Getting Around Ft. Lauderdale Via Water Taxi

For an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to travel around Ft. Lauderdale, consider hopping on board the Water Taxi and then getting off one of the taxi's 13 stops.

History and art buffs might want to stop off at #2 (Gallery ONE Doubletree Guest Suites) for a tour of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens ( http://www.bonnethouse.org) . This house purchased by Hugh Taylor Birch in 1895 was given to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919. They turned this into a winter retreat where Frederic could work on his art and Helen could focus on her music and poetry. After Helen's death in 1925 from breast cancer, Frederic only used the home sporadically until 1931 when he married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. This began the couple's decision to embellish Bonnet House with the decorative elements still in place today.

After Frederic died in 1953, Evelyn continued to winter at Bonnet House. Then in 1983, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett gave Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for all to enjoy. Public tour hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm with the last house tour at 3:30pm. Be sure to check out the website before going to ensure that the museum is not closed for a special event.

Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $16 for children ages 6-12. Children under free are admitted free. Those wishing to stroll around the grounds without going into Bonnet House will be charged $10.

Another favorite stop is #5 Bahia Mar/Bahia Cabana (Beach) home to fishing boats, a range of restaurants, beach access and the Jungle Queen sightseeing cruise boat. Take a 3 hour sightseeing cruise that goes up New River stopping for a bit at Jungle Queen Tropical Isle, a man made tourist stop replete with snacks, caged birds, monkeys, and an alligator show. Sightseeing departs daily at 9:30am and 1:30pm.

Water Taxi Tickets can be purchased when on board the taxis. They will accept cash, credit cards, or travelers' checks. A day pass will provide unlimited rides all day at a cost of $20 for adults, $16 seniors (age 65 and over, proof of age required) and $12 for youth ages 5-11. Children 4 and under ride for free. Also, for $55 one can purchase a family pack that includes two regular fares and up to three youth or senior fares. After 7pm, one can get a pass for $10. Please be advised that US Coast Guard Regulations limit their boat's maximum capacity. Hence, seating is subject to availability.