Located in the southeast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is famed for its beaches and boats and is affectionately known as the ‘Venice of America’ due to its extensive canal network. Although generally a party city, with its many bars and clubs, Fort Lauderdale also boasts some natty cultural and historical highlights and also harbours many stunning natural areas.

The city of Fort Lauderdale itself is actually fairly small and unassuming; it is the town that has grown up around it - Greater Fort Lauderdale – that gives it its prowess. Stretching a fair way north and south, the city encompasses several miles of coastline and has many established beaches where activities and entertainment are aplenty.

Hollywood beach is the main attraction for many travellers to Fort Lauderdale, with its sandy beach, clear water, plethora of water sports, including waterskiing and snorkelling, and lengthy boardwalk. Another major highlight is the shopping and dining options of the place and just the laid back feel in general.

The Seminole Indians were here first and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum teaches visitors all about them, while the Billie Swamp Safari introduces visitors to the Indians’ way of life as well as the natural beauty of the area via airboats and buggies. Other highlights include glass-bottom boat tours of the coast, the nearby Everglades, which can be seen on Jungle Queen Riverboat Tours, and the Museum of Discovery and Science for the kids.

Apart from the beaches, Fort Lauderdale also offers sporty types dozens of golf courses, including one of the best in the country, some amazing fishing options and of course many parks where you can head with the family for some respite amid greenery.

As with anywhere else that has a tourist appeal in the US, hotel options in Fort Lauderdale are excellent and better priced than in nearby Miami and Palm Beach. A great range of mid-price motels as well as international chains can be had here. Despite the excellent choice, booking hotels ahead of time online, particularly if you plan to visit in winter, is a must.

Fort Lauderdale has its own airport, Hollywood International Airport, which is located right in the city and receives flights from all over the US and from some European cities. Transport options to the city and hotels are good and consist of buses, shuttles and taxis. Trains and buses also serve Fort Lauderdale and cars can be hired online and picked up at the airport.

Lying on Florida’s southeast coast, Fort Lauderdale boasts a tropical climate and some of America's best weather. The city sees lots of sun year round and has average temperatures for the year of around 25°C. August is the hottest and wettest month and also sees the occasional hurricane through to September, effectively turning the summer into a low season.

The best time to be in Fort Lauderdale is without doubt during the winter time, from December to February, when days are still warm (lows of 18°C) and nights pleasantly cool. Rainfall is also at a minimum in the winter. For cheaper hotels, head for Fort Lauderdale in June.