Fort Lauderdale

The average year-round temperature is a very pleasant 25 C – perfect for playing on the beach or in the water.

In the winter months, temperatures are very comfortable and warm, with highs between 15 C and 25 C. You can easily jog along the beach without breaking into too much of a sweat, especially in January, the coolest month of the year.

If you like singing in the rain, the two months with the most rainfall are August and September. Most of the rain occurs in the afternoon, in short-lived bursts. These short showers are a great way to cool off. And don't worry – the sun is always quick to shine again.

Many destinations have beaches, but only a few can claim the designation of Blue Wave-certified beaches. Since 1999, the non-profit, Washington-based Clean Beaches Coalition has been recognizing communities for responsible beach management. It is based on strict criteria including water quality, safety, habitat conservation, cleanliness and public education.

Every year since 1999, the 37 km of beaches here, including Fort Lauderdale Beach in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, have earned the Blue Wave designation.

Water is a big part of the daily rituals of visitors and locals. Catching a taxi here usually means a water taxi. Hop on and off at the various stops along the way, including the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. You can easily go between landscaped trails, event venues, boutique shops and alfresco restaurants.

In Fort Lauderdale, many homes line the canals and waterways. For the more romantic types, this “Venice of America” even offers motorized gondola rides.

Always wanted to try diving? Take a diving course, complete with certification. Explore the 80 artificial reefs and shipwrecks that lie close at hand. Some are as close as 110 metres from shore.

Or try a sport that's a favourite with locals: paddle boarding. Stand on a surf-like board and, with a single paddle, cruise through the water and keep your balance.

In Fort Lauderdale, just minutes from the carefree atmosphere of the beach, you can be transported (by water taxi or trolley) to a world of art – from the classical to the whimsical. Art galleries, like the renowned Museum of Art, await your viewing pleasure. After spending time at the museum, take a leisurely walk along Las Olas Boulevard, the main upscale shopping and restaurant area.

When you travel to Fort Lauderdale, pack your sense of fun and adventure. This destination rolls out the welcome mat for everyone. The Wilton Manors area, just north of downtown, is a popular gay and lesbian area and welcomes travellers with its collection of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants.

The city incorporates an area of 93 sq. km, with 82 sq. km of land and 11 sq. km of water. There are 266 km of waterways within the city limits and 11 km of beaches.

Sneak a peek underwater and you'll see an incredibly diverse ecosystem featuring thousands of species of marine life. Take a closer look to see the extensive coral reef system featuring staghorn coral. You'll also see the creatures that live in the coral, including steely-eyed barracuda, green moray eels, fleeting strands of gorgonian and spiny lobsters.

The diversity of life in the ocean extends to the flora and fauna on land, including the famous Everglades. The Everglades represent one of Mother Nature's finest examples of preservation. This “river of grass” with its sawgrass and reeds is located west of the city and is home to blue herons, alligators, turtles and water snakes.

With its subtropical climate and sandy beaches, Fort Lauderdale attracts not only human snowbirds, but also hundreds of other species including hummingbirds.

Fort Lauderdale is named after Major William Lauderdale. He commanded a detachment of soldiers who built the first in a series of forts during the Second Seminole War, from 1835 to 1842.

Today, the native Seminole tribe flourishes, with different cultural attractions for visitors. Visit the new Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, located in the Everglades. Discover how the tribe survived in the harsh conditions of the Everglades and view rare historical artifacts from the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution).

After getting your beach and surf fix, head down to the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Culture and music take centre stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. You can catch many concerts, opera and ballet performances and Broadway shows here.

For a peek into the visual arts scene in Fort Lauderdale, check out the eclectic offerings at various art venues across the city. The Museum of Art is a must-see stop. The museum hosts exhibits by modern and contemporary American and European artists. It also showcases Picasso ceramics and modern Cuban art. You'll also find an extensive collection of Northern European artists – something rarely seen at museums in North America.

If you like cutting-edge performance art, head to Hollywood Beach, a few miles south of Fort Lauderdale. It is a Mecca for culture enthusiasts. The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is the spot to see outside-the-box artists and performers. Discover a wealth of contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances and performance art in the area. Depending on the performance or art show, you can bring the whole family.

Want to get around the traditional way? Rent a car and navigate this beach town's roads as you please. Or, catch a taxi to get you to your destination. Cabs here are either metered or charge based on zone distance, so it's worth looking into the cost before hopping in.

If you're in the mood for something unique, take a ride on a water taxi as it navigates the Fort Lauderdale area lakes, with stops at many popular destinations along the way.

Or catch a Sun Trolley anytime from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday, and travel along 17th St. to Beach Place. These brightly coloured, wheelchair-accessible trolleys will get you where you're going in style and with minimal cost (fare is only US 50 cents each way and free on Fridays). There are even bike racks at the front to stash your bicycle if you want to bring it along for the day.

For your convenience, taxis, shuttles, rental cars, buses and trains are all available just outside the doors.

Departure

Head over to the WestJet departure counter where you'll be greeted by friendly WestJetters happy to help you check in for your trip home. Or, check in and select your seat in advance using WestJet's simple Web check-in service.

Have some free time before your plane departs? This airport offers great spaces for the entire family. Stop by the unique rooftop Hibiscus Garage where you'll have a view of the entire airfield. Have a seat on a bench and watch the planes take off and land. Or, browse the retail shops and pick up last-minute souvenirs, as well as electronics, books, luxury items and clothing.

While in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport, you can also make use of the free wi-fi and charging stations located throughout. Or, sit back and enjoy the live music in the terminal. You won't even feel like you're waiting for a flight.