Morning

Hit the Pool. The nautical design of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale — it resembles a cruise ship of sorts — celebrates water, and the seventh-floor, ocean-view pool deck is no exception. Take to the water early to watch the sunrise, then enjoy a mimosa from the Club Lounge.

Midday

Browse Bonnet House. This museum and garden was once home to American artist Fred Bartlett and his wife, patron Evelyn Bartlett. Tucked into 35 acres on a coastal barrier island, the property retains the same whimsy and charm it had when it was built in the early 20th century. In addition to being open for public tours, the property also hosts outdoor concerts and an annual orchid festival.

Lunch at a Local Favorite. Some of the reviews for Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill read like this: “The 17th Street Grill made me the best hamburger I’ve ever eaten in my life” and “All I can say is, ‘Wow.’ Perhaps the best burger I’ve had in years.” You get the idea. This lunch spot is a favorite among Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors alike.

Afternoon

Hail a Water Taxi. Given Fort Lauderdale’s location right on the water, a water taxi is a great way to get a feel for the city. With stops along Las Olas Riverfront, the (reportedly) haunted Stranahan House, the 15th Street Fisheries and a handful of bars and restaurants, a coastal cab affords you a lot of scenery in a little time.

Get an Afternoon Pick-Me-Up. Should you need a light bite or an iced coffee, try Warsaw Coffee Company. This Fort Lauderdale favorite specializes in delicious daily sweets (try the guava and cheese pastelito), as well as freshly brewed coffee and tea.

Evening

Rum Coast. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale for a signature rum dinner at Burlock Coast, where multi-course dinners paired with specialty rums are a wonderful way to end the day. Chef de Cuisine Gavin Pera and Beverage Director James Camp have carefully collaborated on a menu of fresh, local, seasonal fare paired with sensational rums.

Have a Nightcap. Wrap up your day at Apothecary 330 Cocktail Club, where the motto is Carpe Noctum. At this speakeasy-style bar, tucked inside Pizza Craft restaurant, bartenders create custom cocktails and only ask one thing: “Please be patient. Quality cocktails take time and love.”

MORNING

Load Up. At Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House (O-B House, for short), the servings are plentiful, the space is airy, and the food is top-notch. Consider the “vacationer” breakfast: two fresh eggs cooked to order and served with a freshly baked muffin and a cup of fresh fruit topped with a dollop of cultured, organic Vermont yogurt.

Watch for Gators. No trip to South Florida would be complete without a trip to the Everglades, and an airboat tour makes that possible. Hourlong tours are inexpensive and accessible and include hotel pickup and return.

Midday

Get Beachy. Known for its expanses of pristine sand, Fort Lauderdale has more than eight beaches to explore. Consider Hollywood Beach for a dose of retro cool. Its boardwalk runs 2.5 miles along the water and includes cafés, a dog beach, shops and more.

Afternoon

Walk the Boulevard. Although the water taxi makes a stop along Las Olas Boulevard, there’s no better way to explore it than on foot. As it runs from the business district to Fort Lauderdale Beach, this road is packed with shops, galleries, restaurants, boutiques and Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

Time Out. Traveling can be exhausting — we understand. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale and relax at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale. Opt for the Intuitive Ocean treatment, which harnesses the benefits of the ocean to nurture and relax.

Evening

Have a Mai-Tai. Fort Lauderdale’s Mai-Kai restaurant is considered a landmark, both for its décor and its cuisine. Plus, it’s home to a Polynesian floor show that garners rave reviews. The extensive menu includes Chinese dishes as well as island-inspired barbecue. For dessert, try the Florida classic Key lime pie or the Polynesian Surprise, an ice volcano covered in fresh tropical fruit and set ablaze tableside.

A Final Toast. At American Social, people are encouraged to celebrate together — whether it’s a vacation, a birthday, an engagement or retirement. This gastropub features “pull your own” beer taps and is a great place to say salud to South Florida.

Morning

Perk Up on the Patio. Located just steps from the beach, Burlock Coast Marketplace provides the perfect place to fuel up. With local selections like Panther Coffee and Zak the Baker’s freshly baked bread, you’ll be ready to take on the day.

Find Your Sea Legs. Whether you and your friends hope to rent a 21-foot boat for water-skiing or a 26-foot sun deck for cruising, Best Boat Club has plenty of options. Located at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the club also rents paddle boards, bicycles and kayaks and can help you schedule a chartered fishing or snorkeling tour.

Afternoon

Hit the Beach. Start a beach volleyball game or simply sit back, read and enjoy the view on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Miles of white sand, palm trees and a brick-lined, beachfront promenade have transformed this beach from a college hangout to a major draw for travelers hoping to sun in style.

Evening

Fresh Fare. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale for dinner at Burlock Coast, where seafood and spirits are a wonderful way to end the day. Helmed by Brazilian chef Paula DaSilva, Burlock Coast features fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish, surf-and-turf options and a variety of raw bar offerings and savory sides. Say good night after a handcrafted cocktail or a glass of one of dozens of available wines.

Morning

Recharge at the Spa. Start your day with a trip to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale, where several invigorating treatments await you and your friends. Try the Cleansing Ceremony, an 80-minute exfoliation treatment followed by a toxin-releasing massage. Several additional balancing treatments are also available.

Get Juiced. Keep your Zen morning in motion with a visit to Burlock Coast for a freshly made juice, the perfect post-spa pick-me-up.

Afternoon

Hit the Beach. Widely considered the best way to see the city, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi might be the prettiest cab ride you’ll ever take. Part tour, part transportation, you’ll be afforded the best views of the city while enjoying stops at local favorites like the Las Olas Riverfront. Ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale for assistance with booking your tour.

Evening

Eat Local. No visit to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without a sampling of fresh seafood — and that’s what Boatyard is known for. Enjoy a dynamic variety of the freshest daily catches from local fishermen, like the Florida Paella and Snapper Provencal.

Drink Local. The Elbo Room Dive Bar touts itself as being world famous — and for good reason. This Fort Lauderdale mainstay has been around since 1938 and became even more popular when it was featured in the 1960 film “Where the Boys Are.” Now, it’s a draw for locals and visitors who love music, inexpensive drinks and a bit of, well, flair. Just remember: “dive bar” is in the name, and this destination accepts cash only.

Morning

Become Art-iculate. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is situated in a modernist, 75,000-square-foot building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. And its collection is nothing short of exceptional. From Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo paintings to the creations of countless masters of photography and sculpture, it contains more than 7,000 pieces. Among them are the works and archival pieces of famed American painter William J. Glackens.

Afternoon

Cruise Around. Go ahead, laugh a little — Segways do look a bit strange. But given Fort Lauderdale’s layout, they’re a great way to explore the city. Young Jon Rosen founded Segway Fort Lauderdale as a way to honor his late father. Now, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in town, guiding visitors on tours of yachts and mansions, the riverwalk, or a full 10-mile stretch of the city.

Retail Therapy. For some of the best shopping in town, take a stroll down Los Olas Boulevard, where hip boutiques and art galleries are nestled next to charming restaurants and sidewalk cafes.

Evening

Toast to the Trip. Enjoy fresh sushi and inventive salads paired with creative cocktails at Grille 401 on Las Olas. You can’t go wrong with classics like a margarita or mojito, but more adventurous sippers may want to try the Gimme a Beet — beet-infused Grey Goose vodka, pineapple juice and fresh squeezed lemon.