The city Fort Lauderdale is one of a kind destination in South Florida. Where else in the world can you ride gondolas down canals, surf at palm-lined beaches, hike the Everglades and cruise down the river in a historic riverboat all in the same holiday? This iconic Florida city attracts families, spring breakers and luxury seekers searching for a limitless vacation in a coastal paradise.

Things to do

Most visitors understandably head straight to the beachfront, where you’ll find Fort Lauderdale’s famous white wave wall meeting the Atlantic Ocean. When you’re not sunbathing, swimming, surfing or snorkelling, take a stroll along the promenade to find local shops, cafes and bars. There’s even a dog-friendly section on Fort Lauderdale Beach for playing with your four-legged pal.

Trade one scenic water view for another when you venture back one block to the city’s series of canals, a reason many call Fort Lauderdale the “Venice of America”. Take a romantic gondola ride past the million-dollar mansions or jump aboard the heritage Jungle Queen riverboat for a luxurious dinner and sightseeing cruise.

Craving a day of sightseeing? The Riverwalk transports you along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, taking you to the early-1900s Stranahan House, the cultural entertainment hub of Broward Center for the Performing Arts, multiple inner-city parks and a range of restaurants and shops. More retail therapy is found along Las Olas Blvd, an open-air shopping mall with designer stores, high-street boutiques, al fresco dining and historic architecture.

Just an hour outside of the city, venture out of Fort Lauderdale for a day of adventure among Florida’s world-famous Everglades. You can hike or cruise around this unique natural environment, seeing alligators, manatees, panthers, turtles, deer and dolphins.

Getting around

The charming Sun Trolley shuttles is a free transport loop between Las Olas Blvd and the beach, while local buses can get you to other destinations for a small single-trip fee. There are also water taxis for navigating the canals and rivers. To travel to many destinations in Fort Lauderdale, however, a private vehicle is the most convenient way of getting around.