Welcome to our home town of Fort Lauderdale, FL! Often referred to as “America’s Rivieria,” and “The Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale is known for many things, including a diverse culture, a unique foodie scene, coastal beaches, and boats everywhere! Fort Lauderdale is also known for its luxury hotels.
Today I’ll dive into all the things Ft Lauderdale is known for and help you explore our home town.
A Unique South Florida Town
Located in South Florida between major cities of West Palm Beach and Miami, Fort Lauderdale features many waterways, beach bars, vibrant nightlife, a bustling downtown area, and of course, the famous Fort Lauderdale beach.
Let’s get into all the unique features that Fort Lauderdale is known for.
Location and Geography
Fort Lauderdale is situated in the heart of South Florida, approximately 28 miles north of Miami and 42 miles south of West Palm Beach. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west, the city boasts a unique geography that has earned it the nickname “Venice of America.” With 165 miles of waterways and canals, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise for boating and water sports enthusiasts. Downtown Fort Lauderdale serves as the central business district, while the Fort Lauderdale Beach area remains a favorite destination for both tourists and locals. The city’s proximity to the ocean and its extensive canal system make it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the water.
Water Galore
Waterways and canals make this a unique destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Water taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Fort Lauderdale. Whether you prefer the canals for some stand up paddleboarding, the ocean for cruising on a yacht or deep sea fishing, or simply puttering around the river in a pontoon, Fort Lauderdale offers an ocean, an inner coastal waterway, a river, and numerous canals.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Made famous in the 1980’s for hosting MTV’s Spring Break, this has become a premium spring break destination. Beachfront dining is a popular activity at Fort Lauderdale Beach. While the party isn’t as wild as it used to be, (thanks to locals for basically voting out commercial events decades ago) you’ll find tourism is abundant and the Fort Lauderdale Beach blvd area jammed with sun seekers and day drinkers looking to unwind in our hot Florida sun.
Las Olas Boulevard
This vibrant area has grown massively over the years, and it’s a place we visit frequently for food and drinks. Here’s a complete guide to Las Olas, as well as what you can find in the many Las Olas Shops you’ll find. Whether it’s people watching, dining, having drinks, shopping for art, or exploring art galleries, East Las Olas Blvd has something for everyone and it really is the heartbeat of the city.
Historic Riverwalk
Around the riverwalk area you’ll find a lot of attractions, including the Broward Center. Live music is often featured around the Riverwalk area. Visit Fort Lauderdale and you’ll certainly pass through this area that lines up to the New River, which also features many dining experiences.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
This is the largest event of the year in Lauderdale! Yacht charters are available during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Come see the mega-yachts and newest releases from all the high end boat manufacturers.
Culture and History
Fort Lauderdale’s rich cultural heritage is a blend of Native American, African American, and European influences. The city’s history dates back to the early 20th century when it was a small farming community. Significant growth occurred during World War II, transforming Fort Lauderdale into a major tourist destination by the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it’s a thriving city with a diverse population and a strong sense of community. Historical landmarks like the Historic Stranahan House and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens offer a glimpse into the city’s past, showcasing early history, art, and beautiful gardens.
Museums and Galleries
Fort Lauderdale is home to a variety of museums and galleries that celebrate its rich cultural heritage. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale features an impressive collection of over 7,000 works of art, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. For families, the Museum of Discovery and Science offers interactive exhibits and a giant screen theater, making it a popular destination. Historical sites like the Historic Stranahan House and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens provide a fascinating look into the city’s early history, complete with stunning gardens and architecture.
Getting to Fort Lauderdale
The cool thing about visiting Fort Lauderdale is that it’s easily accessible from many major airports. Whether you fly into Miami international airport, West Palm Beach International airport, or the local Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale International Airport, you are always within an hour of downtown Fort Lauderdale. While the FLL airport is just miles from all the action, Miami airport puts you about 35-45 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale, while West Palm Beach puts you about an hour away. Car rentals are readily available at all major airports.
Most important to us, you may be asking, “is Fort Lauderdale safe?” So I decided to tackle that subject on the aforementioned page. (Note – it’s very safe if you know a few key areas to avoid.)
Attractions in Fort Lauderdale
There are many things to do here, which I went further into on this page. However, for a short list of major attractions, here’s what you should check out if it’s your first visit to Fort Lauderdale.
- Grande Oaks Golf Club – where Caddyshack was shot!
- Sunrise Blvd – home to the Galleria mall.
- Port Everglades – where you’ll leave from if you take a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale.
- Florida Panthers – 2024 Stanley Cup Champions
- Boca Raton – a nearby city with many famous residents
- Hollywood Beach – steps away from Fort Lauderdale, this offers a great boardwalk and many beach bars.
- Bahia Mar Marina – boat fort lauderdale right from the Marina and enjoy the ocean.
- Shopping Centers – Fort Lauderdale boasts several shopping centers that offer a variety of retail experiences.
Tourism and Economy
Tourism is a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale’s economy, drawing millions of visitors each year to its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and extensive waterways. The city’s tourism industry is bolstered by a wide range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, including the luxurious Cambria Suites Florida Hotel and the relaxing Spa Fort Lauderdale Hotel. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, while nearby Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a top travel destination.
Tourism Industry
The tourism industry in Fort Lauderdale is a significant economic driver, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Visitors flock to the city to enjoy its stunning beaches, explore the Everglades, and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene. Popular activities include boating, fishing, and various water sports, as well as visiting the city’s many museums and galleries. Fort Lauderdale also hosts a range of events and festivals, such as the renowned Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Las Olas Art Fair, which attract tourists from around the globe.
Summary
While Fort Lauderdale may be the red headed step child to Miami, it offers a very different, yet comparable vibrant scene with way less of a transient culture. If you haven’t visited Fort Lauderdale, FL, I urge you to do so as it’s a great experience. We love living here!