is fort lauderdale the yachting capital of the world

7 Reasons Why Fort Lauderdale Is the Yacht Capital of the World

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Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

“Fort Lauderdale is South Florida’s mecca for marine enthusiasts” -Boatsetter Explorer

When you think of Fort Lauderdale , you probably think of warm weather, sunny beaches, and plenty of palm trees. While those are all big draws, something else is a big deal, too.

Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world? Other global regions have tried to claim the title, but none can truly hold a candle to Florida’s 10th-largest city. Here are seven fascinating facts proving why :

• More than 300 miles of inland waterways pass through Fort Lauderdale.
• Roughly 50,000 boats and yachts call Fort Lauderdale home.
• More than 2,000 superyachts pass through its waters— annually!
• Fort Lauderdale is home to a multi-billion-dollar marine industry.
• The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (duh).
• Rare aquatic life thrives in these waters!
• The largest collection of warm-water wrecks in the Western Hemisphere is here!

See yourself on a yacht in Fort Lauderdale? Find one here and book!

1. More than 300 miles of inland waterways pass through it.

The New River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and many navigable canals comprise those waterways. Entirely within the city limits are 165 inland waterways, too. No wonder the city has earned the nickname the Venice of America.

2. Upwards of 50,000 boats and yachts homeport here.

Every conceivable size, from small runabouts to super-size superyachts, is registered in Fort Lauderdale. Some cities around the world don’t even have 50,000 residents. This statistic alone proves that Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world!

READ MORE: 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Was a Success

3. More than 2,000 superyachts pass through its waters annually.

A superyacht is a private yacht of 80 feet and larger. Why do so many visit? They stop by on their way to the Caribbean for the winter, for example, whether they summered in other U.S. waters or internationally. They do the same when leaving the Caribbean at the end of the season. Fort Lauderdale has multiple marinas capable of accommodating them and shipyards servicing them.

4. It’s home to a multi-billion-dollar marine industry.

Speaking of marinas and shipyards, Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world due to its abundant marine businesses. These include gear manufacturers, retailers, yacht brokers, and service companies. Altogether, they make a $9.7-billion economic impact within Broward County. The marine industry further is the second-largest business sector in Greater Fort Lauderdale—second only to tourism.

READ MORE: 6 Best Restaurants on the Water in Fort Lauderdale

5. It’s home to the world’s largest in-water boat show.

Having just celebrated its 63rd anniversary, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has long held this title. More than 1,300 boats, yachts, and superyachts are typically on display amid seven miles of dockage. Additionally, upwards of 100,000 people visit from 50-plus nations.

6. Fort Lauderdale offers rare fishing.

Only a few places in the world allow anglers to enjoy fresh and saltwater fishing within minutes. The city is one of them. Try your hand at more than 200 freshwater species, then head offshore to go for grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, and more.

READ MORE: Fort Lauderdale Boating Guide: Everything You Need to Know

7. Divers dig it.

Fort Lauderdale has the largest collection of warm-water wrecks in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, its 76 artificial wrecks are cool for exploring and spotting sea life. Therefore, there’s a good argument that Fort Lauderdale is the yacht capital of the world and a dive capital, too.

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A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more. She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real interest.

Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean, Yachting, and Yachts International.

Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the United States and Italy.

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The Yachting Capital of the World

Posted by on Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 at 4:31pm.

Photo by: Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

It is no secret why Florida has the nickname “The Sunshine State”. Each year South Florida sees about 3,000 hours of sun making it the perfect place for boating. The City of Fort Lauderdale, which has over 300 miles of inland waterways and is home to about 50,000 yachts, is known as “The Yachting Capital of the World”.

The city is as much afloat as it is grounded and the whole city is boat oriented. The boating industry in itself employs about 130,000 people in Fort Lauderdale. With the great tropical weather and easy access to the Caribbean, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to own a boat. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the two largest cruise ships and the largest international boat show on the planet.

The city attracts boaters, tourists, and fisherman from all over the world on a regular basis. The Gulf Stream runs just a few miles offshore making it an awesome fishing area and the nearby coral reefs are a huge attraction for lots of scuba divers. No matter the size of your boat, Fort Lauderdale has something to offer for everyone.

The fact that Fort Lauderdale has offices for almost every boat manufacturer and charter company in the world, shows why it is called “The Yachting Capital of the World”. Not to mention, Lauderdale’s biggest rival in terms of fishing and boating is easily accessible only about 50 miles off the coast in the Bahamas.

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How Fort Lauderdale is entering a new era in its yachting history

With massive waterfront projects, Fort Lauderdale is entering a new era in its yachting history, says Christiana Lilly...

The booming yachting industry of Fort Lauderdale began with a humble gas station back in 1957. It’s a shortcut, true, but hear us out. 

While Bahia Mar started welcoming yachts to its marina in 1950, the Phillips 66 gas station, a mere half-mile from the ocean near the inlet, was an important refuelling point that connected the popular cruising grounds farther north to the idyllic Bahamas. And you know the story from there – Fort Lauderdale became the destination, thanks in part to the rise of a resort known as Pier Sixty-Six with a 100-slip marina in the 1960s. 

The resort’s 1965 landmark tower, with its revolving cocktail lounge, was the tallest building in Broward County at the time and enticed celebrities, public figures (at one time it had a Liza Minnelli suite) and yacht owners to what the property dubs its "social harbour."

But while yachts consistently came calling over the years, some say for their owners, the city had lost its lustre. In South Florida alone, the powerful poles of Miami and West Palm Beach attracted global guests with their mix of legacy hotels, shiny new luxury branded resorts and waterfront estates, and Fort Lauderdale was falling behind. 

To play catch-up, the city is doubling down on its maritime offerings. Pier Sixty-Six is undergoing a massive transformation, Bahia Mar is getting a $1 billion makeover, a multifaceted expansion is in the works for the waterfront Broward County Convention Center, and developers are incorporating yachting amenities into their blueprints. Names like Tate and Tavistock will join names like Denison , Strauss, Roscioli , and Derecktor to shape Fort Lauderdale’s boating future.

At the Pier

One obvious sign of renewal is the project at Pier Sixty-Six rising near Port Everglades. Strolling through its sales centre off SE 17th Street, interested buyers can view a model sixth-floor living room overlooking the marina or admire a model of what its developer, the Orlando-based Tavistock Group, has in store for the 32-acre icon. The company purchased the historic property in 2016 from the Blackstone Group, then another 10 acres to the south in 2018. 

A 2024 opening date is slated for 325 hotel rooms, 12 dining and lounge destinations, three swimming pools and 92 luxury condos and residences. And for boaters, the marina boasts 164 slips. Here, a village of restaurants and bars will be walkable for pedestrians to admire the fleet of boats. To the north, the marina can accommodate yachts up to 98 metres; to the south, boats up to 122 metres can find a slip, thanks to a water depth of 9.1 metres from the ocean right up to the dock and no bridge height restrictions.

"This is the busiest cross section on the water," marina director Megan Lagasse says. "We’re essentially a hotel on the water for boats."

It’s projects like these that not only put eyes on Fort Lauderdale but also can boost its economic power. From 2021 to 2024, Tavistock estimates the project will have created 5,100 jobs and a one-time economic impact of $924 million. Once they’re open for business, they plan to add another 2,000 jobs and generate an annual economic impact of $208 million.

What’s not in the plans, though, is erasing the legacy and history of Pier Sixty-Six. The shell of the hotel will remain, and engineers are working to get the iconic rotating restaurant with its 66-pointed crown moving once again. Once the doors are open, they’re vying for historic designation.

The reinvented Pier Sixty-Six has attracted a lot of interest. Sales director Amy Ballon has received countless calls from people motivated by nostalgia – they got married or honeymooned there. Her son’s bar mitzvah photos were taken here. Lagasse remembers drinking piña coladas by the outdoor pool with her grandparents.

"The history of Pier Sixty-Six is so deep and rich within the local community," Ballon says. "Our big buyers have been coming locally and [are familiar] with the property and the historic nostalgia… There are a lot of memories that are connected here."

Kitty McGowan, president of the US Superyacht t of the US Superyacht Association, learned to waterski at Marina Bay, hung out at the sandbar by the Fort Lauderdale Yacht  Club, and eventually joined the yachting world professionally. For eight years she worked aboard the likes of Octopussy , Thunderball , Moonraker , and Ray Catena’s first Mercedes , which all at one time called Fort Lauderdale home. "This town is my blood, and the water and boating are a huge part of it," she says.

From these heydays, Lagasse says that Fort Lauderdale fell behind when it came to entertainment and accommodations for superyacht owners – she heard it from some of them directly.

Projects like Pier Sixty-Six aim to put the focus back on owners. The revamped resort and marina will be more than a place to park. "We are going to be able to provide a top-of-the-line, all-inclusive experience with entertainment, food and beverage facilities that don’t exist [anywhere] and I would even say in the world."

$1 billion for Bahia Mar

Another major piece in Fort Lauderdale’s historic yachting landscape is Bahia Mar, home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show . The recent approval of that project – a $1 billion overhaul – has Fort Lauderdale buzzing.

After lots and lots of commission meetings and negotiations, developers Jimmy Tate, Kenny Tate and Sergio Rok got the OK from the city in April to move forward with their plan as well as scoring a new 100-year lease on the city-owned property. The group plans to build four condo towers with 350 units, a 19-story hotel, marina village with restaurants and bars, a park and a waterfront restaurant.

"Nine years of community outreach, three architects with three entirely different architectural experiences coupled with our steadfast effort to continue working with the city, the boat show parties and the community at large – it was fulfilling and truly something magical," Jimmy Tate says of the commission’s approval.

While Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Conrad and other high-end hoteliers are moving in on the beach, Tate talks about introducing the first five-star, luxury branded destination resort hotel to Fort Lauderdale on the historic site.

Bahia Mar’s history goes back even further than Pier Sixty-Six. Its first iteration was as a US Army fort in 1839, then a US Coast Guard base in 1926, and then a marina was built in 1949 before the property fell into disrepair and was taken over by the city of Fort Lauderdale. Thanks to a naming contest hosted by the city, it was dubbed Bahia Mar. By the early 1980s, it became a permanent home for the Fort Lauderdale boat show, which started in 1959.

Tate Capital’s latest plan is a sleeker variation of an earlier proposal that included 13 buildings, twice the commercial space and 651 rental apartments – a plan Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis called "overdeveloped." Tate says that the company’s vision is to cater to long-term residents rather than transients and keep the boat show top of mind, with waterfront parks and a pedestrian-friendly walking area, plus a marina village with food and beverage venues.

Of course, with any large project there can be apprehension. But Tate says that with nearly 100 years of family history in South Florida – five generations of the Tates live here, and it’s four generations for the Roks – they feel a huge responsibility to do right by Bahia Mar.

"Redeveloping this jewel of an asset into a world-class, five-star luxury branded destination resort hotel will be the zenith of all developments for both of our families," Tate says. "We are finally experiencing the renaissance that our neighbours to the south and north have already experienced."

The shortage of slips

But with growing boat lengths and the growing number of boats (more than 45,000 personal vessels were registered in Broward County in 2022, and that’s not counting the large transient fleet of superyachts), there can never be enough marina space. Investors have snapped up and revamped existing marine properties for the last five years, particularly. Institutions like Bradford Marine got new owners in 2019 while rapidly growing brands like OneWater Marine and Safe Harbor have put their names on Roscioli and Lauderdale Marine Center.

One of the key newcomers to town is Austin Schell. The Port 32 Marinas CEO, whose business is based in Charleston, South Carolina, had his eyes set on Fort Lauderdale in his plan to expand his network of marinas. In June, on the official grand opening day for Port 32 Fort Lauderdale, the wet basin across I-95 from Lauderdale Marine Center had been full for months and a dry stack was already 20 per cent claimed.

"That’s just a sign that the demand for boating has outstripped the physical supply of boat slips in many areas of the county, and certainly in Fort Lauderdale," Schell says. "It’s one of the global hubs for the marine industry."

With wet slips that can accommodate superyachts up to 54.9 metres, the new marina also boasts a 150-ton Travelift and 128,00 square feet of commercial space with tenants specialising in yacht service and repairs. Port 32 also includes amenities for the crew, including a gym, a lounge, laundry and conference rooms for staff to utilise between trips.

"When you’re on a yacht for long stretches of time, having access to a brand-new gym to work out on is something that crew members value,” Schell says. “[The marina] was built with the superyacht crew in mind."

But with slips harder to come by than a liquor license, the search for docks has spilled over into the real estate world. Interior designer and entrepreneur Katia Bates , who is steeped in the yachting world, has heard customers asking for the "trophy points" of local real estate: waterfront properties that can accommodate large vessels, or even homes that include a separate structure for charter and medical staff.

"Marinas have become a bit scarce in Fort Lauderdale… people still have yachts they need to accommodate," she says. "All of these properties are super highly desirable for a person that has a large yacht because they normally can accommodate superyachts, or maybe two of them," says Bates, who, with husband Tom, owns a waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale.

It certainly was the case for Hal and Joan Griffith. They own a home on Sunrise Key and they split their time between the US West and East Coasts. In addition to a deepwater dock, the home has a guest house with a workout room, storage and other facilities for their yacht crew to utilise. They first made their way here when they bought the first of two boats from Hargrave Custom Yachts and made frequent trips to the East Coast to oversee the design and outfitting. While they were in Fort Lauderdale, they would stay at Pier Sixty-Six and enjoy the dining options.

Then, they decided to buy a home where they could dock the 44.2-metre Christensen superyacht that they bought after their Hargraves . The location was ideal: only one bridge comes between them and the open ocean. Aptly named I Love This Boat , the tri-deck still features the original owner’s gold-plate railings and crystal glass accents but was updated and fitted with a whole suite of water toys, for friends and family or charter guests.

"Fantastic" is how Hall Griffith describes Fort Lauderdale’s yachting accommodations. "I would say Fort Lauderdale is a special spot for anybody that owns a boat because of all the flexibility in the services, all you need for maintenance and upkeep is here, and when you have a problem, it’s easy to get service."

Fort Lauderdale has its own Millionaire’s Row – but Bates says it should probably be renamed Billionaire’s Row with the way neighbourhoods like Las Olas Isles are shaping up. Aware of this breed of buyers’ needs, the real estate industry in Fort Lauderdale has adapted. Bates says that almost all open houses hosted by her real estate broker have been in partnership with a yacht brokerage company. "It has opened the business and the market to a lot of different opportunities," she says.

Clients have called on Bates’s interior design skills to carry the aesthetic of their home onto their waterfront abode, particularly when they are planning on spending extended periods on board. That fifth cabin might need to be converted to a gym or an office, for example.

"The yacht becomes your social life, in a sense," says Bates, who worked on the interior of Tanzanite , a yacht that belongs to Fort Lauderdale residents Andrew and Tanya Heller.

Andrew Heller, the owner of equity firm Heller Capital, was introduced to the boating life by a business partner. He attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show every year for two decades and bought a 11.3-metre Intrepid cuddy cabin to enjoy with his children during their visits to South Florida. He traded that for a Boston Whaler Outrage, and when he was ready for an upgrade, he took quite the leap, acquiring a 44.2-metre, four-deck, five-cabin Westship that he dubbed Tanzanite for Tanya’s favourite gem — and the same blue-and-violet stone set in her engagement ring.

"We love the weather, being on the water – our house has extraordinary views. We have one of the most well-known houses in Fort Lauderdale. All the tour boats talk about our house and boat," he says.

Aboard Tanzanite , the couple hosts dinner cruises as well as plans regular trips to the Bahamas and Key West, towing along their centre console. As they are heavily involved in the charity world, they host fundraisers for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum, the Jack and Jill Center and their animal rescue charity, Purrr.

"Boating has been nothing but an upward trend for 20 years,” says Heller who is a fan of Fort Lauderdale. “There’s just endless entertainment to cruise the Intracoastal and the New River and the canals and see real estate development and just the relaxing scenic beauty of the area."

As opening day for Pier Sixty-Six draws closer, Lagasse says, "a lot of money is being invested into Fort Lauderdale to bring us back to that [golden] era." The next few years will be a turning point. "I think we’re on the peak of a really interesting transitional time where it could go anywhere," McGowan says.

With exciting projects on the horizon and more than one readily accessible fuel dock (and power stations), yachting remains and likely always will be embedded into the DNA of the Venice of America.

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Fort Lauderdale: The Booming Hub Where Yachting Meets Opportunity

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Fort Lauderdale is often dubbed the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’.  No wonder. There’s over 300 miles of inland waterways, 24 miles of Atlantic coastline in the city’s Broward County and some 50,000-plus registered yachts of all types, from powerboats to sailboats and megayachts. However, and perhaps less commonly known, Fort Lauderdale and the whole of South Florida is the ‘Yachting Employment Capital of the World’. Consider that the yacht refit and repair business in the southern part of the Sunshine State accounts for a large portion of the marine industry’s 136,000 jobs and $11.5 billion economic impact, including nearly $4.05 billion in wages and earnings in the tri-county area of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach, according to data provided by the Fort Lauderdale-headquartered, Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). What’s more, salaries in the marine industry are typically 28 percent higher than the state average. This makes the city and whole of South Florida the happiest place on earth for skilled marine tradesmen and women.

“The marine industry, as a legacy industry in Florida, has many multi-generational businesses, shipyards, marinas, and entrepreneurial enterprises,” says Kelly Skidmore, MIASF’s public relations specialist. “However, external impacts, such as public policy decisions over the decades and Baby Boomers retiring at a faster pace than younger workers can replace them, have created a shortage of skilled tradesmen.”

Needs for skilled workers run across the career spectrum in the marine industry. This includes everything from painters to plumbers, carpenters, welders, diesel mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) experts, and much more.

DIY: How to Build a Cutlass Bearing Extractor with Scrap Material

“Electrical and plumbing specialists who have their certifications are especially in demand,” says Michele Caspari, operations manager at Fort Lauderdale-based Elite Marine Yacht Services , which concentrates on the design and installation of HVAC equipment on superyachts. “Few people are skilled in both.”

Charter Yacht Trends For the Caribbean Season

For companies such as High Seas Yacht Service, a Fort Lauderdale-headquartered company that focuses on precision engine, strut and shaft alignments, it is mechanics and technicians that are highly sought after. “Particularly those that specialize in large megayacht running gear and hydraulic technicians that are knowledgeable on all types of marine hydraulic systems,” says spokesperson, Lee Pernice. “Skills and training needed on the mechanics side, for example, include gear mechanics, basic mechanical skills and being good in math. When our mechanics work on engine alignments or shaft straightening, thousands of an inch off could mean the difference between a smooth ride and vibration under load.”

In Broward County alone, there are several marine magnet programs at the middle-school and high school level, as well as marine technical services and vocational schools. One of these is Broward College, which offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Marine Engineering Management degree. Courses that make up this degree included marine technology, marine electricity, marine electronics, marine diesel, inboard/outboard saildrive and transmission, marine auxiliary equipment, marine corrosion and prevention and advanced marine composites.

Yachts Make Mega Economic Impact in South Florida

“It’s a well-rounded program that enables a student on graduation to be well-rounded and walk into a shipyard and be multifaceted,” says Dr. Sean Gallagan, associate dean for transportation programs. “We graduate 25 students every 4 to 5 months and most have already been in dialogue with employers since after their first semester. That’s the level of the workforce shortage. It’s definitely an employee’s market. Ironically, many people, even here in South Florida, don’t know these types of careers exist.”

Organizations such as MIASF are working closely with its members to increase the profile of the industry as well as the number of on-the-job training opportunities available for students right out of high school or with some college courses under their belt. In addition, marine companies themselves are actively encouraging more young people to consider working in the marine industry.

“We have hosted teacher field trips at our facility to teach teachers about the opportunities in our industry and pass that information on to their students who are not college-bound,” says Staci Love, marketing manager for the Lauderdale Marine Center , in Fort Lauderdale, which is the largest shipyard in the world and home to over 60 marine contractors. “Last month, we hosted another event where 30 high school students were invited to see our shipyard and what goes on here.”

Yacht Industry Training

Caspari, at Elite Marine Yacht Services sums up well not only the opportunities but the benefits of a career in South Florida’s marine industry. “Within five years of graduating from a two-year tech school, you can be making $28 an hour or upwards of $60,000 annually before you turn 30, and that’s with full health and retirement benefits. Plus, the South Florida yachting industry isn’t going anywhere. People will always own boats and there will always be a need for trained serviceman to fix and maintain them.”  Look for Marine Industry Jobs here.

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The Best Yachting Towns & Global Yacht Capitals

The best yachting destinations & towns around the world.

Owning a yacht, or even chartering one, gives you a portal to some of the most beautiful paradises in the world. Plenty of sun, wide stretches of soft white sand beaches, historic architecture, first-class cuisine, and a plethora of unique cultural experiences – there’s nothing like traveling the world on your own personal yacht!

Are you an owner looking for the best yachting towns to base your yacht from? Consider the following yacht capitals of the world. Compiled by our South Florida yacht maintenance and yacht management experts, here are some of the best yachting towns around the world.

Yacht Capitals of the World

If you are looking to experience yachting culture year-round, basing your boat in one of the yachting capitals is ideal. You’ll have easy access to outstanding marinas, yacht restoration companies, charter brokerages, and boatyards – like our conveniently-located Fort Lauderdale marina and full-service boatyard.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is often dubbed the “Yacht Capital of the World.” Also dubbed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale has hundreds of miles of inland waterways, world-class marinas, and over 50,000 registered yachts.2

Home to the largest in-water boat show in the world – Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the city’s main port is also a hub for the world’s largest cruise ships and superyachts. With its year-round sunny weather, strong yachting industry presence, and proximity to the Caribbean, Fort Lauderdale truly earns its title.

When the winter months come to an end, the jet-setting and yacht-owning crowd typically skip cross the pond. That’s when the European yachting season starts. With Malta being a hub for superyachts, there is more contention regarding which city is actually the yacht capital of Europe.

However, the resort town of Antibes in France continues to bear that crown. Between Cannes and Nice, this coastal village sits on the French Rivera. Characterized by stunning red-roofed historic architecture, white-sand beaches, and beachfront mansions, it’s no wonder yachters flock to Antibes.

However, the crowning glory of Antibes is its harbor where the world-famous Port Vauban Antibes and International Yacht Club d’Antibes are located. With hundreds of yachts and mega yachts docked in this marina every year – it’s the heart of the city’s yachting scene.

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The venice of america - fort lauderdale, fl.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida–a short hop to urban and tropical delights

Why leave one great beach town to visit another? Because variety is the spice of life. And with numerous and affordable direct flights from Myrtle Beach to South Florida, any time of year is a great time to visit the tropical splendor that is so uniquely Florida.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been a famed destination for travelers from around the world for decades. Its sugar sand white beaches, aquamarine water, temperate climate, tourist-friendliness and distinctly tropical ecosystems make it an otherworldly, quick getaway from the Grand Strand. How quick? You can fly to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) non-stop from Myrtle Beach (MYR) in about in about an hour and 45 minutes—faster than it would take you to drive to Florence or Charleston. If you’re a dedicated road warrior, the drive takes just over 10 hours. Looking for another get-there option? Amtrak offers travelers a 15-hour train ride from Florence to Fort Lauderdale on its Silver Meteor, with private, but pricey, sleeper car accommodations available.

Why Fort Lauderdale?

Besides the aforementioned beaches and oddly beautiful water, this part of Florida’s coastline is night and day different from the Grand Strand. As a billionaire’s playground and medium-sized city, just 30 minutes north of another famed Florida city, Miami, Fort Lauderdale has been dubbed the “Yachting Capital of the World.” The hundreds of mega-yachts that call Fort Lauderdale home, some of which are more than 300 feet in length and valued at more than $30 million, are easy to see and gawk at via the multiple water taxis that shuttle tourists and locals from one bar to the next along many miles of canals and The New River. Want a closer look? The five-day, 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 27-31) will host an estimated 125,000 visitors there to explore and buy from among the hundreds of yachts and boats of all sizes.

Another nickname, “Venice of America,” is part of the city’s official seal. The city boasts some 165 miles of inland waterways (300 miles in the greater metro area), filled with watercraft as small as kayaks and canoes to jet skis, ski boats, cruisers, and sailboats to the yachts for which the city is so famous. On the banks of these canals you’ll find small bungalows and jaw-dropping mega-mansions, many owned by the world’s wealthiest, such as late Blockbuster founder Wayne Huizenga, whose 21,000-sq foot, 10-bedroom, 18-bath mansion recently listed for sale at $27 million.

Big city shopping is available in the area, and a little further south to Miami, international playboys and playgirls have made the region home and playground to jet-setting Hollywood elite and billionaire snowbirds who migrate south each winter.

The greater Broward County metro area boasts nearly 2 million residents and easily that many tourists in the high season, but getting around is not terribly difficult. All the ride share companies, Uber and Lyft drivers, and taxis compete for your fares, and a robust city bus and rental car business covers most of the rest of your transportation needs. A bicyclist’s paradise, you’ll find nary a hill as you navigate the flatlands, and bikes are easy to rent. Even the waterways are bustling with private and public boat traffic.

Though the Caribbean cruise boat industry has its headquarters north of Fort Lauderdale near the Space Coast, countless public water taxis cruise the inland waterways with the boat captains acting as tour guides, pointing out areas and attractions of interest. The “hop on, hop off” all-day ticket (around $30) allows for the most fun, with frequent stops at favorite restaurant and bar spots, some of which are just across the street from the Fort Lauderdale beaches, as well as stops at the trendy dining district of Las Olas and the Galleria Mall. Most water taxis also sell beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Additionally, tour boats, guided historical excursions and ocean-going trips are all readily available. Several sailing schools offer instruction for the novice to experienced sailor.

Local fishermen know it can take two to three hours or longer to reach the Gulf Stream from points along the Grand Strand. This fish-rich, 45-mile wide, fast-flowing river of warm water is so close to Florida’s southern coasts (16 to 20 miles out), you can sometimes see it from the top of your hotel, and reach it by boat in 20-30 minutes. This makes South Florida a sport fisherman’s paradise.

Fort Lauderdale and surrounding coastal cities offer hundreds of fishing charters for the serious trophy-seeking fisherman, or the casual sportsman looking for a day on the water and a few fish stories to take home.

Where to Stay

As you might imagine, like the Grand Strand, Fort Lauderdale has learned to accommodate the millions of tourists who visit year-round. Airbnb, VRBO and dozens of reputable booking websites will help you find the perfect balance of your most requested amenities, from oceanfront and ocean view luxury hotel rentals, to budget-friendly quaint bungalows a short drive from anything you might want to see or do.

Roll the Dice

At the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Resort, just 10 miles from Fort Lauderdale, rooms average $230 to $400 per night (sometimes more), plus packages that include spa and dining options. During your visit, Lady Luck may or may not be overseeing the heart and center of the resort, a giant Vegas-styled casino. Don’t want to gamble away your hard-earned money? Spend it instead within the 26,000-square-foot promenade, which offers boutique shopping of the highest caliber. Three waterfront areas offer poolside relaxation, and guests enjoy entertainment at an on-site comedy club, a 7,000-person capacity theater (comedian Bill Burr performs there on August 28), nightclubs, bars and lounges. The iconic guitar-shaped hotel with a light show reaching 20,000 feet into the night sky is the centerpiece of this adult playground.

Natural Beauty

Maybe the multi-million dollar yachts, celebrity mansions, fishing charters and high stakes gambling aren’t your thing. In that case, Fort Lauderdale boasts a few beautifully scenic parks and natural recreation areas throughout the city that reflect the flora and fauna of the region.

For a particularly scenic stroll, be sure to visit the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where exotic birds and fantastic plants and flowers stimulate the senses.

In greater Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find an immense variety of delectable cuisine, including the blue collar Primanti Bros., which serves Pittsburgh-style sandwiches, along with fine dining steak houses, seafood dives and all points in between. You're also so close to Little Havana, about 45 minutes into Miami, so be sure to visit during the daytime for an authentic taste of Cuban fare and culture. Fort Lauderdale proper has a half-dozen highly rated Cuban restaurants as well.

So there’s your Getaway plan: cheap, fast flights, plenty to do and see, and a vacation customizable to almost any budget. Consider opting for the three-night stay, Saturday through Tuesday, using Spirit Airlines’ standard schedule. Speaking from my experience in May, the flights leave MYR early, around 7 a.m., arriving at FLL around 8:45 a.m., giving you a full day of vacation on your travel-down day. Flights typically leave FLL late-ish (around 6:30 p.m.), leaving most of your travel-home day open for a last full day of Florida fun.

We’ve just barely scratched the surface in describing this uniquely Floridian city and its many tropical charms, scenic beauty and glitzy nightlife.

Life is short, travel often.

Photographs by mia2you/shutterstock.com; Jillian Cain Photogrsaphy; Gagliardi Photography; Sean Pavone; JJW Photography; Kamira; Yingna Cai 

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Luxury In The Yachting Capital Of The World

The Affluent Lifestyle Guide

With 300+ miles of inland waterways and 50,000 registered yachts, Fort Lauderdale is often dubbed "the Yachting Capital of the World."

It's home port to the two largest cruise ships in the world and home to the largest boat show in the world (Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show). The famed Intracoastal Waterway offers close -- and scenic -- proximity from the inland waterways to the Atlantic.

Factor in 3,000 hours of sun annually, and it's obvious why this South Florida town would be the ultimate Stateside haven for a boat-up luxury lifestyle

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Why is fort lauderdale called the yachting capital of the world.

• November 23, 2023

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination located in Florida and known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and vibrant culture. The city has earned the title of “Yachting Capital of the World” for several reasons.

One of the main reasons for this title is the city’s location on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, providing an ideal spot for boating and yachting enthusiasts. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream near the shore offer perfect conditions for water-based activities. Fort Lauderdale is also the gateway to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 

Intercoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile inland water channel that runs along the East Coast of the United States and into the Atlantic Ocean.There are many natural inlets, rivers, canals, and anchorages. There is no place like Fort Lauderdale for exploration when chartering a yacht for the day. You will see historic sites, mega yachts, mansions along Millionaires’ Row, cruise ships, restaurants, hot spots, and so much more.

Fort Lauderdale is home to a variety of yacht clubs and marinas, with more than 42,000 registered vessels and over 7,000 boat slips available for rent. This allows Fort Lauderdale yachting enthusiasts to dock their boats easily and take advantage of the many amenities offered by these clubs and marinas.

Yachting Repair and Services

The city also boasts a thriving yacht service and repair industry, with many boatyards and shipyards specializing in the construction and maintenance of yachts and other boats. This industry not only provides jobs for the residents of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas but also makes it easy for yacht owners to find the services they need to keep their boats in top condition.

Yachting Events

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale’s yachting community hosts numerous events, shows, raft-ups, and regattas throughout the year, such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is the largest boat show in the world. 

In summary, Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the Yachting Capital of the World is due to its location, variety of yacht clubs and marinas, thriving boat building and repair industry, and numerous yachting events and regattas held throughout the year. It is a perfect destination for boaters and boat owners seeking a combination of relaxation, adventure, and luxury.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is known as the "yachting capital of the world."

Everything to Know About Fort Lauderdale

Here's how to plan the best possible trip to the Venice of America.

Fort Lauderdale’s spring break reputation dates back to the 1930s, but over the past few years, the city has traded in Solo cups for sleeker stemware. Swanky rooftop bars and speakeasy-inspired lounges are sprouting up downtown, with the railroad tracks shielding some of the hottest pieces of real estate. Mimicking Miami , Fort Lauderdale is transforming concrete-heavy warehouse districts into street art-lined neighborhoods catering to the Florida city’s creative community.

Fort Lauderdale is considered a year-round beach destination (you can comfortably dip your toes in the water in winter), but high season kicks off in December once hurricane threats subside. Plan your trip for early spring when the sun isn’t too sweltering, or time your travel around sea turtle nesting season (between March and October) to watch hatchlings crawl their way to the water.

For three days in April, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park’s white sands sport stages drawing some of the biggest names in country, rock, and rap (think everyone from Keith Urban to Snoop Dogg and Sister Hazel) at Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival , which has raised over a million dollars for ocean conservation.

What to Eat

Le Tub Saloon , a former Sunoco gas station sitting on the Intracoastal, has developed a cult following for its superthick, 13-ounce sirloin hamburgers (which GQ rated no. 1 in the nation), while One Door East is redefining the city’s taco scene with spicy, tuna-stuffed tempura shells. At Coconuts , the appetizer bowl of crab “scoobies” (snow or blue crab pincher claws sautéed in olive oil, crushed red pepper, and garlic) are so popular, they’re not even listed on the menu.

Souvenir to Take Home

Snag a piece of the city’s street art with a portrait by graffiti artist Herbert Galarza (known for the Hive’s kaleidoscope-colored Marilyn Monroe mural) or a print by Australian-born pop artist Sharon Lee Swift , available at her gallery in the craft café Bean to Brew .

Sustainable Travel Tip

Hop on a bright yellow bike at one of the B-cycle stands conveniently placed along Fort Lauderdale Beach for an eco-chic way to cruise the coast.

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Pose under the neon “Adventure Is Calling” sign above the doorway at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s bistro, Park & Ocean , where you can sip a Florida fruit-based beer brewed in-house before heading out on a paddling tour through mangrove trails. For an iconic shot of the water, head to Fort Lauderdale Beach at sunrise to snap a pic of A1A’s three-mile-long white Wave Wall.

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Fort Lauderdale – The Yachting Capital of the World

When thinking about Fort Lauderdale, images of warm weather and sun-drenched beaches come to mind. While these attractions undoubtedly exert a significant allure, another facet of this vibrant city demands attention. Did you know that Fort Lauderdale holds the esteemed title of the global epicenter of yachting? Indeed, while other corners of the world have pursued this distinction, none can truly rival the prominence held by Florida’s tenth-largest city. In this blog, we will discuss insights that establish Fort Lauderdale as the unrivaled yachting capital of the world.

Fort Lauderdale - A Maze of Water Passages

Fort Lauderdale’s heart is intertwined with an expansive network of more than 300 miles of inland waterways. The New River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and a complex series of navigable canals intersect, weaving a intricate aquatic tapestry. Remarkably, the city boasts a staggering 165 inland waterways entirely contained within its borders, earning it the moniker “Venice of America.” This unique geography inherently positions Fort Lauderdale as a haven for boating enthusiasts.

The city stands as a home to an astonishing surplus of vessels, numbering over 50,000 boats and yachts. This range encompasses everything from small runabouts to luxurious superyachts, presenting a breadth that defies imagination. This solitary statistic serves as a testament to the city’s role as the paramount hub of yachting on a worldwide scale.

Fort Lauderdale - Anchoring a Billion Dollar Industry

Every year, Fort Lauderdale’s waters welcome more than 2,000 superyachts—private yachts measuring 80 feet or more. These grand vessels often pause in the city en route to the Caribbean for the winter or as part of their global journeys. With numerous marinas and shipyards expertly designed to accommodate these massive yachts, the city is the favored destination for the discerning yachting community.

The marine industry within Fort Lauderdale is nothing short of monumental. Boasting a thriving ecosystem of equipment manufacturers, vendors, yacht brokers, and service enterprises, this sector generates a staggering $9.7 billion in economic impact within Broward County. Impressively, the marine industry stands as the second-largest economic segment in Greater Fort Lauderdale, trailing only behind tourism.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - Showcasing Superyachts

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a testament to the city’s supremacy in the yachting realm. Holding the distinction of being the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition, it proudly displays over 1,300 boats, yachts, and superyachts, lining seven miles of waterfront. Drawing over 100,000 visitors from more than 50 nations, this event is pivotal for yachting enthusiasts. 

Spanning several days, the Boat Show casts a spotlight on a diverse array of vessels that range from sleek and opulent superyachts to nimble, high-performance speedboats. Attendees are treated to an up-close encounter with the latest advancements in yacht design, cutting-edge marine technology, and a display of exclusive marine accessories and services. Meticulously curated exhibits line the docks, drawing visitors into a world where craftsmanship meets innovation and luxury merges seamlessly with functionality.

Beyond its role as a marketplace for maritime opulence, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show serves as a nexus for networking and industry collaboration. Boat builders, designers, brokers, and marine experts converge to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and lay the groundwork for the future of yachting and boating.

A Paradise for Anglers

Fort Lauderdale offers a unique opportunity for anglers—an uncommon fusion of freshwater and saltwater fishing just minutes apart. With a variety of over 200 species of freshwater fish to target, fishing enthusiasts can also venture offshore to pursue grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, and more. This diverse array of fishing experiences solidifies the city’s exceptional aquatic offerings.

Overall, Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the ultimate yachting hub arises from its rich maritime heritage, splendid waterways, world-class events, and thriving marine industry. Encompassing superyachts, fishing escapades, and underwater explorations, this city weaves an unparalleled tapestry of experiences catering to water enthusiasts and seafarers worldwide. Therefore, whether one boasts a seasoned maritime history, nurtures aspirations of fishing, or harbors a curiosity for diving, Fort Lauderdale offers an extraordinary bounty.

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A New Home in the Yachting Capital of the World

Denison yachting opens a new global headquarters in fort lauderdale..

This article was written by Sarah Nadler. Photography courtesy of Denison Yachting.

Denison Yachting has started the new year with a clean slate in its new headquarters in the center of Fort Lauderdale.

While the company already had a large presence in the “Yachting Capital of the World” an office at The Quay on 17th Street, plus headquarters in Dania Beach just a few minutes’ drive away, and a rich family history in the city the innovative new office located at the well-known former Ardell building has officially put the brokerage firm on the map, in more ways than one.

The central headquarters officially opened its doors in December 2023, with the Denison team all getting together to christen the new space at its annual Christmas party. The office became fully operational at the start of 2024. It is now the new home to over 65 Denison employees, as it has consolidated three previous Denison offices in the area. Ideally situated on Southeast 17th Street a popular thoroughfare known to South Florida locals and visitors alike the Ardell building was one of the first standalone offices on the strip, which adds to its appeal as a premier location for a yachting business. 17th Street has always been synonymous with the boating and marine industries, especially with its proximity to multiple points of entry to the water including Port Everglades and Superyacht Village. Here, the Denison name remains an integral part of the community, with humble beginnings in a much smaller location just nearby.

When Founder & President Bob Denison established the company in 2002, he naturally set up shop in Fort Lauderdale. As he was born and raised in the city and with an avid background in boating and yachting his grandparents founded Broward Marine, with its original location (now a historic site) in Fort Lauderdale just a few miles away the writing was on the wall that there, too, the business should be based. With a great network in the local community, Bob looked to his high-school friend Bryce Harlow to help furnish his then barely 500-square-foot office (which was actually a house) through Bryce’s up-and-coming office design company at the time.

Things have come a long way since then. These days, Denison Yachting has grown tremendously, with over 100 yacht brokers and more than 20 waterfront locations the biggest and most impressive being this newest 12,000-square-foot addition. All has come full circle, as his life-long friend Bryce was involved in the buildout of this office, too. His commercial interior development company, Align1 Solutions (also based locally), was responsible for the design concept of the facility, including the furnishings, glass walls, floor plan, and reception layout. Chief Operating Officer Nikole Hall said, “We aligned the brand and culture of Denison with the functionality and aesthetic of the space.” The interior is modern and sleek, well-planned to maximize the space for the comfort and productivity of brokers and employees alike.

Also a partner in the creation of the new headquarters was developer John J. Doyle, another long-time Fort Lauderdale-based business owner. His development corporation reconstructed the iconic Ardell building into the masterpiece it is today, leading the effort to design the building shell and interiors in response to Denison’s needs. Doyle led the charge to permit and complete the reconstruction scopes and deliver the building and site into a beautiful new addition to 17th Street Causeway. He shared his pride in the project: “All of the 17th Street neighbors are very excited to have Denison Yachting aboard! The city is thrilled that the building has been entirely revitalized, and we are proud of having played a role in the transformation.”

With even higher visibility in the industry, the state-of-the-art office will also significantly contribute to the city of Fort Lauderdale’s economic advancement over the next decade with its ten-year lease, showing the company’s commitment to a long-term presence within the city and ensuring a consistent and stable source of tax revenue. Denison is proud to be a part of the Fort Lauderdale community and foster growth within it.

“We recognized that Denison’s expansion into Europe, plus the growth of our yacht management, charter, and sales divisions, would need to be supported by a new headquarters,” Denison Chief Operating Officer Ben Farnborough remarked. “Bringing our teams under one roof and reimagining a building that has been a landmark of the yachting business on 17th Street for so many years is very exciting for our brand.”

Denison has always been honored to be an integral part of the local community. With deep roots in Fort Lauderdale dating back to 1948, fond memories of the founding of the brokerage firm, years of successful Fort Lauderdale boat shows, and so many more meaningful ties to the city, Denison is looking forward to an even greater impact on its home from a special spot at the heart of the Yachting Capital of the World.

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What is Fort Lauderdale Known For? (17 Things It’s Known For)

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city in Florida’s Broward County. It is located on Florida’s southeast coast. With roughly 184,261 estimated residents and a total area of 38.6 square miles, Fort Lauderdale is the second-largest city in the Miami metropolitan area. The city is 25 miles away from Miami, Florida, and it faces the Atlantic Ocean. 

Fort Lauderdale is known for its intricate inland waterways within the city. Its seal boasts that the city is the “Venice of America.” In addition, the city is well known for its tourism, film and television production, and many more. Fort Lauderdale also sits in a perfect climate with an average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Sustainable Seas

Since this is a city whose economy predominantly relies on its natural resources and attractions, locals make sure to do what they can to protect their environment. Six of the city’s beaches are Blue Wave Certified, which recognizes beautiful beaches in America that can meet specific standards for cleanliness and sustainability. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood Beach, and Pompano Beach have all received a certificate from the Clean Beaches Coalition. 

Spring Break!

Every year, college students look forward to one of the biggest party events of the year; Spring Break! Students enjoy their week-long break by visiting the coastal cities to enjoy the beaches, drinks, and music with their friends. Spring break began as early as 1938 when students would meet in Fort Lauderdale for a swim meet. In the 60s, more and more students started traveling down for spring break, and nearby coastal cities also started catering to the spring break crowd. Since then, the city has tried to become more family-friendly and move away from the spring break image.

Shopping and Dining by the Stables 

Gulfstream Park, located in Hallandale Beach, is a great place to experience world-class horse races, outdoor shopping, and high-quality dining all in one place. The racetracks are friendly for both experienced bettors and first-timers. There are numerous dining choices within the area, and you can also find a casino. Gulfstream Park also hosts the Florida Derby every Spring. 

Once in a Lifetime Snow

It is very rare to see snow in Florida . And if you do get the chance to see some flurries, you’ll probably only see them in the state’s northern cities. It might be hard to imagine snow by the beach, but Fort Lauderdale recorded one day of snow. On January 19, 1977, residents of South Florida experienced something they never thought could happen – snow!

The Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale’s defining characteristic is its intricate inland waterways. The Intracoastal waterways stretch as far as 300 miles within the city. Catching a water taxi ride from the Birch State Park to the 15th Street Fisheries is one of the best and most convenient ways to experience the beauty of the city’s waterways quickly. If you want a more immersive experience, you might want to drop by the Everglades Holiday Park. Here, you can take a ride in an airboat to see some Florida gators and other wildlife in the area as tour guides share a lot of interesting facts.

The Yachting Capital of the World

With roughly 23 miles of beaches and 300 miles of canals within the city, great weather for sailing conditions, and numerous establishments, it is no wonder why Fort Lauderdale was named the yachting capital of the world. The city has more than 100 marinas and 50,000 yachts registered in the area. Every October, the city also hosts one of the biggest boat shows in the world – the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. 

Vegas by the Beach?

Outside of the beach and the intricate canals, Fort Lauderdale has become the epicenter of gambling in Florida. The state is ranked as the third most active gambling state in the country. Gamblers can experience the thrills of slot machines, horse racing, dog and harness racing, Jai alai, simulcast gambling, and many more. You can visit Gulfstream Park, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, The Big Easy Casino, and the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park within the city.

Swimming World Records

Fort Lauderdale is home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum exhibits original pieces and reproductions of ancient art that show the great swimming moments, including the swimwear used, throughout the years. It also houses the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, equipped with competition pools and a diving well. The complex has seen ten world records achieved, including the 400m individual medley set by Michael Phelps in 2002 and the 100m breaststroke set by Catie Ball in 1966.

Fort Lauderdale Beaches

Back in the 60s, the beaches of Fort Lauderdale hosted some of the wildest college spring break parties the country has seen. Ever since the city could no longer control the crowds, they imposed rules and fines that would prevent college students from partying in the city. Now, the beaches of Fort Lauderdale have been taken care of by its locals. They are considered some of the best beaches in Florida, and they have become hubs for great family fun. Some notable beaches to visit are Sebastian Street Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Las Olas Beach.

Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is a stretch that starts from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the ocean. It is a great route to get to the beach. You’ll find hundreds of different stores along the boulevard, including high-end boutiques and jewelry stores. Many restaurants and art galleries can also be found along the stretch. 

The Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science is an excellent place for educational family fun. The museum has a wide array of exhibits which include alligators and prehistoric animals such as megalodons, Imperial Mammoths, and Sabre-toothed tigers. You can also experience the museum simulation of a boat ride in the Everglades.

Let’s Scuba!

Fort Lauderdale is pretty serious when it comes to its beaches. Ever since the city rebranded its image from the country’s spring break capital to one of the cleanest beaches in Florida, its beaches have been able to breathe and prosper. This is one of the reasons why the city is such a great place for scuba diving. Enthusiasts can dive into the city’s beaches and swim by a living three-tiered coral reef near the coast. They can also enjoy the city’s 76 different artificial reefs and shipwrecks. 

Romantic Dinner Cruises

Fort Lauderdale is home to many establishments that offer dinner and show cruises for visitors and locals. So when it comes to a romantic date when you drop by the city, nothing will beat a luxurious meal as you sail along Millionaire’s Row while watching the sunset.

From Romance to Comedy

Leslie William Nielsen is a Canadian-born actor who made the world laugh through cult classic comedies such as The Naked Gun franchise, Airplane!, and Dracula Dead and Loving It. After retiring from acting, Leslie decided to reside in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, Barbaree Earl. Unfortunately, on November 28, 2010, the beloved actor passed away in his sleep due to pneumonia at 84 years old. His final resting place is at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his gravestone reads, “Let ‘er rip.”

Three Forts in Lauderdale?

Before the 20th century, Fort Lauderdale was called the “New River Settlement.” It refers to the New River that runs through Broward County. During the Seminole War, three forts were built and named after Major William Lauderdale and his younger brother Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale. They served as military forts and trading posts. The city was named after these forts in 1911.

Research Gone Wrong

As the city was rebranding itself and rehabilitating its beaches, something went wrong. In the 1970s, roughly two million tires were dumped into the ocean off the coast of Fort Lauderdale to create artificial reefs for marine life. Though the city was flooded with good intentions, they didn’t know that tires weren’t the best option as materials for artificial reefs. Now, the city is making up for it by launching a marine debris removal program to get rid of the tires for a cleaner ocean.

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

The Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile trail that follows the New River toward the ocean. The trail cuts through 10 different parks with playgrounds, gardens, and exercise stations. If you don’t want to walk, you can also try renting a segway or riding the Riverwalk Water Trolley.

We Are Yacht Brokers

Welcome to Atlantic Yacht & Ship, Inc. We remain an integral leader in the yacht and ship brokerage industry, serving the yachting community since 1959. Atlantic Yacht & Ship, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is located in the heart of the “Yachting Capital of the World”. Whether buying or selling a quality motor yacht, center console, or having your luxury yacht built. Atlantic Yacht & Ship is your one-stop resource for the highest quality luxury yacht sales and service in the yachting industry today. The dynamics in buying or selling a yacht are complex and time consuming, but at Atlantic Yacht & Ship, our team of professional yacht brokers are prepared to handle the entire process and create a positive and easy experience for all our clients.

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Trending articles, visit lauderdale hosts tourism partnership summit to help local businesses tap into tourism.

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 23, 2024) – The first annual Sun, Sand, and Synergy Tourism Partnership Summit hosted by Visit Lauderdale – the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale – empowered local businesses to harness the region’s tourism potential.

The event, held at the Broward County Convention Center, on August 8, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the region's tourism industry as Visit Lauderdale welcomed more than 250 business professionals to network and learn ways to tap into tourist revenue streams. 

The half-day session was packed with a series of thought-provoking panels and presentations that provided attendees with valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism industry.

This turnout underscores the growing local interest and investment in Greater Fort Lauderdale's tourism landscape.

Some key takeaways for attendees included:

• Visit Lauderdale’s partnerships with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses are critical to the region’s tourism industry.
• Greater Fort Lauderdale collected more than $125 million in tourist revenue in 2023.
• More than 32 million visitors flew into Fort Lauderdale International Airport in 2023.
• The demand for hotels is up 3% over last year, with three new hotels consisting of 394 rooms in the pipeline for 2024.
• Inclusive travel is a key differentiator for Visit Lauderdale, in 2023 nearly three million LGBT+ travelers visited Greater Fort Lauderdale and spent approximately $1.3 billion in our local economy.

Please join us at our next partner event on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for more ways to engage with the Visit Lauderdale team.

For more information or to RSVP for the upcoming partner event, check out  Visit Lauderdale.com .

About Greater Fort Lauderdale 

With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there’s good reason, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. 

About Visit Lauderdale  Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information and follow @VisitLauderdale on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  X  and  YouTube .