Swanky Fort Lauderdale is a favorite beach destination for the yachting set. Once known for its raucous spring breaks, the city clamped down on student shenanigans and now attracts more sophisticated visitors to its white sand beaches, upscale shopping and endless outdoor activities. It’s also a popular getaway for LGBT travelers.
Balmy temperatures, near-constant sunshine and 23 miles of absurdly gorgeous beaches (complete with palm trees) make this truly a tropical paradise. Book a catamaran or sailboat and take a relaxing ride through the canals of the Intracoastal Waterway and harbor. You can also snorkel, surf or try your hand at sport-fishing.
Back on land you’ll find the cosmopolitan pleasures of a much bigger city. The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment district includes galleries, boutiques and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts concerts, ballet and hit musicals. The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale has impressive collections of photography and Latin American art. More than 4000 restaurants and hundreds of late-night spots offer countless dining and dancing options.