What’s new in Greater Fort Lauderdale?

Credit: Visit Lauderdale With a laid-back, welcoming feel, a buzzing restaurant scene, and miles upon miles of unspoilt golden beaches and waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect Florida holiday hotspot.

Made up of 31 neighbourhoods, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy, from the area’s thriving arts district, shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, fishing and diving spots galore, to the glitzy marinas lined with superyachts and the luxurious five-star hotels.

For 2023, the region is welcoming new attractions and transport links, seeing a raft of hotel and restaurant openings as well as old favourites re-opening their doors, following refurbishments.

Known as the ‘Venice of America’ visitors can explore some of the 300 miles of inland waterways by boat or the more adventurous can take to a paddleboard or kayak as they explore beyond the beaches.

Credit: Visit Lauderdale

ACTIVITIES
Following its grand opening just last month (January 2023), visitors can experience a ‘Top of the Tower’ tour with scenic views of the waterways at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and International Swimming Hall of Fame. The US$47 million renovation and expansion features five swimming pools, a 27-metre dive tower with springboards, nine platform levels and more.

With waterways aplenty in Fort Lauderdale, visitors can join the all-new paddleboard or kayak tour of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Organised by Sunrise Paddleboards, the excursion includes a paddle from Coconut Cove and a walk through the grounds of the historical 100-year-old plantation that is home to raccoons, wild monkeys, turtles, manatees, herons and more.

Craft Food Tours invites culinary explorers and cocktail connoisseurs to join them for a new tour in Fort Lauderdale’s North Beach Village. Taking place on Saturdays, visitors will taste delights offered at Lona Cocina & Tequileria, Takato, Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery and Archibald’s.