Ft. Lauderdale Florida

Getting around Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is half the fun on a vacation. One of Fort Lauderdale's main drags, the New River, allows visitors to hop on a water taxi and take in the sights.

This South Florida city's extensive system of waterways and reputation for gracious living have made Fort Lauderdale one of the country's largest yachting centers. Restaurants and bars overlook the canals and are accessible by water or from land by taxis and, believe it or not, from rickshaws. Several of the city's special events—including a winter holiday boat parade that draws local, national and international celebrities—revolve around boating and the water.

Fort Lauderdale is also awash in museums, art galleries, restaurants, hotels and chic sidewalk cafes, all appealing to visitors. An elegant beachfront promenade attracts vacationers from all over the world, including the spring-break college crowd.

More sedate than it used to be, but still livelier than Palm Beach, its northern neighbor, Fort Lauderdale has more to offer visitors than most beach towns. The passage of a casino gambling law revitalized this resort town, resulting in multimillion-dollar casinos and entertainment venues attracting more tourists and businesses to the area.

Top Things to Do in Ft. Lauderdale

Sights

Las Olas Boulevard, with its designer shops, cafes and beautiful people; Stranahan House and Bonnet House; Everglades National Park; a sunrise over palm-fringed beaches.

Museums

The major collection of CoBrA artwork at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale; African American Research Library and Cultural Center; the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum; the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Memorable Meals

Waterfront dining at Kaluz and Blue Moon Fish; imaginative "Floribbean" cuisine at Cafe Maxx and 3030 Ocean; great steaks at Grille 66.

Late Night

The lively beachfront Elbo Room; a colorful cocktail at Blue Martini; people-watching at Shooters; the Seminole Paradise and Hard Rock complex of restaurants, nightlife and casino.

Walks

The Broadwalk at Hollywood Beach, filled with characters, cafes and shops; beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach; quiet nature trails through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park or Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park; the Riverwalk, a promenade that meanders past some of the city's earliest buildings and along the New River; a sea turtle walk.

Especially for Kids

Free-flying aviaries at Butterfly World; Discovery Center at the Museum of Discovery and Science; Young at Art Children's Museum in Davie; airboat tours at Everglades Holiday Park; Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park.