Fort Lauderdale

Long ago shedding its Where the Boys Are image, Fort Lauderdale has grown into a sophisticated city where beaching and watersports are still the focus, but museums and art bring new dimension. Its neighboring Hollywood and Dania Beach areas, plus the promise of wilderness and native American culture at its back door, further compound its offerings to visitors. Once you've explored the main beach and its flurry of activity along Ocean Boulevard and perpendicular Las Olas Boulevard, the town's shopping mecca, try the quieter beach scenes at South Beach Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and, on the other side of the cruise ship cut, John U. ...

Long ago shedding its Where the Boys Are image, Fort Lauderdale has grown into a sophisticated city where beaching and watersports are still the focus, but museums and art bring new dimension. Its neighboring Hollywood and Dania Beach areas, plus the promise of wilderness and native American culture at its back door, further compound its offerings to visitors. Once you've explored the main beach and its flurry of activity along Ocean Boulevard and perpendicular Las Olas Boulevard, the town's shopping mecca, try the quieter beach scenes at South Beach Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and, on the other side of the cruise ship cut, John U. Lloyd State Park. The city is surprisingly walkable: your feet can take you easily from the beach down Las Olas to Riverwalk Park and the town's best museums — Stranahan House, Museum of Art, Museum of Science & Discovery, and the Museum of Discovery & Science. Or hop aboard the Water Taxi to go club hopping or ogling the homes of the town's upper echelon along the Intracoastal Waterway and its offshoot canals. Broward County parks hold some enticing surprises, including a waterpark in Hollywood and a biking velodrome in western Fort Lauderdale. Finally, don't miss the interactive, state-of-the-art IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum on the east side of Dania Beach.

About the Expert

Chelle Walton is coauthor of Fodor's Florida and author of Fodor's Compass American Guides: Florida and The Sarasota, Sanibel Island & Naples Book: A Complete Guide.