In 1960, Hollywood proclaimed that a Fort Lauderdale vacation was "Where the Boys Are," and launched America's Spring Break craze. The modern Miami Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area has emerged as a chic tropical destination, and a Fort Lauderdale vacation has strived to shed some of its "students gone wild" image.
Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale is located in a wonderful natural setting, where the New River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll on the New River's north bank along Riverwalk that connects attractions of the Arts and Science District. Along this 2-mile promenade, you can enjoy great views and entertainment, including a Jazz Brunch on the first Sunday of every month.
Shopping
The Mediterranean styled Los Olas Riverfront might be considered a Fort Lauderdale mall theme park, with its Spanish tile roofs, sunny courtyard concerts, and the adjoining trendy venues along the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard. Beach Place is another entertainment, retail, and dining complex, located just north of Las Olas.
"The World's Largest Retail Outlet Mall," Sawgrass Mills ranks as the second-biggest tourist attraction in Florida after Walt Disney World, with 25 million annual visitors. This gator-shaped complex includes 2 miles of rock-bottom discount shopping for major label merchandise, up to 80% below retail prices. Shopping is divided into themed "halls" and this super mall includes a Wolfgang Puck restaurant and a Hard Rock Café.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just outside Fort Lauderdale, the Shops of Paradise feature unique Florida shopping for Native American art and rare exotic seashells - along with leading musical attractions and Vegas-style gaming action.
The Boardwalk
Pedestrians and cyclists frequent the 2.2-mi paved promenade known as the Boardwalk is situated with the Intracoastal Waterway to its west and Atlantic Ocean beaches to the east. The Boardwalk is a popular traditional destination for wintering French Canadians.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the wonders of science in this entertaining museum. Engaging interactive exhibits include the 52-foot-tall Great Gravity Clock, Choose Health, Kidscience, Gizmo City, Florida Ecoscapes, and an IMAX theater.
Fine Dining
Renowned chef Mark Militello will astonish your taste buds at Mark's Las Olas. Try a Mango Scotch bonnet BBQ pizza and top it off with his famous Kit Cat chocolate dessert.
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
Unlike most of Florida's major beachside communities, Fort Lauderdale's beach is open and uncluttered, with world-class views azure waves, soft sand, and yachts passing out of the Bahia Mar yacht basin. At night, the low, serpentine beach wall is lit up with colored fiber-optic ribbons.
Fort Lauderdale's beachfront is also very accommodating for pedestrian strolling, an offers easy access to a wide range of restaurants and shops. The beach is most crowded between Sunrise and Las Olas boulevards.
The Fort Lauderdale waterfront is home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum and Aquatic Complex. Other Fort Lauderdale vacation attractions include the natural splendor of the Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area, and the uniquely historical 35-acre Bonnet House estate.
