Holiday rentals in Fort Lauderdale

A glittering city studded with palm trees and lagoons, Fort Lauderdale stretches out beside the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the southeastern edge of Florida. It’s a city of waterways, with imposing waterside mansions and high-rises boasting commanding views of the coast. Glitzy marinas are home to the yachts of the rich and famous, as well as more modest craft in this, the yachting capital of the world. Port Everglades is the world’s third-largest cruise port, making Fort Lauderdale a gateway to the Caribbean and beyond.

Running alongside the beach, tree-lined Las Olas Boulevard is an eclectic mix of modern architecture, shopping, and dining. Visitors come here to sip coffee at pavement cafes and do some people-watching before taking a refreshing dip. Fort Lauderdale also has a fine selection of art galleries, museums, and entertainment venues, particularly around the downtown arts district. The NSU Art Museum has more than 6,000 artworks, and the Museum of Discovery and Science is packed with interactive displays.

Florida is famous for its sunshine, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception, with more than 3,000 hours of sunlight per year on average. The city is a popular winter destination, with the optimum time to visit for clear skies, sunshine, and lower humidity being from November through to early May. August can be uncomfortably hot and humid, with the highest temperatures and rainfall to be expected from May through October.

The biggest event of the year here is the largest on-water boat show in the world at Pier 66, but Fort Lauderdale is also known for its buzzing beach parties, including the vibrant Brazilian Festival at Pompano Beach in October and the Tortuga Music Festival in April. October is also a good time to book Fort Lauderdale holiday rentals if you’re interested in the Las Olas Art Fair, an opportunity to meet artists from all over and see their latest work.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

This lush 180-acre park is sandwiched between the coast and the Coral Ridge neighbourhood. You can picnic beneath the giant banyan trees, walk the nature trails, or go canoeing in the lagoons and canals. Stop by the Terramar Visitor Center to find out more about the park’s vital ecosystems. Also tucked away in the park is the pretty Bonnet House, given as a wedding gift by the park’s namesake to his daughter in 1919.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

This sandy, picturesque beach in downtown Fort Lauderdale has clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, with a boat ramp for non-motorized craft. Beach volleyball courts and grills are available, and there is a playground for little ones. When you’re ready to refuel, there are restaurants and bars just steps away. There is paid parking right beside the beach, but it can be difficult to find a spot, so you’ll want to arrive early or consider parking elsewhere.

Historic Stranahan House Museum

Stranahan House is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving building and is intimately connected to the city’s beginnings. It was built in 1901, when this was little more than a trading post, and lovingly restored as a museum in the 1980s. The luxurious gardens and deep verandas of the waterfront residence offer welcome shade from the Florida sun, and experienced tour guides have a wealth of stories to tell about the founding family.