Known as the “Venice of America” for its extensive 300-mile network of navigable waterways, Fort Lauderdale spans about 36 square miles total with over two-thirds of it being beach. The largest city in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures around 76 degrees Fahrenheit and over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The city is home to 24 miles of Atlantic coastline and is known for having a diverse population of residents and visitors. As the LGBT+ capital of Florida, Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex households in the U.S. Port Everglades is the third-busiest cruise port in the world and accommodates almost four million passengers annually. Partner with Gray Line to ensure you don’t miss any of the one-of-a-kind excursions or activities that make Fort Lauderdale such an attractive destination.
Tour Expert, Gray Line Fort Lauderdale
With over 165 miles of navigable waterways within city limits, it’s no wonder that Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the “Venice of America.” Tourists can enjoy guided gondola rides reminiscent of Venice’s storied waterways across the pond. From trips that showcase the luxurious mansions and yachts of Millionaire’s Row to quick water taxi rides that let guests hop on and off at each stop, Fort Lauderdale’s canals offer both a convenient and highly memorable way of traversing the city. For those who prefer to take navigation into their own hands, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in several areas of the canal, including scenic spots like Whiskey Creek and Deerfield Island. Fans of fishing can participate in “catch and cook” services offered by several waterfront dining establishments and eateries. For visitors interested in a day trip, Deerfield Island is only accessible by boat and is home to a natural refuge for delicate mangrove ecosystems.
Stretching approximately seven miles along the Atlantic Coast, Fort Lauderdale Beach is renowned for its clean, fine sand and accessibility. The beach consistently ranks among the top beaches in the U.S. for cleanliness and amenities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of watersports like jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding while landlubbers can walk, jog, or bike along the scenic promenade. Fort Lauderdale Beach hosts a variety of cultural events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year and attracts large crowds. For snorkelers and scuba divers, the waters off Fort Lauderdale are known for over 76 coral reefs and being turtle nesting grounds.
Translating to “The Waves” in Spanish, Las Olas Boulevard stretches from the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale to the Atlantic Ocean. Initially established as a dirt road for crossing the wetlands in 1917, the street underwent significant development after World War II and transformed into a bustling tourist destination. Known popularly as the “Rodeo Drive of Fort Lauderdale,” the palm-lined Las Olas Boulevard is now home to over 30 high-end boutiques and specialty shops unlike anywhere else in the world. From unique dining establishments with waterfront views to thumping nightlife, the boulevard features wide walkways and the chance to spot multi-million dollar mansions and yachts lining the canals. Directly adjacent to Las Olas Boulevard is Riverwalk Park, a beautifully landscaped area perfect for leisurely strolls by the New River.
Constructed in 1920, Bonnet House served as a retreat for the Birch/Bartlett family and is one of the oldest homes in Florida. The estate was gifted by Hugh Taylor Birch to his daughter, Helen Louise Birch, and her husband artist Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919. Showcasing a unique interpretation on Caribbean-style architecture, the site incorporates five distinct ecosystems: primary and secondary dunes, mangrove wetlands, a freshwater slough, and a maritime forest. The 35-acre estate encompasses a garden showcasing tropical vegetation, hibiscus, desert, and specialized orchid displays. Within the house itself, keep an eye out for Frederic’s painted-on unique details for the walls and floors. Nowadays, Bonnet House is operated as a non-profit organization dedicated to preservation and public access. The property also hosts numerous art exhibitions in honor of the original creative couple.
Established in 1977, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale and remains a highly popular attraction for adults and children alike. Spanning over 150,000 square feet, the museum boasts over 200 dynamic hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to get hands-on experience in the science and technology fields. The AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater has the largest screen in South Florida and shows six-story-high films. The museum’s hurricane simulator provides a visceral way for guests to understand storm conditions and the damage they can enact while the two-story interactive otter habitat introduces visitors to the lively animals within a simulated natural environment. Since 2011, MODS has also featured a 34,000 square foot EcoDiscovery Center, which includes exhibits like the Everglades Airboat Adventure and the Florida Water Story.
Get your pirate costumes ready and embark on a rollicking sea excursion along Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Intracoastal Waterway with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures. Established in 2011, Bluefoot Pirate Adventures is easily one of South Florida’s most popular and consistently high-rated boating attractions. Departing from Dania Beach, each adventure lasts about 90 minutes and includes interactive water cannon battles, onboard treasure hunts, and pirate-themed games. Kids in particular will enjoy learning to speak like a pirate, listen to engaging storytelling, and learn interesting facts about famous pirates and their exploits. Children and their parents can choose to wear pirate costumes onto the ship and can even acquire temporary tattoos during the tour. The “Bluefoot” vessel is U.S. Coast Guard certified — a top commendation for sailing ships — and private sailing charters may be available upon request.
Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, the Stranahan House Museum is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. Owned by the “father of Fort Lauderdale,” this structure served as a trading post for Stranahan’s business dealings with the local Seminole Indians. Converted into a residence around 1906, the house reflects a vernacular wood-framed architectural style with expansive porches and an upper floor that served as a community hall before its conversion. Two significant hurricanes in the late 1920s damaged the house and led to financial difficulties for the Stranahan couple. Tragically, Frank committed suicide in 1929, and his widow — Ivy — lived in the house and remained active in the community until her passing in 1971. Officially opening to the public in 1984, the museum features an impressive collection of artifacts from the Stranahan era, including original furniture and clothing.
Covering 60 acres of Davie, Florida (a town about 15 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale proper), Flamingo Gardens is a whimsical collection of more than 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants, including tropical and subtropical species. Home to the American flamingos that lend the park (and the state) its recognizable pink silhouette, Flamingo Gardens also operates as a local wildlife sanctuary and provides refuge and care to many native Florida animals that otherwise wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild. Guided tram tours around the park are available daily, and the on-premises Wray Home museum offers a glimpse into the early 20th century when the park’s founders — Floyd and Jane Wray — established the land as a weekend home and agricultural laboratory. Check out the fruit orchard (particularly in mango harvesting season) and pollinator garden, which is home to hundreds of butterflies and bees.
About 50 miles from Fort Lauderdale sits one of the most impressive ecosystems on Earth: the Florida Everglades. The Everglades National Park spans about 1.5 million acres and is known for its biodiversity. It is home to over 360 species of bird, 40 mammals, nearly 300 fish species, and 50 types of (gulp) reptiles. The Everglades are often described as the “River of Grass” because of its slow-moving water that flows from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, a torrent that makes the region the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. Along with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, the Everglades are often critical to a variety of highly endangered species, including the Florida panther, manatee, American crocodile, and several bird species like the Cape Sable seaside sparrow. Book a tour on an airboat, a vessel that lets visitors glide over the wetlands water without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
About 14 miles west of Fort Lauderdale is Sawgrass Mills Mall, the largest outlet mall in the United States with a total retail space of 2.37 million square feet. The mall attracts more than 21 million visitors each year, which makes it one of the state’s most visited attractions. Opened in 1990, Sawgrass Mills was intentionally designed in the shape of an alligator and is divided into three main areas: the main mall, the Oasis, and the Colonnade Outlets. High-end brands like Gucci, Prada, and Tory Burch sit alongside full-service restaurants — the Rainforest Cafe is a particular favorite — and Regal Cinemas. The mall has its own mobile app which makes it easier for visitors to find their favorite stores and take advantage of current discounts. The Oasis area features an outdoor shopping setting with artificial lakes, restaurants, and cafes.
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Booking Made Simple
Very easy to book and speak with someone if necessary.
Special experience!
Great sevice. When our son got sick in the bus. The driver really helped ús. And through our guesthouse we received a discount for the trip.