What’s new in Greater Fort Lauderdale?

Posted by Melissa Cullen on 14 February 2023

Port Everglades 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.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Credit: Visit LauderdaleThe destination, which is just 30 miles from Miami International Airport, served from the UK by direct flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, boasts an average year-round temperature of 25C and has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine.

ACCOMMODATION
A raft of new hotels has opened in Greater Fort Lauderdale in recent years with 10 in 2021 alone. The trend is set to continue in 2023 with five new openings, starting with the 120-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Northwest in Tamarac, slated to open in March 2023.

In April 2023, both the Wyndham Dolce Hotels & Resorts Hollywood (100 rooms) and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale (110 rooms) are set to welcome guests.

Following in May 2023 is the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale with 150 rooms and October sees the design-led brand Aloft Hotels open a 14-storey Fort Lauderdale property with 138 rooms.

Takato restaurant 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.

Woman paddle boarding Credit: Visit Lauderdale

Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show are planning to reopen its doors in late Spring 2023. The landmark restaurant is currently undergoing renovations.

Preparing for opening in 2023 is the three-story Victory Entertainment Complex in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk neighbourhood. The exciting development will include a distillery, cigar bar, wine and whiskey lounge and rooftop area.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center is hosting major events following its recent expansion. The event complex features 800,000 square feet of total space, a 350,000-square-foot exhibition hall, water taxi access and more. Completion of the US$1.3 billion expansion is set for 2025 and will include waterfront ballrooms, a five-acre outdoor waterfront plaza and an 800-room, Omni hotel.

For more information go to www.visitlauderdale.com