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Fort Lauderdale

After years of building a reputation as the destination for beer-swilling college students on raucous spring breaks, Fort Lauderdale now angles for a slightly more mature and sophisticated crowd. Think martinis rather than tequila shots; jazz concerts instead of wet T-shirt contests. But don't worry, there's still plenty of carrying-on within the confines of area bars and nightclubs.

Few visitors venture far inland – except maybe to dine and shop along Las Olas Blvd; most spend the bulk of their time on the coast. It's understandable. Truly, it's hard to compete with beautiful beaches, a system of Venice-like waterways, an international yachting scene, spiffy new hotels and top-notch restaurants.

The city's Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise-ship ports in the world, with megaships departing daily for the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond.

Explore Fort Lauderdale

  • Bonnet House

    This pretty plantation-style property was once the home of artists and collectors Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. It is now open to guided tours that swing…

  • Stranahan House

    Constructed from Dade County pine, grand Stranahan House is a fine example of Florida vernacular design, and one of the state's oldest homes. It served as…

  • NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

    A curvaceous Florida standout with an interesting spilled rainbow design outside, the museum is known for its William Glackens collection (among Glackens…

  • Fort Lauderdale Beach & Promenade

    Fort Lauderdale's promenade – a wide, brick, palm-tree-dotted pathway swooping along the beach and the A1A – is a magnet for runners, in-line skaters,…

  • Riverwalk

    Curving along the New River, the meandering Riverwalk runs from Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Host to culinary tastings…

  • M

    Museum of Discovery & Science

    A 52ft kinetic-energy sculpture greets you here, and fun exhibits include Gizmo City and Runways to Rockets – where it actually is rocket science. Plus…

  • H

    Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area

    This lusciously tropical park contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks in Broward County. There are mangroves and a freshwater lagoon system…

  • L

    Las Olas Riverfront

    A giant alfresco boardwalk area with stores, restaurants and live entertainment nightly; it's also the place to catch many river cruises.

  • C

    Canine Beach

    This dog-friendly beach is the 100-yard swath running from E Sunrise Blvd to lifeguard station 5.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Fort Lauderdale.

  • See

    Bonnet House

    This pretty plantation-style property was once the home of artists and collectors Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. It is now open to guided tours that swing…

  • See

    Stranahan House

    Constructed from Dade County pine, grand Stranahan House is a fine example of Florida vernacular design, and one of the state's oldest homes. It served as…

  • See

    NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

    A curvaceous Florida standout with an interesting spilled rainbow design outside, the museum is known for its William Glackens collection (among Glackens…

  • See

    Fort Lauderdale Beach & Promenade

    Fort Lauderdale's promenade – a wide, brick, palm-tree-dotted pathway swooping along the beach and the A1A – is a magnet for runners, in-line skaters,…

  • See

    Riverwalk

    Curving along the New River, the meandering Riverwalk runs from Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Host to culinary tastings…

  • See

    Museum of Discovery & Science

    A 52ft kinetic-energy sculpture greets you here, and fun exhibits include Gizmo City and Runways to Rockets – where it actually is rocket science. Plus…

  • See

    Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area

    This lusciously tropical park contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks in Broward County. There are mangroves and a freshwater lagoon system…

  • See

    Las Olas Riverfront

    A giant alfresco boardwalk area with stores, restaurants and live entertainment nightly; it's also the place to catch many river cruises.

  • See

    Canine Beach

    This dog-friendly beach is the 100-yard swath running from E Sunrise Blvd to lifeguard station 5.

Guidebooks

Learn more about Fort Lauderdale

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