The Perfect Long Weekend In South Florida

Long weekend getaways are perfect for holiday weekends, a short trip when school's closed for a couple of days or a much-needed trip for a few days (if you can't or don't want to invest in a full week of vacation.) With South Florida being the tourist mecca that it is, there's a plethora of options available to make a long weekend here both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the salty waters of the Atlantic, dance until the wee hours of the morning, partake in some awesome food or try your hand with lady luck, your long weekend in South Florida will have you planning your next one even before you finish your trip.

Joe's Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0365
www.joesstonecrab.com

For a full century, this South Florida institution has served residents and tourists with the best Florida stone crab you can find. Established in 1913, this South Beach restaurant has offered stone crab and other fresh seafood to thousands of hungry locals and visitors looking for a true taste of Florida on a plate. Joe's menu features grouper, oysters, lobster and, of course, luscious stone crab claws. You can also find rack of lamb, N.Y. strip, filet mignon and other prime meats on the menu as well. If you want to grab your stone crab claws to go, you can go to Joe's Stone Crab Take-Away for its take-out menu. The food is a bit pricey, but the quality is so high and the experience is so authentic that it's totally worth the investment.

LIV Nightclub

4441 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 674-4680
www.livnightclub.com

LIV Nightclub is the perfect place in South Florida to truly live it up. Within the walls of the classic Fontainbleau Miami Beach, this highly rated nightclub provides the quintessential club experience, complete with a main dance floor and several full-service bars. For a more exclusive setting, patrons can reserve a VIP table or private skybox. The decor and design are modern and vibrant. The entertainment and live music performances generate an energy in LIV that is truly electric.

Hollywood Beach

330 N. Federal Highway
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 921-3478
www.visithollywoodfl.org

A beach day in South Florida is a must-do without question. Boasting one of America's top boardwalks and more than two miles of pristine beachfront, Hollywood Beach is an excellent option for a perfect beach day. You can get a tan or splash in the salty waters of Atlantic for a fun South Florida beach day, or you can enjoy the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk where you can people watch, go jogging or biking or take a leisurely stroll. Nearby North Beach Park is an ideal location for an afternoon picnic or some fun play time with the kids. Several oceanfront restaurants surround Hollywood Beach offering everything from casual pub grub to fresh seafood. The Hollywood Beach Theater offers free concerts to the public where you can enjoy good music in a gorgeous outdoor setting.

Related: Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The South Florida Area

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
(954) 502-7625
www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

This full-service, multi-purpose entertainment complex can fulfill all of your vacation needs. Not only is the onsite hotel a great choice for lodging during your long weekend trip, you can spend part of your trip exploring all that the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has to offer. If you want to try your hand at the slots or an intense round of poker, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino's expansive space will give you an experience that feels straight out of Vegas. The dining options here abound, and feature Mexican, Italian and steakhouse fare at places like Matorano's, Tequila Ranch and Council Oak Steak & Seafood. You can also find great shopping and entertainment venues all on the property. Seminole Hard Rock can fill one day of your four-day trip, or you can spend your entire trip just at this property.

Related: Best Weekend Getaways In The South Florida Area

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.