Fort Lauderdale, the sun-soaked playground once synonymous with raucous spring break crowds, is all grown up. Known as the “Venice of Florida” for its more than 300 miles of inland waterways, this South Florida city has become a more refined destination, popular for its luxe architecture, dining scene, arts and culture, and, of course, those glorious white-sand beaches.
Sand and Surf
Begin your visit offshore. You can board a water taxi along the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway and glide past mega-yachts, lush mangrove corridors, and sprawling waterfront mansions. For a more active journey, rent a paddleboard or kayak in Las Olas Isles—the picturesque canal neighborhood where streets end at private docks—and explore a side of the city only visible from the water.
The beach is never far away. Iconic Fort Lauderdale Beach, where lively parties once played out, is now lined with upscale properties, beach clubs, and shaded boardwalks bordering a pristine stretch of sand. The spirit on the beach is still festive, but more chill, and the fashion has only gotten better.
Every April, Fort Lauderdale Beach hosts the Tortuga Music Festival, a three-day concert featuring a range of genres from country to hip hop to rock, with the proceeds benefiting ocean conservation. In December, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade ushers in the holiday season and lights up the Intracoastal Waterway with decorated boats of every size.
Where the Arts Are
Las Olas Boulevard serves as the city’s elegant spine. By day, it features galleries, boutiques, and open-air cafes. At night, the boulevard transforms into a spirited dining scene serving everything from fresh Florida seafood to Latin and Caribbean specialties.
Fort Lauderdale’s cultural ambitions match its coastal beauty. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts stages world-class productions year-round, while the NSU Art Museum boasts an extensive collection of contemporary, Latin American, and European pieces from the avant-garde CoBrA movement. The museum is also home to works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, known for wrapping landmarks including Berlin’s Reichstag and New York’s Central Park.
