Greater Fort Lauderdale

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 23 miles of sparkling coastline is the essence to the destination’s beach chic lifestyle.  With a unique water culture – the Atlantic Ocean, 300+ miles of inland waterways and the exotic Everglades – no matter what visitors choose to do, they will find themselves above, below or beside H2O.

With 70 miles of reef and wreck sites, Greater Fort Lauderdale is ideal for diving and snorkeling.  The close proximity of a three-tiered natural coral reef system to the shore and a stunning variety of marine life are key features to this top dive destination.  Above the water Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the “yachting capital of the world.”  One of the best ways to discover all the destination has to offer is by boat.  Visitors can take a water taxi tour of million-dollar mansions along Millionaire’s Row or try kayaking through a dense mangrove forest.  Even more leisurely, an Italian gondola ride through the  “Venice of America.”  Greater Fort Lauderdale’s sun-drenched sands are enjoyed year-round and are certified “Blue Wave Beaches” for their cleanliness and safety.  No one leaves without a swim or basking in the sun.

If visitors are ready to take their adrenaline up a notch, exploring the Everglades via airboat while viewing alligators and wild boar up-close at Billie Swamp Safari on the Seminole Indian’s Big Cypress Reservation, is an option.  Those who are game to get in touch with nature can stay overnight in a traditional Chickee hut.

If all that adrenaline gets to be too much, pampering is never far away.  Greater Fort Lauderdale’s combination of luxury hotels, five-star dining, shopping and spas will indulge all the senses.  There are accommodations that cater to any budget, from new, upscale hotels along the famed Fort Lauderdale beach to value-conscious “Superior Small Lodging” properties just steps from the sand.

If visitors prefer to pamper their taste-buds then they can treat themselves to a tour through a fantastic variety of restaurants from small bistros to dinner show cabarets.  The local “Floribbean cuisine” (a combination of Floridian and Caribbean) is sure to entice.  Visitors can also try “docking and dining” where boaters tie-up at a variety of waterside restaurants. 

Famous Las Olas Boulevard is a dedicated shopping “style mile” where world-class dining, trendy boutiques and inspired art galleries epitomize Greater Fort Lauderdale’s casual sophistication.  Nearby Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest retail and entertainment complex’s in the country for serious shopping therapy.

A round of golf is a great way to enjoy the 3,000 hours of sunshine Greater Fort Lauderdale enjoys year-round.  Visitors can aim for the green on one of more than 60 premier courses in the area.  But if it’s back to nature visitors are seeking, Butterfly World – the largest of its kind in North America – offers the opportunity to stroll amongst hundreds of exotic butterflies.

There is so much to explore and enjoy in Greater Fort Lauderdale, that visitor’s return time and time again.  For more information on the destination, visit www.sunny.org.