This sun-kissed south Florida city has been dubbed the “Venice of America.” The newly renovated Fort Lauderdale beachfront Promenade attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning golden sand and easy access for divers and snorkelers to explore the undersea life of the coral reef and sunken ships off the coast.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Flight Time: 3 hours from NYC, 5 hours from LA
Getting around: Car, taxi, water taxi, public transit
When To Go: Fort Lauderdale at its best
Best weather: Year-round, Fort Lauderdale sees highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s.
Best prices: Summer
Why Go
The waterfront: Whether you travel by yacht, sailboat, or gondola, you’ll want to explore the some of region’s 300-plus miles of intracoastal waterways. In addition to viewing historic mangroves and million-dollar mansion from your boat, you can also drop anchor and dine in one of the many waterfront restaurants, take in an exhibit at a nearby art gallery, or have your own little shopping spree.
Luxury hotels: Like Miami, Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a hotel renaissance. From luxury resorts to boutique hotels, couples can choose to stay in one of these fine establishments, or simply enjoy their amenities — think posh spas and five-star restaurants. In the next two years, Fort Lauderdale will become home to a trendy W Hotel and Residences, and the Sunshine State’s first St. Regis Resort.
Water sports: If you want to do a little more than sunbathe in Fort Lauderdale, the city’s 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches offer endless opportunities for water sports. Aside from Jet Ski and parasailing, the region boasts an underwater paradise, with a three-tier natural reef and more thank 100 shipwrecks to explore.
