With an average year-round temperature close to 25 degrees Celsius and with over 3,000 hours of sun annually, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect escape as the weather closer to home begins to turn.

Taking its name from the series of forts built during the 6-year Second Seminole War and Major William Lauderdale who led the soldiers who built the first fort, Fort Lauderdale is now more known as a destination for fine dining, golfing, shopping, 100 marinas which house thousands of resident yachts, and a variety of glorious beaches.
The golf course at Coral Ridge – Image courtesy of Coral Ridge Country Club

Visit Port Everglades

Fort Lauderdale is just 28 miles north of Miami, though the frequent luxury cruise liners that dock at and set sail from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades make it an impressive destination in its own right, not to mention its stunning coastline and soft sand beaches.
With an array to choose from, there are beach destinations to suit all – from honeymooners to Hollywood stars, from nature lovers to young groups and families with children. Fort Lauderdale beach remains a perennial favourite, though those looking for something quieter and unspoilt might prefer the John U. Lloyd beach or Hillsboro Beach with its single main road home to the mansions of Millionaires’ Mile.

Fort Lauderdale beach – Image courtesy of Sunny

A quiet day can also be spent at either Hallandale or Dania beaches, fringed with palm trees bending in the warm breeze.

Explore the ritz

Along with leading international hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and the W, there is plenty of choice when it comes to setting up a base to explore. Options include the oceanfront Atlantic Hotel and Spa and the smaller boutique hotel The Pillars right on Fort Lauderdale beach, where from its private stop a short water taxi ride takes you to Las Olas to enjoy its restaurants, galleries and smart shopping.
The stunning views from the Ritz – Image courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Ritz-Carlton

Discover the vibrant social life

Las Olas, which was once just a dirt track leading to the beach, is now the social hub at the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Complementing the street-side cafés and bars, the boulevard is lined with softly-lit black olive trees and original lampposts to add a magical atmosphere to the evening ahead. But it is not all about al fresco dining and the sipping of cocktails. Here too you will find 3 world-class museums – including Stranahan House where you can catch a glimpse of Fort Lauderdale from the turn of the last century – and 12 major international gallery spaces.
Away from the Boulevard there is much to savour too – with the likes of now not-so-hidden gem Market 17 on Southeast 17th Street serving up some excellent farm to table fare, and La Brochette Bistro in Hollywood offering their selection of stunning Mediterranean dishes.

Fine group dining – Image courtesy of Market 17

The choice is yours

Whether it’s relaxing on the beach or the buzz of nightlife and high-end retail that you crave, Fort Lauderdale is a South Florida gem to lure anyone wanting some autumn or winter sun and a chance to take a dip in the warm ocean at one of its many picture-postcard beaches. Fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport, Hollywood International Airport, or to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, to enjoy all this and more!