Saturday, 22 March
The Journey from Sugarloaf Key to Fort Lauderdale
The journey took us about 4 hours and covered approximately 130 miles. We started by heading north on U.S. 1 N, following the scenic route through the Keys. We continued on U.S. 1 as it wound its way through the islands, taking in the beautiful coastal views. We once again marveled at the remnants of the old Flagler Railroad along the way.
As we entered Florida, we saw
As we left the Keys, we merged onto I-95 N toward Fort Lauderdale. We followed I-95 for about 45 miles, then took Exit 29B for Broward Blvd. From there, we made our way to Yacht Haven Park and Marina, which was conveniently located near the waterfront in Fort Lauderdale.
Yacht Haven Park and Marina
The Yacht Haven Park and Marina is a premier waterfront RV park and marina, offering 70 spacious RV sites, each equipped with full hookups. A canal ran through the campground, allowing boats to sit beside the campers. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly and escorted to our site, including a brick pad, full hookups, and a tiled patio area. However, we were surprised that our site lacked a picnic table. The campground was beautifully landscaped, but most of the grass was astroturf, and there were no shade trees. Our site overlooked a picturesque canal lined with several beautiful yachts. After setting up the camper, we relaxed until our evening dinner cruise.
Jungle Queen Dinner Cruise
The Caravan had scheduled a dinner cruise on the Jungle Queen at 6 pm, and even though it was only 6.1 miles away, the Wagonmaster advised us to leave by 4:10 to navigate the heavy traffic, secure parking, and check in. We managed to park by 4:30 at the Bahia Mar hotel, and after a short walk, we arrived at the Jungle Queen around 4:45. Boarding had already started, so we found a spot near the front of the second level and grabbed a couple of beers to relax before the cruise.
The Jungle Queen Riverboat, a Fort Lauderdale icon since 1935, is a two-level vessel that can accommodate up to 385 passengers. While it boasts a classic riverboat design with paddlewheel-inspired elements, it is, in fact, a propeller-driven vessel powered by modern engines, ensuring efficient navigation through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. The boat’s white exterior, accented with red and black trim, adds to its vintage charm. Originally launched to showcase the city’s extensive 165-mile canal system, often called the “Venice of America,” the Jungle Queen provides a glimpse into this man-made network of canals, which were constructed in the early 1900s for drainage, flood protection, and water storage.
At 6 pm, the Jungle Queen set sail down the canal, passing stunning waterfront homes and marinas. The narrator pointed out the magnificent mansions along the way, though he explained he couldn’t reveal the owners of the impressive mega-yachts. As we cruised, we passed through several drawbridges, with only two train bridges requiring extended waits before we could continue.
After a scenic ride, the boat brought us to a private island where an all-you-can-eat barbecue awaited. We were ushered to tables where bowls of cole slaw, beans, and fries were already set out. Unfortunately, the extended wait at the drawbridges had left the food cold, and even the BBQ ribs and breaded chicken served later were less than ideal. To make matters worse, the meal had to be rushed because a Polynesian Fire Show was scheduled in a small amphitheater immediately afterward. Lisa and I had just finished our dinner when the show began. Despite the timing, the performance was fun and brief, offering a lively end to the meal. Afterward, we had a brief opportunity to explore a small zoo on the island, featuring two-toed sloths, three baby alligators, and several colorful birds.
When we reboarded the boat, it was dark, and we had the chance to see the mansions lit up along the canal, which added a different kind of charm to the scenery. This time, we didn’t have to wait for any drawbridges, and the boat quickly returned to the dock. By the time we disembarked, the Spring Break nightlife along the harbor was in full swing, but we were tired and decided to head straight back to the truck. Unfortunately, the exit from the parking lot was a chaotic mess, and it took a long time to reach the ticket booth, where we used a validation stamp to avoid paying parking fees. The roads were very busy, but we made it back to the camper safely and settled in for the night.
Sunday, 23 March
Motorcoach Tour of Miami
Today we took a guided bus tour of Miami with the Caravan. It took around 30 minutes to get to Miami, and the guide gave us an overview of the history of Miami. The motorcoach took us on a scenic drive through some of Miami’s iconic neighborhoods and attractions. As we passed through downtown Miami, we marveled at the skyline of sleek, modern buildings that contrast with the city’s rich history. The bustling streets were filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, reflecting Miami’s vibrant urban pulse.
Next, we made our way to Miami Beach, known for its iconic Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches, and lively atmosphere. Driving through South Beach, we enjoyed views of pastel-colored buildings and palm-lined streets. Ocean Drive, the heart of South Beach, was alive with people strolling past chic restaurants, hotels, and outdoor cafes, all set against the backdrop of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for its neon lights and historic Art Deco buildings, which create a distinctly retro vibe.
The motorcoach then took us through Coconut Grove, a neighborhood known for its lush greenery, bohemian atmosphere, and tree-lined streets. This area is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, where historic homes and trendy boutiques coexist. Coconut Grove is also home to numerous parks and marinas, offering a relaxed escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. We drove by the recently relocated Miami City Hall, which was now located in the former Pan American Airlines Terminal Building on Dinner Key.
Continuing our journey, we passed by Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, a famous shopping and dining district. The palm-lined street is home to upscale boutiques, fine dining, and historic buildings. Coral Gables itself is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture. Our guide shared with us the history of George E. Merrick, who had developed the area with charming tree-lined streets and beautiful, expansive homes. The bus drove past the 1926 Biltmore Hotel and the 1924 Venetian Pool that was created to cover a huge limestone quarry pit created during the construction of Coral Gables
Finally, we made our way to Bayside Marketplace, a popular waterfront shopping center located in downtown Miami. This vibrant location features a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The marketplace is a hub for tourists and locals alike, offering everything from souvenirs to fine dining and live music performances, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for shopping and relaxing by the water.
Lunch in Little Havana
The bus dropped us off in the heart of Little Havana, where we had two hours to explore and enjoy lunch on our own. We were let out in front of a McDonald’s, its walls covered in colorful murals, and given a departure time for later.
Little Havana, just west of downtown Miami, pulses with the vibrant spirit of Cuban culture. Known for its lively atmosphere, rich heritage, and street scenes filled with music and flavors, the neighborhood has become a symbol of Cuban pride in the United States. Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) serves as its bustling main street, lined with cigar shops, family-run restaurants, and vibrant cafés where the smell of Cuban coffee fills the air.
We wandered through the lively streets, where the scent of fresh tobacco floated from hand-rolled cigar shops, and the sound of conga bands filled the air from several nearby restaurants. The streets were crowded with tourists snapping pictures of the area’s colorful murals painted on nearly every building. Our first stop was Maximo Gomez Park, known as Domino Park, where locals were deep in animated domino matches beneath shaded pavilions.
Afterward, we strolled down the street, popping in and out of shops and admiring the murals along the way. We eventually found a perfect spot to sit outside at El Pub. We ordered two cold Cuban beers, Cerveza Hautey, and Lisa had a Club on Cuban Bread, while I enjoyed a classic Cuban sandwich. Both of us had fresh salads as a side. Lisa finished off her meal with a shot of strong Cuban coffee. It was the perfect place to watch people and soak in the neighborhood vibe.
Following lunch, we continued exploring the neighborhood. At one of the last clothing shops we visited, we encountered a talkative shop owner who proudly informed us of his “fame.” He enthusiastically showed us a coffee table book featuring his shop and even shared his Instagram account with us. His energetic storytelling added a personal touch to our visit, leaving us with a fun story.
Before we left the area, the motorcoach took us down the nearby Memorial Drive, where the guide shared more information about Cuban Independence from Spain and Castro. He also shared that the culture of Little Havana was threatened by the influx of other Spanish-speaking countries that did not share the values.
Another topic that the guide discussed multiple times was the influence of rich Brazilians and how they used their money to buy a large amount of property, including trying to buy Little Havana and redevelop it.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Our next stop was the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a breathtaking historic estate built between 1914 and 1923 for businessman James Deering, co-founder of the Deering Harvester Company (which later became part of International Harvester). As our bus squeezed through limestone arches at the entrance and carefully navigated the dense vegetation leading to the parking lot, we got our first glimpse of the lush, tropical setting that surrounded this grand estate.
Once parked, we were given an hour to explore the property on our own before returning to the bus. With such limited time, we knew we would only get a brief impression of this opulent retreat. Inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, the mansion boasts over 70 ornately decorated rooms filled with European antiques and artwork dating as far back as the 15th century. The estate spans 50 acres, with 10 acres dedicated to formal gardens designed to echo the grandeur of Versailles, incorporating both European symmetry and South Florida’s tropical landscape. Perched on the edge of Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya was carefully designed to embrace its waterfront location, featuring a massive stone barge breakwater adorned with intricate sculptures to shield the estate from the bay’s waves.
We moved quickly through both floors of the mansion, briefly admiring the extravagant details before stepping onto the patio to take in the bay views. While undeniably beautiful, the estate exuded an air of excess—every gilded surface, over-the-top furnishing, and intricate ceiling design reinforcing the sheer wealth behind its creation. With so much to see and so little time, we left feeling that we had only skimmed the surface of Vizcaya’s splendor.
Monday, 24 March
A Day of Relaxation
In the morning, we decided to tackle some laundry. The campground’s laundromat was impressively clean and modern, featuring eight washers and eight dryers, all controlled through a mobile app. In less than two hours, our laundry was done.
For lunch, we finished off the leftover sandwiches from our visit to Little Havana the day before. Then, we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool, where we spent a couple of hours soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water.
After returning to the camper and taking showers, we were in the mood for something sweet. A quick Google search led us to Milky Moo, a highly rated ice cream shop known for its extravagant milkshakes. Located inside Broward Mall in the nearby city of Plantation, Milky Moo originated in Brazil and is often called the “Starbucks of milkshakes” in its home country. They’re famous for their handcrafted shakes, which feature creative rims and toppings, making each one both a drink and a dessert in itself.
I ordered the Bessie Brownie, a rich blend of chocolate brownie and dark sweet moo, served with a chocolate-flavored rim. Lisa opted for the Sweet Luna, which had a coffee-flavored rim and dulce de leche. Both were absolutely incredible.
Back at the camper, we spent the next couple of hours unwinding before I fired up the grill to make burgers for dinner. To end the night, we watched a fascinating documentary about the Joplin tornado on Netflix.
Monday, 24 March
We departed the campground around 9:30 am and headed toward Orlando.