Car Hire Fort Lauderdale - Mini guide to Fort Lauderdale

Described as the ‘Venice of America’, this city is a popular winter retreat for wealthy Americans with its pretty canals and agreeable weather. Its reputation as a spring break college party town is subsiding in favour of up-market tourists, winter vacationers and transient yachting crew.

Surprisingly, one of the biggest tourist drawcards is a wander around the mariners of the Intercoastal Waterway (a combined lagoon/man made canal that runs the length of America’s east coast, pararelling the Atlantic). Several fake paddle steamers ply these waters so that visitors can admire the many incredible million dollar pleasure yachts that are moored here throughout the winter. Yachting services is one of the city’s chief industries.

The seaboard area is one long beach (no waves) lined with palms, perfect sand and endless bars, shops, restaurants and, further north, hotels. It has a good promenade and is perfect for roller blading or simply people watching. Nearby is the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The mouth of the New river is somewhat obscured by the intercoastal, but a boat-trip among the canals gives you a peak at the many wealthy waterfront mansions. It’s prettiest along the downtown area (2kms inland), with parks, walkways and the riverfront entertainment precinct. Here you’ll find the commendable Museum of Art, interactive Museum of Discovery & Science (with IMAX), and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.