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Warm your toes in the golden sands of Greater Fort Lauderdale's 25 miles of sun-kissed beaches - an easy walk from many of our hotels, restaurants and activities.

There's no better way to relax, refresh, renew and reconnect. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and swimming in the warm Atlantic waters. Greater Fort Lauderdale earns national "Blue Wave Beaches" certification for its beaches.

Stroll, jog, or rollerblade along Fort Lauderdale's palm tree fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade. Pass by the world famous Elbo Room, site of the 1960's "Where the Boys Are" movie starring George Hamilton and Connie Francis.

Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

People have been flocking to Fort Lauderdale's beaches for decades. And with good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a two-mile strip of beautiful beach featuring the recently renovated Promenade, which offers all sorts of bars, restaurants and shops.

Other Fun Things to Do

Take a 30-minute airboat ride across the Everglades, one of the most breathtaking natural areas in America. Discover a variety of fish and birds that inhabit the area, and perhaps see the most famous Everglades inhabitant - the alligator. Enjoy Sawgrass Reptile Exhibit after your ride and take the opportunity to touch or possibly hold a small alligator. Discover the replica of a Seminole Indian village. See tropical birds, rare snakes, and even the endangered Florida panther.

Take a narrated drive through Port Everglades over the Intercoastal Waterway and along the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Explore the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk area and more. Stop and see Esplanade Park, the crossroads of the Center for Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a 90-minute Intercoastal Waterway cruise, and hear a lively commentary from the boat's captain on the history of the New River and Fort Lauderdale's historic sites.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

Fish is fresh and delicious in Florida. Grouper is probably the most popular choice and is served almost any way imaginable. You'll find it fried, broiled, sautéed, and even served with pasta. But a true Floridian staple is a fresh grouper sandwich and fries eaten outside by the water. It's hard to beat this old standby.

Getting around

Transportation

BUSES, VANS, LIMOS, TAXIS

Americas Transportation 305-859-9000

Yellow Cab (954) 565-5400

PORT EVERGLADES

The deepest harbor in Florida, Port Everglades is a favorite for more than 35 cruise ships and the Navy. (954) 468-3539.

TRI-RAIL

A 67-mile commuter line links Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, with free shuttles to the airport.

(800) TRI-RAIL.

WATER TAXI /WATER BUS

Hop aboard one of Water Taxi’s boats and step ashore at major stops along the waterways.

All-day unlimited service passes are $10. Bulk ticket packages and charters available.
(954) 467-0008.

BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT

Public buses serve 410 square miles with 40 routes. (954) 357-8400.

AUTO RENTALS

Alamo (800) GO ALAMO

Avis (800) 831-2847

Budget (800) 527-0700

Dollar (800) 800-1000

Enterprise (800) 736-8222

Hertz (800) 654-3131

National (800) 227-7368

Payless (800) PAY-LESS

Royal (954) 768-0222

Thrifty (800) 367-2277

3 Hour Tour

With sunkissed beaches, outdoor cafes, shopping galore and exciting attractions just minutes away, it's easy to trade airport blues for sunny hues.

Here are some ways to play before your flight home.

LAS OLAS BOULEVARD

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Take a leisurely stroll, people watch, sip a cappuccino at an outdoor cafe or shop the chic boutiques along Las Olas Boulevard, a sophisticated mile of fashion, art and sidewalk cafes. Stop by Stranahan House, a preserved 1900s house furnished with antiques of the era. Or " follow the red brick road" of Riverwalk, the landscaped park, to the Arts & Entertainment District. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.

RIVERWALK ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

Downtown Fort Lauderdale (954) 468-1541

The heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale is comprised of shopping, dining, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions -- the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery & Science, Florida Grand Opera, Historic Second St., Old Fort Lauderdale Museum of History, Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and Stranahan House. All are along brick-lined Riverwalk, a meandering promenade that runs along the New River. The 22-block district includes chic Las Olas Blvd. and Las Olas Riverfront, the entertainment complex. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.

BEACHFRONT PROMENADE

Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard (954) 760-9570

Only two miles north of Port Everglades, you can experience the landscaped beachfront promenade with its signature white wave wall and brick paved path. Across the street, visit Beachplace for casual fun, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.

BOAT TOURS ALONG INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

& MILLIONAIRE'S ROW

Water Taxi (954) 467-6677

Scheduled service from 10am. Closest docks to Port are Marina Marriott and Hyatt Regency Pier 66, both on 17th St. Call for schedule.

Jungle Queen Riverboat

(954) 462-5596

Bahia Mar Yacht Center on A1A. 3-hour narrated sightseeing cruise. Daily 10am and 2pm. Adults $12.95, under 10 $8.75.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.

Riverfront Cruises

(954) 463-3440 Las Olas Riverfront

1 1/2-hour sightseeing cruise. Every 2 hrs from 10:30 am-8:30pm. Adults $14, kids 3-10 $8. Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.

IGFA FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

300 Gulfstream Way, Dania Beach (954) 922-4212

World-class state-of-the-art facility includes seven galleries, an outdoor marina, living wetlands, a theater and indoor/outdoor demonstrations.Open: daily 10am-6pm. Adults $4.99, Seniors $4.49, Children $3.99.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.

BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS 900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale (954) 563-5393

Just about two miles away, nestled between the beach and the Intracostal waterway, is Bonnet House, a 35-acre historical estate that was once home to artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Learn about Fort Lauderdale's history, art, nature, and a true love story between two artists. Open: Wed.-Fri. 10am -3pm, Sat.-Sun. noon-4pm, Closed Mon., Tues. and Holidays. Adults $9, Seniors $8.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.

SAWGRASS MILLS MALL

12801 West Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise (954)846-2350

The world's largest discount and entertainment mall features over 300 designer outlets, specialty shops and restaurants. Don't miss the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass, a new high-end luxury fashion district, including Coach, David Yurman (the first U.S. outlet store), Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo. Dining scene includes new Grand Lux Cafe, Legal Seafoods, Cheesecake Factory and more. Allow at least three hours to experience this shopping mecca. Taxi transportation from the Port: $35 for 30-min ride.

SWAP SHOP

3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954)791-7927

The Swap Shop is the largest outdoor/indoor flea market in the U.S., featuring more than 2000 vendors selling new merchandise plus video arcade, plants, carnival rides and farmers market. Free daily circus. Bring your taxi receipt to the indoor reservation desk on the top level and receive a $10 reinbursement. Open Mon.-Thurs. 9am-5:30pm, Fri.-Sun. 8am-6:30pm. Free

Taxi from Port Everglades: $13-18 for 20-min ride.

THE GALLERIA

2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954) 564-1015

For more shopping adventure just off of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Galleria Mall offers over 120 stores on three levels of shopping, including Neiman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Sharper Image and Ann Taylor.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16 for 15-min ride.

DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD

Harrison St., Hollywood Blvd. and Young Circle, Hollywood (954) 921-3016

This newly revitalized downtown, just minutes south of Port Everglades, is a a great place to stroll, grab a bite to eat and take in Hollywood's distinct personality. Browse art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $13-18 for 20-min ride.

HOLLYWOOD BEACH BROADWALK

A1A between Sheridan St. and Hollywood Blvd.

Skate, walk, bicycle or jog along this wide 3 1/2 mile long paved Broadwalk along Hollywood Beach. Restaurants and shops can be found along the way. In-line skate and bike rentals, including unusual 6 person bicycles are available.

Taxi from Port Everglades: $11-16.

DINING – Where to EAT

With more than 4,000 restaurants ranging from intimate cafes to al fresco waterfront dining spots to quaint bistros, ethnic eateries and world renowned steakhouses, you'll find New Florida taste treats---seafood straight from the sea and field fresh fruits and vegetables. Take a look at our creative dining selections, pick one and enjoy a great meal. You will have about 87,660 meals in your lifetime! Don't waste any.

In the "Best Newcomer" category, Zagat recognized Broward County's top new restaurants Seasons 52 (Fort Lauderdale) and Rino's Tuscan Grill (Fort Lauderdale). When considering "Best Bang for the Buck," Zagat's voters singled out La Spada's (Lauderdale by the Sea), Pizza Rustica (Fort Lauderdale) and Cheese Course (Weston). Zagat's "Top Food Ranking" was given to the Sunfish Grill (now in Fort Lauderdale), La Brochette Bistro (Hollywood) and Café Maxx (Pompano) while the "Most Popular" eateries were the Cheesecake Factory (Fort Lauderdale) and Mark's Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale).