Content Produced in Partnership with Visit Lauderdale
Miles of sand-trimmed beaches and a tangle of inland waterways mean Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to make a splash. You’ll be at the heart of the action on Fort Lauderdale beach, where buzzy restaurants and sleek hotels like Hotel Maren by Curio are within kissing distance of the sand. Wander on the paved promenade, with its wiggling wave wall, or shoot across the waves on jet skis rented from Aloha Watersports.
Craving a change of pace? Strike south to Dania Beach, whose pristine sands are gloriously quiet, and studded with pastel lifeguard towers and palms. The Dania Beach Fishing Pier is a dreamy place to watch the sunrise too.
If you’re here from March through to October, look out for turtles on the beach. Around 2,000 leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles nest on Fort Lauderdale’s golden sands during the season and conservation projects help protect this threatened species. Learn more at the Museum of Discovery and Science, which also organises educational guided walks of the beaches by night in June and July.
Marine life abounds too. Sink beneath the ocean’s surface on a scuba diving trip and swim past colourful coral, schools of lionfish and stingrays, plus mysterious shipwrecks. You can also have a snorkelling adventure at the swimmable reefs off Lauderdale-By-The-Sea – head out from Datura Avenue beach to discover the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail. It’s also a hotspot for shore diving.
The region earned its “Venice of America” nickname for good reason: Greater Fort Lauderdale is laced with some 300 miles of navigable waterways and the best way to explore is with a boat ride. The shimmering canals are fringed with mansions, and you can taste some luxury yourself by organising a yacht ride – BF Charter One Yachts is an extra special option.
For something more wallet-friendly, take a trip on the Water Taxi, which cruises between lush, palm-lined banks in Fort Lauderdale, joining up sights such as the Historic Stranahan House Museum, Fort Lauderdale beach and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. A single ticket allows you to hop on and off all day and narration from expert guides will bring the waterways to life. The Hollywood Express also whisks passengers to Hollywood Beach, home to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.
As evening breaks, feel the romance with a boat ride at sunset. Riverfront Gondola Tours are a much-loved choice of operator and their Dinner Cruise adds an extra dose of luxury. You’ll wend your way through the region’s canals on the quiet, electric-powered vessel as a guide regales you with the history of the area. Your meal will be provided by Japanese-Latin fusion restaurant Casa Sensei, a hotspot in town.
If you want to get even closer to the water, make for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and strike out on a kayak or paddleboard – both rentals and tours are available here.
ADVENTURES AT SEA
UNDERWATER JET SKIING – For a thrilling adventure, rent a SEABOB – described as your ‘own personal submarine’ – from Beach Ventures.
SURFING – Go it alone if you’re a pro, or book a lesson with EZride Surf School, which has multiple locations.
PARASAILING – You’ll be in expert hands if you organise a parasailing adventure with Fort Lauderdale Watersports.
WAKEBOARDING – Adrenaline junkies should make for Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach to try this white-knuckle sport.
SCUBA DIVING – Discover a world of marine life on a scuba diving trip with Sea Experience, who also operate glass-bottomed boat tours.
CRUISING FORT LAUDERDALE
Fort Lauderdale is one of the finest cruising ports in the States, with luxury liners operated by big names such as Royal Caribbean, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Princess and Celebrity sailing out from the city. Itineraries might strike out to balmy Caribbean islands or head for the Panama Canal. If you’re planning on sailing the seas, make sure you linger a while in Greater Fort Lauderdale first. Spend a few nights and enjoy the golden-sand beaches; take in avant-garde art displays; and experience a food scene rich in seafood and global influences. Upscale hotels such as the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa are conveniently located close to the cruise port.
For more information, head to VisitLauderdale.com
