55th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show kicks off Thursday: What to know

The 55th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show kicks off Thursday.

Thousands of attendees are expected to view more than $4 billion worth of boats and marine products displayed across show sites at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yatching Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Not all the exhibits are nautical by nature. For example, there will also be an exotic automobile display and a private jet.

MyBoatShow, the show's free smartphone app, can help attendees navigate the event, which also lists all the attractions there. One-day admission for adults is $22 online and $24 at the show. Two-day admission is $40 online and $42 at the show. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, its final day.

Where to dine at the show:

• Hugh's Cafe, a pop-up restaurant at the Hall of Fame Marina at 1 Hall of Fame Drive, is a high-end, sit-down bistro with a la carte menu, tapas-style food and full-course lunches.
• Pier 66 Marina at 2301 S.E. 17th St. will have three different spots to eat: Pelican Landing, a casual restaurant with dockside dining and drinks; Grill 66 & Bar, an upscale fine cuisine location; and Orchids Pool Bar, which offers poolside dining.
• The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., will offer menu items including fried soft shell crab sandwiches and Maine lobster rolls. The center offers concession items such as fish tacos, buffalo chicken sandwiches and gourmet pizza. Visitors can also get a drink at the IGFA Sportfishing Lounge.
• The Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, at 801 Seabreeze Blvd., offers floating cocktail lounges and menu items.
• Nanking at the Hilton Marina, at 1881 S.E. 17th St. offers Asian-fusion dishes. Nearby is The G, a casual waterside dining location, and the Waterway Room, which offers breakfast service and waterway views.

Emon Reiser covers retail, restaurants, tourism and hospitality. Get the latest retail news with our free daily newsletter. Click here to subscribe.