Hi osakaorchid,

I'll respond since no one else has yet, but I'm no expert, having only spent two nights ever there myself this month. I would say that both the A1A and las Olas, which are perpendicular to one another, harbor the dining & shopping which you seek... close to the intersection of the two, there's a lot of places to eat and a hubbub of activity. You'll certainly hit the A1A-scene since it is the closest road to the beach.

You may enjoy taking the water taxi ($20 all-day pass), as it'll bring you along the intracoastal waterway and New River, passing expensive yachts and multimillion dollar homes (some are beautiful and many are or were owned by celebrities and executives of companies you've heard of), with a big bonus in that it takes you from the beachfront area (stops #3,#4 and #5) to the boutiques and restaurants along Las Olas (stop #9)... in what I believe is called the Las Olas Riverfront area.

If the weather is nice and you're up for it, you may enjoy the 30-minute walk from the Las Olas Riverfront shops to the A1A. Quite a pleasant stroll, where you'll pass many handsome homes and inlets of the intracoastal waterway.

Have fun! Daniel

I second the waterway, and would recommend taking the route at some time after dark (or just getting dark). Those houses lit up at night are just unbelievable!

Another vote here for the water taxi! It's a great way to get around and the $20 all-day, unlimited travel tickets are a good deal.

There is plenty to do on Las Olas itself and I'd say that there's no better place for dining and shopping. By the way, you'll see some websites that say that Las Olas is an expensive place to eat and shop - it isn't. It can be if you want but there are a great deal of bargains to be had too.

You'll probably enjoy dining at the sidewalk cafes, watching the world do by. There are various parks which are right on the water where you can enjoy a picnic lunch too.

And of course, the beach is at the eastern end of the boulevard.

One word of warning - don't confuse Las Olas Boulevard with the Las Olas Riverfront. The Riverfront is a 'shopping and entertainment complex' which is in decline with very few shops and dining options. We also have a historic house on the boulevard and the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art (a splendid new cafe is due to open there at the end of this week).

Within easy walking distance is an IMAX theater and Cinema Paradiso - an arthouse cinema.

You could easily spend at least two says exploring the boulevard. I'll post a link to a page on the Las Olas website that was written for the new year about '52 things to do on Las Olas' - it will help to give you some idea of what's on offer.

http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/weekend2011.htm