The Venice of America and Its Waterways
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city in south-east Florida, known as the Venice of America for more than 300 miles of canals and waterways and as a global capital of yachting. Its sparkling Atlantic beach, backed by a landmark wave-shaped promenade, runs for miles and is lined with cafés, hotels and shops. Behind the beach, the New River winds through downtown, where Riverwalk gives access to museums, restaurants and the performing arts.
The water is the city's defining feature. Water taxis ply the canals, passing waterfront homes and superyachts moored at their doors, and the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show draws the marine industry each autumn. Port Everglades is among the world's busiest cruise ports, launching Caribbean itineraries throughout the year. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a green escape of lagoon and hammock forest in the middle of the city, with kayaking and quiet trails.
Las Olas, Everglades and Hollywood Beach
Las Olas Boulevard is the city's stylish spine, lined with boutiques, galleries and restaurants, from sidewalk cafés to chef-led dining rooms, and it runs from downtown almost to the beach. Seafood here is naturally excellent, with stone crab, snapper and Florida lobster featured on many menus. Wilton Manors, just north, adds a lively, welcoming neighbourhood of independent cafés and evening entertainment, while the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a favourite for sunrise walks.
Within a short drive, the Everglades offers a different world, with airboat rides across sawgrass and a chance to see alligators and wading birds. A few minutes south, Hollywood Beach and its Broadwalk give a retro-flavoured beach stroll. Beyond them, the Florida Keys and Miami are within easy reach, while Orlando lies a few hours to the north. For a hotel group, this combination of beach, boating, shopping and nature is a great base for travellers who want it all.
Read the full Fort Lauderdale guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitLauderdale.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.