Greater Fort Lauderdale Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
Hospitality is the catch phrase for this Florida destination.
BLUE WATER. GOLDEN SAND. Greater Fort Lauderdale conjures up a vision of an oceanside playground.
But there’s so much more to talk about. With 24 miles of beaches and 31 neighborhoods, the Greater Fort Lauderdale destination promises a wealth of unexpected possibilities for a relaxing luxe vacation or a warmweather virtual working jaunt.
Greater Fort Lauderdale proudly proclaims that it welcomes “Everyone Under the Sun,” and that means it’s time to leave old images behind, notes Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale’s president and CEO, who spearheaded that promotional campaign to highlight diversity and accessibility. “We want to show who we are as a community and how special this destination is in every full and surprising way. Beyond the sun-soaked beaches, we aim to showcase the vibrant tapestry of cultures, rich with inclusive communities, thriving arts and culture experiences, and a diverse range of things to do. Visitors can discover a unique blend of sophistication and warmth.”
Indeed, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s attractions offer opportunities to enjoy not only its open-armed hospitality, but also the place’s affinity for upscale dining, shopping, and some extremely elevated pursuits befitting of the “Yachting Capital of the World.”
The reason for that nickname? The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place October 30 to November 3 this year. Attendees will find the largest in-water exhibition of its kind, with 1,300 vessels on display in seven locations and 1,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. Set against the backdrop of Florida’s aquamarine waters, the show is an irresistible invitation to an elegant seagoing lifestyle.
Why wait for the fall to enjoy some time on the water? "There are more than 300 miles of navigable waterways here," notes Ritter. Throughout the year, boat rentals and charters are available for overnights at sea, day sails to a pristine beach, or a romantic sunset cruise. You can also try flyboarding, an adrenaline-pumping adventure that has you soaring over your own yacht or charter boat. Want to get into the water instead of above it? Sign up for a private dive or snorkel excursion to explore the wonders of the marine world.
There is a myriad of ways for visitors to sample elite adventures and attractions on land. Feel like a celebrity as you snag premium seats for a high-energy concert or an NHL Florida Panthers game at the Amerant Bank Arena or enjoy the cultural offerings—from symphonies to musical theater to jazz and singing legends—at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Pleasant surprises can be found at the many refined boutique hotels, five-star accommodations, and expansive resorts throughout the area. The first of these is The Ritz-carlton, Fort Lauderdale, whose style hearkens back to classic ocean liners and which offers breathtaking views over both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway. The W Fort Lauderdale’s ultra-modern decor, including the glass-bottom pool, is a known spot for gatherings. The Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa’s expansive location right on the beach is perfect for sunrise viewing, snorkeling, kayaking, and poolside activities.
The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, with five dining options, also has extensive meeting room and event space. You'll find gourmet kitchens in the all-suite accommodations. Classic Florida style distinguishes the Pelican Grand Beach
Resort, also situated directly on the beach, bringing tropical breezes to guests enjoying Fort Lauderdale sunsets on the Atlantic. The newest luxe hotel joining this area is the Four Seasons, reflecting a yacht-club lifestyle and catering to guests with the service and sophistication the brand is known for.
In Deerfield Beach, the Royal Blues Hotel is the only Relais & Châteaux property in the state. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, with its guitar-shaped hotel visibly illuminating the evening skyline, is an exciting choice for gaming; night clubs; comedy, music, and sports live performances along with luxurious guest rooms and unique swim-up suites. Concerts here include names you’ll want to see.
Greater Fort Lauderdale also offers opportunities to pursue epicurean delights. Ritter points to the area’s “eclectic culinary scene, which is influenced by global flavors and the cultural festivals celebrating traditions from around the world.”
Given the ocean’s proximity, it’s hardly a surprise that there are venues for dining barefoot on the beach, sampling caviar while cruising, or sipping sake at sushi bars. Classic local restaurants like Casa D’angelo serve Italian dishes in a romantic white-tablecloth setting, while Mastro’s Ocean Club has a stylish steak-and-seafood menu. Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale is an updated steakhouse with ocean views and an exotic atmosphere. DUNE by Laurent Tourondel features creative American cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef.
Don’t miss the chance to savor spectacular views as you sip cocktails before or after dinner. Sparrow, the 25th-floor rooftop bar at the Dalmar Hotel, provides colorful libations and a sweeping panorama, as does Rooftop@1wlo on lively Las Olas Boulevard.
Pampering should be on your agenda. There are beachfront spas, cryo spas, and Ayurvedic well-being centers. The Ritzcarlton,
Fort Lauderdale’s day spa includes a long menu of Florida-centric services, from massages and facials to hot-stone treatments. The EVARA Beach Spa in the Auberge Beach Residences incorporates natural ingredients like sea, salt, and sand into its rituals.
Let’s not forget the fashionistas, who will find some 350 shops to tempt them at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, with labels like Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, and Prada.
Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to mix business with enjoyment of this warm-weather destination with cooling ocean breezes. Whether your meeting encompasses a large-scale convention or is an intimate gathering of executives, there’s a venue that will fit your needs. The convention center is nearing completion of a $1.3 billion expansion, adding a new exhibit space, a waterfront ballroom, original dining spots, a waterfront plaza, and, by the end of 2025, an 801-room Omni hotel right on the Intracoastal Waterway.
All in all, says Ritter, “Greater
Fort Lauderdale offers an array of experiences that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.”