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Overview: Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast in the Sunshine State of Florida, and known as the ‘Venice of America’, it does not take much imagination to understand why Fort Lauderdale was once the favourite spring break destination for the college crowd, and has now evolved into a sophisticated yet casual resort town attracting families and couples from all over the United States, and beyond. Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays and waterways, fronted by 23 miles (37km) of sun-kissed golden sands washed by the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Boating is, of course, a favourite pastime, as is cycling, roller-blading or simply strolling along the scenic palm tree-fringed beachfront promenade which gives on to the magnificent beaches. Nearby, divers are delighted by one of the only living coral reefs in the United States accessible from shore, and there are sporting facilities galore throughout the city, particularly some wonderful golf courses. Those with a cultural bent are well catered for at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual renowned Film Festival and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort Lauderdale justly boasts that it has the facilities and attractions to please any visitor, young or old, seeking fun in the sun; and if that is not enough the exciting city of Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, just begging to be explored on a day trip or two.

Shopping: Fort Lauderdale's downtown chic shopping street is the broad avenue of Las Olas, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries, memorable restaurants and sidewalk cafes as it runs its elegant course parallel to the river. Here window-shoppers chat in a dozen languages while others rest their feet and watch the passing parade from the shady cafes. For more frenetic shopping action head off about 10 miles (16km) west to Sunrise Boulevard and you can plunge into the Swap Shop Circus where more than 12-million shoppers a year sift through the goods at 800 open-air canopied vendor stalls selling brand name items at bargain prices. The circus also actually features circus shows, and boasts the world's largest 13-screen drive-in movie theatre. Right nearby is Florida's largest retail and entertainment centre, Sawgrass Mills, with almost two miles (three km) of mall housing more than 400 stores and kiosks. The Oasis food court here holds more than 30 popular eateries. Antique-collectors enjoy the treasure-trove of the Dania Beach Historic Antique Shopping District, home to dozens of antique shops and the Antique Center Mall.

 

Restaurants: Variety spices up Fort Lauderdale's restaurant choice and whether you want down-home Southern cooking, genuine German sausages or French nouvelle cuisine you will find it without much trouble. The inner man and woman is catered for in more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort Lauderdale, ranging from intimate cafes to al fresco waterfront terraces, quaint bistros and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses. Like elsewhere in Florida the local treat is fresh seafood. Occasionally some of the more popular restaurants band together for promotional months during which special fixed price menus are offered at bargain prices.

 

Nightlife: After sunset Fort Lauderdale hums with activity. Although there is plenty of action to be had, nightlife here tends to be sophisticated rather than wild, and most of the fun is over by 3am at the latest. On offer after dark are coffee bars, music clubs, jazz clubs, comedy clubs, numerous theme bars and outdoor cafes with music. Night owls tend to stroll from place to place in the popular Himmarshee Village area, a block or two west of downtown, where many trendy establishments are situated. Another hot spot is Beach Place on the beachfront where there is plenty of nocturnal entertainment.

 

Activities: Water-based activities, particularly scuba diving and boating, are Fort Lauderdale's forté, whether it is enjoying a relaxing fishing charter, cruising the coastline on a yacht or exploring the colourful undersea world of the offshore coral reef. Numerous operators provide services for these recreational watersports. The less energetic can enjoy the year-round sunshine and tropical climate simply toasting on the golden sandy beaches. The city also boasts numerous attractions to entertain young and old in the form of museums, parks, golf courses and nature areas. Those who have the time and inclination to venture further afield can make excursions to the nearby pulsating city of Miami, the renowned Everglades National Park or Key West, the southernmost part of the United States.

 

Negatives: Fort Lauderdale has fought hard to shake its image as a haven for scantily-clad and raucous co-ed college kids during Spring Break, but a certain number still congregate here every year. Many holidaymakers complain that the city’s beaches and surrounds are scruffy, and that finding parking at the busy main beach can be a problem, particularly at weekends.

 

Attractions

Seminole Reservation

An hour west of Fort Lauderdale on the road to Naples the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation boasts the Ah-Tah-Thi-Khi Museum, giving visitors an insight into the history and culture of Florida’s so-called ‘unconquered’ Indian tribe. The museum features exhibits and a living village where... see full details

Everglades National Park

The vast Everglades National Park that spans the tip of the Florida peninsula, 35 miles (56km) southwest of Miami, has been described as a 40-mile-wide (64km) slow-moving river of grass, interspersed with shallow wetlands. It is the only subtropical preserve in North America, containing... see full details

Marine Life Center of Juno Beach

Some years ago Juno Beach resident Eleanor Fletcher, affectionately known locally as ‘the Turtle Lady’, began assembling a collection of turtle artefacts and information that has grown to become the Marine Life Center on the oceanfront at Loggerhead Park, which monitors turtles along the... see full details

Miami Science Museum

Nothing is staid or boring in Miami, least of all its museums. The Miami Science Museum north of Coconut Grove, contains more than 140 exhibits, all designed to be hands-on and interactive, coupled with live demonstrations and collections of rare natural history specimens that... see full details

Miami Seaquarium

At least a half a day is required to fully enjoy south Florida's premier attraction. The Seaquarium is world-renowned for its marine life shows and attractions, including performing killer whales and television aquatic star and dolphin, Flipper. Another favourite star is the sea lion... see full details

Sea World

Spread out between the Disney parks at Lake Buena Vista and the downtown Orlando area is the renowned Sea World attraction, which has been making a major splash in central Florida for more than a quarter of a century. The park, owned and... see full details

Walt Disney World

Orlando's most familiar landmark is undoubtedly the turreted Cinderella Castle that stands in the centre of the original Disney Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom, at Lake Buena Vista. The park was opened in 1971 and has been making childhood fantasies come true ever... see full details