Fort Lauderdale

From cocktails to crocodiles, sailing to shopping, this coastal city is a bag of mixed sweets.

Fort Lauderdale is a spectacular beachfront holiday location, filled with great restaurants, golden sands and all that good Florida stuff… but that’s not all. The city is right near the Everglades, and that’s where the crocodiles come in. They’re just one of the animals that call this marshy region home. Explore it by bike, canoe or on your feet. But with all that said and done, you may just want to stick to sunbathing, and that won’t be a problem in Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA   |   View Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Lauderdale

What's the shopping scene like?

From boutiques with water views to downtown malls, Fort Lauderdale is heaven for shopaholics. Just a 10-minute walk from the main beach, the Galleria Mall is one of the area's most popular one-stop shopping destinations. It has more than 100 stores selling everything from high-end fashion to tech products and its air-conditioned interior is the perfect place to escape to on a hot day. Not to be outdone, Sawgrass Mills is located in Sunrise, around 20 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale by car. This mega-mall is one of the biggest in the world, offering just about everything you could imagine under the one roof. Want to escape the shiny walls and expensive price tags? Head to Swap Shop, located on Sunrise Boulevard, for a very different kind of retail experience. It's part drive-in movie theatre, fruit and veg grocer and flea market - you're sure to have a great time browsing its wares.

Where are best fishing spots?

Fishing is a popular pastime in Fort Lauderdale and you'll find a number of locals dropping in lines off the surrounding piers. Hire a rod and see if the fish are biting at Anglin's Fishing Pier. No luck there? You'll find more options at Commercial Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard and Dania Beach. If you're keen to take to the seas, there are a range of deep-sea fishing companies offering day tours. Cast your line out, strap in and get ready for a fight! On one of these fun-filled trips you can expect to catch a range of fish, from barracudas to amberjacks.

Any tips on where to go for the best beach experience?

Fort Lauderdale Beach (referred to by the locals as The Strip) is the main attraction in the city. Separated from the road by a string of palm trees, this sheltered beach offers fantastic swimming year round. Cool off in its shimmering waters, play ball games along the shoreline and work on your tan as you kick back on one of its many beachside loungers. Across the road, you'll find a range of shops and eateries. There's always an interesting crowd passing along The Strip, and you could easily spend the better part of an afternoon people watching from a nearby bar with a cool drink in hand.

What's the best way to take in the city's canals?

Fort Lauderdale's canals are certainly stunning, but they're also a vital part of the city's infrastructure. This being the case, you're going to be seeing a lot of them whether you like it or not! Depending on where you're going, a water taxi through the canals can be quicker than a cab on land. Even if you don't have anywhere you need to be, a canal cruise can be a great way to take in the gorgeous houses and marinas that line the waterfront. The Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise is another popular option. Offering an all-you-can-eat buffet, live entertainment and even an alligator show, this experience is a great day out for the whole family. One of the highlights of this trip is the cruise down Millionaire's Row. Expect to see some pretty special yachts and mansions as you make your way through this exclusive postcode.