Located on the Atlantic Coastline, 2-3 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a primarily home resort town having a Venezia-like series of waterways and canals. As a 19th century garrison controlled by the city’s namesake, Major William Lauderdale, it’s developed considerably since its start.
Fort Lauderdale, a city with a rich tapestry of history and modern allure, offers a unique blend of past and present. Known as the “Venice of America” due to its expansive and intricate canal system, the city’s waterways are not just a nod to its historical significance but also serve as a backbone for its thriving tourism and marine industries. The area, originally inhabited by the Tequesta Indians and later named after a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War, has transformed into a bustling metropolis that honors its roots while embracing the future.
Today, Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant community known for its beautiful beaches, cultural events, and luxurious lifestyle. The city’s beaches, some of the busiest nesting sites for sea turtles globally, offer a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with nature. Meanwhile, the historic Stranahan House and the scenic Riverwalk provide a glimpse into the area’s past. The city’s economy has diversified, with tourism at its core, attracting visitors from all over the world to its sunny shores and lush landscapes.
Fort Lauderdale, due to its well known strip of stores, restaurants, pubs and beaches, has experienced an important transformation. Once famed in(or notorious) in the eighties for the yearly mayhem it hosted during spring break of beer guzzling college kids and Wet-T shirt contests, the Florida city now brings a more prosperous, better behaved group of tourists.
In the 1980’s, the town authorities started to discourage the revelers now, the city is famous for its beach, sailing opportunities, and busy seaport.
What to Do
Want to invest in an enjoyable evening or an afternoon. Head on over to Fort Lauderdale Beach where one can peacefully swim and sun in its very clear waters. Or trek the nature trails at Lloyd Beach. Play one of the many beautiful golf courses and tennis courts or find multicolored sponges off Pompano Beach on a dive.
Shopping
Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by malls, but the most effective shopping is within the town itself. Hollywood Boulevard offers everything from Indonesian artifacts to leather bustiers, rare and used books and handcrafted hats. Dania boasts over 100 dealers selling wonderful antiques and collectibles. For upscale boutiques, browse The Gallery at Beach Place in eastern Fort Lauderale, the sole beachfront mall.
Fort Lauderdale has several excellent eateries, although it took a while to get a much more diverse epicurean scene to reach these shores. Spurred on by high-end resorts and eatery upgrades, ethnic choices join the legions of surf and turf joints in downtown and Pompano Beach. Las Olas Boulevard has numerous eateries, from southwestern and asian fusion to Caribbean and seafood, that it is impossible to go starving.
Top Attractions in Ft. Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach
This well-known beach lies in the heart of the tourist destination in Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale beach place is now more elegant but still is an entertaining stretch of beach once the scene for spring-break madness, when tens of thousands of college students originated on the beach. The beach is supported and several resorts, restaurants, and shops which line the street running alongside the shore. In the streets that lead from the beach guests may still locate motels and smaller resorts. As springtime approaches the beach slowly becomes busier and much more energetic as sunshine seekers struck the sand.
Hugh Birch State Park
This park was a gift from Hugh Taylor Birch to residents of Florida. His former estate is a 180 acre park with two nature trails, picnic areas.
The park is a 180 acre playground with freshwater lagoons, picnic locations, the Home Museum, two nature trails, beach access, biking paths, and kayak rental shops. This region is a real oasis in a good break for nature-lovers and also the middle of the city.
Address: Usa States, 3109 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Official website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Hugh-Taylor-Birch
Antique Car Museum
The Old-Fashioned Vehicle Memorial in Fort Lauderdale centers on the annals of the Packard Engine Company. The set, which is laid out in a replicated Packard show room, contains pre-war Packard autos. Additionally, there are other memorabilia such as for example a gallery dedicated to the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Individual automobile pieces, for example equipment shifters and cover ornaments supply an original appear at trends, changes, and forward motion.
The museum’s founder, the one time CEO of Buning the Florist Inc, Arthur Stone, along along with his spouse Shirley, had a passion for all these automobiles.
Official website: http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org
Stranahan House
Ohio businessman and dealer Joe Stranahan constructed this pine leaders dwelling in 1901, at the site where his barge ferryboat business was ran by him. It was enlarged repeatedly over the years and today features wide verandahs, bay windows and warm landscapes. Span furniture and decorative pieces are on-display through the home. Assembled to serve as a post, Stranahan Residence also functioned as community center, the post office and town hall. The constructing has been utilized at different occasions as a restaurant and boardinghouse.
Address: 335 SE Sixth Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-3402, United States
Official website: http://www.stranahanhouse.org
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art offers programming that is informative and functions exhibits on globe renowned performers.
Address: One East Los Olas Boulevard
Buehler Planetarium & Observatory
Located on the A.Hugh Adams central campus of Broward College is the Buehler Planetarium & Observatory. This fascinating facility is one of the most advanced planetariums in South Florida with its Zeiss M 1015 projector and its modern digital audiovisual equipment. You’ve seen the sand and the sea; now see the stars sprinkled across the Ft. Lauderdale sky. One of few free attractions in the area, the Buehler Planetarium & Observatory enables visitors to spend an evening gazing at the majestic night sky through a collection of high-tech telescopes. From glowing moons and flashing stars to the vivid orbs of planets, the views are truly spectacular and, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, completely free.
SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is a truly-unique Fort Lauderdale experience right along the scenic Riverwalk.
This free, live, outdoor concert series brings the area’s best local jazz artists. Take your pick to hear the soulful sounds on four different stages on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants. The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is sponsored by SunTrust and is produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Family and Kid Friendly Attractions
Butterfly World
3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
https://butterflyworld.com
About thirty minutes from the beach is a park focused on fluttering creatures from 1000s of butterflies to hummingbirds, Tradewinds Playground, lorikeet and insects attracted to the its carnations, orchids and exotic gardens. Older kids might not be interest, but the ones that are younger will love going after after the multi-hued butterflies. Open everyday.
Flamingo Gardens
3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330
The Flamingo Gardens feature over 3,000 types of plants, trees and wildlife. Households can explore the various collections and refuges, or can participate in a wildlife encounter display with birds, animals and other varieties. The narrated tram tour is a great choice to view and find out about the entire exhibit, as it transports guests throughout the tropical rainforest , wetland area and also the natural jungle.
Don’t forget to grab a snack in the marketplace and the at site cafe, too.
Check the events schedule for events trips from Santa, like holiday light tours festivals, and more .
The Gardens are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Additional fees apply for the narrated tours.
Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley
305 South Andrews Avenue, Suite 710 FL
Capture a cheap trip to shopping, area beaches, dining and draws with the Fort Lauderdale Sun Basket. Day moves, which grant cyclists hop on and hop away liberties, are only $2. Trolley routes work on variable schedules — from weekday to weekend. Obtain an iPhone app for program admittance that is easy.
Inter-coastal Waterway Water Taxi
413 SW 3rd Method, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Frequently referred to as the “Venice of the East,” this waterway which includes the Fresh Lake, related pathways and the Inter-Coastal, is a favorite travel corridor for area guests and also a dynamic seaport for cruise liners and yachts. Take the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, which comes with a narrated excursion of grand houses and sites of curiosity, and enjoy all day access to down-town Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas area shopping, eating and amusement. Children ages 4 and under ride free
Jungle Queen Riverboat
801 FL 33316, Fort Lauderdale Seaside Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
While you might expect a river boat in the bayous of Louisiana, Fort Lauderdale’s Rainforest Queen is an enjoyable approach to explore the calm Intracoastal waterway, gliding past stately Fort Lauderdale dwellings along “Millionaire Row” and getting pink-, purple- and red sundown. The all-you-can-eat supper cruise departs at 6, offering shrimp, chicken and ribs up, followed with a Vaudeville-style variety show, or have a three-hour sightseeing tour.
Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33301
Spanning a few blocks and populated with unique shops, bars and artwork galleries, this eclectic waterside Fort Lauderdale amusement district is a brief hop in the beach and certainly will be reached by water-taxi. Stop for ice cream or get a tableside view of the action when you eat al-fresco at a kid-friendly eatery. Sweet choices comprise Grandmother Forno, Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Udder Sweets.
SE 1st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale Rotary Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL
When you’re in a metropolis referred to as “the Venice of America,” can you actually shun a chance to really go on a gondola tour? Las Olas boasts the most popular gondoliers in Fort Lauderdale, offering pleasant tours down personable staff and Florida’s pathways who like to tell stories and perform. Your excursion will undoubtedly be uniquely-designed for your needs, which means you-can’t get much far more convenient–you are going to be capable of pick how long to proceed out and even your departure location. S
Museum of Discovery and Science
401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Welcoming hands-on exploration, the 85,000 -square-feet memorial is home to a myriad of natural and exhibits science physical, and features a 300-seat I-MAX Theatre and educational plans that are. Kids may detect Sarasota ecosystem in “Florida Ecoscapes” and play in the Everglades in “Dwelling in the Everglades.” A giant music Kaleidoscope is found in “Sound,” while children under seven can perform within their own “Finding Heart.” Open daily.
Sawgrass Entertainment Park
T-AKE an alligator- sighting airboat ride through the Flo-Rida Everglades, then where you’ll observe various animals, from snakes and wolves into a California Black panther, visit the pet playground. Hold a baby alligator should you challenge. Memento photos are readily available for one more fee. Night-time airboat rides and overnight hiking are offered