Get to know Fort Lauderdale
What's it all about?
In Fort Lauderdale you’ll find a diverse, welcoming community, more than 300 miles of navigable waterways, and a stunning stretch of beach. Found on Florida’s south-east Atlantic coast, its 31 beach towns and inland communities are just 45 minutes north of Miami. It’s well-loved for its active outdoors lifestyle enjoyed with a hint of luxury – not just making the most of those waterways but in the Everglades too, which covers two thirds of the region. It’s a fabulous mix of glamorous al fresco dining downtown one minute, and up close and personal with all the gators, birds and wildlife in the Everglades the next.
This is a feature from Issue 16 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.
On your bike
Trails for cycling and skating crisscross the city – which has been voted one of the top ten places in the USA to rollerblade – and it’s a favourite pastime of both residents and visitors. Hire a bike or some skates and take to the epic scenic routes that take in the beaches and the vast open spaces, such as Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Elmer Drive in Lauderdale by the Sea, and Rio Vista.
Sea turtle nesting
The beach is a big deal here, and there are eight beach towns along the Atlantic Ocean plus inland communities on the Intracoastal Waterway, so you’re never far from the water. Deerfield is the most northern beach community, down to Hallandale in the south, and each has their own distinct vibe. Hillsborough is particularly popular, with its historic lighthouse, calm, relaxed atmosphere and, from March through to October, the sea turtles that come ashore to nest. The Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program marks the nests, so everyone knows not to disturb them!
Ditch the car
Fort Lauderdale is proud to be on the Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, highspeed rail services in America. With a station in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and providing good ground transport to anywhere within five miles of the station, the train line runs from Miami, through Fort Lauderdale, up to West Palm Beach, and on to Orlando International Airport. Fully accessible, the trains and stations have been designed with plenty of space to accommodate guests using wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices.
A massive two thirds of the land here is home to natural attractions. The Everglades is the big one, but also worth exploring are the pine flat woods, lakes, canals, and nature reserves.
Friendly and welcome to all
With a long history of welcoming all colours and creeds, Fort Lauderdale is the capital of the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. Home to an incredible Pride event, and with many businesses, including hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants, LGBTQ+-owned and operated, it’s open to everyone under the sun; Greater Fort Lauderdale’s goal is to make everyone in the LGBTQ+ community feel seen, supported, comfortable and safe. Wilton Manors is the ‘gaybourhood’ while Sebastian Street Beach is one of the country’s top-rated gay beaches.
A massive two thirds of the land here is home to natural attractions. The Everglades is the big one, but also worth exploring are the pine flat woods, lakes, canals, and nature reserves
Accessible travel
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes everyone under the sun and works to remove any barriers that’d prevent visitors from enjoying all 31 vibrant communities, including Fort Lauderdale. So, whether you have visible or invisible disabilities, you’ll find all the support you need. For example, arrive at FLL airport and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program offers guests with hidden disabilities, including learning difficulties, mental health, mobility, visual or hearing impairments, a discreet way to request help, and throughout the destination there is information on wheelchairs, sign language interpreters and listening devices are available, and the autism spectrum is understood.
Getting on the water
Tiki Boats
A motorised, floating tiki bar, the tiki boat was invented by an engineer in Fort Lauderdale, whose garden backed on to a waterway. Now available to visitors here, they’re a fabulously fun way to kick off an evening of al fresco dining.
Gondola Ride
Fully embrace the Italian way of life in the heart of the ‘Venice of America’ on a relaxing gondola cruise, the only authentic Italian vessel to operate in Fort Lauderdale. Book for a sunset, full moon, birthday, or anniversary, or simply for fun and recline in style.
Paddles up
Explore Fort Lauderdale’s many Intracoastal waterways by stand up paddleboard and slow your pace of life right down. Several companies offer hire, lessons, and tours.
This is a feature from Issue 18 of Charitable Traveller.
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