Fort Lauderdale Waterways, the Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale is known to travelers and natives alike as the Venice of America, and a drive down most of it’s roadways will easily explain the title. There is water everywhere. Having grown up here, I took for granted the canals and waterways that I saw all around me every day. As a child especially, the beach and the boats was perfectly normal. But don’t worry, I’ve grown to appreciate the beauty of Fort Lauderdale, and I’ve decided to share it with all of you through a series highlighting all of the beauty and fun of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Let’s start by adding water.

If it’s sparkling water and boats you’re after, head downtown to Riverwalk. There you’ll find a long winding path along the water’s edge where you can come close enough to touch the boats and yachts and mega yachts that are ubiquitous to the Florida landscape.

Riverwalk is perfect for walkers and bike riders. No bike? There are many

RiverWalk is perfect for walkers and bike riders. No bike? There are many cruisers available for rent.

As you can see, there is plenty of seating. Pack a lunch or grab something from a nearby food truck and watch the vessels, large and small, ripple down the waterways. A word of caution: the iguanas also love basking in the sun.

This one was basking just a few feet from where I was standing. A woman on a boat pointed him out to me.

Sometimes you can catch the bridge rising. Waiting for bridges in downtown Fort Lauderdale is expected. We all have to share- drivers, bikers, walkers and boaters.

Added to the beauty of the waterways, downtown has a flurry of activity when it’s time for the numerous art walks, jazz festivals and concerts hosted by the city.

Get up close.

Maybe you’d like to lounge at one of the many waterfront restaurants. If you’ve got a boat, docking is pretty simple.

If you don’t own your own boat, but you’d like to experience our waterways from the water, there are a number of water taxis, often free, and chartered boat rentals. There are also boat tours that will take you through the waterways, your captain pointing out the homes of the rich and famous. It’s a great way to see the varied architecture of South Florida’s most expensive properties.

This is not a water taxi.

Although paddle boarding and kayaking can be done in a great number of our waterways, and there are many, Riverwalk is far too busy with boat traffic.

The water is not clear by any means, but sometimes you can get lucky and catch sight of a nearby manatee.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this small bit of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. It’s a beautiful place that I’m appreciating more and more as time goes on.