Fort Lauderdale is a popular coastal vacation spot with those who want to relax and enjoy some great food, music, and wildlife. Bird watching and all night dancing are not only found in the same area, but are the best of the best.

Las Olas Boulevard is a great meeting place for travelers. This upscale part of town is the hub of shopping, nightlife, and culture in the Fort Lauderdale area. Visitors should plan for at least one full day on the boulevard to capture all that is offered, but could find them there much longer if they find a favorite boutique or restaurant. For starters Las Olas Boulevard harbors the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Radiance Day Spa, and a romantic French restaurant called La Bonne Crepe. After a delicious meal, Udder Sweets, an alluring chocolate and ice cream boutique, hits the spot.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FL – AUGUST 11: Rain clouds are seen over the Florida Everglades on August 11, 2011 in the Everglades National Park, Florida. The Obama administration announced it will pump $100 million into Everglades restoration. The money will go to buy land from ranchers as much as 24,000 acres – some 37 square miles – in four counties northwest of Lake Okeechobee and preserve them under permanent conservation easements. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

For the outdoorsy traveler, the Everglades National Park is a goldmine of nature. The park stretches across 1.5 million acres being the third national park in America. Coming across alligators with their babies would not be unexpected. Everglades Holiday Park is a company that rents out airboats and drivers to visitors so they can experience the Everglades first hand.

Fort Lauderdale Beachis a spot that first time visitors cannot miss. Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in America and this is no exception. If being able to see the bottom floor of the ocean, Fort Lauderdale’s 7 miles of beach is the perfect place to see. Although only 2 continuous miles of this beach is open to the public, it is worth the crowds.

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden for animal lovers, not just that of flamingos. The grounds have a hiking trail and a guided tram tour. Along the pathway bobcats, otters, and crocodiles live in their habitats. Flamingo Gardens is the oldest botanical garden in South Florida, and holds the most amounts of native species and plant life. There is no need to pack a lunch because the area has many cafes and restaurants. This incredible exhibit of conservation owes much of its consistency to volunteers and donors who make sure the area is well studied and maintained.

Get around Ft Lauderdale can be difficult at times so the best way to get around is by rental cars. The bet company that has cheap rates is the Sixt Cheap Rental Cars in Ft Lauderdale.  You will be able to see a lot of different things faster when you have a rent a car in Fort Lauderdale. Do not miss an attraction becasue you do not have a car.

With so much to do in Fort Lauderdale, it can easily become a family tradition to return each year for a whirlwind experience.