Five Things You Must Do While You Are in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Car Rental

Until the mid-1980s, South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale (population 155,000) was known as a notorious center of the American rite of passage: spring break. Thousands of college students descended on the beaches and nightclubs, drinking and partying until they passed out. Now, however, Fort Lauderdale is known more as an international yachting hotspot, cultural and historical center, and tropical walking town.

1.  Party ‘til you drop!   The city once known as “Fort Liquordale” is still chockfull of nightclubs, discos, and music venues. But things are decidedly tamer now, with nationally prominent musical acts appearing in intimate venues.

2.  Sign on to crew aboard a yacht.   Fans of John D. McDonald’s fictional private eye, Travis McGee, must make a pilgrimage to the Radisson Bahia Mar Yacht Center. An array of mind-boggling huge yachts overwinter here, tended by their wealthy European, Asian, and American skippers. While at the center, check out the nearby International Swimming Hall of Fame.

3. Beach Front Recreation.   Stroll or roller-skate along the beach or Riverwalk path. The latter is a pleasant way to view historical architecture or just enjoy the tropical greenery. On the beach, besides swimming in the crystal-blue water or just loafing in the white sand, you can rent water-skis or a Jet Ski or go parasailing.

4. Art and History Museums.    Soak up some culture with your sun. The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Historical Society Museum are a short walk apart. The art museum’s 5,400-piece permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Moore, Dali, and Warhol. Don’t miss the photography gallery and collections of Cuban, African, and South American works. The city is one of the oldest in the U.S., founded in the 16th century by the Spaniards. The Historical Society facility chronicles this and later settlers’ lives in three buildings constructed in 1905 and 1907.

5.  Get Your Weekend Shopping Done.   ....and save big-time. The Sawgrass Mills Factory Outlet Mall is the biggest such facility in the U.S., nearly 2 miles around its perimeter and 2.35 MILLION square feet. Millions of domestic and foreign tourists flock here annually to save as much as 80 percent on top brand-name clothing and home décor.