Fort Lauderdale has moved beyond its reputation for drawing hoards of Spring Breakers to also become one of the most family-friendly beach destinations in Florida. The self-described Venice of America has a system of canals that offers a unique way to visit the many golden beaches, secluded state parks, and historic districts in and around the city. Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound on land and sea. Aquatic enthusiasts will enjoy popular water sports such as snorkelling, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing. Popular land-based pursuits include experiencing the city’s culture, enjoying relaxing beach days, and strolling along the so-called style mile on Las Olas Boulevard and the lush, red-bricked Riverwalk. A booming outdoor public art and museum scene complement the growing options for craft beer and al fresco dining in town, pointing to a hip and creative side that’s not to be missed. However you choose to spend a holiday in Fort Lauderdale, expect sunny days, your choice of delicious locally caught seafood, and colourful southern Florida sunsets.

While anytime is a good time to stay in one of Fort Lauderdale’s vacation rentals, the warm (average 27 degree Celsius) months of December to April are busy during Spring Break and school holiday times. As summer temperatures warm up into the mid 30s Celsius in this subtropical city, the heat and humidity of the day can give way to afternoon thunderstorms, which are quickly followed again by sunshine. Water sports such as snorkeling, fishing, and jet skiing are very popular during the summertime as a respite from the heat. September and October are underrated shoulder months for visiting Florida, with dry, warm weather and a less crowded beach and city scene. Hurricane season stretches from early June to the end of November.

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation

Plan a day trip to the Big Cypress Reservation, an hour’s drive west of Fort Lauderdale. Here, you can learn about the land and culture of the Seminole Indians. Stop in at the Smithsonian-affiliated Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum to admire realistic displays of how the Seminole people have hunted, traveled, traded, and celebrated.

Beaches

Greater Fort Lauderdale has more than 37 km of sun-drenched golden beaches along its coastline, much of it connected by the city’s signature Beachfront Promenade and Wave Wall. Enjoy the white sand and surf of Fort Lauderdale or Lago Mar Beach Parks. Rent bikes and pedal along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, which stretches nearly 4 km, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and shops, outdoor cafes, and a farmer’s market on the other.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Fort Lauderdale’s most prominent park was gifted to the city by its namesake, Hugh Taylor Birch. The 180-acre park is an urban oasis in the middle of the city, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. Home to gopher tortoises, as well as towering banyan and gumbo limbo trees dripping with Spanish moss, this park is an inviting natural sanctuary. Walk, inline skate, or even Segway underneath the shade of a thick palmetto forest.