This Florida city is filled with fun for cruise ship visitors keen to add some time on land, says India-Jayne Trainor
1. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Winding along the downtown waterfront, the Riverwalk is lined with restaurants and cafes and takes in some of the city’s most famous sights. Visitors can relax in Huizenga Plaza or Esplanade Park and stroll past the mega-yachts moored on Millionaire’s Row.
To travel up and down the river, hop on one of the water taxis that cruise around the waterways of Fort Lauderdale, earning it the nickname ‘the Venice of America’.
2. Stranahan House Museum
Stranahan House Museum is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving building. The house, which dates back to 1901, has been beautifully restored and offers guided tours for visitors to learn about its history and original owner Frank Stranahan, the much-loved founding father of Fort Lauderdale.
3. Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is buzzing with waterfront cafes, fine dining spots and family-run restaurants. Close to Las Olas Boulevard is the new Cafe Bastille, serving Parisian all-day breakfast, while on the beachfront Maass offers Euro-Japanese fusion led by top chef Ryan Ratino.
Local gems include Italian cuisine at Louie Bossi or Mexican fare at El Camino, while downtown and the Riverwalk have a wealth of cute brunch spots and food halls to choose from.
4. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
On Fort Lauderdale’s sunny coast, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is home to lush greenery, scenic trails and lagoons, making it a perfect setting for hiking and biking. Along with picnic spots and shops for renting bicycles and paddleboards, the park has direct access to sandy Fort Lauderdale Beach.
5. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
This Hollywood resort features three properties; the Oasis Tower, Hard Rock Hotel and distinctive Guitar Hotel. The casino boasts more than 2,000 slot machines, plus poker, roulette and sports betting. There are also sports bars, cafes and restaurants, making it one of Fort Lauderdale’s most exciting adult playgrounds.
