Exploring Fort Lauderdale: Dining and Entertainment at the Omni Hotel and Beyond!
- Good News Cruise
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Getting into town ahead of schedule? Fort Lauderdale is ready to welcome you!
If you're arriving prior to the pre-night or staying in Florida after the cruise, take advantage of your free time by exploring some of the best dining and entertainment options at the Omni Hotel and beyond! We’ve rounded up a list of Fort Lauderdale gems not too far from our host hotel that will help you make the most of every moment.
Dining at the Omni Hotel
When choosing our host hotel, we kept in mind the importance of having on-site dining options that are up to standards and meet a wide range of dietary needs. The Omni is a brand new hotel, and we will be among the first to try out their exciting dining options!
Ibis Sky Lounge
You’ll be taken by the gorgeous skyline views from the Ibis Sky Lounge. With options for both indoor and outdoor seating, this dreamy rooftop bar serves small dishes and globally renowned cocktails that perfectly pair with its sophisticated atmosphere. A sunset from the lounge is the perfect place to toast to an inspiring week ahead at the Good News Cruise! The hideaway is reserved for guests who are 21 and older.
Fair Ketch
Several professional sports seasons will be in full swing in October, and Fair Ketch is just the place to stay updated on your games! Whether you’re tuning in for football, baseball, or hockey, you can cheer on your home team and catch every play on the massive flatscreen TV’s. This elevated sports bar serves satisfying casual bites and craft drinks. Fair Ketch will also feature a TopGolf Swing Suite where you can practice your golfing technique!
High Tide
The 10th floor pool is the perfect place to relax before your week of excitement on the Eurodam! Chill poolside and grab a bite at High Tide, a laid-back roof-side spot offering light appetizers and refreshing cocktails. If you don’t go for the drinks, go for the gorgeous panoramic views!
More New Features Coming to the Omni:
Barchetta, fine dining with an upscale atmosphere and classic Italian flavors.
Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar, serving fresh seafood and coastal dishes.
Hidden Key, a lively lobby gathering spot open all day for drinks and dining.
Leeward Market, a market-style café with fresh coffee and quick bites.
More Dining Options in Fort Lauderdale
These unforgettable local options are just down the road from our host hotel!
Less than a block away from the Omni, this beloved local restaurant serves fresh seafood with gorgeous waterfront views. Boatyard is widely known for its fresh oysters, lobster, and steak, paired perfectly with handcrafted cocktails and a wide selection of wines. Some guests arrive by boat, making a beautiful coastal experience and giving us a taste of Fort Lauderdale’s yacht lifestyle.
A more casual dining spot, Southport Raw Bar, is legendary in Port Everglades for it’s raw shellfish and gorgeous waterfront views. It's been around for 50 years, and it's clear why– their delicious, one-of-a-kind seafood, waterfront views, and daily live music make the kind of atmosphere that draws tourists to the city. It's a great way to experience a taste of Fort Lauderdale's city life!
Another Fort Lauderdale staple, the Rustic Inn, was established in 1955 and is guaranteed to serve some of the best garlic crab you’ll ever taste. This is definitely a less refined dining choice– guests are encouraged to eat with their hands and paper-covered tables are there to catch any mess. The Inn's timeless coastal recipe's match perfectly with dockside views!
Seafood isn't your style? Louie Bossi is a great alternative, serving classic Italian dishes with fresh pasta, bread, gelato, and pastries made in-house daily. Louie Bossi is a verified "Master Pizza Maker" and his pies often praised as some of the best in Fort Lauderdale. With a more upscale dining area, this could be a special way to start your journey!
Entertainment and Activities Nearby
The Riverwalk
This two-and-a-half mile path runs along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, offering a variety of shops and restaurants along the way! You might stumble along a free event or concert in The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, or be drawn to one of the museums or art centers. If you'd prefer not to walk, take the Water Trolley! It's free, and makes a unique, relaxing way to experience this lively community in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Broward Center for Performing Arts
Right along the Riverwalk, Broward Center for Performing Arts is known for its spectacular Broadway shows, concerts, ballet, opera, and more. During our visit in February, the Center will feature “Back to the Future: The Musical”– it could make for a special date night or group activity!
Las Olas Boulevard
Just a short drive away from our host hotel is Las Olas Boulevard, a hub for shopping, cuisine, and nightlife! If you've forgotten any cruising essentials, you’ll find what you need on Las Olas, as well as exciting entertainment and activities.
Downtown, get a taste of art and culture at The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, featuring Contemporary exhibitions, Picasso prints, Latin American collections, and a rooftop sculpture terrace. The museum features over 7,500 works!
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
If you're looking to get in some exercise or take a leisurely stroll, just three miles away from the Omni is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The towering green trees and nearby water make it the perfect getaway for kayaking, biking, picnicking, or swimming!
Whether you're experiencing the brand new flavors of the Omni or trying out some timeless Fort Lauderdale classics, we encourage you to savor your time in Florida prior to the cruise, and get prepared for the week of fun ahead!
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