If you want to see romantic canals with gondola rides and a serene, watery way of traveling from one place to another, you may think you need to go to Europe, or, specifically, to Venice. In fact, there's a city in Florida that has so many canals it's called "the Venice of America."
Why Ft. Lauderdale is Called the Venice of America: Ft. Lauderdale is located about 25 miles north of Miami on both the Atlantic coast and on the Intracoastal Waterway, which means it's in the middle of a winding hub of long canals that one can explore in a variety of ways.
Water Taxis: In Ft. Lauderdale, the water taxi is arguably more than just transportation. A crew typically provides a narrated experience of the city's history and information about the many mansions that line the waterways. The crew can also educate riders on attractions. There are usually 15 stops, and a day pass is available for $35.
The Gondola Rides: There are a couple of different companies that offer gondola rides in Ft. Lauderdale, but they are sometimes romanced-themed, and you can pair the ride with a tour, as well as food and drink. Guides are usually well-versed in the history of and interesting facts about the city.
Pirate Cruises: If you're traveling with kids, you may want to choose a family-friendly water activity. Bluefoot Pirate Adventures offers a one-hour pirate-themed cruise at sunset.
Paddling in 2 State Parks: If you'd like to travel on the water under your own power, there are two state parks in Ft. Lauderdale that allow for paddle boarding and kayaking.
The first is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which is known as Ft. Lauderdale's "Central Park." In addition to paddling and kayaking, this park has access to a beach, and one can also enjoy running, skating, and bicycling trails. Admission is $6 per vehicle, and the address is 3109 E. Sunrise Boulevard in
Fort Lauderdale.
The second state park option is Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, which is good for paddling, swimming, and boating since it has two boat ramps. This park is also a nice place to kayak, as it is on a mangrove-lined waterway. Admission here is also $6 per vehicle. The address is 6503 N. Ocean Drive
in Dania Beach.
Most Popular Activities in Ft. Lauderdale: It's not surprising that many of Ft. Lauderdale's most popular activities include the water. According to TripAdvisor, the 3 most popular activities in Ft. Lauderdale are Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, (a trendy shopping and restaurant district that extends from US-1 east to the Atlantic Ocean), and Los Olas Beach.
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