Where To Play, Eat, and Stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

16.12.2023 - 14:34 / matadornetwork.com / Art

South Florida’s Gold Coast is renowned for its blue skies, pristine beaches, and ritzy lifestyle. Anchored by Miami to the south and Palm Beach to the north, this stretch of Atlantic coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Smack dab in the middle of the Gold Coast is Fort Lauderdale. The tropical metropolis is sometimes overlooked for its glitzier neighbors when it comes to vacation locales — the city was once best known as the capital of spring break pilgrimages and, in more recent years, as a popular cruise ship port — but thanks to recent development, a thriving arts and culture community, an evolving culinary scene, and its laid-back vibe, Fort Lauderdale is now one of the state’s must-visit destinations.

With average winter temperatures ranging between 64 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, Fort Lauderdale’s seven miles of balmy beaches (and 24 miles for the entire Greater Fort Lauderdale area) offer a great escape from the winter cold. Whether you’re looking for a classic sand, sun, and sea holiday; family-friendly fun; or some of Florida’s best dining, these are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

Photo: Segway Fort Lauderdale

Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for its sandy beaches. But head away from the beach, and you’ll find that the city offers tree-lined neighborhoods full of eye-catching architecture, a bustling downtown, and verdant parks. You can see all this and more on a Segway Fort Lauderdale tour. Several options are available, but the most popular is the four-mile, one-hour Yacht & Mansion tour, which includes plenty of stops for selfies and opportunities to learn about the sites. No previous skills are required; you’ll receive one-on-one training from your guide and have time to practice before hitting the streets.

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers 300 miles of navigable waterways. For an intimate look at the canal system that crisscrosses the city — and the multimillion-dollar homes and megayachts that line its shores — hop aboard a Water Taxi. For just $35, you’ll get unlimited rides for one day. Start your day at the historic Stranahan House and head north for an afternoon of shopping at the Galleria Mall or south to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood. The free water trolley takes passengers farther inland where they can enjoy lunch and a sightseeing stroll along the Las Olas Riverwalk.

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

For another way to experience the city’s waterways, the Jungle Queen is a re-creation of a classic riverboat that offers sightseeing and dinner cruises along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Playing to the tourist crowd, the Jungle Queen’s captain makes sure to point out