Fort Lauderdale

Explore the Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale gets about 3,000 hours of sunshine every year – and there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them. Splashing, fishing, and diving balmy Atlantic ocean waters… million-dollar Intracoastal Waterway and riverfront views… cultural to culinary discoveries. There’s enough choice to fill a lifetime of vacations.

The Beach Made Us Famous First: Let’s Start Here.

We’re not talking one beach – we have many along our 24 miles of coastline. All offer golden sands and gorgeous waters, but each has a different vibe. Seeking unspoiled and serene? High-energy play? A big ole’ family BBQ? Romantic rendezvous? There’s a beach for that.

Cruise the World-Famous Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway inspired our “Venice of America” nickname. In addition to this main thoroughfare on the water, there are many connecting rivers and canals adding up to over 300 miles of navigable inland waterways. Catch stunning waterfront views from a yacht, kayak, or paddleboard – or a breezy dockside table. One of the best ways to explore the city is from the water. Hop on the Water Taxi for a narrated tour of the city as you pass mansions and mega yachts.

Yachting Capital of the World

Those 300 miles of navigable waterways provide plenty of dock and cruising space for boat, yachts and superyachts - the reason for our other nickname, "Yachting Capital of the World." The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the world's largest in-water boat show and brings thousands to see the newest in watercraft from center console boats to superyachts. 

Culture Meets Couture: It’s All Downtown

Some people adore beach towns. Others love big city energy. Fort Lauderdale has both. Art, science, culture, and history all meet on our downtown streets, with many inspiring galleries and museums to explore. 

Bring STEM education to life at the Museum of Discovery and Science with 200+ dynamic hands-on exhibits and five-story IMAX 3D Theater.

NSU Museum of Art’s building is art itself: designed by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. Inside, 6,000 permanent works include the largest collection of paintings and drawings by William Glackens, the largest U.S. collection of post-World War II avant-garde Cobra artists of Brussels, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, and extensive Latin American and Cuban art.

Time travel back to Fort Lauderdale’s fascinating pioneer days at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or Stranahan House – both continue to be top-rated visitor favorites.

Catch a Spectacular Show

The beautiful Broward Center for the Performing Arts overlooks the New River and ranks among the top ten most-visited theaters in the world. You’ll find a full calendar of Broadway musicals, operas, ballets, concerts, plays, and multi-cultural performances.

Stroll the Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is European ambiance wrapped in tropical sunshine. Browse unique galleries and boutiques. Enjoy a glass of wine, frothy espresso, or fresh gelato from outdoor sidewalk cafes. Several of the city’s finest dining establishments are here: bring your appetite!

Foodies Will Need a Few Extra Days

You’ll find that Fort Lauderdale is a hidden culinary gem. While it doesn’t get the media attention New York, San Francisco, Miami, and other foodie hotspots do, the sheer chef talent, inventive cuisine, and diversity here are impressive. 

There’s no possible way to mention every winner, but for starters, fine dining contenders include S3, Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille, Louie Bossi, Rainbow Palace, Café Vico, Casa D'Angelo, Takato, Chima Steakhouse, 3030 Ocean, Steak 954, Heritage, Bistro Mezzaluna and Casa Sensei. Value-priced standouts: Premiere Cafe and Bar, Dolce Salato Pizza & Gelato, Riverside Market, Nuevos Cubano's, Mini Pita, New York Marina Deli, La Crepe, Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar and Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery.

Stay and play in comfort

Beachside luxury to low-cost comfort: it’s all here. There are hundreds of resorts, hotels, and Boutique Properties (award-winning accommodations with 75 rooms or less), including virtually every global lodging chain. 

Fort Lauderdale’s charm and excitement await: book your visit now!