It's no secret that Florida has lots of beaches and lots of sun. Fort Lauderdale, however, adds to the intrigue with some 265 kilometers of inland waterways that have given the city the nickname “the venice of america??
Whether you explore these canals by boat, gondola, kayak or pedal boat, they are a great addition to the bustling beach around the corner.
But there's more to Fort Lauderdale than sand, ocean and winding waterways. The city's strong (and growing) art scene goes beyond simple murals and hipsters; and the international dining options are as diverse as the locals and tourists who frequent them.
Fort Lauderdale is the more laid-back alternative to neighboring Miami, so enjoy beach days, less-crowded rooftop bars, and artsy walks on your next trip to South Florida.
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When is the best time to travel to Fort Lauderdale?
With 3,000 hours of annual sunlight and temperatures averaging 25°C year-round, there's never a bad time to visit Fort Lauderdale.
For ideal temperatures and low chances of rain, december to april it's your best bet. (Know that you will be sharing the beach with spring shoots from late March to mid-April).
the season of hurricanes runs from June to November, although the city has been spared most of these storms in recent years.
Getting around in Fort Lauderdale
On paper, Fort Lauderdale looks like a pretty quiet town.
The distances between its different neighborhoods are usually only 1.6 km, but you will hardly find people doing these walks on foot. This is South Florida – hot, humid, sparse shade – and Uber is pretty cheap here.
One exception is how people exploit Las Olas Boulevard: starting in the city center and stretching for about three kilometers to the beach, this scenic road worth the walk passing by dozens of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Once you reach the canals, you can admire the homes of Fort Lauderdale's wealthiest residents.
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
It consistently hosts touring casts for the hottest musicals in Broadway, as well as opera, concerts and other popular theater shows.
Even during COVID, the center still hosted live music events, converting a parking lot into a socially distanced venue, aptly named Backlot Live.
Winterfest Boat Parade
It's one of Fort Lauderdale's most memorable December traditions.
More than 100 boats decked out in holiday lights cruise 12 miles along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway.
Book your tickets months in advance for the grandstand observation area or reserve a dinner table at one of the waterfront restaurants along the route.
FATVillage Arts District
On the last Saturday of each month, from January to November, the FATVillage Arts District organizes an Art Walk with live music, local artisans' stands and art galleries that stay open later than usual.
visit the museums
Learn about the founding of Fort Lauderdale and the early days of South Florida's history with a visit to the Stranahan House Museum , as well as the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.
Jazz Brunch
Live music enthusiasts should plan their visit on the first Sunday of each month, when Fort Lauderdale hosts the Jazz Brunch — a series of free concerts along the city's Riverwalk.
Food and Drink to Try in Fort Lauderdale
Tips
With tourists coming in from all over the world – and bringing their varied cultures $$$ tipping – Fort Lauderdale restaurants, especially on the beach, often include a tip of 18% in the account.
This general rule applies to groups of any size, so be sure to verify your account, but don't be afraid to add something extra.
Happy hour two for one
Don't be fooled by the specials happy hour two for one at seaside restaurants.
The frozen drinks are surprisingly strong and strangely huge, but so is the cost.
Since prices aren't always on the menu, you might be shocked when the tab arrives.
rent a boat
With so many restaurants along the river and the Intracoastal Waterway, do as the locals do and rent a boat for a day trip from one restaurant to another.
Take your dog to restaurants
There are many dog-friendly restaurants (and hotels) in Fort Lauderdale, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend along on your trip.
Fort Lauderdale travel tips
In summer it rains almost every afternoon – usually around 2pm to 3pm for some reason. Get to the beach early to maximize your day and schedule some indoor activities for the afternoon – even if that activity is just a refreshing after-sun nap before dinner.
If you plan to rent a boat with a captain for the day, be sure to book in advance. During the week it may not be difficult to find availability, but the weekends fill up quickly, especially during the summer.
Skip the Intracoastal Waterway cruise tours and opt for the water taxi. You'll get the same expertly narrated views of Millionaire's Row and Fort Lauderdale's historic buildings, but with the added bonus of a hop-on/hop-off ticket that offers all-day transportation to some of the city's best spots.
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