Visiting Fort Lauderdale - What to See and Do

(Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport FLL, Florida - FL, USA)

Fort Lauderdale is located in Broward County, Florida. The climate, beaches and downtown areas are popular destinations with Florida residents as well as with tourists from all over the world. Fort Lauderdale is known as 'The Venice of America' due to a promotional campaign highlighting its inland waterways.

Las Olas Riverfront and Himmarshee are two major entertainment areas in the city that give it a lively reputation. The relaxed laws of the city have made it home to a popular gay and lesbian scene as well as attracting students from all over the county during the spring break.

Ten things you must do in Fort Lauderdale

• Travel on one of the classic riverboat tours. Sightseeing cruises are a perfect introduction to the area, with highlights including the Jungle Queen Indian Village, Everglades, New River and the downtown district.
• Visit the superb natural attractions at Flamingo Gardens. The gardens give a good representation of local plants and trees, and also contain exhibits that include the Bird of Prey Center, alligators, bobcats and flamingoes.
• Experience the excitement of an airboat and swamp buggy as you tour the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation on the Billie Swamp Safari; expect to see many animals and interesting sights on the tour.
• Visit the impressive Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art for a glimpse of famous pieces of art. The museum also has educational classes and lectures.
• Enjoy an entertaining evening at the races on a trip to Pompano Park Harness Track. For a closer look at the course and horses, tours around the facility can be arranged.
• Join the fascinating Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tour for an unforgettable experience created by your guide. Well-told stories and the ambiance of the supposedly haunted areas guarantee a spooky experience.
• Explore the ocean and its coral reefs onboard the Glassbottom Boat Tour. During the 2-hour journey, snorkeling and stunning views from the boat give you a good chance to see many sea creatures and plants.
• Learn more about the history of the original occupants of Florida (the Seminoles) at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Displays and artifacts from this 19th-century period give you a good idea of how the Seminoles lived.
• Educate yourself at the Museum of Discovery and Science. The museum has an IMAX theater that shows both entertaining and educational movies. The exhibits at the museum, of which there are more than 200, are mostly about wildlife and technology.
• Relax or play some of the sports and activities available at Mills Pond Park. Some of the activities include fishing, baseball, volleyball, water skiing and radio-controlled cars.