Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.

Day at sea

Grand Cayman is where the high life meets island life. This international banking haven is as much known for award-winning beaches as for the flocks of celebrities and high rollers that frequent them. You can sip Cayman Mama’s while rubbing shoulders with the global glitterati. During your Grand Cayman cruise, you can snorkel with stingrays in Stingray City. Treat your inner foodie at eateries established by acclaimed top chefs like Michael Schwartz, or chow down on conch fritters by the seashore. You can even soak up some rays at one of the beaches voted best in the world, Seven Mile Beach. And do it all in the same day.

Nestled right between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Falmouth is the perfect backdrop for discovery in Jamaica during your cruise— but there’s lots to do right there. For a relaxing ride along the shoreline, hop on horseback in Chukkah Beach. Cruise to Falmouth and head to the Water Square and jam out with the locals to live reggae. Culture cravers can get their fix during high tea at the historical Good Hope Estate overlooking the Queen of Spain Valley. And a trip to Falmouth wouldn’t be complete without chowing down on fiery jerk chicken and rum cake, two local favorites.

Day at sea

This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana.

Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.