Cheap Flights to Ft. Lauderdale  

Often called the “poor man’s Miami”, Ft. Lauderdale actually has a lot going for it. The city’s revitalized downtown entertainment area is one of the most dynamic in Florida and its Riverwalk District along the New River introduces visitors to the Ft. Lauderdale of long ago – one where early settlers were massacred by the local native tribes. The ghosts of those early settlers can still be spotted when you take a haunted walk – one of the most popular night time activities in Ft. Lauderdale. The beaches of Ft. Lauderdale rank right up there with anything neighboring Miami has to offer and the outlet shopping here offers visitors a lot of high-end savings. One thing a lot of people don’t know about Ft. Lauderdale is that some of the best deep sea diving takes place right off its shores.  Ft. Lauderdale is home to an annual boat show, the biggest in the world. There’s lots of boating activities for the whole family. Airboat tours into the nearby everglades where you come face-to-face with alligators and other swamp life is another popular activity in Ft. Lauderdale.

Best time to visit: Spring, fall and winter.

Getting around: Most people pick up rental cars when they arrive. Water taxis make getting around the network of canals very easy. The water taxi captains are a great source of area history and gossip.

Our favorite hotel: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle) – This Fairmont beauty offers two great golf courses and a pool that ranks among our favorites in the world. The staff here is welcoming and very accommodating. Families really enjoy the suite-style accommodation.

Our favorite restaurant: Canyon Southwest Café,  1818 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.  The curious and adventurous are likely to be found in this restaurant, where the exotic food goes well with margaritas or other mixed drinks, most of which feature a variety of specialty tequilas. Fare includes modern Southwestern dishes that incorporate the exotic influences of Asian, Central American and South American cookery, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.