The Venice of America
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s water and beach scene promotes a culture of relaxation and rejuvenation
Anything that gets you out of the office—whether a retreat, training session or tradeshow—is likely to be punctuated by a sigh of relief, especially if it’s far away from your messy desk, the breakroom’s empty coffee pot and the overcrowded conference room.
But that relief might be short-lived, depending on where you’re going. Podunk, Whatever State, for example, might have a gas station, a convenience store and a breakfast diner that closes at noon.
You might as well have stayed home.
But Greater Fort Lauderdale? It’s the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and recharge—no matter why you’re in the area. Much of this has to do with the sun and surf the area’s so well known for, as well as its 24 miles ofgolden beaches and 300 miles of inland waterways that have given it the truly apt “Venice of America” moniker.
The 300 miles may sound intimidating and impassable, but getting around is simple. Water Taxis are everywhere, giving you an easy and fun way to explore the area. Want to go to a restaurant? Water Taxi. Maybe a play? Water Taxi. A store? Water Taxi. To meet a coworker at another hotel? Water Taxi. Thankfully, fares won’t break the bank.
Additionally, there are plenty of other water-based activities you can participate in. These include snorkeling and diving, paddleboarding, kayaking and charter boating. And if you’re looking for a way to deeply connect with nature, make sure to check out the nearby Everglades from the vantage of an airboat, which makes for an exciting, educational and otherworldly experience.
Beach and water culture
Much of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culture is based on—as with Venice—the water that run through it, as well as the many towns and cities that border the Atlantic Ocean. Lighthouse Point, for instance, is a quaint and quiet town that’s perfect for letting your everyday stress melt away.
Its Dan Witt Park and Frank McDonough Park both offer a plethora of ways to destress, whether you’re into basketball, baseball, football, soccer, racquetball or sand volleyball. There are also peaceful walkways that’ll help you get your zen on.
After a bit of exercise, make sure to catch a meal at seafood-focused restaurants in Lighthouse Point such as the waterfront Nauti Dawg, the beer-happy Papa’s Raw Bar, the fish-prepared-your-way Seafood World and Bonefish Mac’s, with its crab legs and shrimp aplenty. If seafood isn’t your thing, try the Italian-influenced Sicilian Oven or the Irish-themed Packy’s Sports Pub.
Lighthouse Point also has eighteen miles of waterways with direct ocean access, making it a boater’s paradise. Didn’t bring your own vessel? No problem. Charter captains can get you out on the water, whether for the thrill of sports fishing or a lazy day on a luxury yacht.
Another town, Pembroke Pines, was ranked as one of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live”—and for good reason. It has plenty of soul-healing outdoor venues, such as C.B. Smith Park, with its batting cages, driving range, and tennis, squash and pickle ball courts, as well as scenic trails running throughout the grounds.
C.B. Smith Park is also home to the splash-friendly Paradise Cove Water Park. It includes a large pool, two interactive water playgrounds, a lazy-river tube ride and two waterslides. Because, why not? It’s part of the water-everywhere ethos of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, after all. So feel free to make some waves there.
What else makes Pembroke Pines one of the best places to live? How about the open-air Shops at Pembroke Gardens, with its more than 75 boutiques stores and a variety of international-cuisine dining options. These include Agave Bandido, Brio Tuscan Grill, Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant and Sirocco Mediterranean.
Pembroke Lakes Mall’s shopping scene is equally appealing, with its 150-plus shops and collection of both chain and local eateries. And speaking of eateries, Pembroke Pines offers dining options galore, such as the Italian Sosta Caffe, Mezes Greek Taverna, RA Sushi and the days-past Cuba 1957. Other options include the Village Tavern and the craft-beer-crazy Brass Tap.
And lest we forget, Greater Fort Lauderdale is also home to eight beach towns, each with its own personality. These include Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach.
When you’re not catching some sun on the sand—and no matter which beach you’re on—you can wander inland to find a cornucopia of places to go and things to do. Restaurants and shops abound at each of these locations, which makes every one of your beach-hopping adventures unique. So enjoy the ocean, brush the sand off your legs and explore.
You’ll find something new and intriguing around every corner and across every waterway of this cosmopolitan region, including not only its many beautiful beaches and Venice-like waterways, but also everything else that makes Greater Fort Lauderdale a truly unique American destination. No matter your reason for visiting—business, leisure, adventure, whatever—you’re sure to return to the home or office a new and laid-back you.
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