Long weekend in Feb.

Question

Hi. 2 gals are travelling for long weekend with no car in Feb. Where is a nice area we could stay in right on a nice beach? I hated Hollywood beach but not familiar with this coast of Fl at all. We aren't avid partiers just want a nice relaxing beach trip close to restaurants/bars. Where should I focus on staying?

Answer

For a no-car long weekend in February where you want a nice, relaxing beach and easy walking access to restaurants and bars, focus on two main areas: Fort Lauderdale Beach (the beachfront A1A / Las Olas corridor) and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Both give you a safe, walkable beach experience without the louder party scene you disliked at Hollywood Beach — Fort Lauderdale Beach is a straighter beachfront promenade with lots of dining options and walkability, while Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small, low-rise beach town with a quieter, old-Florida feel.

Why these work best with no car:

Fort Lauderdale Beach puts you on A1A within easy walking distance of dozens of beachfront restaurants, the promenade, and the Las Olas dining/shops corridor via a short ride or pleasant walk. It’s also well served by local trolleys and the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi if you want a scenic way to move around without driving.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a compact village: low buildings, a friendly main street, beach cafés, and a great relaxed pace. It’s ideal if you want to be away from big hotels and crowds but still want walkable dining and easy access to the water.

Where to concentrate your hotel search (short descriptions + what they’re good for):

Fort Lauderdale Beach / Las Olas corridor — Best if you want the classic beachfront promenade, lots of restaurants within a short walk, and easy taxi/Uber or Water Taxi connections to downtown/Las Olas. Look for hotels along A1A near the Las Olas intersection for the best walkability.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea — Best for a quieter, small-town beach vibe with restaurants and bars a short walk from most hotels; good if you want relaxed evenings and easy snorkeling/diving options off the pier.
South of Fort Lauderdale Beach (Lago Mar area) — If you prefer a very quiet, resort feel with a private-ish beachfront and fewer high-rises, Lago Mar is a long-standing option that markets itself as understated and peaceful. Great if you want to unwind and avoid any late-night crowds.

Suggested properties (varied styles — all good for a relaxed, no-car stay):

The Pillars Hotel & Club — A small, boutique waterfront property (on the Intracoastal near the beach) known for attentive service and a calm atmosphere — good for travelers who want quiet, comfortable rooms and a bit of old-Florida charm.
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club — A family-owned, low-rise resort south of the main Fort Lauderdale Beach strip that emphasizes a tranquil, unhurried stay — great if you prefer understated luxury and fewer crowds.
Mid-range beachfront hotels along A1A / near Las Olas — There are many well-located, casual hotels here (oceanfront or across the street) that put you right on the promenade and within walking distance of multiple restaurants and bars — ideal if you want convenience and walkability without fuss. The Water Taxi and local trolleys make exploring easy.
Smaller beachfront inns / Plunge-style hotels (Lauderdale-by-the-Sea) — Quaint, locally run properties and boutique inns placed right by the sand and village dining. These are particularly good if you want a neighborhoody feel and to walk everywhere.

Practical tips for a no-car long weekend:

Book a hotel right on the beach or within one or two blocks of A1A so you can walk to multiple dining options each evening — that removes the need for any rides. Fort Lauderdale Beach (near Las Olas) is the most convenient single spot for that.
Use the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi for a scenic, car-free way to visit Las Olas, downtown, and other waterfront spots — it’s pleasant and eliminates reliance on rideshares for at least some outings.
If you want very quiet evenings and a small-town pace, prioritize Lauderdale-by-the-Sea or properties like Lago Mar; if you want maximum restaurant options within a short walk, prioritize Fort Lauderdale Beach near Las Olas.
February weather is typically mild and pleasant — great for walking, dining outdoors, and beach time. Book early, since long-weekend dates and good beachfront rooms tend to fill fast in winter months.

Bottom line: For two gals wanting a relaxing, walkable beach weekend with restaurants and bars nearby and no car, I’d focus first on the Fort Lauderdale Beach / Las Olas stretch (best mix of beach + dining + transport options), then consider Lauderdale-by-the-Sea if you prefer a quieter, village feel. If you want the most peaceful resort experience and don’t mind being a short ride from the big restaurant strip, Lago Mar is an excellent quieter choice.