Florida is a fantastic place to vacation, despite its reputation for bizarre headlines. The “Sunshine State” offers stunning beaches and affordability that outweigh any oddities. While Orlando and Miami are the most popular destinations, there are many other incredible beach towns along Florida’s beautiful coastlines. One such overlooked gem is Fort Lauderdale, often seen as a gateway to Miami but deserving of its own spotlight.
Fort Lauderdale, known as the “Venice of America,” boasts 300 miles of scenic canals winding through mansions, mangroves, and the downtown skyline. It’s a great alternative to Miami, especially since Miami has become less welcoming to Spring Breakers. Fort Lauderdale, on the other hand, embraces visitors looking to have a good time. Just 30 minutes north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers less crowded, equally beautiful, and more affordable vacation options.
The city’s picturesque beaches, affordable accommodations, and year-round sunshine make it an ideal vacation spot. Even during the summer, when many beach destinations hike their prices, Fort Lauderdale remains affordable. For example, the beachfront Ritz Carlton offers summer rates below $400 per night, and other upscale hotels like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, W Fort Lauderdale, and The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offer rates ranging from $164 to $218 per night.
Fort Lauderdale’s 300 miles of scenic canals provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from lounging on the beach to boating or kayaking. For a unique experience, visitors can enjoy gondola rides in the Riverfront area of downtown, with Riverfront Gondola Tours boasting a near-perfect rating on Google.
In addition to affordable hotels, Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of cheap flight options. Spirit Airlines, based in Fort Lauderdale, provides numerous connecting flights across the country. Other budget airlines like Frontier, JetBlue, Allegiant, Sun Country, and Avelo also fly here. With recent policy changes from Frontier and Spirit eliminating change and cancellation fees, planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale has become even more convenient and worry-free.