Although there are miles and miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches around Fort Lauderdale, FL, John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is a perfect place to spend the day with friends and family. Enjoy fishing, surf casting, canoeing, swimming, boating, picnicking and basking in the sun. If you’re interested in south Florida's underwater beauty, Lloyd Beach has one of the most interesting shore dives in the area.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame features more than 40 exhibits and displays, illustrating the history of aquatic sports and recognizes the world's greatest swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming performers. The museum, library and archives contain one of the largest collections of aquatic memorabilia, aquatic books, manuscripts and literature in the world.

Perched on the banks of the New River in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has something for visitors of all ages. The center has two separate venues: the Amaturo Theater, which hosts many smaller community theater productions; and the Au Rene Theater, a full-size theater, hosting operas, ballets, concerts, musicals and many Broadway-style theatrical productions.

Hands down, the Museum of Discovery and Science is one of the best hands-on museums in Florida. Spend a day exploring more than 200 interactive exhibits, including the Living in the Everglades exhibit, an 11,000 square foot nature trail, and Runways to Rockets, a space exhibit featuring a simulated trip to the Moon and mars. The museum is also home to a five-story-high screen at the Blockbuster IMAX Theater.

Smack in the middle of Fort Lauderdale is the 180-acre Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, offering the perfect place to escape the city. Rent a canoe and paddle along the mile-long freshwater lagoon, or try your luck at fishing from the seawall. Take a hike along one of the trails and learn about local plants and wildlife. Paved paths are perfect for bike riding and inline skating.

Shopaholics will love visiting the largest outlet mall in the world, Sawgrass Mills, featuring more than 350 name-brand stores and factory outlets like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. The mall also features dining options ranging from full-service to fast food, several movie theaters and a variety of special events.

Enjoy fun in the sun and world-class arts and culture in the beautiful seaside town of Fort Lauderdale. Make reservations with Choice Hotels today to launch the perfect Florida vacation you deserve. We’ll see you there.   << Hide