Fort Lauderdale is touted by some as the ‘Venice of America’. Popular as a winter retreat for wealthy Americans, the city features lovely canals and a pleasant climate. Once sporting a reputation as a spring break college party town, Fort Lauderdale today caters to a more upmarket clientele, winter vacationers and transient yachting crew. Getting around with a rental car is a convenient option.
Getting there
Serviced by more than 30 airlines, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport also receives several non-stop flights from Europe. The airport is located less than 10 minutesе drive south of the city centre with regular shuttles and taxis going into town. Miami International is a much larger airport about 50kms south of Fort Lauderdale. The Tri-Rail runs between Miami and Palm Beach and stops at a station just east of central Fort Lauderdale. Greyhound buses run up and down the eastern seaboard, and national travel deals on rental cars are worth researching.
Florida’s Turnpike, the state’s main toll road, runs north and south, from Miami to Longwood, just east of town. I-595, the major east-west highway, connects the western suburbs with Port Everglades, the airport and downtown Fort Lauderdale. It also connects with I-95, Florida’s Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway, a toll road which runs to Florida’s west coast. Car rental is easily arranged at the airport or in town.
Key attractions
Several fake paddle steamers ply the Intercoastal Waterway and give you a good view of the many incredible million-dollar pleasure yachts moored here throughout the winter. The waterfront offers one long beach without waves, and is lined with palms, perfect sand and a fine assortment of upscale bars, shops and restaurants. There is an excellent promenade which is perfect for rollerblading or people watching. The downtown area is two kilometres inland and features some good parks, walkways and the riverfront entertainment precinct. Here, you’ll find the Museum of Art, interactive Museum of Discovery & Science (with IMAX), and lots of shops, bars and restaurants easily accessed with car rental.
Out and about
Easily accessible by car, the Stranahan House, on the New River in the southeastern section of town, is one of Florida’s oldest residences and a registered historic landmark. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area encompasses one of the last significant maritime hammocks (mini islands of self-created vegetation resulting from millions of years of coral development) left around Fort Lauderdale. Farther afield are the wetlands of the Everglades, where airboat rides are as popular as the alligators you will see on them. Orlando is five hours to the north and home to an assortment of theme parks, including Disneyworld, with national travel deals easing the cost.
Leisure options
There are many choices for leisure in Fort Lauderdale, including boating, casino cruises, fishing, golfing on more than 50 courses, scuba diving and tennis. Kids will enjoy Boomers, featuring a large wooden rollercoaster, a huge 24-hour video arcade, five challenging miniature-golf greens, go-carts and NASCAR racing, batting cages, and a huge sky coaster.
Safety
Like any large city, Fort Lauderdale has its trouble spots which might not always be obvious to the visitor. Pickpockets as well as hazards while driving can affect tourists. We strongly advise on taking out travel insurance for yourself and anyone travelling in your party.