Many vacationers think that “Fort Lauderdale” is synonymous with “oceanside getaway.” But did you know that Ft. Lauderdale, FL has been called the “Venice of America”? While most people know this sun-filled destination for its sandy beaches and oceanside fun, this Florida city has more than 300 miles of inland navigable waterways for its locals and visitors to enjoy.
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale’s inland waterways are part of the great Intercoastal Waterway. While heading down the canals, you can enjoy all the sights that Ft. Lauderdale has to offer, including historic mangroves, million-dollar (plus) mansions, extravagant yachts, and waterfront hotels and restaurants.
So while you may spend a lot of your time on the beach (and understandably so), be sure to give the waterways a chance. We think one of the best ways to enjoy these FL waterways is by boat rental Fort Lauderdale. Cruising in your own deck boat, you can take in the sights on your time table, dock your boat and dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and even float right up to your hotel for quick and easy access. Whether you come to Ft. Lauderdale on your own or with friends and family, you can find boat rentals Fort Lauderdale to fit your needs.
A few waterfront restaurants you may want to investigate include:
- Aruba Beach Cafe – known for its great seafood and steaks, this restaurant has live music daily. Plus, it’s moderately priced so you don’t drain your wallet.
- Grill 66 at Pier 66 – if you want a classic meal of prime, dry-aged steak paired with a breathtaking waterfront view, then this restaurant is your destination. You can plan on paying about $35 per person for dinner.
- Trina – for an upscale, AAA dining experience, Trina offers top-shelf Mediterranean cuisine and wide-open ocean views. While you may pay $30-$50 per person, the ambience and experience is worth the price, especially if you and your significant other are looking for a special night out.
Another way to enjoy the both waterways and wide-open Atlantic Ocean is by jet ski rental Fort Lauderdale or by a Florida jet ski tour. Most jet skis fit up to three people, so you and a friend (or maybe your kids) can check out Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and canals together. The jet ski tours show you the best of the waterways, pointing out the sights and giving you some background on this sunny, sea-side city.
Because Ft. Lauderdale is known as a multi-billion dollar marine city, it is home to many celebrity, upscale yachts, seemingly bigger than most suburban houses! You can see these mega-yachts for yourself along this Florida waterway and along ritzy waterfront hotels and restaurants. Plus, even though less likely, you may even catch a glimpse of the celebrities themselves basking in the FL sun.
So while you may come to Fort Lauderdale for the ocean fun and to soak up sun on the beach, don’t forget to experience this Florida getaway from the inside out by exploring its miles of inland waterways.