Water, water everywhere’….that’s the deal on holidays to Greater Fort Lauderdale, a fabulous city resort that’s affectionately known as ‘the Venice of America’. First there’s the ocean, glittering all along Fort Lauderdale’s endless beachfront. And then there’s the intricate web of canals and rivers that weave through the city itself, giving it a unique charm. Boats tied up alongside waterside properties, water taxis chugging past – even gondolas drifting along are the order of the day here.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice on holidays to Greater Fort Lauderdale. For families there’s Deerfield Beach, which is a cove-like beach to the far north of the county. Anyone who likes to strut their stuff or luxuriate in a bit of people watching can head to Las Olas Beach, where not only is the sun hot, but the scene is too. And everywhere there’s opportunities to enjoy the water, whether it’s watersports, diving, snorkelling, or cruising.
There’s plenty to grab your interest away from the sea and sand, too. Greater Fort Lauderdale has earned a sophisticated tag in recent years, and there’s a collection of good museums, historic houses and interesting attractions to keep culture vultures happy. Sports fans are well catered for too – not only with the action out on the water, but with top-class golf and fishing. And if shopping is more your thing, then retail therapy is all around.
On the entertainment scene, there’s a clutch of talked-about restaurants to get excited about, as well as plenty of family-friendly options. There’s also some buzzing bars and clubs, especially in the Las Olas Boulevard area, plus good jazz and comedy. The only problem you’ll have is choosing just which way to round off yet another fabulous Greater Fort Lauderdale day.
The way to really get under the skin of America’s very own Venice is to explore it by water. Jump in a water taxi, schedule a tour, or lie back in a gondola and drift along the canals and waterways that give Fort Lauderdale its unique character. Look out for wealthy ‘Millionaires’ Row’, with its exquisite properties and some top-notch eye candy for boat fans.
There are some superb nature and wildlife parks on the doorstep. Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area is a tropical oasis with mangrove swamps and freshwater lagoons, where you can amble, picnic, watch gopher tortoises or paddle a canoe. Over at the Everglades Holiday Park you can take an exhilarating air boat ride across the wetlands to spot alligators and other wildlife.
There’s something for shoppers of every persuasion in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Boulevard is at the centre of the action and has a quirky collection of chic boutiques and art galleries. Or you can grab a bargain at nearby Sawgrass Mills, North America’s largest designer outlet mall with over 400 stores.
If you’re a fan of historical houses, then Stranahan House, one of Florida’s oldest buildings, and Bonnet House, home to naturalist Hugh Taylor Birch, offer a fascinating window into the past. Bonnet House also has exquisite gardens. Meanwhile, kids will love the Museum of Discovery and Sciences, with over 200 interactive exhibits, wildlife and a five-storey IMAX screen.
