Fort Lauderdale Information & Travel Tipps – learn what makes Fort Lauderdale the ideal place for your next vacation.
A Preview of what awaits you in Fort Lauderdale
This coastal city in the Metro Miami area draws visitors from near and far with its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and relaxed, cosmopolitan flair. Thanks to mild temperatures that allow for swimming even in winter, Fort Lauderdale is a prime destination for Snow Birds. With its many canals the city is often referred to as the „American Venice“. One more reason for hobby skippers to visit Fort Lauderdale is the extensive marina. The city also offers many opportunities for shopping, partying, and admiring historical architecture. Families with children, culture lovers, beach goers and party people all find something that keeps them coming back to Fort Lauderdale.
Top Sights in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is most known for its many canals, making the city perfect for a boat trip. How would you like a river cruise to a little island inhabited by alligators, colorful parrots and cute monkeys? The company Jungle Queen makes this possible. Of course, you can always rent your own boat and go fishing on the open ocean.
The city itself is home to many sights, among them historical houses from Florida’s “Golden Era”. The Stranahan House, one of the region’s oldest buildings, amazes with original interiors from the 1910s, while the Bonnet House is famous for its idyllic gardens. Admirers of vintage cars and classical American limos will love the Antique Car Museum, and children can immerse themselves in the interactive Museum of Discovery and Science. Fans of the TV series Miami Vice have the chance to visit original locations in nearby South Beach, well known for its stylish Art Deco buildings.
One cannot talk about vacations in Fort Lauderdale without mentioning the multitude of shopping opportunities. Situated just 10 minutes from the beach is the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. If you are looking for even more options, you will love the 350 stores of Sawgrass Mills, one of the biggest outlets in the USA. Locals and visitors alike flock to the Swap Shop: At this gigantic flea market you will find a plethora of hidden gems. One of the last remaining drive-in cinemas in the region makes the trip even more worthwhile.
Getting to Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is home to one of the most important airports in South Florida, making it a prime destination for low budget airlines. It only takes 20 minutes by car to drive from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to the city center. Another option is the Miami International Airport 25 miles to the South. From there you can take the Tri-Rail Train to Fort Lauderdale. Visitors based in Cape Coral can board the plane at Fort Myers Airport or drive for 2.5 hours. Bus shuttles are also available from Cape Coral to Fort Lauderdale.
Accommodation in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, guests can choose from a wide range of accommodations. If you want to stay directly at the beach, the Hilton Marina might just be the place for you. The same hotel chain also runs a luxurious beach resort with spacious rooms. The Ritz Carlton Hotel, just minutes from the shopping paradise Las Olas Boulevard, features relaxing spas and even its own golf course. Not many places, however, can compare with the aesthetic design of the Aqua Hotel Fort Lauderdale, where large rooms offer amazing views over the ocean. If quiet surroundings rank high on your wish list, the resort Lago Mar with its private beach is your ideal choice. But maybe you want to combine the privacy of your own home with tropical gardens and a large pool. In this case, you can always rent a vacation home or condo – no matter if you want to stay directly at the beach, in the city center or close to Fort Lauderdale’s marina.
Beaches in Fort Lauderdale
One of the reasons people visit Fort Lauderdale in droves are the scenic beaches – starting with the extensive Fort Lauderdale Beach Park with its fine sand and crystal clear water. Besides swimming, you can also play beach volleyball and basketball or have a little barbecue in the shade. During Spring Break many college students populate the beach of Las Olas to celebrate the end of the term. However, numbers of up to 350.000 party-goers are a distant memory. For the rest of the year, Las Olas is a serene beach with Caribbean flair that amazes with warm, turquoise waters and excellent cleanliness. Its boardwalk is perfect for an evening stroll or a night out. If you prefer untouched nature, you should take a trip to the nearby Hugh Taylor Birch Park. On the hiking trails you have a good chance of seeing tortoises amidst the lush, tropical surroundings.
Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Of course, this article would not be complete without presenting some of our favorite restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Fans of seafood like lobster and shrimps, but also meat and wine lovers should pay the Coconuts near Las Olas Beach a visit. If you prefer Latin food, you will feel right at home at the La Bamba Mexican and Spanish Restaurants. And if Asian food is for you, the Temple Street Eatery will satisfy your taste with its authentic cuisine.
Climate and Weather
Like Miami, Fort Lauderdale features a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. When it comes to the best travel time, the months November to April rank high due to their pleasant temperatures and low precipitation. Rainy season starts in May and ends around October. Especially in August and September thunderstorms bring heavy, but mostly short rain showers. On average it rains every second day during this time.
