Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.

This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana.

Day at sea

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travelers. Whether you are interested in history, culture, art, or nature, San Juan has something for you. Here are some of the things you can do in San Juan:

• Visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. These are two historic forts that are part of the San Juan National Historic Site. They were built by the Spanish to protect the city from attacks by sea and land. You can tour the forts and see the walls, cannons, dungeons, and garitas (sentry boxes) that reflect the colonial era. You can also enjoy the views of the ocean and the city from the forts.
• Explore the Old San Juan. This is the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has many colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and monuments that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You can visit landmarks such as the San Juan Cathedral, the Capilla del Cristo, and the La Fortaleza (the governor's mansion). You can also shop and dine at Calle del Cristo and Calle Fortaleza, which are lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
• Enjoy the beaches and water activities. San Juan has many beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, or sunbathe. Some of the most popular beaches are Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, , and Escambron Beach. You can also try some of the water sports and activities that are available, such as snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, or sailing. You can also take a boat tour or a cruise to see the nearby islands, such as Culebra and Vieques.
• Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This is one of the most important and renowned art museums in Puerto Rico. It has a collection of over 1,100 works of art, ranging from the 17th century to the present day. You can admire the paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints by Puerto Rican artists such as José Campeche, Francisco Oller, and Rafael Tufiño. You can also enjoy the special exhibitions and programs that the museum offers.
• Experience the culture and nightlife of the city. San Juan has a vibrant and diverse culture that reflects its rich history and heritage. You can listen to live music, watch shows, or dance at venues such as La Factoría, La Respuesta, and El Batey. You can also sample the cuisine from different regions and countries, such as Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy, and more. You can also join the festivals and events that celebrate Puerto Rican holidays, such as Three Kings Day and San Sebastian Street Festival.

Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors; blue waters peppered with sailboats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for post-card perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St. Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes, and coconut patties. St. Thomas may technically be part of the U.S., but with its colorful markets, unspoiled beaches, and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.

Day at sea

Day at sea

Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fort Lauderdale:

• You can experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Fort Lauderdale is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway to the New River. You can swim, surf, fish, boat, or kayak in the crystal-clear water and see the marine life and coral reefs. You can also explore the Everglades, a vast wetland that is home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
• You can discover the history and culture of the city. Fort Lauderdale has a rich and varied heritage, from the Native Americans to the Spanish explorers to the pioneers. You can visit the historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the past, such as the Stranahan House, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a former plantation that showcases the art and lifestyle of the 20th century. You can also enjoy the art and entertainment that the city offers, such as the Norton Museum of Art, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in Florida, or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets.
• You can have fun and excitement in the city. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. You can shop and dine at CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment complex that has over 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also party and dance at Las Olas Boulevard, a trendy street that is lined with boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that the city hosts throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world, or the Winterfest Boat Parade, a spectacular display of decorated boats on the water.