A sunny coastal city in Florida with its charming network of canals make this the Venice of America and a popular Spring Break destination.
Fort Lauderdale dishes up pristine beaches, an eclectic mix of art and culture, and a dazzling array of dining options in the heart of South Florida's Gold Coast. Tucked between the Latino-influenced Miami in the south and the luxurious Boca Raton in the north, Fort Lauderdale's 37-kilometre stretch of centrally located white sand beaches beckons visitors looking for a relaxed, sunny holiday. Adding to the city's charm is the 480 kilometres of inland canals and waterways, luxury high-rise architecture and rich century-old history.
With tropical summers and temperate winters, Fort Lauderdale is a popular holiday destination all year round. Spend some time on one of the beaches that Fort Lauderdale is renowned for. Sunbathe at the secluded Dania Beach, unwind in a swanky restaurant at Fort Lauderdale Beach, or explore Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, an adorable ocean-side village. Head up north where a strip of beaches and seaside communities lie, including the ever popular Jupiter Beach and Palm Beach.
While the stretches of golden sand attract beach lovers and offer a myriad of outdoor activities, from rollerblading to surfing, head to the busy Las Olas Boulevard where you’ll find some of the area’s best restaurants, cafés, bars and boutiques. Not far away are Riverwalk’s scenic pink-paved walkways which wind among luxury yachts and cruise boats to the acclaimed Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Shoppers will delight in Fort Lauderdale's plate of offerings. From the up-market, air-conditioned Galleria Mall to the expansive Festival Flea Market Mall where bargains abound, the options are plentiful. Bargain hunters should also head to the Swap Shop, which sells discounted merchandise and hosts drive-in movies after dark.
Besides the typical beach scene, there are some great museums and beautiful gardens waiting to be explored. Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science for hours of family fun with hands-on exhibits, animals, and an IMAX theatre.
Visit the Flamingo Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida and the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary within, which houses the largest collection of Florida's native wildlife in the state. Families will also delight in Butterfly World, which whisks visitors into a tropical rainforest paradise with more than 50 species of butterfly flitting about.