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There's so much to see and do in the Fort Lauderdale area. Whether you like the beach, want to try out new dining experiences, or just see the sites, you can find a unique way to do it. Here are some out-of-the-ordinary ways to tour Fort Lauderdale. The Intracoastal Water Taxi See the city from the water when you take a tour on the Intracoastal Water Taxi. The Fort Lauderdale route has many stops in and around the area and connects to Hollywood and the Margaritaville Express. Cruise in and out of the canals and see the islands and waterfront homes as you ride through some of the 330 miles of waterways. You might even see some dolphins who ventured into the intercoastal waters. The water taxis pick up passengers at the stops along the route every 30 minutes so make sure to be ready to hop aboard. more Fort Lauderdale Airboat Rides Kick up the adventure a little and take an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. This a great way for the whole family to experience the beautiful wetlands and the wildlife that lives there. See white-tailed deer, birds, and even some alligators as your captain drives the airboat over the waters. Choose a daytime tour or head out just before sunset and watch the sun go down. They will even take you out in the early morning so you can watch as the Everglades come to life. You can book a tour right from the Fort Lauderdale Air Boat Rides website, and the cost of the ride depends on the tour and how many passengers on the boat. Segway Fort Lauderdale Do you want to see the sites, but don't feel like walking? Join one of the Segway tours and cruise your way through the streets of Fort Lauderdale. The tours vary in length and start after you go through training. You can choose from several different tours depending on what you want to see. The Yacht & Mansion Tour goes through downtown Fort Lauderdale where you can see some of the huge celebrity mansions, or try the 17th Street Causeway Tour which is ten miles long and brings you to the top of the Causeway Bridge. Cycle Party Fort Lauderdale Turn your tour into a party, and maybe even get some exercise with a Cycle Party tour of Fort Lauderdale. The cycles have room for ten peddlers and five riders for a total of 15 passengers. They offer several different tours including a pub crawl tour, a foodie tour, and Sunday Funday which starts with mimosas and includes three of the best daytime stops in Fort Lauderdale. Book a tour for your group online and spend the day out pedaling your way around the fun city while seeing some local sites. Grab some friends and spend the day getting to know the Fort Lauderdale area on one of these fun and unusual ways to see the city. Whether you prefer spending your time land or you like the water, there is something for everyone.`

Ft. Lauderdale is well-known for its great weather, beautiful beaches, and interesting attractions. But did you know that it was also home to a handful of excellent diners? From South Florida icons to small neighborhood hideaways, here are six diners in Ft. Lauderdale whose food, service, and atmosphere are done just right. Lester's Diner Lester's Diner is a legendary eatery with four locations and 40 years of history in the South Florida area. Well known among locals, Lester's most popular orders include the Belgian waffles, "LEO" (lox, eggs, and onion), and famous 14-ounce coffee. Getting there: Lester's Diner has locations in Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Margate, and Sunrise. To reach the Ft. Lauderdale location, take I-595 to US-1 North or I-95 to FL-84 East. To reach more the Pompano Beach location, take I-95 to FL-814/Atlantic Blvd. To reach the Margate location, take I-95 to FL-814/West Atlantic Blvd or I-595 to Florida's Turnpike to FL-814/West Atlantic Blvd. To reach the Sunrise location, take I-595 to FL-84 West. Mom's Kitchen Mom's Kitchen is a small, family-style eatery with everything you'd expect from a neighborhood diner – delicious food, friendly locals, and friendlier service. The most popular dishes include the Crunchy French Toast, blueberry pancakes, biscuits and gravy, Super Farmer's Special, and Mom's Country Breakfast. Getting there: Mom's Kitchen is located in the Coral Ridge neighborhood and can be reached by taking I-95 to FL-870 East or US-1. 84 Diner Known as the largest diner in South Florida, 84 Diner blends traditional American breakfast choices with a range of Greek and Italian dishes. In addition to pancakes and French toast, other popular dishes include the jalapeño omelet, meatloaf, beef kabob, and gyro. Getting there: 84 Diner is located in Davie, Fla., and can be reached by taking I-595 to FL-84 West. Andrew's Diner Andrew's Diner is a much-loved eatery with 20 years of history in South Florida and an unshakeable reputation for excellent food. For those who love breakfast, the most popular dishes include eggs Benedict, pancakes, and biscuits.  For those who prefer lunch or dinner options, the most popular dishes include the turkey club and beef stew special. Getting there: Andrew's Diner is located in Wilton Manors, Fla., and can be reached by taking I-95 to FL-816 East. The Floridian The Floridian is a South Florida dining icon with hearty food, a lovable atmosphere, and a long list of celebrity patrons. Popular dishes include diner favorites like pancakes and French toast, as well as unique Floridian offerings like the buffalo burger, crab omelet, and smoked salmon Benedict. Getting there: The Floridian is located on the famed Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale and can be reached by taking I-95 to FL-842 East/West Broward Blvd. or by taking US-1 to Las Olas Blvd. Peter Pan Diner True to its name, Peter Pan Diner is magical for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. As one of the most popular restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, the diner offers a wide selection of favorites that include the Gyro Omelet and Feta Cheeseburger. Getting there: Peter Pan Diner is located in the Oakland Park neighborhood and can be reached by taking I-95 to FL-816 East. Whether you're in need of a delicious breakfast to start your day or a hearty dinner to close your evening, these six Ft. Lauderdale diners won't disappoint.

With plenty of waterways, nightlife, restaurants, and wildlife in Fort Lauderdale, it's not hard to find something unique to share with your Valentine's date. If you're tired of the same-old activities you repeat year after year, take a look at these four options that can help spark some ideas for a more inspiring Valentine's Day. Lovers Rock Affair Yes, a quiet dinner with relaxing piano music playing in the background is romantic, but for those who'd rather spice things up, there's the Lovers Rock Affair hosted by Chef TY Catering & Patisserie. After a successful first event in 2016, it's back a second time in 2017. more The event takes place from 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 to noon on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Fort Lauderdale Women's Club. Disc jockey Neil Diamond will have you rocking through the night into the wee hours of the morning. Admission is $100 for two and includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise What's more romantic than a gentle cruise aboard a stately riverboat? The Jungle Queen Riverboat will roll along Fort Lauderdale's rivers and canals, which are often dubbed the Venice of America. There are a few cruises to choose from. The Dinner and Show Cruise treats you to an all-you-can-eat dinner with live entertainment and a variety show. If you're a couple who loves nature and wildlife, opt for the Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise and Tropical Isle Tour. You'll get to explore the lush Tropical Isle, where you can watch an alligator show; see exotic birds, lemurs, and monkeys; and even hold a baby alligator. Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show If you're looking for a change to boring, run-of-the-mill dinner dates, add some Polynesian flair to your night out. At Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant, the music and dancing that epitomizes South Pacific culture come alive in spectacular fashion with brightly colored costumes, fire dancers, and spirited drumming. The entertainment is captivating – you'll find yourself engrossed in the story of the Hawaiian Wedding song, in which two young lovers are separated and then reunited in marriage. There are two shows every evening Monday through Friday and three on Saturdays, with dinner served before the show. Use this as an excuse to dress up, as no hats, T-shirts, tank tops, beach shorts, or flip-flops are allowed. Run the Fort Lauderdale A1A 5K Couples who run together have fun together. If you and your partner are always on the lookout for things that get you moving, then enter the Fort Lauderdale A1A 5K run, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 18. Last year, the 5K took place on Feb. 14 and was called the Valentine's 5K Race, and saw 800 runners pound the streets of Las Olas Boulevard. If a 5K is not challenging enough, there's also the 13.1-mile half marathon and 26.2-mile full marathon. If you'd rather get your heart pumping with a run instead of chocolates and roses, don't miss this one! Ban the boring Valentine's activities and find some exciting things to do with your loved one. If you're going to celebrate the day of love, make it a memorable one.

When you think of Fort Lauderdale, you likely think of warm sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and relaxing afternoons by the water. What better way to make that luxurious dream come true than by booking a stay at a spa resort while you're there. To help you have the most relaxing trip possible, here's a guide to the best spa resorts in Fort Lauderdale. more Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club If you're looking for a secluded getaway, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club is the place for you. It is snuggled into a beautiful 10-acre property in the Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. With a picturesque 500-foot private beach, this exclusive destination will have you forgetting the worries and troubles of home, work, school, and anything else that ails you. Lago Mar is an oasis with everything you could ever need, including six different bars and restaurants, swimming pools, four tennis courts, a putting course, shuffleboard, oversized outdoor chess, a playground for children, and access to Fort Lauderdale's myriad shopping, recreation, and entertainment locations. The Spa at Lago Mar offers facials, hand and feet exfoliation, body exfoliation, Swedish massage, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, and more. The Atlantic Hotel & Spa If you prefer to stay fit in between your relaxation sessions, stay at the Atlantic Hotel & Spa. Dedicated to personal health, it offers a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines, stride machines, free weights, and more. Yoga classes are available for hotel guests as well. After an endorphin-boosting workout in the fitness center, stop by Spa Atlantic where you can enjoy a wide variety of amenities. With seven private rooms including two rooms for couples, it can accommodate your entire party. Here you'll find sauna and steam rooms, a full service hair and nail salon, spray tanning, bridal packages, wellness membership programs, and customized spa treatments. You'll leave Spa Atlantic feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale The Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of luxury. As soon as you step inside, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning restaurant, Burlock Coast Seafare and Spirits. Step outside and enjoy the poolside café along with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The Ritz-Carlton's ocean-inspired spa treatments will leave you in a state of tranquility. Choose from lavish options, such as the cleansing ceremony, ocean sea salt glow, rebalancing citrus spring, sapphire seat treatment, intuitive ocean treatment, and seasonal specials. With in-room pampering and a world of adventure just outside, you'll never want to leave Fort Lauderdale. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort You can always count on the affordability and high quality of Hilton hotels. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers rooms and suites for any occasion. Additionally, Spa Q is a peaceful getaway with a luxurious setting and refreshing services. Enjoy indoor or outdoor treatments, including massages, skin care remedies, nail treatments, body exfoliation, and package deals to save you money while you're pampered in style. What are you waiting for? Come relax and unwind at one of Fort Lauderdale's heavenly spa resorts.

While Fort Lauderdale is best known as a summer destination, there is plenty to do in and around this gorgeous Florida city year round. Here is just a taste of all Fort Lauderdale has to offer in the offseason. more Pedal in Style Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a scenic bike tour of the historic Fort Lauderdale area. There are many companies that offer bike rental services, and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society offers one of the best tours you can sign up for. You can take a guided tour of the historic district, or arrange your own schedule and enjoy biking through smaller crowds in milder temperatures during the off season. Stop in the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Replica to see what life was like for early Florida settlers, or view the remnants of the three forts for which Fort Lauderdale was named along the New River. With so much history packed in a few square miles, Fort Lauderdale is a history buff's dream destination. Party Responsibly Located a few miles north of Fort Lauderdale, you'll find the deceptively quiet town of Coral Springs. During the day, this town is suburbia at its best, but come back and visit when the sun goes down and you'll see why many consider Coral Springs one of the best locations for Florida night life. The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar should be stop number one on your list. You can enjoy one of over 40 unique brews at this upscale bar and lounge. Amble down to The Walk of Coral Springs on University Drive afterward. The Walk is an outdoor promenade with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues at your fingertips. You can finish up your night with a late-night snack at Cherry Smash, a 1920s-inspired ice cream parlor specializing in classic combinations like banana split sundaes and floats. Cherry Smash is open until 11 p.m. on weekends and is sure to charm you with its quirky interior and unique menu options. Experience Butterfly World About 15 miles north of Fort Lauderdale you'll find Coconut Creek, a small Florida town whose claim to fame is Butterfly World, the world's largest butterfly park with over 20,000 live butterflies, set amid a stunning botanical backdrop. The park is also home to hummingbirds, lorikeets, and other bird species native to Florida. Butterfly World began as a hobby for the founder and owner, Ronald Boender, but quickly became an international destination and world-class migratory research center. Butterfly World is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are a bit pricey but worth the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ticket sales help support Boender's efforts to protect endangered butterfly species around the world and to further research on many migratory species at the University of Florida laboratory founded in his name. No matter what winter activities you choose to enjoy, the southern charm, ideal size, and proximity to other Florida jewels makes Fort Lauderdale the perfect winter retreat.

If you want a beautiful place to spend the holidays without the snow and cold, then South Florida is the ideal location for you. You can still celebrate the season and get in the proper spirit by checking out some truly spectacular holiday light displays. more Pompano Beach The Holiday Fantasy of Lights returns to Coconut Creek for 2016. Located at Tradewinds Park, 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek ( Map), this holiday event is scheduled for Friday, November 18, through Monday, January 2, 2017. This spectacular holiday celebration is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The events include Drive-Thru the Lights from November 18th through January 2nd, a 5K Run & Fitness Walk ($50 runners, $25 walkers) on November 12th, and Family Bike Night ($8 per person) on November 13th. Admission is $15 per car, $40 for a bus, with a 3D experience for $3 that includes three pairs of custom holiday 3D glasses with which to enjoy this drive-thru holiday lighting event. This is the 22nd year for this local tradition. The display includes three miles of animated large holiday displays with illuminated trees. Crowds are expected at capacity with a total of more than 150,000 visitors. Bring your family to see this exciting blend of the past with the present, plus new creations to help you create the Christmas spirit with your loved ones. Santa's Enchanted Forest Located at 7900 Bird Road, Miami, Fla., (305-893-0090) Santa's Enchanted Forest is considered the World's Largest Christmas Theme Park. This holiday spectacular includes a free carnival with the admission price. The centerpiece of the park is a 92-foot tall Christmas tree. The park features a petting zoo, 100-plus rides, and shows. There are also pony rides, and you can visit the workshop to see Santa. There are over 3 million lights in the trees above, twinkling over all the holiday sounds and sights you'll see. This park sets the right mood for festive holiday fun. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade The Winterfest Boat Parade started in 1971 and has become so popular that more than a million people line up to watch it every year.  Located on the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale, this holiday celebration, to be held this year on Dec. 10, consists of a parade of boats and yachts that are festively decorated. The boats' owners dedicate months of their time to getting everything perfect for this event in order to please and amaze the huge crowds that attend. Contact information: 512 Northeast 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 954-767-0686, www.winterfestparade.com. Zoo Lights This holiday event happens at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, Fla. 305-251-0400, www.miamimetrozoo.com. Zoo Miami also has special holiday events at night for the holiday season. The zoo will be decorated with bright animal-shaped lights. You can look forward to having some hot chocolate, getting free 3D glasses and hearing holiday songs.

Fall in Florida is what locals live for. The temps have cooled off, the school-aged tourist crowd has gone home, while the snowbirds have yet to arrive. It's the ideal time to get out and enjoy some fun. While the Sunshine State might be missing the fall strolls through chilly apple orchards, what it does have makes up for it, like wearing Halloween costumes without a heavy coat. But there's a lot more to Florida falls than that. Check out these ideas for things to do in Fort Lauderdale: more Catch an Event Ft. Lauderdale hosts a number of events in October including its Pride Festival, the Los Olas Art Fair, and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is held in the beginning of November and it's a must-see. Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Yachting Capital of the World" and this event has been held every year for over half a century. The admission is almost as steep as the yachts at $28 per day for adults. There are multi-day passes available. Stroll Los Olas Boulevard As the temps dip into the low 80s and the humidity declines, people enjoy strolling along Los Olas Boulevard, which is home to plenty of dining and shopping amidst its old-world charm of Mediterranean-inspired architecture. For something different, take a food and cruise tour. Enjoy the local history on foot, taking some time to sample food from several restaurants along the New River, and then drink mojitos from the deck of the boat as you drift past Millionaire's Row and wonder what it's like to live among those beautiful properties. Visit the Everglades Fall is also the ideal time to visit the Everglades because the temps begin to drop. If you're there to see alligators, in fall you'll see more basking on the sunny banks instead of taking to the waters. For more fun, catch an air boat tour over the "River of Grass" and watch a gator show. In addition to alligators, you may see turtles, manatees, snakes, raccoons, and a number of beautiful birds including the majestic bald eagle. You can also try the nighttime gator tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Catch a Taxi Nowhere else on the globe is catching a taxi more enjoyable than boarding one of Fort Lauderdale's water taxis. Cruise by expensive homes and hop on and off at 20 points of interest around the city. If you're looking for something a little more private, try one of Fort Lauderdale's romantic gondolas. Nicknamed "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale's many canals make it an enjoyable way to explore this beautiful city. Fall is a spectacular time to visit Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the outdoors. The crowds are smaller and the humidity is more bearable. You'll also find the temperature delightful. Even though hurricane season extends through the end of November, most of the activity in the late fall is on the Gulf side of Florida so your chances for running into a big storm are reduced but it's something to keep in mind when planning.

Tourists are important to a city's economy. However, when you're trying to enjoy a nice day out with your friends and family, you may not want to be surrounded by a bunch of out-of-towners with their cameras pointed here and there. Instead, you may want to go somewhere only the locals know about and enjoy a simple, quiet excursion without all the crowds. Here are four tourist-free locations in Fort Lauderdale that you'll love. more Hut Lounge Most tourists aren't yet awake and buzzing around town before 10 a.m., so this is one of the best times to go out and enjoy Ft. Lauderdale without the commotion of hundreds of visiting looky-loos. Head on over to the Hut Lounge, which opens at 7 a.m. Located at 1021 Seminole Drive, the Hut Lounge is easy to miss, which keeps the tourists at bay. Just look for the small sign that simply reads "HUT," and you'll find amazing drinks, arcade games, pool, and a wealth of knick-knacks collected from the owner's travels adorning the walls. Kim's Alley Bar The best places to hide from tourists are the places no tourist would ever think to look. Kim's Alley Bar is just such a place, tucked safely away in Gateway Shopping Plaza at 1920 E. Sunrise Boulevard. Founded more than sixty years ago, Kim's is a place only the locals frequent. Step inside for inexpensive drinks, great music, pool tables, and fun company. Pirate Republic Seafood Grill & Bar What's better than dinner and a show? At the Pirate Republic Seafood Grill and Bar, you'll get an amazing, low-key atmosphere and great food. As a special treat, stop by on a Sunday, and you'll get to indulge in the Caribbean Poolside all-you-can-eat barbecue and live music. The Pirate Republic Seafood Grill and Bar is smartly situated on the New River, which offers gorgeous views and a natural barrier between you and the tourists who flock to the riverwalk across the way. Village Well Love happy hour but hate having to squeeze all the fun into a short amount of time? Then head on over to the Village Well, where happy hour lasts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every single day. No need to worry about missing your window of happiness when you get eight hours of cheap drinks and great bar food. Come during the day and get some work done with the free Wi-Fi or stop by in the evening to watch the game on several big screen TVs. If you're feeling brave, come on a Sunday when liquid courage turns into an unbelievable night of karaoke. Don't worry — hidden at 1023 SE 17 th Street Causeway, the Village Well is unknown to tourists and spring breakers. Ft. Lauderdale is a haven for spring breakers, tourists, and inland Floridians. Don't let rowdy tourists ruin your good times, though. Appreciate everything your lovely city has to offer and check out these amazing local gems. You'll get to meet new locals and forget about the visitors for a while.