Fort Lauderdale Overview

On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale in Florida has earned the nickname "Venice of America" thanks to its many canals. The city is best known for its entertainment, beaches and boats. Seminole Indians were the first people to live here during the 1700's. Then, during the 1838 Second Seminole War, a fort was built by Major Lauderdale, which is where today's city stands. Later, Frank Stranahan from Ohio constructed what became a trading and administrative building and the city grew up around this. Visitors can still visit this building today -- it's a museum called Stranahan House.

Fort Lauderdale became an official town in 1911 and has thrived during the 20th and 21st centuries. It used to have a reputation for hosting partying college students, but it has matured since then and is a sophisticated place that still sports a lively nightlife. Most visitors hug the shores, making the most of the wonderful beaches, Venice-like canals and yacht culture with top-notch hotels and restaurants. Those who do go inland enjoy the Las Olas Boulevard and its shops. The city boasts a full calendar of annual events including a HispanicFest, the National Football League and an International Film Festival.

Things to Do

From the beach culture to the museums, shops, restaurants and waterways, there's plenty to do on and off The Strip in cosmopolitan Fort Lauderdale.

The best of the beaches

Fort Lauderdale beach includes The Strip, the famous section of not only beach but shops, bars, restaurants and hotels for a totally individual visitor experience in a relaxed yet fun atmosphere.

Head to Downtown

Downtown Las Olas Boulevard is away from The Strip, making it a great place for a walk amid upscale shops and restaurants. By night, this area comes alive with nightclubs and places to hang out but it's also a place of culture, featuring the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and several museums.

Enjoy the waterways

The miles of waterways offer excellent boating, including water taxis and river cruises. For the more adventurous, sports like deep-sea fishing offer a challenge. Anyone preferring dry land can enjoy the bars and restaurants lining the waterways.

Calendar of Events

Fort Lauderdale hosts a multitude of annual events, including sporting games, festivals and cultural entertainment that are all simply unmissable for visitors in the area. Find out more here [http://fort.lauderdale.eventguide.com/annual_events_overview.html]

• The HispanicFest. Every year in April, the HispanicFest features live music and Latin food to entertain visitors and locals. This well-established festival takes place on Tyler Street and comprises all kinds of activities such as dancing lessons, children's events and much more for everyone.

• National Football League. In September, teams like the Miami Dolphins are among the stars who play in the National Football League for non-stop sporting entertainment, forming part of the legendary Super Bowl.

• International Film Festival. The International Film Festival is a fast-growing prestigious event with celebrities, talks and presentations, parties and films from all over the world. The festival takes place every year in October.