Imagine a city where yachts are moored at every other house, where sunlit canals intertwine with streets, and the air is filled with the scent of sea breeze and a hint of tropical flowers. This is not a Hollywood set — it’s a very real city: Fort Lauderdale, the jewel of Southeast Florida, nestled between Miami and Palm Beach.

When you hear about Miami, you probably picture noisy beaches and endless parties. But Fort Lauderdale moves to a different rhythm — more refined, yet no less vibrant. It’s where bohemian artists, millionaires weary of the metropolis, and seekers of pure beauty come together. It’s a place you’ll want to stay in. Or at least return to.

Where the Canal is the Street: A Bit of History and Facts

The history of Fort Lauderdale began with war. During the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), American troops built a series of fortifications along the banks of the New River, named in honor of Major William Lauderdale, who commanded the military unit. The fort itself stood for only a few years, but, as often happens, the name proved stronger than wood and stone.

After the fighting ended, the region remained sparsely populated for quite some time. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that pioneers—farmers, landowners, and land speculators—began to settle here. The true “tourism fever” began with the arrival of Henry Flagler’s railroad and the subsequent real estate boom of the 1920s. However, the Great Depression temporarily halted development.

And yet — the city was reborn. By the mid-20th century, Fort Lauderdale had become a trendy spring break destination for college students (infamously known as Spring Break), and later — a hub for yachting and upscale tourism. This transformation was no accident: the city’s geography was perfect for building inland canals and ports.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is a true oasis on the Atlantic coast, and it can rightfully boast:

• Over 300 kilometers of inland waterways
  They run throughout the city, connecting the ocean, harbors, residential areas, and shopping districts. Getting around by boat here isn’t a luxury — it’s a way of life.
• More than 50,000 docked yachts
  From small motorboats to private superyachts worth millions of dollars. Many of them are here not just for a visit, but for a permanent stay.
• The largest international boat show in the U.S. — Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
  This isn’t just an exhibition — it’s an industry phenomenon. Every October, it brings together tens of thousands of participants, investors, and tourists from around the world.
• Florida’s elite real estate hub
  Multi-million-dollar villas along the canals, private docks, gated communities. The city ranks among the top 10 most attractive locations for investing in coastal property.
• One of the largest cruise ports in the world — Port Everglades
  This is where cruise liners set sail for the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America.

What to Do in Fort Lauderdale: Tourism with Personality

Fort Lauderdale is more than just beaches and sunshine. It’s a city with character, where every walk feels like a cultural immersion. Here’s what you can do when you find yourself here:

1. 01. Take a water taxi tour through the canals
   A unique way to explore the city — from the water. You hop on a boat, and as you glide along, you’ll pass luxury mansions, restaurants, galleries, and five-star hotels.
2. 02. Relax on the beaches
   Clean, wide, and far less crowded than in Miami. Perfect for families, romantics, and anyone seeking a break from city noise.
3. 03. Go shopping on Las Olas Boulevard
   This street is a showcase of style: designer boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and jewelry shops reminiscent of European cities.
4. 04. Indulge in a culinary paradise
   The local cuisine is a fusion of Latin American, U.S., and Caribbean traditions. Be sure to try the ultra-fresh seafood and local craft beer.
5. 05. Theaters, museums, and art festivals
   Fort Lauderdale isn’t just alive in summer — its cultural scene thrives all year round.

What to See: A Cultural Itinerary for Those Who Want More Than Just the Beach

Fort Lauderdale is more than just palm trees, yachts, and suntans. Beneath its glossy exterior lies a vibrant cultural life — one that will satisfy both aesthetes and thrill-seekers alike. If you're the kind of traveler who wants to get the most out of every trip, this city is calling your name.

1. 01. Las Olas Boulevard — the heart of city life
   This street feels like an open-air art gallery. It brings together:

• Boutiques of local designers;
• Antique shops;
• Cozy coffee spots and wine bars;
• Contemporary art galleries with exhibitions by both local and international artists.
  A stroll down Las Olas is a visual delight. It begins by the canal and ends at the beach, seamlessly transitioning from a bustling city street to a serene oceanfront promenade.

1. 02. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — a tropical oasis of art
   This lavish villa, built in the 1920s by artist Frederic Bartlett, is now a museum. But it’s far more than a house filled with paintings — it’s:

• 14 hectares of untouched nature just steps from the ocean;
• Historic colonial-style architecture;
• Rare species of orchids, monkeys, and peacocks that roam the grounds.

1. 03. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
   Modernism, surrealism, Latin American art — you could easily spend half a day here, lost in the exhibits. Special attention is given to Caribbean and South Florida artists, as well as significant works of the 20th century.
2. 04. History Fort Lauderdale
   If you're curious about the city’s roots, this is the place to be. Here you’ll find:

• The oldest house in the region (dating back to 1905);
• Restored ferry landings;
• Stories from the days when Seminole Indians were the area’s only inhabitants.

1. 05. Marina Village and a Cruise through the “Venetian Canals”
   Arguably the city’s signature experience. A ride on a private boat or water taxi unveils Fort Lauderdale’s hidden sides:

• Celebrity homes (including those of Johnny Depp and Oprah Winfrey);
• Mansions with their own helipads;
• Floating restaurants and even house-yachts.

What a Tour with American Butler Is Like

American Butler isn’t just about transfers and guides. It’s a personalized approach, exceptional service, and the feeling of having a friend by your side — one who’s deeply in love with the city. A sightseeing tour of Fort Lauderdale with us is a day filled with emotion, comfort, and beauty.

Sample Tour Itinerary

1. 01. 09:00 — Departure from the meeting point
   A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with chilled water and Wi-Fi awaits you at the door.
2. 02. 10:30 — Arrival in Fort Lauderdale
   Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the region — and learn why Fort Lauderdale is called “the place where yachts come to rest.”
3. 03. 11:00 — Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard
   Time for shopping, a coffee break, or a leisurely walk with photo ops along the canals and under the tropical palms.
4. 04. 12:30 — Visit to Bonnet House or an art museum
   Depending on your interests, we’ll organize the cultural portion of your day.
5. 05. 14:00 — Lunch with a waterfront view
   Canal-side dining with your choice of cuisine (seafood, American classics, Caribbean fusion). Your guide will recommend the best spots.
6. 06. 15:30 — Water tour through the canals
   Experience the secrets of the yacht capital from the water: upscale neighborhoods, millionaire islands, bays, and marinas. The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours.
7. 07. 17:30 — Return
   On the way back, you can stop at a beach or in an interesting neighborhood of your choice.

Terms & Conditions

When planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale, one thing matters most — everything should be smooth, convenient, and joyful. No stress, no surprise expenses, no time wasted. That’s exactly why the American Butler team takes care of every detail — so you can simply enjoy the moment.

• Base price:
  From $249 for a group of up to 3 people. This is a flat fee covering transport, guide, logistics, and planning.
• $60 for each additional person beyond 3
  Perfect for families or groups of friends.
• Duration: 3–4 hours
  Can be adjusted to suit your schedule.
• Extra hour: $60
  If you’d like to linger somewhere, enjoy dinner, or go shopping.
• Tickets to museums, meals, and gratuities
  Are not included. Your guide can pre-purchase tickets online to save you time in lines.

Recommendations

• Ideal group size: up to 5 people for maximum comfort.
• In high season (spring, Christmas, New Year), prices may vary slightly due to demand — we recommend booking in advance.

Fort Lauderdale: Florida's Crown Jewel Awaits Your Discovery

Fort Lauderdale is a city where luxury meets comfort, where tropical gardens whisper next to vibrant nightlife, where history blends seamlessly with the future. It’s a resort that speaks every language — and smiles at every guest.

If you're looking for more than just a vacation — if you want a journey to remember — Fort Lauderdale is absolutely worth your attention. And to make your experience flawless, trust the details to professionals.

We’ll organize a personalized tour just for you, with the best routes, comfortable transportation, and a private guide. Your trip will be not only exciting, but also completely stress-free. Contact us today — and start planning your perfect getaway now!