Sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of America’, Fort Lauderdale rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a destination for college students on their spring breaks. As a result, Fort Lauderdale was littered with tacky bars, t-shirt shops and souvenir stores, and by the late 80s, after some unfortunate events, the city had had enough. Leaders put in place policies which encouraged spring breakers to go elsewhere and began a revitalization project which has left Fort Lauderdale unrecognizable as the spring break destination of the last half of the 20th century. Today, the grown-up city is home to upscale shops and dining establishments, thriving, vibrant arts and entertainment communities and several high-rise office buildings and luxury condos.

Even though the spring breakers have long since gone, the beach is still a major source of entertainment among locals and visitors alike. Fort Lauderdale’s twenty-three miles of beachfront was recently enhanced by the addition of a two mile pedestrian only walkway, known as the Beach Promenade, which is very popular with bikers, walkers and Rollerbladers. Atlantic Avenue, which starts at the beach, eventually meets up with Las Olas Boulevard, the heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown district.

Fort Lauderdale is marked by over three hundred miles of waterways, thanks to its proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway. The waterways are navigable, winding through citrus groves and Everglade wetlands, with access to many of the establishments within Fort Lauderdale. Those without boats can hail a Water Taxi, which stop at over 30 restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels. A good number of those who live in Fort Lauderdale do own their own boats, providing Fort Lauderdale with its other nickname – ‘The Yachting Capital of the World’. Book a yacht tour with Riverfront Cruises and Anticipation Yachts, and spend a couple of hours sailing past the palatial estates that line many of the waterways. Other tours that specialize in nature-watching and fishing can be booked as well.

Nature lovers will find something, too, amid the high rises and cosmopolitan bustle of Fort Lauderdale. The Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area occupies 180 acres right in the middle of the city. Named for the man who donated his estate to the state of Florida, the park is home to several distinct ecosystems and many endangered species, and visitors can walk or canoe around the park. The Everglades are also nearby, and what better way to see them then from atop an airboat? Everglades Holiday Park specializes in airboat tours throughout the Everglades, with modified airboats to ensure comfort no matter what the weather.

For more information about Fort Lauderdale, please visit the website of the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.