Situated on the south-east tip of Florida, Fort Lauderdale has long been a popular port of call for cruise ships that are touring the United States and Caribbean. By taking a break that calls in at this coastal city, I’m confident you’ll find a wealth of attractions and beautiful scenery in what is sure to be a highlight of your cruise holiday.
Indeed, there are landmarks suitable for people of all ages and interests, while the natural terrain that can be found in and around Fort Lauderdale presents the perfect chance to connect with nature. In spending a little time here, I’m sure you will discover why it has been bestowed the moniker of the Venice of America. You can find out more about some of the companies that offer cruises that call in here by clicking this link, while the following are some of the best things the city has to offer.
Splash the cash at Las Olas Boulevard
If you’re keen to give your plastic cards a workout while on holiday, I suggest you visit Las Olas Boulevard. This fantastic shopping district is home to dozens of stores, selling everything from jewellery to men’s fashion, so it is the ideal destination to pick up souvenirs from your time in Florida.
For something really unique, I recommend you make a beeline for the Oggi Murano Gallery. This store sells a range of hand-blown Venetian glassware, including clocks and lamps, with many of its items imported from the Italian island of Murano.
Take the plunge at the International Swimming Hall of Fame
Florida is a great destination for sports lovers to visit, with a number of top baseball and basketball teams based in the state. If you’re going to be visiting Fort Lauderdale, however, I recommend you check out the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) complex. Obviously, this attraction focuses on swimming but it also covers other aquatic pursuits such as water polo and diving.
This is the place to come if you like checking out historic sporting memorabilia, as the museum here displays numerous Olympic medals, athletes’ swimsuits and timing machines. One artefact that I really like the look of is the starting block that legendary American swimmer Mark Spitz used in the 1972 Olympics. It’s from this piece of equipment that he won six of the seven gold medals he was awarded at the Munich games.
Connect with nature at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
If you’re looking to keep active while in Fort Lauderdale, you should head to the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Situated next to a golden beach and measuring around 180 acres, this beautiful area (which is named after the man who bequeathed the reserve to the state) gives you the space to try everything from cycling to kayaking.
Nature lovers are also well catered for here, with a number of guided walks and animal presentations taking place on a regular basis. Among the species you may spot when participating in these events are diamondback terrapin turtles and raccoons.
See some classic cars
Last, but by no means least, I recommend you visit the Antique Car Museum situated on Packard Avenue. As you’ve probably guessed from its name, this cultural institution displays a range of luxury vehicles that were made in the first half of the 20th century.
Among the many cars on show here are a 1939 Victoria convertible and a Dietric vehicle that was produced in 1929 and features a dual cowl phaeton. In addition to showcasing a great selection of vehicles, the museum has an extensive array of automobile memorabilia, including oil cans, magazines and badges.
Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas about what to do while in this stunning city but if you think there’s anything major that I’ve missed please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
