If you are cruising out of Port Everglades and don't have transportation, the Bahia Mar Resort ( http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/ ) is one economical hotel located right across Highway A1A from the Fort Lauderdale Beach and is a short ride to the Port. There is a walkway over the highway to the beach, so you don't have to cross the traffic to get to the beach.

In addition to several dining choices at Bahia Mar, there are several restaurants nearby as well as a 7-Eleven convenience store a few blocks away, all within walking distance.
The Fort Lauderdale water taxi has a number of stops located along the Intracoastal waterway.   All day passes are $20 for unlimited rides - though the captains are a pretty agressive on the tips. 

The water taxi does travel to the Las Olas restaurants and shopping area.

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