Perfect Fort Lauderdale Day from Turtle Nest Bungalow

☀️ A Perfect Day in Fort Lauderdale When You Stay at Turtle Nest Bungalow

Wake up refreshed in your king or queen-size bed at Turtle Nest Bungalow, nestled in a peaceful Fort Lauderdale neighborhood where mornings are calm and sun-drenched. You’ll sleep great here — the kind of deep, restful sleep that makes you feel rejuvenated and ready for a day in paradise.

Once you’re up, the hardest decision you’ll make all day might be how to start your morning:

☕️ Brew coffee at home in your fully equipped kitchen — we provide fresh coffee and coffee makers for you to sip while planning your adventures — or take a quick drive to one of our favorite local spots, Colada Cuban Café just five minutes away in trendy Flagler Village.

Colada Cuban Café is a Fort Lauderdale favorite for a reason. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of strong, authentic Cuban coffee fills the air. Their famous Coladas — small but mighty cups of espresso-style Cuban coffee — pack a punch and are perfect for sharing. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with their Cuban breakfast sandwich served on warm, perfectly toasted Cuban bread, or their pastelitos (sweet, flaky pastries filled with guava, cheese, or coconut). Pair your meal with a fresh juice or café con leche, and you’ve got a morning that feels like a little trip to Havana.

Cuban cuisine is all about flavor, community, and comfort — simple ingredients done exceptionally well. You’ll taste the passion in every bite, from slow-roasted meats to freshly baked breads and house-made sauces that bring everything together.

🌴 Midday Fun: Poolside Vibes & Beach Adventures

After breakfast, head back to Turtle Nest Bungalow to change into your swimsuits and get ready for some fun in the sun. ☀️ There’s no rush here — start by dipping into the private pool, floating around with a cool drink in hand while you wait for the rest of your family to get ready. The backyard is a true oasis — peaceful, tropical, and perfect for a mid-morning reset before hitting the beach.

Once everyone’s set, grab your towels, sunscreen, and beach bag — it’s time to explore Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous coastline! 🏖️

The beach is just a quick 10-minute drive from Turtle Nest Bungalow, and parking is easy once you know the local system. Most beach parking areas use the PayByPhone app, which lets you pay for metered parking right from your phone. (Download it before you go — it’s super convenient and lets you add time without having to run back to the meter!)

Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches for miles, offering a little something for everyone:

🌊 Looking for peace and quiet? Head to the end of Sunrise Boulevard, across from Primanti Brothers Pizza, where you’ll find a more relaxed stretch of sand perfect for reading, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

⛱️ Want to rent chairs and umbrellas? Many beachfront hotels — even if you’re not staying there — allow anyone to rent from their beach vendors. Head a bit south along A1A, where you’ll find full-service beach setups ready to make your day extra comfy.

🍹 In the mood for a party vibe? Make your way down toward The Elbo Room and the nearby beach bars on South Fort Lauderdale Beach, where music, drinks, and people-watching are in full swing. Or, if you’re bringing the whole crew, set up at South Beach Park — it’s family-friendly and has grills available for cookouts, making it the perfect spot for an easy beach BBQ.

No matter where you set up, spend the day swimming in the turquoise water and playing in the waves. Be sure to keep an eye on the lifeguard flags — they’re there to help keep you safe:
⁠🟢 Green flag: Calm surf, safe for swimming.
⁠🟡 Yellow flag: Moderate surf — swim with caution
⁠🔴 Red flag: Strong surf or currents — use extra caution or stay close to shore
⁠🟣 Purple flag: Dangerous marine life (like jellyfish) present.

🍕 Lunch by the Fort Lauderdale Beach: Local Flavors & Easy Options

By midday, you’ll have worked up an appetite — and luckily, Fort Lauderdale Beach has no shortage of great spots to grab lunch! There are plenty of beach bars, cafés, and restaurants right across from the sand, so you can stroll in for a bite and head right back out to the waves. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a juicy burger, or a frozen cocktail with a view, there’s something for everyone.

If you’d rather enjoy a beach picnic, stop by Fresh Market, just a few minutes from Turtle Nest Bungalow. It’s perfect for picking up prepared foods, salads, sandwiches, and cold drinks to pack for the beach. It’s also a great spot to grab snacks, fruit, and other essentials for your stay.

To make your beach day even easier, we’ve got you covered — Turtle Nest Bungalow provides umbrellas, beach chairs, and even bikes for guests to use. Ride down to the oceanfront, set up your chairs under an umbrella, and relax while the waves roll in.

One of our favorite classic spots for lunch is Primanti Brothers, located right across from the quiet end of Sunrise Boulevard Beach. This local institution is famous for its Pittsburgh-style sandwiches, piled high with meat, cheese, coleslaw, and French fries — all stacked inside the sandwich! They also serve breakfast until 11:00 AM, and their hand-tossed pizza is perfect for taking right onto the sand. 🍕☀️

Pro tip: Primanti Brothers is cash only, so make sure to bring a few dollars with you. You can enjoy your meal right on the beach or cool off inside under the air conditioning for a quick break from the sun.

From a laid-back beach picnic to a local foodie find, lunchtime in Fort Lauderdale is all about good food and good vibes.

🌅 Evening Fort Lauderdale Wind-Down: Cocktails, Comfort & Classic Italian Dinner

After a full day in the sun, it’s time to head five minutes back to Turtle Nest Bungalow to freshen up and relax before dinner. With two full bathrooms, everyone has space to get ready comfortably — no waiting in line for showers here!

Once everyone’s dressed, pour yourself a cocktail or a glass of wine and settle in for some downtime. You can unwind on the back patio overlooking the pool, where string lights and tropical greenery make the perfect backdrop, or gather inside at one of our three dining areas to catch up with family and plan your evening.

With two full refrigerators in the home, you’ll always have something cold ready to enjoy — whether it’s a chilled rosé, sparkling water, or your favorite cocktail ingredients. It’s the perfect transition from a fun beach day to a cozy evening. 🌴✨

For dinner, we recommend one of our preferred partners, the beloved Il Mulino an authentic Italian restaurant located just 10 minutes from Turtle Nest Bungalow. 🍝

Il Mulino has been a Fort Lauderdale favorite for decades, serving traditional Italian dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From homemade pasta and rich sauces to fresh seafood and classic veal dishes, every plate feels like a trip to Italy. The restaurant’s warm, family-owned atmosphere makes it perfect for both a romantic dinner or a group celebration.

💛 Bonus: As our guest, you’ll find exclusive coupons at Turtle Nest Bungalow offering a free appetizer at Il Mulino — just one of the many perks of booking directly with us!

And here’s another special touch: we’ve partnered with Night Cart Confessions, a fun and convenient local ride service that will pick up you and up to five others right at Turtle Nest Bungalow and bring you to Il Mulino — all for just the cost of a tip. It’s the perfect stress-free way to enjoy dinner and drinks without worrying about parking or driving.

We love Fort Lauderdale just as much as you will as a visitor, and at Turtle Nest Bungalow, we’re here to help with suggestions, local hotspots, and tips on getting around so you can make the most of your stay. From relaxing mornings in our comfortable beds to beach days, delicious local eats, poolside cocktails, and dinners at our preferred partners like Il Mulino, every day is a new adventure. Be sure to book directly on our website for the best rates, and sign up to receive emails about last-minute deals and our loyalty program discounts. Come enjoy our home and the gorgeous city of Fort Lauderdale — we can’t wait to welcome you!