“Venice of America” is not just a brag by locals. The area’s nickname is based on the 482 kilometers of navigable inland waterways that run through Greater Fort Lauderdale, with about 265 of those kilometers actually in the city of Fort Lauderdale itself.
Greater Fort Lauderdale also claims title to the “Yachting Capital of The World,” and for serious and not-so-serious boaters, the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, celebrating 64 years in 2023, is the world’s largest in-water boat show and is not to be missed – with more than 1,300 boats, 1,000 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors from 52 countries. Options abound in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area with places to stay, refuel, restock and enjoy plenty of dining, hotels, shopping and entertainment.
Of course, if your clients aren’t visiting by yacht, or aren’t comfortable navigating a rental boat (though they can also rent a captain to do the work) – there’s no need for FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). The Water Taxi or independent boat charters for sightseeing cruises abound or they can enjoy the many waterfront restaurants and bars. Private waterway tours are available on a variety of small boats, and there are even authentic Venetian gondola tour boats.
Take the Scenic Route on the Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is designed to take users from hotel to museum, theatre to drinks, beach to dinner, lunch to shopping – basically whatever way one wants to enjoy their day around the beach and waterways.
- The Water Taxi is an attraction all its own, where the crew provides a lively narrated tour of the area – including the scoop on the mansions on Millionaire’s Row – as well as beer, cocktails, and sodas below deck.
- There are several upscale hotels within walking distance to a Water Taxi stop, including The Pillars Hotel, a world-class boutique hotel that sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. This body of water is actually a thoroughfare, like A1A or US 1. In fact, a person could sail all the way to Virginia on the Intracoastal Waterway, but it’s more likely to be remembered for the serene sunset views.
- Other sensational hotels near the Water Taxi route include The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; W Fort Lauderdale; and The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Your clients can disembark at The Galleria Fort Lauderdale for fashion and dining, including Macy’s, Michael Kors, Vans, and Sephora, as well as The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Blue Martini and more.
- Stops at Las Olas are not to be missed. Your clients will want to give themselves lots of time to wander through the boutique designer stores, enjoy the art galleries and then relax with a drink or a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.
- The Express Route goes as far south as Hollywood, where the vibe is laid back and everyone feels like an old friend at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. And on the New River Route, the historic Riverside Hotel offers Old Florida elegance amid the shopping, galleries, and dining of tree-lined Las Olas Boulevard.
Enjoy the Ambiance of a Gondola Ride
Yes, those are authentic Venetian gondolas gliding along the New River in Fort Lauderdale. Professional gondoliers in striped shirts set the mood, and each gondola is the picture of elegance from the ferro to the risso – those unique, curvy metal pieces on the bow and stern of a gondola.
Las Olas Gondola offers 75-minute tours and a unique perspective of the luxurious homes and tropical greenery along the canals at a cozy speed that makes it easy to soak it all in. This is the perfect romantic ride for two, unique outing with the kids, and cool experience for all ages.
Glide Along the Waterways on a Kayak or Paddle Board
Your clients can explore the waterways at their own pace, gazing at the blue sky and green flora, and discover two amazing area parks that provide natural kayaking and paddle boarding escapes within Greater Fort Lauderdale:
Located in Fort Lauderdale between the Intracoastal Waterway and A1A, this park is great for biking, hiking, fishing, camping and other nature activities.
At Park and Ocean, the park’s concession area, visitors can be fitted with beach chairs, bicycles, jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUP), and more. Request a kayak or SUP — map and safety vest included — and paddle through lush mangrove trails and into the calm waters of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s coastal dune lake. And one can also fuel up for the adventure at Park and Ocean, offering tasty eats, craft brews and waterside tables.
If visiting during a full moon, plan a nighttime adventure during the Monthly Full Moon Kayak Tour at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a guided 45-minute paddle by the light of glow sticks and the yellow moon.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
A little farther south in Dania Beach is another oasis within the metropolis. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a beachfront haven that has swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching, shore diving, as well as kayaking and paddle boarding along the 3.2-km. stretch of mangrove-lined waterway known as Whiskey Creek. This creek was aptly named because of the bootleggers who used to hide out in it to avoid the law during the Prohibition Era. There’s also evidence that the ancient Tequesta Indians used the creek as well.
Whiskey Creek Hideout is the park’s concessions stand with a full menu of deliciousness as well as adventure. There’s the Chipotle Black Bean Burger, Avocado Salad with Salmon, morning breakfast, as well as a kids’ menu and plenty of comfort food.
A guided kayak Eco-Tour launches every Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. Fridays feature paddleboard Sunset Tours and monthly Full Moon Kayak Tours, as well as the post-adventure campfire and a s’mores feast.
Of course, when your clients are off the water there is plenty to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale and enough events to keep everyone happy and engaged.