Shopping
Discover a retail wonderland beginning with Sawgrass Mills, the world's largest discount and entertainment mall. It’s easy to spend the entire day among the shops, family fun and restaurants. The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills features 70 luxury outlets with names like Gucci, Prada, Kate Spade New York and Tory Burch. Shop via the Water Taxi with stops at the upscale Galleria Mall and Las Olas Boulevard, the latter known for its boutiques and cafes. Also check out the bohemian vibe of the shops at THE YARD in Wilton Manors.

Dining
Greater Fort Lauderdale has elevated its culinary game with new food experiences, craft breweries, coffee houses and celebrity-owned restaurants. Seafood lovers have their pick of sea-to-table dishes that change daily. And taste buds sizzle with Floribbean cuisine that takes its roots from the area’s diverse heritage.

The destination even has its own weekly foodie show, Crave GFL on Hello Sunny TV. Watch Yelp! Community Manager Blue Arauz as he uncovers the area’s most delicious finds. Whatever you’re craving, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s infusion of chillaxed vibes and multicultural cuisine are on full display.

Art
Eye-catching murals, sculptures and exhibitions are just a sampling of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s art scene. Start at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, located in the heart of downtown. The space houses over 6,000 unique works. Five minutes north is FATVillage, the funky warehouse district that’s home to art galleries, studios, creative businesses, and monthly ArtWalks.

Fifteen minutes south, visitors can enjoy a walking tour of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. And every January, board a Water Taxi or private yacht for Art Fort Lauderdale, a curated tour of waterfront mansions that house stunning art collections.

Water Culture
Water is a way of life in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Known as the “Venice of America,” there are over 300 miles of inland waterways that are perfect for sailing, yacht charter, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Dive into colorful sea life at over 100 wrecks and reefs, accessible by boat or shore diving. Deep sea fishing charters depart daily. And an entirely different type of boat – the airboat – will take you into Florida’s “River of Grass” — the exotic Everglades. For even more exhilarating water adventures, jump on just about any type of board — Flyboard®, wakeboard, surf board (free lessons!) and get your kicks.

Weddings
Exchange vows under bright blue skies, while your toes are immersed in golden sand and graceful palms sway in the breeze. But your options don’t end where the sand does. Get back to nature in a butterfly garden, tropical gardens, or in the exotic Everglades, then launch your new life together roaring through the “River of Grass” on an airboat. Share your perfect moment on a pair of paddleboards on the waterway or parasailing over the Atlantic Ocean. Be artfully wed in a museum or historic home. Or even under the sea. With many scenic locales and exciting venues, Greater Fort Lauderdale caters to every wedding personality.

Pre- and Post-Cruise
If you have some time pre- or post-cruise, then Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a world of choices for onshore fun that’s easy to reach. Two hours to spare? Hop on the Water Taxi and see magnificent yachts, mansions and museums. Four hours to spare? Wander through boutiques and galleries on Las Olas Boulevard followed by an al fresco lunch. Eight hours to spare? Enjoy the beaches and treat the kids to hands-on fun at the Museum of Discovery and Science and IMAX 3D theater. And there’s an array of accommodations close by, from luxury beachfront resorts to Superior Small Lodgings.