Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood Hotels

Known as the "Venice of America" because of an elaborate canal network, Fort Lauderdale is built for tourism. The city marina is a primary port of call for cruise ships, pleasure crafts and yachts. Hollywood, while not as big, is nonetheless a top draw with snowbirds, particularly from the province of Quebec in Canada, for over 8 km of Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Attractions

Without beaches, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood would cease to exist as tourist destinations. Ocean, sunshine and sand is what people come for. Combined, the two towns have almost 20 km of Atlantic coastline to enjoy.

Although not the official state bird, flamingos are nonetheless a popular Florida symbol. Flamingo Gardens is a tropical conservation area with exotic plants and birds, that include flamingos of course.

A wonderful 358-acre park, Tree Tops features a freshwater marsh boardwalk, canoe and paddle boat rentals and Tequesta Indian landmarks that date back to the 16th century.

Vivid Butterfly World puts the colourful insects on display in a sequence of interactive and educational exhibits.

The semi-authentic Seminole village in Hollywood recreates traditional native culture and traditions. Unfortunately, the village is located in the less authentic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Fort Lauderdale's vibrant main street is awash enough tourist shops to satisfy just about anyone. From beachwear to chain restaurants, bars and souvenirs, Las Olas is the pulsepoint of the city.

Mills Pond Park is a vast, 130-acre recreation and picnic area in Fort Lauderdale. With myriad leisure activities like batting cages, a large playground, nature trails and water-skiing, the park is ground zero for family fun.

Events

A huge art fair comes to Fort Lauderdale's main drag every January.

Mardi Gras celebrations take over Hollywood Beach every year, with food stalls, parades and live music.

The month of September brings the annual Ocean Fest to Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic reef, with dive exhibits, music and food.

Billed as the largest boat exhibit in the world, the International Boat Show features over 1,500 vessels in a popular Fort Lauderdale event held every October.

Held in downtown Fort Lauderdale on the beautiful Riverwalk every November, the eclectic Blues & Music Festival draws artists from all over the country.

A November staple, the Hollywood Jazz Festival offers musicians from all parts of America to showcase their love of jazz to appreciative audiences at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center.

Climate

South Florida, of which Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood are very much a part, has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The wet season occurs between May and October.

• Winter (December to February) 15-25°C

• Spring (March to May) 17-30°C

• Summer (June to September) 23-32°C

• Fall (October to November) 19-30°C