Destination Information - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

The waterways of Fort Lauderdale have earned the city the somewhat unlikely nickname of "America's Venice". As you might expect, the coastal city in the south of Florida bears little resemblance to its namesake apart from the abundance of water, but has a year-round holiday atmosphere that's hard to beat. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Florida, it acts as a gateway to the rest of the state, and the surrounding locale, up and down the coast, is replete with resorts and hotels on some of the hottest beaches in the nation.

Most people come here to enjoy the sun, sea and sand or the lively bars that keep Fort Lauderdale rocking till dawn, making it an ideal holiday destination for families or fun-seeking party-goers. It can get pretty crowded in the summer, but then people don't come to Florida for peace and quiet.

The yacht-filled waterways, galleries and outdoor cafés give the city a relaxing and indulgent feel, and this is in no small part due to its inhabitants. The rich and famous - or simply rich - occupy the waterfront mansions that stretch along the many canals, their Ferraris and Mercedes cruising past the beachfront.

Much of the town is best seen by boat or on foot. Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard where the bars and restaurants offer a great view of the beaches, or follow the example of many of the locals by rollerblading along the pedestrianized promenade spanning the oceanfront.

The city really comes into its own at night when the clubs and bars are packed to the rafters, the revellers making the most of the holiday atmosphere whether they're tourists or locals. Nightclubs here play everything from salsa to rock, dance music to disco. And why not make the most of it? After all, you need do little more than lie on the beach during the day.