows groups to leisurely explore stunning downtown sections, yacht-filled waterways and sprawling state parks at their own pace.
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Hyatt Centric Bike Program: A fantastic complimentary perk that lets you grab a bike and explore Las Olas and the Riverwalk at your own speed.
- The Scenic Downtown Route: Cruising past public art installations, gorgeous landscaping, sculptures and multi-million dollar yachts along some of the prettiest sections of the city.
- TheThriveSculpture: A breathtaking, 30-foot-tall masterpiece by South African artist Daniel Popper located at 301 SW 1st Ave. It makes for an unforgettable group photo.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: A nearby oasis that is absolutely excellent for biking amidst coastal greenery.
- The Jungle Queen Riverboat: A beloved, iconic South Florida tradition that offers a fun and relaxing cruise down the historic local waterways.
Shop Las Olas Boulevard
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Trendy coastal boutiques, statement jewelry, vibrant resort wear and highly walkable window-shopping with your best friends.
WHY GO? Las Olas blends national brands, local boutiques, jewelry stores and specialty shops into one walkable shopping district.
WHAT I LOVED:
- LUXE by the Sea for chic coastal fashion.
- Lilly Pulitzer for colorful Florida style.
- Gemspire for beautiful jewelry and gifts.
Girls’ Night Out:Where to Eat & Drink
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Rooftop cocktails, waterfront dining, margaritas and enough options to please every personality in your group.
WHY GO? Las Olas packs some of Fort Lauderdale’s best restaurants into a highly walkable district. You can easily spend an entire weekend eating your way from one hotspot to another.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Boathouse at Riverside for waterfront views, crab cakes and people-watching.
- Earl’s Kitchen + Bar for creative cocktails and nightly specials.
- Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar for margaritas, guacamole and a lively atmosphere.
- Harborwood inside Hyatt Centric for brunch, happy hour and late-night bites.
Don’t Miss Room Nine01
GIRLS GETAWAY FACTOR: Secret entrance, creative cocktails, intimate atmosphere and serious main-character energy.
WHY GO? Hidden inside Hyatt Centric, Room Nine01 seats only 12 guests per seating. The experience feels exclusive without being stuffy and the cocktails alone justify the reservation.
WHAT I LOVED: The beef carpaccio, truffle mac and cheese and a PB&J martini that should probably come with a warning label.
FAQs About a Girls' Getaway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
It’s about 2 to 3 miles (a quick 10-minute rideshare or a leisurely bike ride straight down Las Olas Boulevard). You get a quiet, walkable downtown vibe at night without sacrificing beach access by day.
Not at all. The hotel is only 4 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), making Ubers cheap and fast. Once you arrive at the Hyatt Centric, everything mentioned in this itinerary-dining, shopping, the riverwalk and the speakeasy-is completely walkable or accessible via the hotel's complimentary bikes.
Because it is an intimate 12-seat venue, reservations are highly competitive. It’s recommended to book your hidden speakeasy slot 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend prime-time slots.
It strikes a perfect middle ground. It's sophisticated and relaxed by day (brunch, art galleries and boutique shopping), but turns lively at night with spots like Rocco's Tacos and creative cocktail lounges. It’s ideal for a chic, upscale bachelorette or a relaxing milestone birthday trip.
Las Olas is incredibly flexible. Because the Hyatt Centric acts as a central hub, half the group can easily spend the morning reading by the 8th-floor rooftop pool, while the other half takes a pickleball clinic at The Fort or bikes the Riverwalk. You can easily separate for two hours and meet right back up for brunch at Emily’s Garden without anyone needing a car.
Read More
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- Florida Packing List: Everything You’ll Need For a Sunshine State Vacation
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- 6 Fabulous Girls Weekend Getaway Ideas
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 1:11 PM.