Miami, another day.. =), Florida Miami, library, beach, another awesome night... September 13th I wanted to go see Fort Lauderdale, they say there are lots of cool yachts there and the area is generally wealthy. I missed the 12:45 PM bus, went back to the beach and my mood is great again. I found an entrance to the local pier, as far as I understood from the signs, there are yachts worth half a billion bucks there 0_o Why are the prices so crazy for a piece of plastic?? There's a ton of fish under the docks, some kind of perch and such huge colorful fish =) Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the coral reef this time, it was windy in Key West, probably echoes of the hurricane, sand kicked up, waves, and the catamarans aren't offering their $30-40 snorkeling/sunset tours while the weather is bad... It turns out I went south just as a teaser - I will definitely come back, it would be great to bring my family - they deserve it at least as much as the pot-bellied families vacationing in Miami... Speaking of vacationers - there are some very cute girls on the beaches =) but what does that have to do with me, a messy hobo with a backpack. I had an idea to take a photo of each one and write down their contact in a notebook, but I imagined myself in the place of a beautiful girl during such a census and gave up on the idea =) I'm not sure if I'm perceived normally and not as a hobo, and generally speaking, I'm not sure if I'm perceived at all - I'm without any of the usual beads and pendants here, disheveled, in simple clothes, tanned in patches (most strongly between the straps of my sandals or whatever they're called=)). There are a lot of men here who look like they're from the cover of Men's Health, and the women, obviously, are spoiled for choice... I'm saying goodbye to the warm sea, to the sunset sky. I will return. I'm getting on the 9 o'clock bus to Washington. Then there was a funny moment - I forgot my jacket in the restroom at the station while I was washing up. It's a good jacket, so I decided to get it back. I got off at the next station, called, and asked the next bus to bring it - at 10:20 the jacket arrived =) At midnight I finally got on my route. Not many people, my four seats, this is happiness. Warm, good, cozy, time to think. I have 1 day and 6 hours to go... http://blogs.iec.ru/journal/view/singleimage.php?postcard=yes&imageurl=/photos/moshkam/photos/IMG_2740.jpg&user_id=moshkam
Fort Lauderdale: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026
Newcomers quickly learn that canals divide the eastern neighborhoods into cul-de-sacs, turning simple errands into detours across designated bridges.
- 1 day
- Stranahan House, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach
- 3 days
- + Bonnet House, Hugh Taylor Birch Park, New River
- 7 days
- + Swap Shop, Broward Center, Port Everglades
Waterways shape daily circulation and marine commerce in this Atlantic coastal hub.
Extensive canal networks and proximity to open ocean waters anchor the local economy to recreational boating, yacht manufacturing, and maritime repair. Downtown development along Las Olas Boulevard features high-rise residential towers alongside performing arts halls and corporate offices. Commercial cruise ships operate continuously through Port Everglades, which also handles regional fuel distribution.
Read on
Waterways interrupt the eastern street pattern, requiring drivers and cyclists to detour toward specific bridge crossings rather than proceeding straight toward the ocean. Highway traffic bypasses the pedestrian promenade by passing through an underground roadway tunnel beneath Las Olas Boulevard. Commuter rail corridors run inland along the regional transit spine, while residents depend primarily on private automobiles for daily travel.
Strict municipal ordinances curtailed the historic student holiday crowds, reshaping the urban atmosphere into an ongoing coastal market for affluent travelers and seasonal winter residents. Commercial dining and nightlife congregate heavily in eastern districts near the shoreline, whereas western neighborhoods experience different security conditions that require greater caution after dark.
- Yachting industry
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Kinney Tunnel
- Waterway detours
- Western neighborhoods
- A highway tunnel carries vehicular traffic underneath the river and Las Olas Boulevard.
- Port Everglades functions as a primary marine hub for passenger cruise ships and petroleum imports.
- Brightline and Tri-Rail operate passenger train services connecting the city with Miami and West Palm Beach.
- A regular international passenger ferry connects the local seaport with Grand Bahama Island.
Getting there and staying
- 01Connect personal mobile devices to the airport terminal wireless network upon deplaning.
- 02Withdraw United States currency from an automated teller machine in arrivals.
- 03Board the airport shuttle for regional rail or hail a licensed curbside taxi to reach accommodation.
2 sources · As of November 3, 2026
Visa and practicalities
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Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.
Internships, au pair and study programmes have a different visa category and a different set of documents. Applications go through CMO International Programmes.
IEC international programmes- Travel between the downtown district and the beach requires following specific bridge routes due to the canal network.
How can visitors travel around Fort Lauderdale using public transit?
Broward County Transit operates bus routes across the urban area and links with transit systems in neighboring counties. Regional commuter rail lines connect the city station to major regional destinations. Local municipal shuttles and scheduled water taxis provide transport between downtown districts and coastal areas.
Source: Wikipedia · WikivoyageWhich airports provide access to Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport serves as the main commercial air terminal for the metropolitan area. Travelers also utilize Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport for broader flight options. Commuter rail links provide scheduled connections from surrounding airports into the city.
Source: Wikipedia · WikivoyageWhy is navigation between downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach unique?
Extensive canal networks divide the land between the city center and the Atlantic shoreline, requiring drivers and pedestrians to cross at designated bridges. Road maps are essential to avoid detours along dead-end waterways. Additionally, the main highway bypasses Las Olas Boulevard entirely through an underground river tunnel rather than a surface intersection.
Source: Wikipedia · WikivoyageWhich areas in Fort Lauderdale require safety precautions?
Commercial corridors along Las Olas Boulevard, downtown, and the beach districts generally maintain safe conditions for pedestrians. Neighborhoods situated west of Andrews Avenue, especially western sectors after dark, warrant heightened awareness. Visitors traveling by vehicle should lock their doors and store luggage out of sight to prevent break-ins.
Source: WikivoyageDoes Fort Lauderdale offer passenger ferry and cruise connections?
Port Everglades operates as a major maritime hub for international passenger cruise liners. Scheduled ferry services depart from the port to Grand Bahama Island. Local transit shuttles and taxis connect the seaport directly with nearby airport terminals and downtown lodging.
Source: Wikipedia · WikivoyageWhat cultural attractions are located in the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District?
The central cultural corridor extends along Las Olas Boulevard between the downtown center and the coastal waterfront. The area concentrates major performing arts centers, regional museums, and historic preservation properties. The district also houses numerous dining venues, galleries, and performance halls.
Source: WikipediaSafety and health
Getting here
When to go and itineraries
- 09:00Stranahan HouseTour the historic trading post on the bank of the New River.
- 11:30Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment DistrictWalk along the landscaped river promenade toward the regional cultural venues.
- 13:30Las Olas BoulevardExplore the downtown avenue lined with cafes, bistros, and art galleries.
- 16:00Fort Lauderdale BeachReach the coastal strip along the Atlantic Ocean for waterfront walking.
- 10:00Hugh Taylor Birch State ParkWalk shaded nature trails through coastal hammocks and along the freshwater lagoon.
- 12:30Bonnet HouseVisit the historic barrier island estate surrounded by native subtropical gardens.
- 15:00Intracoastal WaterwayBoard the local water taxi to travel along the marine channels.
People who have been here
Stay longer on a programme
Work and Travel, internships, au pair and volunteering in United States: visa, invitation and on-site support are handled by CMO International Programmes.
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Frequent questions about Fort Lauderdale
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