Fort Lauderdale Florida
Sunrise over Hollywood Beach
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse’s pretty setting
Spectacular Fort Lauderdale Beach
Sailboats, yachts and cruise ships passing under 17th Street Bridge
A beachfront pier under a blue sky
Taking an art walk at FATVillage
Pedestrian- and bike-friendly Fort Lauderdale Beach
Exploring the Seminole Tribe of Florida Reservation
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale entices shoppers
Enjoying the view from the Water Taxi
- Major Airports:
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL)
- States:
- Florida
A relaxed beachside metropolis with culture and canals
Outdoor Assets
When it comes to beaches, the area is second to none with 37 kilometers of golden shoreline that cover eight beach towns, each offering its own distinctive vibe. From the cove-like, family-favorite Deerfield Beach, fishing hot spots of Pompano Beach and retro-cool Hollywood beach, to the seaside village charm of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and cosmopolitan feel of Fort Lauderdale, there’s a beach to match any mood.
On the wilder side, watch for alligators as you ride along the famed “River of Grass” in the Everglades. Visit the world’s largest butterfly garden and hummingbird aviary at Butterfly World. Join a guided nighttime turtle walk to spy some hatchlings as they scurry out to sea. Get around by hopping on the Water Taxi, which includes New River, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Whistle Stop routes. Two sightseeing excursions – Jungle Queen or Riverfront Cruises – expand on the water fun and the area’s extensive canals.
Entertainment, Dining & Shopping
Head to Gulfstream Park, home to the world-renowned Pegasus Cup, as well as tons of shopping and dining options. Catch a Broadway musical at one of the most-visited theaters in the world, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, or an outdoor concert at Pompano Beach Amphitheater. At the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find dynamic exhibits of modern works and a 7,000-piece collection. Tour the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project to tap into more of the area’s creative juices. Sports fans will also find themselves enthralled by a cricket match at the only IAC regulation cricket field in the USA at Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium, while the Florida Panthers professional hockey team cut up the ice at the BB&T Center in Sunrise.
Farm- and sea-to-table cuisine reigns supreme with seafood caught the same day and prepared for you with Floribbean flair. Five-star dining experiences and more than two dozen “dock and dine” options await. As shopping goes, the area defines breezy chic. Start at the world’s largest designer outlet mall, Sawgrass Mills, and visit luxury stores Prada, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale’s Outlet and Saks Off 5th. Then head to the Galleria Mall, arriving by car or Water Taxi, to find your favorite high-end retailers.
Stroll through the trendy boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard, a see-and-be-seen experience, before soaking up the nightlife at Seminole Hard Rock Casino or the Underground Lauderdale scene, where live music, art and film come together.
Fun Fact
Fort Lauderdale has so many canals, it's known as the Venice of America.
Photo: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
The waters off Fort Lauderdale feature a three-tiered coral reef system, popular with divers.
Photo: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Fort Lauderdale is the Yachting Capital of the World, home to more than 55,000 yachts.
Photo: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau