More than 300 miles of navigable inland waterways wind through palatial estates, citrus groves and the unique and exotic Everglades – beckoning boats of all sizes and shapes. It is the Intracoastal Waterway – stretching south to Miami – and the waterfront homes which dot it, that have earned Greater Fort Lauderdale its reputation as the "Venice of America."

Sun-seekers from all over the world come to Fort Lauderdale to play, relax, and sometimes even to work. Although long thought to be only for the "rich and famous" that can afford luxurious lifestyles, loyal visitors know that the area offers a wide variety of accommodations and experiences.

Greater Fort Lauderdale offers accommodations for every pocketbook – from small inexpensive, family-run inns to deluxe resorts, operated by international award-winning companies. Almost one-third of the area's room count are ideal for meeting and convention business. For those with a taste for more intimate surroundings, there are the Superior Small Lodging properties that feature charm, location, and the personality and character of South Florida's early tourism days. The area also boasts five spa resorts as well as hotels and resorts with golf and other recreational activities.

World-class dining need not carry a world-class price tag. Restaurants serve an array of tastes both in cuisine and atmosphere – from the haute to the hot dog and from panoramic views to on-the-beach casual.

It would be expected that the single most popular pastime for vacationers anywhere is said to be shopping, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale area offers some of the best. From diamonds and precious antiques to discounted designer wear, there is no shortage of shopping opportunities.

More than 3.6 million people cruise out of the modern Port Everglades each year, making it one of the world's largest cruise ports, and the one with the most five-store ships. More than 50 ships depart from the port, destined for the Caribbean and points south.

Off-the-beach attractions and activities include the oceanfront estate of the late painter Frederic Bartlett. The biggest Broadway musical make their first and frequently only stop in the region at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art just completed an expansion. It is home to one of the world's premier collections of early 20th-century art. Festivals are frequent and have broad appeal.

Area Beaches

Warm your toes in the golden sands of Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of sun-kissed beaches - an easy walk from many of our hotels, restaurants and activities. There's no better way to relax, refresh, renew and reconnect. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and swimming in the warm Atlantic waters. Greater Fort Lauderdale wants you to enjoy our Blue Wave beaches safely.

Sea turtle nesting season is underway on Greater Fort Lauderdale's beaches -- and these ancient mariners need all the help they can get. From May through October these creatures will return to their home beaches to lay eggs. Click here for Sea Turtle information.   

Deerfield Beach

Enjoy the sunrise on beautiful Deerfield Beach, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s northern most award-winning, cove-like beaches and the destination’s family playground. For the more adventurous family, a day can be spent at Ski Rixen, one of America's first cable water ski parks. This innovative water skiing system pulls you silently over glassy smooth water without a boat! Or, for the more sedate, take a trip to the beach for sandcastle building, volleyball, dining at open-air eateries or fishing off the Deerfield Pier. C

Hillsboro Beach

Need to unwind with a tranquil, relaxing day?  Hillsboro Beach is Greater Fort Lauderdale's Quiet Escape.  Enjoy views of the Hillsboro Lighthouse and remember to watch your step, as the beach is popular with nature lovers who come to see the turtle nesting.  Right next to the Lighthouse, the Hillsboro Inlet, where yachts enter, is home to the stone statue dedicated to the Barefoot Mailman.  From 1885 until 1892 a mail carrier would make a seven-day journey, walking 68 miles from Palm Beach, through what is now Broward County to Miami.  The weeklong trip was spent mostly barefoot walking on the hard-packed sand along the ocean - hence the name.

Pompano Beach 

For those that think life is always a game, Pompano Beach's offers Sports of all Sorts.  Named for the saltwater fish found exclusively in area waters and home to the annual Pompano Seafood festival and Fishing Rodeo, the water on this stretch of coastline is some of the warmest and clearest in South Florida due to a bend in the Gulf Stream.  Want to get off the beach?  You can tee-it-up for a round of championship golf or place your bets and enjoy harness horseracing.  

With a reputation as a Low-Key Get-Away, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, is a 1/2 mile wide hamlet which has that old fashioned, charming "beach village" vibe.  This town is one of the only locations in Florida where the three-tier natural coral reef system is close enough for visitors to swim out for snorkeling or diving.  Friday nights the one street that runs through this sleepy town is blocked off, a stage is erected and live music is enjoyed.  Your new favorite spot will be the Ice Cream Shop (yup, that's the name), where they tend to know everyone on a first-name basis.

Fort Lauderdale 

With its early 90's makeover from a college student Mecca to a tonier clientele complete, Fort Lauderdale is our original Beach Chic destination.  From Lauderdale luxe properties dotting the skyline to Las Olas Boulevard for chic shopping and dining scene, Fort Lauderdale Beach has some of the best people-watching in South Florida.  And don't forget to stroll, jog, or blade along the palm tree-fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade. 

Dania Beach

As the Hidden Gem of the area, Dania Beach is home to some of the prettiest and least crowded stretches of ocean in Greater Fort Lauderdale.  Dania Beach Ocean Park has an impressive fishing pier where you can dine and enjoy panoramic views and scrumptious seafood caught just out of the ocean.  Close by, John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is also a favorite destination for kayaking, swimming, picnicking or just cloud watching. 

Hollywood Beach 

Retro Cool, Hollywood Beach is home to the Broadwalk which runs 2 ½ miles up and down this sun-kissed oceanfront.  Visitors can stroll along on foot or hop on a bike and find a great outdoor café to wile away the hours watching "man's best friend" run up and down the area's favorite dog beach. (Where, by the way, part of the movie Marley & Me was filmed.)  Want to get off the beach?  Hop aboard the trolley and head to Young Circle and Harrison Street, the epicenter of culture and cuisine in Hollywood.  Take an art class during the day, stay for dinner and drinks, and then party the night away at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Hallandale Beach 

At the southern end of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach is the perfect place for a Guy's Getaway with a wide array of outdoor sports from golf and swimming to boating and salt-water fishing. Visitors can enjoy beautiful stretches of beach and exciting nightlife. Two of South Florida's premier "racinos" are located in Hallandale Beach - Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, home of the sport of kings, thoroughbred horseracing and the Florida Derby, and the Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center.