Attractions along the canals
We explore Fort Lauderdale Florida sights aboard the Jungle Queen IV. My head is slowly spinning: "Nick Nolte lives in this villa and Al Pacino shot one of his blockbusters in that one". It goes on like this or something like that while we leisurely board the sternwheeler jungle Queen through the channels of Fort Lauderdale slide. At first we thought about exploring the waters in and around Fort Lauderdale with a water taxi. Then we decided on the tour with the riverboat. We wanted to know something more about what we see on the way. That offered us the three-hour tour by boat through the canals of Fort Lauderdale. With the water taxi we would have passed by without knowing more about it. We wanted to know what and who is hiding behind the facades of the millionaire villas lining the waterways in the Venice of America.
Although raindrops fall shortly before departure, we stay on board. I'm actually very happy that the sun is not shining as intensely from the sky today as it has been in recent days. As a new arrival from wintry Germany, the sun quickly wins its battle here. We are red like now grilled Chicken. A few clouds in the sky are just right.
The mansions of Fort Lauderdale
Anyone who lives behind the facades can be proud of. Numbers are buzzing past us telling about villas for $ 28 million or yachts that are worth several million dollars alone. Hollywood giants as well as the CEOs of international corporations are among the residents of these magnificent buildings. They have a good time and no one is afraid to show their wealth to the outside world: when we drive past a particularly large house, one of our fellow passengers asks: "Who lives there?" The answer comes promptly: "The chairman of the board large international corporation with his wife. "And again the question arises:" Only two people? Why do they need this huge house? ”The answer was typical:“ Well, because they can afford it. ”Stupid question: why else should a couple buy a 32-room house, right? In Fort Lauderdale there is no mess, there is a lot of stuff.
The yachts in Fort Lauderdale canals
Again and again we pass the driveways to canals that branch off from the main channel that leads west towards the Everglades. And everyone is lined with rows of yachts and superyachts lying left and right on the shore in front of the villas. If a boat owner wants to leave his pier, he must cautiously squeeze past the other impressive yachts until he reaches the wider waters of the main channel, which either leads to the sea or downtown Fort Lauderdale. And yeah, yachts are more important in these parts of Fort Lauderdale than a car - they are often the fastest way to get to the city center and shopping centers. If you live here, go shopping with your own boat or your own yacht, and it is not uncommon that the boat is used for the daily trip to the bakery or the weekly visit to the hairdresser.
There are "bargains" on the canals
Nevertheless, there is always a “for sale” sign in between, which indicates that the economic crisis of recent years has not passed unnoticed by these circles in American society. However, the winners of the real estate crisis also live in these parts of Fort Lauderdales. Our guide shows us a villa that still looks very new - and it is, as he explains to us shortly afterwards: “It belongs to a lawyer who specializes in foreclosures. And he extends his house every week and month or buys neighboring properties. ”Is he popular with his neighbors? Our guide is discreetly silent and goes on to another topic.
A tip: you can use the channels of Fort Lauderdale also explore on a SUP tour, How much fun that is, says Olivia in her blog.
When we returned from the tangle of canals from Fort Lauderdale to the harbor area, the sun came out on time and let the magnificent villas shine in the evening light, as if to say: “Look, there are still Americans who are so stately Residences. "
That has to be in the suitcase for a trip to Fort Lauderdale
- Comfortable Shoes, because Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area offer hiking opportunities
- A backpack, in which you have utensils and a Jacket for a day
- If you are planning a hike, you can go to our hiking checklist check what things need to be in the suitcase.
- A Camera* for the numerous photo motifs that the Usedom sights and imperial baths offer. We recommend that Nikon D3500 *because it gives good photos and is light. You can also instantly deliver your photos to your mobile phone via SnapBridge and share them with your friends.
- You need one for the beach swimsuit or swimming trunks*. Use our Packing list beach vacation. Then you won't forget anything for your beach holiday. .
- Also ours packing list for the vacation is helpful so that you don't forget anything.
The gardens at Bonnet House
As far as the eye can see, orchids await us in the gardens at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale. And not only the. Also interesting is the history of its inhabitants. Helen Clay Bartlett was responsible for the gardens that hide behind the fence of the Bonnet House. She created a paradise for her family. Their successors extended this and brought together a breathtaking collection of art, kitsch and clutter. This fits wonderfully into the gardens and courtyards of the house.
Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale
900 N Birch Rd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
The Gulfstream Mall & Race Track
I think it can only happen in Florida. A combination of shopping mall and racecourse. If you go shopping in the Gulfstream Mall, you can join in a horseback race during a shopping break. Directly to the shopping paradise is followed by a racecourse. Over lunch in one of the sidewalk cafes and restaurants in the mall, you can see the horses showing the jockeys before the race. Maybe you feel like watching one of the races yourself. An exceptional experience is the mall in any case.
Gulfstream Mall & Race Track near Fort Lauderdale
901 S Federal Hwy
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Fort Lauderdale in the rain: in the Festival Flea Market
It also rains in Florida from time to time. When that happens, water masses often patter from the sky, as we seldom see them in Europe. Then it is good to spend a few hours in a sheltered environment. Especially exciting is a visit to the Festival Flea Market. There you can stroll for hours through the huge halls in search of vintage Souvenirsthat remind you of Florida at home. We spent the only rainy day of our Florida trip there. We have seen only a small part of the antiques and old utensils that the dealers offer. The Festival Flea Market is not just a way to weather a rainy day. He also provides great insights into the lives of Americans.
The Festival Flea Market near Fort Lauderdale
2900 West Sample Road
Pompano Beach
Florida 33073
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you will find information and a selection in these booking options.
- Check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- There are many campsites in and around Fort Lauderdale. For example, one is Easterlin Park, 1000 NW 38th St, Oakland Park, FL 33309, United States
Are you looking for ideas to continue your trip through Louisiana? Wanderu poses the best travel destinations in Louisiana .
Travel Arrangements
Excursions and tours
Excursions and Tours in and around Fort Lauderdale * get your guide
Travel guide for Florida
Hotels in Fort Lauderdale
Accommodation in Fort Lauderdale * you can book here. We have stayed in these hotels. Or choose a hotel on the map:
Do you already know:
- Two hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Which rain jacket is the best?
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers
- Finance Holiday - Travel Blogger Tips
Source Fort Lauderdale Attractions: On-site research supported by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Travel Tips for Slow Travelers can be found here.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
