Located about a half hour north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is one of two major cruise hubs in southern Florida. Las Olas Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach are favorite destinations of both locals and visitors, who sunbathe on soft sand and swim in warm, aqua waters. Some refer to the city as the “Venice of the USA” due to its canal system and plentiful homes on Millionaire's Row with decks and yachts.

There’s no lack of yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale, but if you can’t make it into one, hire a charter or book passage on a sailing for a sunset cruise or sport fishing. If the sea isn’t quite your thing, the Secret Woods Nature Center offers an enchanting butterfly garden.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a great place to hang out downtown; there are plenty of museums, performing arts centers, boutiques, restaurants, and bars to keep you occupied for days, or even weeks!