A rental car is a plus, but a convertible is even better. Traffic is no sweat when the ocean breezes are caressing your skin. Fort Lauderdale Airport unites a dozen rental car companies under one roof.
Tote a travel umbrella
Afternoon showers are common, especially from June to October. They rarely last more than an hour, but no one likes slogging around in wet clothes when it's 90 degrees.
See floats that really float
Since 1971, the Winterfest Boat Parade (www.winterfestparade.com) has illuminated the Intracoastal Waterway for one December night with a flotilla of decorated seafaring vessels. Buying tickets for the grandstand in Birch State Park guarantees prime viewing.
Enjoy a jazzy picnic
Pack a lunch and head to the downtown Riverwalk for free outdoor jazz concerts on the first Sunday of every month. Local vendors sell food on site for impromptu picnicking.
Combine a land and sea vacation
More than 5,300 ships pass through deep-water Port Everglades annually, making Fort Lauderdale a convenient destination for cruise ship passengers.
Get a room with a view
Book a room with an ocean view; otherwise you may be overlooking asphalt. Whether watching the yachts cruise the Intracoastal Waterway or the sun rise over the Atlantic, the water is the reason for coming here.
