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Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its vast and unique network of canals as well as its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, so it's really a paradise for boating fans. When you sign on for a Fort Lauderdale boat tour, you'll be able to kick back and relax as you drink in the beauty of this coastal city's scenic waterways. There are amazing boat tours of the area available, one of which will suit your preferences and schedule to perfection. Fort Lauderdale Family Pirate Cruise If you're a parent and you're looking for a shorter boat tour that's family-friendly, you'll love what the Fort Lauderdale Family Pirate Cruise has to offer. This lighthearted family boat cruise lasts for one hour and 30 minutes and it has a variety of departure times, so you'll have no trouble fitting it into your vacation itinerary. When you choose this cruise, you and your family will board the Bluefoot pirate ship at Fort Lauderdale's Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center. The Bluefoot is a safe vessel that's been inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Your kids will love the ship's pirate flags as well as the fun activities that they access onboard, including face painting, a treasure hunt, and pirate lessons. Each child will get a pirate certificate and a treasure bag. Parents will appreciate the dazzling views of the city's gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway. Riverfront Cruises Venice of America Tour Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is often compared to Venice, Italy, thanks to its array of picturesque canals? When you take the Riverfront Cruises Venice of America Tour, you'll be able to board a well-appointed, shipshape, and spacious vessel at 301 SW 3rd Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The cruise will last for 90 minutes and you may enjoy splendid views of the city's famous waterways from the upper observation deck or the comfortable dining room. This popular cruise will be a perfect way to get the inside scoop on Fort Lauderdale's coastal way of life. You'll see a lot of gorgeous yachts and fancy homes along the way. more Coastal Yacht Tours Private Yacht Cruise If you prefer an exclusive luxury vibe, you'll be pleased to know that Coastal Yacht Tours offers a Private Yacht Cruise experience that is decidedly upscale. When you opt for this experience, you'll cruise on a Marquis 690 yacht and spend two hours out on the water enjoying the sights and getting some sun. This cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale's Pier 66 Marina. Ideal for families or other groups, this private yachting adventure will make it so easy to see the most impressive waterfront eateries, large yachts, and mansions. A captain will ensure that you and your group are comfortable and happy. Bottled water, snacks, and soda will be provided. Now that you know about three fun Fort Lauderdale boat tours, all of which return to their starting points when they are finished, you'll be ready to enjoy a cruise that stimulates your senses and helps you to learn more about Fort Lauderdale's beautiful waterways. Image via Flickr by blueprnt12 used under CC By

Do you feel more relaxed on the water? Does the sun reflecting off the water make you smile? Explore the waterways around Fort Lauderdale while enjoying these fun activities. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Rent A Boat If you enjoy fishing, grab your gear and head for one of the many different fishing areas in the city. Due to its location, there are many deep water opportunities just off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. Bring your gear and a few strong friends to help you with your haul while you enjoy the open water. If you are looking for a boat without the fish, consider renting one to call home for the weekend. Before renting figure out who is sharing the space with you to determine the perfect vessel for your party. There are options for full-size boats as well as sailboats with a professional crew meaning you get to relax while they work. You can also rent a boat for a few hours to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, or proposal. Learn to Surf Do the waves call to you? Grab your towel and your bathing suit or a rash guard and a pair of shorts and head for surf school. These lessons start on the sand as you learn how to pick out your equipment and balance on the board. You'll also learn about water safety and how to protect yourself in the waves. Once the class is ready, you'll progress from the sand into the water. more Whether you are brand new to surfing or want to hone specific skills, the classes give you a chance to learn under watchful eyes. Bring your kids along for the lessons. This is one class they will not want to skip as you make family memories. Go Scuba Diving Have you ever wondered what life looked like under the sea? Take advantage of the clear water and go scuba diving. Whether you are a new diver or an experienced one, there are a variety of dive sites just off the coast. Some of the more popular dive locations include an area known as the "Hall of Fame." This site ranges from 15 to 30 feet deep and isn't far from the shoreline. Another intriguing site is the Lady Luck shipwreck located off of Pompano Beach. A 324-foot tanker sank on purpose and now houses an underwater casino scene for divers to explore. If you are new to diving, take advantage of the clear water and warm temperatures to learn how to dive safely. Scuba classes start in the pool so you can get comfortable seeing and breathing underwater. Once you are satisfied with the equipment and techniques, you can move to open water diving off the coast. Enjoy your time with friends and family while you disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. As always, don't forget to wear sunscreen. Nothing ruins a good day on the water like a bad sunburn! Image via Flickr by Daquella manera used under CC By

The summer season in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is coming to a close, which means shoppers can score some great deals at the end of the season. If you're looking to pick up some of the hottest swimwear at bargain prices, check out these Fort Lauderdale swim shops. Perhaps you'll save enough to be able to get two or three swimwear styles for variety in your beach fashions. Splish Splash Bikini Splish Splash Bikini at 929 Sunrise Lane has been in business since 1984 and specializes in women's bikinis. The swim shop offers tops and bottoms in some of the best swimwear brands, such as Guria Beachwear, Swim Systems, Eldon, and Trina Turk. Shoppers report excellent service from friendly staff members who will recommend selections without pushing for sales. Splish Splash Bikini opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes at 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Montce Swim Montce Swim, whose flagship store is in St. Lauderdale, sells a large variety of quality upscale swimwear styles, featuring both bikini tops and bottoms and one-piece suits in many patterns. The store stocks brands such as Tommi Floral and Palmilla Blanco and sells bikinis to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner. Beach apparel and accessories are available as well. Shoppers say it's hard to choose a swimsuit because of the number of options. Montce is at 731 NE Second Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. more Swimland Head to Swimland at 812 E. Las Olas Blvd. for designer suits by Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Anne Cole, and more. The shop offers trendy bikinis as well as attractive one-piece suits in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including some patterns that are used for more than one style. Swimland is open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jypsea Local Jypsea Local features handcrafted bikinis made at the store, featuring fabrics that are unique to the company. Styles can also be customized by the owner, a Floridian woman. The store also features unique jewelry collections that are designed and made by local artists. Jypsea Local is located at 2711 E. Commercial Blvd. The store is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Heart of the City Heart of the City at 3120 E. Sunrise Blvd. sells boutique swimwear and is known for its striking handmade bikinis with available matching coverups. The shop also sells designer sunglasses, unique women's designer clothing from around the world, and men's clothing featuring jeans, shirts, blazers, and more. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Look online for the best deals at each of these trendy Fort Lauderdale swim shops. Even if the regular prices are outside your budget, a great sale could put a fantastic bikini or one-piece within your reach. Image via Flickr by pasa47 used under CC By

We all lead busy lives, but it's important to make time for fun, family, and friends. We've selected a few fall events happening here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for you to consider putting on your calendar. We hope you find something you'll enjoy. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival Say goodbye to summer and usher in fall Sept. 21 at the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival. The event will be held at Esplanade Park, located at 400 SW Second St. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The free family-friendly festival, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., will feature carnival-style games and activities in a fall theme, live entertainment, and fall-themed foods from food vendors and food trucks. The 2.46-acre Esplanade Park meanders along the Riverwalk, offering scenic views and numerous events throughout the year. Old School Latin Block Party The Old School Latin Block Party will bring you the best in Latin music on Oct. 19, with entertainment by Nuevolution Dance Studios, a well-known Latin dance and fitness school. The free outdoor event will take place at the Fountain Plaza at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens in nearby Pembroke Pines. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. more Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show More than 110,000 boat enthusiasts from around the world are expected to attend the 60th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. More than 1,500 of the latest boats and yachts in all sizes will be on display, and 1,200 exhibitors will be on hand. The event represents 52 countries and features 6 miles of floating docks and 3 million square feet of exhibition space in seven locations.  Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and Nov. 1 and 2, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 3. The main location is the Bahia Mar Yachting Center at 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Other locations are Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center/Sailfish Pavilion, SuperYacht Village at Pier South, The Sails Marina, and Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival The 34th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival will give you ample opportunities to experience the joys of independent films. Put on by the Broward County Film Society since 1986, the award-winning festival is the longest-running film festival in the world. This year's event runs from Nov. 1-17. Accompanying activities include an opening-night party at the Museum of Discovery & Science IMAX, a dinner cruise Nov. 11 from Savor Cinema on the New River, and a FLIFF Woodstock Street Party Nov. 16 on the street in front of Savor Cinema. These are just a few of the many events in and around Fort Lauderdale. You'll never run out of things to do here in this boating and beaches paradise. Be sure to spend some time at The Strip and its restaurants, bars, boutiques, and upscale hotels, and check out the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Image via Flickr by daspader used under CC By

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is such a great place to be. With a lively beach community that features so many food, music and arts festivals, the only question is which ones to attend. And there is so much to see and do you might find yourself wishing for more free time. Here are some must-see festivals that take place in Fort Lauderdale every year that are sure to make the time well spent. Tortuga Beach Music Festival If live music is your jam you'll want to check out the Tortuga Beach Music Festival. It happens every April at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. This gorgeous white sand paradise is host to some of the best country, rock, and roots bands in the country. What's more, the festival is partnered with Rock the Ocean Foundation which helps to raise awareness about issues impacting the world's oceans. With over $1 million given to conservation efforts through ticket sales and donations, this festival is truly unique. Last year's festival featured performances from superstars Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, and many more. The lineup for the next festival hasn't been released yet, but you can check out the Tortuga Music Festival website for dates and details as they become available. more Las Olas Wine and Food Festival The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival has been delighting epicureans of South Florida for over twenty years. Held every spring, the festival hosts thousands of food and wine enthusiasts while raising money for a good cause, the American Lung Association. While there, you absolutely must partake in the tasting pavilion which features over 50 restaurants from the greater Fort Lauderdale area showing off their finest food creations. The event also features tastings of over 200 wines, spirits, and brews, so there's something to satisfy everyone's palate. When you're done tasting you can check out some of the great entertainment like last year's Silent Disco Party or Rythm & Viines' ever-popular music shows. Las Olas Art Fair For over 30 years the Las Olas Art Fair has been showing off some of the finest works by local artists and artisans. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is already well known for its sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. This year the fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Best of all, admission is free. Come down and browse the handcrafted work from local artisans. Admire the artwork from hundreds of local artists. You can talk with the artists and artisans about their techniques and inspiration and purchase items at reasonable prices. Ranked one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, the Las Olas Art Fair is a great way to spend the day. Fort Lauderdale has so much to see and do. Whether your taste is music, food and wine, or arts and crafts, there is an event that is sure to excite you. Image via Flickr by Steve's stills used under CC By

Image by vonpics from Pixabay Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the top vacation spots in the country. No matter what your budget or interests, you're sure to find something to make your holiday a memorable one. From the glitz and glamour of five-star hotels to affordable, yet cozy bed-and-breakfasts or something in between, Fort Lauderdale has accommodation for every type of traveler. Island Sands Inn Wilton Manors A TripAdvisor Five-Star award winner, Island Sands Inn Wilton Manors is a tropical and luxurious sanctuary just 2.5 miles from famed Fort Lauderdale Beach. It's walking distance from 15 bars and 18 restaurants, making it a comfortable stroll to grab a premium cocktail or get some of the area's finest seafood. Choose from condo, suite, or guest room depending on your budget. The best news is that each type of accommodation comes with free parking, complimentary Wi-FI, an exterior entrance, and a private bathroom. more One of the few bed-and-breakfast options in the city, Island Sands also offers a heated saltwater pool for a lazy day away from it all. They'll also set up trips for you to the various attractions around Fort Lauderdale. Do nothing in your room, go for a dip, or head out on a fishing trip. The word is your oyster at Island Sands Inn. The Ritz-Carlton If you're a glutton for luxury, you'd be hard-pressed to find any hotel as opulent as the Ritz-Carlton. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, this beachfront property has arguably the best views of any hotel in the city. All hotel rooms have a balcony for a million-dollar gaze at the water, while an infinity pool and luxury spa treatments give the Ritz-Carlton a touch of class that leaves nothing to be desired. Select from a guest room, a suite, or a residential suite complete with a kitchen and living area to create an experience unlike any other. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, Egyptian cotton bedding, flat-screen televisions with cable programming, and decor that screams high-roller. Without a doubt, the Ritz is the place to go to be seen. Hotel Deauville Many Americans shy away from hostels when they travel, but these affordable hotels are an amazing way to save money and meet people from all over the world. Located 3 miles from Las Olas Boulevard, Hotel Deauville is a bit off the beaten path, but with an Uber ride of just a few bucks, you can still save money over places in the city center. An open-air courtyard with a swimming pool is the centerpiece for this hostel, affording ample opportunity to fraternize with other guests or plan your next trip to one of the city's attractions or hot destinations. Free Wi-Fi, a barbecue area, and lounging chairs ensure you're never in your room for too long. If you choose to hang out inside, choose from dorm-style accommodation, single rooms, or private rooms with an en suite bathroom. Whether you love room service at midnight, a quiet place away from the crowds, or something right on Las Olas Boulevard, you can get it all on a weekend trip or a month-long getaway in Fort Lauderdale.

Staycations are becoming more popular, offering the opportunity to explore your own city or a nearby spot while enjoying time away from your home and responsibilities. If you're planning a staycation in the Fort Lauderdale area, check out these top hotels that offer plenty of amenities and are located close to the city's best attractions. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort For a beachy staycation, reserve a room at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. This upscale location is on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard and offers views of the ocean from every room. Recreational amenities available to guests include bike rentals, a fitness center, morning yoga classes, and an outdoor swimming pool. If your staycation includes children, check out the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, which is also available to guests. This learning environment uses the ocean to entertain and inspire children of all ages and from all around the world. For a more relaxing experience, you can also enjoy a treatment at Spa Q, the hotel's onsite spa that offers an extensive menu of services. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort also has three restaurants serving Mediterranean- and coastal-inspired fare, along with fresh-made pizza, bread, and pastries. Each room comes equipped with an Italian-marble bathroom with a whirlpool tub, a private balcony, and a kitchenette. If you need more space, opt for a suite with up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms. more Hyde Resort and Residences When you're enjoying a staycation, it's nice to have a more spacious room in which you can relax and unwind. Hyde Resort and Residences is a great spot since it's an all-suite property. Each suite has plenty of luxurious amenities, including concierge service, a washer and dryer, a wall-mounted smart TV, and contemporary European furniture. In the larger suites, you'll find up to three bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, designer bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers, and a dining area with seating for six. The resort overlooks the beach, offering private, furnished balconies and two infinity pools with private cabanas. If you like to stay active while on staycation, take advantage of the fitness center, which has a Pilates and yoga studio and a cardio cinema. Hollywood Beach Marriott For a more budget-friendly staycation, enjoy a stay at Hollywood Beach Marriott, located in nearby Hollywood. It sits on Ocean Drive and offers beautiful views of the beach. Most of the rooms have private balconies, while all rooms boast plush pillowtop beds, coffee makers, marble bathrooms with high-end toiletries, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows. You don't have to go too far to grab a meal out. The redesigned Latitudes Restaurant is located poolside, offering fresh seafood and innovative American fare. Other amenities for hotel guests include in-room dining, a fitness center that's open 24/7, an outdoor beachfront swimming pool on the boardwalk, available beach chairs, and a whirlpool. Book a room at one of these top hotels in Fort Lauderdale and enjoy a staycation in your own city. You can explore the area, check out the attractions, and relax in the comfort of a highly rated hotel without spending a fortune on travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale, located on Florida's southeastern coast, is well-known for its beaches and boating, but you may not have known about all the incredible sightseeing cruises that depart from Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. Here are some of our favorites. Carrie B. Sightseeing Tour For a brief introduction to the Fort Lauderdale sights, check our the Carrie B. sightseeing cruises. These depart every day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and last 90 minutes. No reservations are required, and the Carrie B. can hold up to 300 passengers. So if you haven't planned ahead, this is a great option. The tour will take you past the homes and yachts of the rich and famous and point out cruise ships from around the world. The main cabin is air-conditioned and includes a full-service bar. more BlueFoot Pirate Adventures This is a little different than your standard sightseeing tour, but it has been reviewed by 2,300 people on TripAdvisor. Ninety percent of the reviewers gave it a five out of five, so you're pretty much guaranteed to have a fantastic time. For adults, the tour includes information about the homes and yachts in the area. It also includes fun storytelling, games, face-painting, and other activities for the younger buccaneers. You'll even have your souvenirs covered as all kids will leave with an official pirate certificate and a bag of treasure. Cruisin' Tikis This is not so much a boat as a floating tiki bar. You'll enjoy the sights of Fort Lauderdale in this uniquely themed watercraft while sipping on tropical beverages with up to 10 of your closest friends. The company supplies the captain, a cooler, ice, and a blender, while you can bring your own food and drink. They offer a variety of itineraries and will even customize the start and end points of the cruise for your group. Jungle Queen Riverboat A true southern experience, the Jungle Queen offers both day and night cruises. At night, they offer a delicious, all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes barbecue ribs, chicken, and shrimp. You can enjoy your meal while watching a variety show on their tropical isle. Both the day and nighttime cruises take you past Millionaire's Row and provide entertaining and informative commentary. The riverboat moves slowly, which is the right way to travel in the southern heat. Coastal Yacht Tours If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious, you might want to try Coastal Yacht Tours, where they will treat you like royalty. You can view the mansions and boats of Fort Lauderdale from a yacht of your very own, at least for a few hours. You'll enjoy sipping champagne while experiencing a glimpse of the luxury lifestyle on this intimate tour. As you can see from this list, Fort Lauderdale offers a little bit of something for everyone. While no two of these tours are alike, they all offer a different perspective on the city and its inhabitants, and they'll all be happy to welcome you on board and show you a wonderful time.   Image via Flickr by verbeem.kevin

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a popular vacation spot with a lot of beaches and sun. There is so much to do in the area from boat rides to dining, shopping, and more. But did you know that there is much more to Fort Lauderdale than meets the eye? Here are some completely unique experiences in Fort Lauderdale. Night Tour of the Everglades Experience the wonder of the Everglades after the sun goes down. Hop aboard one of the airboats at the Sawgrass Recreation Park and glide through the swamps of the Everglades. You will see alligators and endangered species and hear the sounds of nature during the 90-minute tour, all while the captain tells stories and explains the history of this unique area of Florida. Tickets for the tour are just $38 for adults and $18 for kids between the ages of 4 and 12. more Visit Flamingo Gardens Just a few miles away from the Fort Lauderdale area in Davie, Florida, you'll find Flamingo Gardens. This unique place is a botanical garden with not only pink flamingos but also butterflies, hummingbirds, and the largest tree in Florida. The garden is also home to over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plants with species both native to Florida and others from areas around the world. The wildlife sanctuary is also a part of Flamingo Gardens and provides a place for injured birds and animals along with those that can no longer live in the wild. You can see all kinds of animals here from alligators to bobcats, eagles, and even peacocks. Fort Lauderdale Water Shuttle Tour See Fort Lauderdale from a different perspective when you ride on the pink water shuttle. Known as "The Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale features many canals and rivers that wind their way along the shore of the city. The water shuttle cruises along these waterways so visitors can get a look at the city from the water. The shuttle also makes many stops along the way so you can get off and see the sights, do some shopping, or grab a bite to eat. Blue Discovery Eco Tour Head even deeper into the Fort Lauderdale waterways on a Blue Discovery Eco tour to see the mangrove forests and catch a glimpse of some manatee. Paola Espitia, a local marine biologist, leads this guided tour, teaching about what makes Fort Lauderdale unique. Some of the things you'll see and do on this excursion include looking for wildlife to photograph, riding past the mega-yachts in Port Everglades, and exploring Whisky Creek. You'll also learn how to do your part to keep the oceans clean. The two and a half-hour tour launches from the Riverwalk at Riverfront Plaza and then heads down the Intracoastal Waterway. You can catch one every fourth Saturday of the month, and they leave at 10 a.m. Whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or are just visiting, make sure to check out these unique experiences you can only do in this area.

Fort Lauderdale sits right on the southeast coast of Florida, making it the perfect place to get out on the water. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a boat trip. There are all types of excursions available so you can plan a special night out, or gather your friends together and make it a group outing. Check out these boat trips for a night out in Fort Lauderdale. Spirit of Lauderdale Take a sunset cruise on the Spirit of Lauderdale for an entertaining and informative night out. Captain Mike, along with his crew, will tell you all about the catamaran as you sail out past the mansions to open water so you can watch the sunset. About halfway through the trip, you can enjoy a Champagne toast as you sit back and take in the beautiful views. The Spirit of Lauderdale is a 50-foot catamaran with 1,500 feet of deck space and a shaded bar. There is both covered seating and seating out in the open so that you can choose your experience. more Florida Everglades Night Tour Airboat Ride Experience the Everglades at night as you cruise through the area on an airboat. The private tours come with your own captain, and they include admission to the Reptile, Glades, and Exotic Wildlife exhibits. The one-hour tour takes you along the grassy waterways at up to 40 miles per hour, and you are sure to see all kinds of wildlife including alligators, turtles, and wading birds. The night tours use smaller boats than the daytime tours, and you'll head deeper into the Everglades. Sunset Cocktail Cruise Hop aboard the boat at Riverfront Cruises for an hour and a half booze-cruise. You can sip on a delicious cocktail as you cruise by the spectacular waterfront homes that sit along the New River as their lights come on for the night. The cruise includes a complimentary beverage and leaves from downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can also spend the evening dancing to great music while you socialize with your friends. This early evening cruise is a great way to get your weekend started. Ride the Jungle Queen Riverboat Take a cruise down the New River on the Jungle Queen Riverboat. This dinner, show, and sightseeing cruise includes an all-you-can-eat dinner, live entertainment, and even a variety show. The cruise leaves at 6 p.m. and lasts for four hours. Gather all your friends and get together for a fun night out to take in "The Venice of America." You can see the millionaire's homes that sit along the river, and watch the mega yachts as they cruise by. Once you reach the Jungle Queen's own tropical island, you'll have dinner and get to enjoy the show. There is even some time to explore the island a little before you get back on the boat and head back to the dock. Make any evening or night special, and plan a night out on one of the Fort Lauderdale boat trips. Just make sure to plan ahead and reserve a spot for everyone in your group.

The Sunshine State has some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world, lined with white sand and sapphire blue waters. However, most of these places aren't a secret, especially in South Florida. To the untrained eye, the best beaches are full of locals and tourists, while some of the area's lesser-known beaches remain untouched. If you want to go to the beach but you're tired of fighting the crowds, check out a few of these hidden beaches throughout South Florida. Fort De Soto Park Nestled just a few miles away from the super touristy, mini golf-laden main drag of St. Pete Beach, you'll find Fort De Soto Park. Once a military installation, this Pinellas County park is now listed among some of the best beaches in the country. However, it remains relatively untouched because of its location, and the $5 fee might deter some looking for a free trip. Once you arrive, you'll swear you were in a ghost town. The parking lot that was once designed to hold thousands of cars is hosting only a few, and if you walk far enough down the shore, you'll have the place to yourself. After you get your fill of the sun, your trip to Fort De Soto isn't complete without a trip to the eponymous fort. Built in 1906, the fort remains relatively intact, and you can see the giant mortars designed to keep enemies at bay. There's also fishing, short hiking trails, and refreshments available. more Caladesi Island State Park Caladesi Island State Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country primarily because it's not that easy to reach. If you take Florida Route 60 west as far as it goes, you'll eventually reach Clearwater Beach. Because of the town's white sand beaches that seem to extend forever, most people stop here. What they don't know is that on the northern tip of the island is Caladesi. The problem is that it's not easily accessible, and from Clearwater Beach, it requires permission to take private roads. The best way to get there is actually to stay on the mainland and take the Caladesi Island Ferry from Dunedin or take your own boat. Once you're there, you'll find some modern amenities such as a snack shop, but it's mostly open water, sand, and wildlife. Bahia Honda State Park Most people travel the Overseas Highway to get to the legendary Key West. However, they often miss the crystal clear waters of Bahia Honda State Park. There's a main beach that hosts a bevy of tourists throughout the year, but to escape it all you don't have to try hard. Rent a kayak and paddle your way in either direction to discover a beach that's yours. Plus, you can see all types of fish from the kayak, and maybe even a manta ray. Discovering Florida's most hidden beaches isn't something you can do in a day. But if you have the opportunity, it's a way to relax without any of the hassle.

According to some experts, Fort Lauderdale is one of the top ten places in the country when it comes to dining diversity. Whether you want to sit down for a nice dinner or grab something quick and delicious from a food truck, Fort Lauderdale has it. Check out these ways to explore Fort Lauderdale's food scene, so you don't miss anything good to eat. Dine Out Lauderdale In August 2017 restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area will participate in Dine Out Lauderdale. This six-week event celebrates the best restaurants in the area along with their top chefs and meals. Participating restaurants offer special menus consisting of three courses for just $36. The event allows you to try some new restaurants and taste the best they have to offer. You can find out which restaurants a part of the event by visiting the Hello Sunny website. more Get the Fork Lauderdale App The Fork Lauderdale dining app is a great way to find out about the dining and nightlife in Fort Lauderdale. Use the app to find just the right restaurant with the atmosphere you want to fit your night out. Whether you want to find a romantic waterfront place or the newest trending place with a good bar scene, you'll find it on the app. Just turn the dial on the app to select the type of cuisine, the atmosphere, and the budget, and you'll get a list of options. You can also read reviews from other diners and get insider tips. Fort Lauderdale Food Tours Take part in a Taste of Las Olas Food Tour and taste your way through the city. You can get a tour of the area while you experience the local flavors. The tours take place every Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $79 for adults and $69 for kids if they want to eat. The tour is just a half a mile, and the participating restaurants feature a wide range of flavors. You'll visit small local eateries and gourmet restaurants while you learn about the history of the neighborhood and see local landmarks. Food Trucks Fort Lauderdale Follow the food trucks in Fort Lauderdale website to get some of the best local food around. These restaurants on wheels offer all kinds of cuisine from burgers to tacos and dessert. The Food Trucks Fort Lauderdale website keeps a calendar with the locations of all the food trucks and information about special events, so you don't miss a thing. Find out where your favorite truck is serving lunch and if they have anything special going on to make it even more fun. The calendar also has information about featured events such as the Pompano Pier Monthly Food Truck Round Up and the Food In Motion event at Peter Feldman Park. There are lots of ways to find out what is going on with the food scene in the Fort Lauderdale. Check out one of these events, or use an app to find just the right place for a special night out.