Fort LauderdaleUnited States of America

Fort Lauderdale is at the heart of South Florida’s Gold Coast, known for sunshine, golden beaches and watersports. With Latino-influence Miami to the south and posh Boca Raton to the north, Fort Lauderdale is a laid-back and central location along a 23-mile (37-kilometer) strip of beautiful beaches. The 300 miles (480 kilometers) of inland canals and waterways, towering luxury high-rise architecture and 100-year-old history all add to the city's immense appeal.

With tropical summers and relatively mild winters, Fort Lauderdale offers year-round activities. Remember to enjoy what Fort Lauderdale is famous for, its beaches. Relax at the uncrowded Dania Beach, dine in style at Fort Lauderdale Beach, or head to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, a cute village by the ocean. Further north you will find a string of beaches and seaside communities, including Jupiter Beach and Palm Beach.

The palm-fringed beaches attract sun seekers and are a hub for outdoor fun, from rollerblading to surfing. Las Olas Boulevard has many of the area’s best restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques. Close by, Riverwalk’s pink-paved sidewalk takes you past luxury yachts and cruise boats to the prestigious Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale ranges from the upscale, air-conditioned comfort of the Galleria Mall to the eclectic Festival Flea Market Mall. Explore the Swap Shop, another emporium for bargain hunting, which hosts drive-in movies after dark.

Fort Lauderdale is also home to a handful of top museums and gardens. The Museum of Discovery and Science is great for families, with plenty of hands-on exhibits, animals and an IMAX theater.

Don’t miss the Flamingo Gardens, one of the longest established botanical gardens in South Florida. It features the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the most comprehensive collection of Florida's native wildlife in the state. Another family favorite is Butterfly World where you can walk among more than 80 species of butterflies in superb tropical rainforest gardens.