It's the Intracoastal Waterway — which extends south to Miami — and the waterfront homes that dot it that have given Greater Fort Lauderdale its reputation as a “Venice of America”, if you are thinking of spending your vacation in Fort Lauderdale, get ready to enjoy it a lot!
More than 300 miles of inland waterways thread past palatial estates, citrus groves and the unique and exotic Everglades – beckoning boats of all sizes and shapes.
Sun worshipers from around the world come to Fort Lauderdale to play, relax, and sometimes even work. Although thought to be only for the “rich and famous” who can afford luxurious lifestyles, loyal visitors know that the area offers a wide variety of accommodations and experiences.
How is the weather in Fort Lauderdale?
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is nearly perfect, if a little unpredictable. The water gets cold in the winter, but it can still be warm enough to lie on the beach.
- Hottest month: August (average high of 32°C)
- Coldest month: January (average minimum of 13ºC)
- Rainiest month: June (240 millimeters in 16.9 days)
- Best month for swimming: August (Atlantic temperature of 30ºC)
When is hurricane season?
Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, with the highest probability of storms from August to October.
Tropical storms can range from simple rain showers to highly destructive forces of nature, so it's important to be prepared whether you live in Florida or are simply visiting.
Is Fort Lauderdale still a popular spring break destination?
Not a lot. “Where the Boys Are,” the hit 1960 feature film, brought spring break to Fort Lauderdale.
However, by the mid-1980s, the city was tired of its turbulent reputation and discouraged spring holidays by banning open containers in public.
Soon, developers began to appeal to a more fashionable crowd by sprucing up the beach, opening trendy restaurants and boutique hotels.
Fort Lauderdale: It's the LGBTS Destination
As the cheap hotels and fast-food restaurants along a one-mile stretch of Ocean Drive from Sunrise Boulevard to Las Olas were replaced by trendy restaurants and luxury stores, the city began to commercialize the city for about 15 years to more sophisticated travelers, including LGBTS looking for a luxury tropical getaway.
Given the abundance of relaxing gay resorts and clothing optional hotels in Fort Lauderdale, it can be tempting to simply check into your accommodation and relax by the pool all day, but there are actually some nice diversions in the area. , from lively neighborhoods for strolling on one of Florida's most popular gay beaches to enough museums and performing arts venues to keep culture lovers happy.
Of course, this is also a major hub for gay nightlife, and you'll find plenty of gay bars and clubs in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors as well.
Getting to and Walking around Fort Lauderdale
There is the option of flying to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or getting off in Miami, renting a car and heading to FL.
If you don't want to rent a car, you can take public transport (buses) that have more than 40 routes or Uber or another method with travel apps.
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
In terms of room size, at Marenas Beach Resort near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you'll get a lot more for your travel dollar here than at any of those pretty Art Deco hotels or trendy resorts further down the beach. .
If you're looking for romantic accommodations, check out these hotel options:
- The Atlantic Hotel was Fort Lauderdale's first luxury beach hotel.
- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the first hotel in Broward County to receive the AAA's 5 Diamond Award.
- The W Fort Lauderdale Hotel is the largest hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach, with two towers and over 500 units.
- The Marenas Beach Resort is convenient to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and features spacious suites with a kitchen, balcony and private beach.
Those looking for gay/lesbian accommodations should consider the Royal Palms Resort .
like the one and only North America's full-service gay hotel, the 62-room resort, nestled in a tropical oasis, features a spa, fitness center, cafe and bar, among other amenities, opened in early 2011.
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Explore nature in the Everglades National Park or see flamingos in a nature reserve. Complete your days off with a Broadway show or concert, and you'll be sure to make memories, whether you're visiting friends or with your family.
Fort Lauderdale beach
Fort Lauderdale beaches offer crystal clear waters, beautiful white sands and great weather all year round! You'll likely find Fort Lauderdale's beaches a little more laid-back than South Beach, but just as much fun for the family. And a sunrise on a Fort Lauderdale beach is a sight to be remembered.
Fort Lauderdale is home to Blue Wave certified beaches — clean and safe like:
- Hollywood,
- dania beach,
- Deerfield Beach,
- Pompano Beach,
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and
- Fort Lauderdale.
These beaches have been continuously certified as Blue Wave Beaches by the Clean Beaches Council of Washington, DC since 1999.
everglades
With 600,000 hectares of swamps, grassy prairies and subtropical jungles, Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public parks in the United States.
Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee.
Much of the park is pristine, explored only by adventurers and researchers, but visitors have ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and canoeing.
You can glide over Florida's Bay from the Everglade by boat or kayak for a chance to catch a glimpse of a crocodile, manatee or dolphin.
Read too: Everglades National Park – Florida
Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science
The museum is home to more than 200 exhibits, including a large living coral reef, bats, snakes, the “Runways to Rockets” aerospace exhibit and an IMAX theater.
Several North American river otters can be seen from both underwater and above ground observation decks. There are aquariums for Florida marine species such as nurse sharks and groupers.
Butterfly World
Butterfly World offers visitors a fun and educational opportunity to see beautiful butterflies up close in this 10-acre farm and research facility.
In addition to being the birthplace of over a million butterflies, Butterfly World has the largest free-flying hummingbird aviary in the United States.
Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek and is the largest butterfly park in the world.
Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is a 24-hectare garden and sanctuary showcasing the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades. It has native, rare and exotic plants and animals.
You can also visit a citrus orchard, visit the free-flight aviary or visit the sanctuary, which is home to the largest collection of native Florida wildlife including alligators, bears, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks and flamingos.
Wray House in the Gardens was built as a weekend residence and is the oldest residence in Broward County, west of University Drive.
It has been restored to provide visitors with a glimpse into South Florida life in the 1930s.
The Secret Woods Nature Center
Secret Woods Nature Center is one of South Florida's secret gems. This 23-hectare preserve is part of the Broward County Parks system and is located in Dania Beach, just 800 meters west of I-95 Exit 25.
Secret Woods features a 3,800 square foot butterfly reserve, two nature trails and an interpretive center.
It's a great place to visit with or without kids and reconnect with South Florida's natural beauty.
Planetarium and Buehler Observatory
The Buehler Planetarium and Observatory, tucked away on the campus of Broward Community College in Davie, is a small but wonderful attraction for science lovers. The 40-foot domed theater is the only public planetarium in Broward County.
You will rarely find a crowd at Buehler, allowing you to benefit from the knowledge and attention of the polite staff.
Hours are very limited, so check the website ahead of time for show times and public observatory hours.
Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is one of the state's approved "races", offering a combination of thoroughbred horse racing and casino gaming. If you're the gambling type, or just enjoy horse racing, Gulfstream Park is a great place to spend a day.
There are 20 restaurants in the park and The Village at Gulfstream Park.
The village has an outdoor mall that includes unique shops, an international array of restaurants, world-class art galleries, a bowling alley, outdoor cafes and nightclubs, fashion boutiques and health and beauty services.
They have a calendar of events, including live music, activities for kids, and in-store classes and workshops.
Broward's Show
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) is one of South Florida's premier entertainment venues.
BCPA features musical entertainment, theater and other special events.
This large performing arts center and multi-site entertainment complex is located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
They feature Broadway musicals, ballet and renowned artists in concert.
Vacations in Fort Lauderdale
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