Fort Lauderdale Holidays

Top attractions

Being a coastal resort, many of the attractions to experience on a Fort Lauderdale holiday are centred around the beach. The destination offers fantastic watersports opportunities, a range of boat trips around some of the most idyllic parts of the United States, and a network of canals to rival Amsterdam or Venice. Back on land, the city is home to attractions such as Bonnet House, which is a museum and gallery, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The state of Florida is synonymous with vintage cars and you can discover a little more about their history at the Antique Car Museum. One of the highlights of the region is a visit to the Everglades. You can explore the wetlands by airboat and combine an adrenaline-filled adventure with an excellent opportunity to see some of the country's most diverse wildlife. Those in search of a little culture should head to The Museum of Art. This modern, three-storey building features a range of exhibitions with a focus on world-renowned artists.

Beaches

Fort Lauderdale was popularised in the 1960s by the movie ‘Where the Boys Are'. The film highlighted the hedonistic vibe of the area – a sentiment which still reigns today. The beach is the epicentre of activity in Fort Lauderdale and the year-round excellent weather is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The main beach is also known locally as The Strip. There are plenty of amenities which line the coast, from shops and cafés to travel agents and boat hire facilities. Head to Hollywood, Florida for another excellent beach. The town has been popular with the rich and famous since the 1920s and still has a distinctly vintage air which instantly transports you back in time. Hollywood is home to a promenade which has been dubbed one of the best in the world. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretches over several kilometres and is popular with joggers, roller-bladers and those simply taking a stroll down the beautiful Atlantic coastline.

Eating out

Many of the large hotels in Fort Lauderdale offer excellent dining options and are situated in prime locations along the beachfront. There’s a range of dining options for those on a Fort Lauderdale holiday – the most upmarket of which are situated Downtown and the more casual and family-friendly affairs are situated on The Strip. Every type of cuisine imaginable is available but there’s an emphasis on classic American dishes and seafood. Tuck into a delicious deep-pan pizza or luscious steak along with a beer or cocktail while the sun dips below the horizon. Florida is home to a large Latino population and the Mexican food here is second to none. While Fort Lauderdale has developed a reputation for being a party location, there is much more to it than its leery facade. While there are plenty of opportunities to party, there are also sophisticated cocktails bars, child-friendly cafés and trendy micro-brewery pubs where you can spend the evening with friends, family or your partner.

Nightlife

If you want to dine and drink in style then Downtown, Old Town and Las Olas are the ideal localities. Some of the more popular drinking establishments situated here include Tarpon Bend and YOLO. The former is a great bar serving a wide selection of beers, while the latter in an upscale restaurant that turns into a bar for the high-rollers as the evening progresses. The Strip is, without question, the liveliest place to head for drinks when you're on holiday in Fort Lauderdale. Popular beachfront hangouts include Sopranos Dueling Piano Bar and Da Big Kahuna. Cocktails are very popular in the state of Florida, especially the Cuba Libre. Fort Lauderdale is home to many theatres and live music venues, so if you feel like a little culture once the sun sets there's plenty to keep you occupied.

Family holidays

Travelling with children can be a stressful experience. Luckily, the extensive range of family attractions will keep you busy on a holiday in Fort Lauderdale. Butterfly World is an excellent educational outing and along with a tropical adventure, a cruise is one of the best child-friendly ways to get close to nature in Fort Lauderdale. The BB&T Centre hosts a range of activities, many of which are great to take the kids to. Catch a concert or a sports fixture, or even a travelling circus at this premier venue which is famous across the state. The canal network here is extensive and a fun way to get around is by water taxi. They're cheap and regular, and really make getting around more interesting. You can also explore your creative side at the Children's Art Museum. This bespoke attraction, designed specifically for youngsters has a great atmosphere and lots of hands-on activities. It's perfect for getting away for the beach for a few hours in the midday heat.

Couples holidays

A holiday in Fort Lauderdale is the ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic, sun-filled getaway. During the day, there's nothing better than relaxing on the beach with a cocktail. You can indulge in a spot of swimming or even get active and participate in some watersports together. For a guided jet ski trip head over to Adventure World. Once the sun goes down you can relax in one of the many bars and restaurants which line The Strip. Johnny V is the place to be seen in 2018. After dinner, head down to the promenade, and walk away from the main collection of bars and restaurants and you'll have the seafront to yourself as you swoon in the balmy Florida evenings.

While you're here, be sure to take advantage of the many spas and pampering facilities. There are several to choose from but some of the best are Spa Atlantic and Love Thai Massage Therapy.

Action & Adventure

There are plenty of high-octane activities to keep you busy in your holiday in Fort Lauderdale. Most of the action takes place around the beach where you can partake in jet skiing and paddle boarding, in addition to a range of other watersports. Sailing is a popular activity and there's no better place in the world to do it than Atlantic Ocean. Away from the beach, there's plenty to explore. The Everglades are a must when you visit Florida and there's no better way to explore them than with a thrilling airboat ride. There are several operators around the town and you can negotiate to tailor the adventure to your liking. If you fancy something a little more rigorous than taking a boat trip around the canals, then you can grab a paddle board and make it a trip to remember.

Culture

Despite primarily being known for its stunning weather, Fort Lauderdale is rich with museums and cultural activities. The African-American Research Library and Cultural Centre documents the contributions that the African-American community has made to the United States – something which is too often overlooked. Artserve is classified as an art incubator and hosts a range of exhibitions and progressive events in the local area. If you're looking for something a little more traditional, then NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is home to both permanent and rotating displays and is considered to be one the state's best art attractions. Those with an interest in the theatre won't be disappointed. The Classic Gateway Theatre and the AMC Dine-in Theatre are just two of the venues worth checking out when you're on holiday in Fort Lauderdale.