Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.

Day at sea

Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, is a tropical paradise that captures the essence of island living. With its turquoise waters, historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere, Key West invites travelers to escape to a world where time seems to slow down.

• Start your Key West adventure on Duval Street, the city's main thoroughfare. Lined with colorful buildings, eclectic shops, and lively bars, Duval Street offers a taste of Key West's unique character.
• Join the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square for breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy street performers, local artisans, and live music as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Explore the former home of legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Tour the charming Spanish Colonial house and meet the famous six-toed cats that roam the property.
• Discover Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where you can relax on a beautiful sandy beach and explore a historic Civil War-era fort. The park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities along its rocky shoreline.
• Visit the Key West Aquarium to get up close and personal with marine life native to the Florida Keys. The touch tanks provide a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.
• Embark on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by ferry or seaplane. Explore the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and bask in the seclusion of this remote paradise.
• Savor Key West's seafood delicacies, including conch fritters, stone crab claws, and fresh fish. Enjoy waterfront dining at restaurants like Louie's Backyard or dine on Duval Street's diverse culinary offerings.
• Engage in water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The coral reefs surrounding Key West are teeming with colorful marine life.
• If you're visiting in July, don't miss Hemingway Days, an annual event honoring Ernest Hemingway. Activities include a Hemingway look-alike contest and literary readings.
• Step into a tropical wonderland at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Wander among thousands of vibrant butterflies and exotic birds in a lush, enclosed garden.

Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, is a tropical paradise that captures the essence of island living. With its turquoise waters, historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere, Key West invites travelers to escape to a world where time seems to slow down.

• Start your Key West adventure on Duval Street, the city's main thoroughfare. Lined with colorful buildings, eclectic shops, and lively bars, Duval Street offers a taste of Key West's unique character.
• Join the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square for breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy street performers, local artisans, and live music as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Explore the former home of legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Tour the charming Spanish Colonial house and meet the famous six-toed cats that roam the property.
• Discover Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where you can relax on a beautiful sandy beach and explore a historic Civil War-era fort. The park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities along its rocky shoreline.
• Visit the Key West Aquarium to get up close and personal with marine life native to the Florida Keys. The touch tanks provide a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.
• Embark on a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by ferry or seaplane. Explore the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and bask in the seclusion of this remote paradise.
• Savor Key West's seafood delicacies, including conch fritters, stone crab claws, and fresh fish. Enjoy waterfront dining at restaurants like Louie's Backyard or dine on Duval Street's diverse culinary offerings.
• Engage in water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The coral reefs surrounding Key West are teeming with colorful marine life.
• If you're visiting in July, don't miss Hemingway Days, an annual event honoring Ernest Hemingway. Activities include a Hemingway look-alike contest and literary readings.
• Step into a tropical wonderland at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Wander among thousands of vibrant butterflies and exotic birds in a lush, enclosed garden.

Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.