Imagine walking near a sunny canal while palm trees move gently in the breeze. Boats glide by, people laugh in outdoor cafés, and the sky stays bright all day. This is Fort Lauderdale, Florida—also known in Dutch as Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten. It’s more than just beaches and sunshine. It’s a city full of stories, history, culture, and a lifestyle that mixes fun and peace.
In this article, we’ll explore the true heart of Fort Lauderdale. You’ll learn about its past, how the city started, why it’s called the “Venice of America,” and what makes it special for travelers from Europe, especially Dutch speakers. Whether you’re planning a vacation, thinking about moving, or just curious, this guide will help you understand Fort Lauderdale in a simple and friendly way.
Where Is Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten?
Fort Lauderdale is a city on the southeast coast of Florida in the United States. It’s only about 45 minutes north of Miami. It sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and has miles of sunny beaches. The city is part of Broward County, and over 6 million people live in the metro area that includes nearby cities like Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs.
When Dutch people search for this city, they often see the name “Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten.” That’s just the Dutch way to say “United States.” So if you’re from the Netherlands or Belgium and booking a trip or cruise, this is the name you’ll probably find on travel websites, airport signs, and hotel bookings.
Fort Lauderdale has its own international airport—FLL (Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport)—but many people also fly into Miami and then drive up. It’s all very close and easy to reach.
The History Behind Fort Lauderdale
Long before the tall hotels and smooth roads, this land was wild. Thousands of years ago, it was home to the Tequesta people, one of Florida’s earliest Native American tribes. Later, the Seminoles lived here. They moved through the rivers, hunted, and lived off the land. Everything started to change in 1838, when Major William Lauderdale and his soldiers built a fort here during the Second Seminole War. That’s how the city got its name.
Years later, a man named Frank Stranahan came to the area. In 1893, he opened a small trading post along the New River. He traded with the Seminoles and helped build the first signs of a town. His old wooden house still stands today as the Stranahan House Museum, and you can visit it to feel what life was like back then.
In the 1920s, Fort Lauderdale saw big changes. Fancy homes were built, hotels popped up, and the rich came from the north to enjoy the sun. But then came Prohibition, when alcohol was banned in the U.S. Fort Lauderdale’s canals became a secret path for smugglers bringing in illegal rum. After that, a huge hurricane in 1926 destroyed much of the city, and the dream nearly ended. Still, the city rebuilt—and its story kept growing.
Why People Call It the Venice of America
When people call Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten the Venice of America, they’re not just being poetic. The city has over 300 miles of canals—even more than Venice, Italy! These canals aren’t just pretty. People actually use them. They live in houses with boat docks, take water taxis to dinner, and spend weekends sailing with friends.
The city’s deep connection to the water makes life here feel different. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping out of your door and getting on a boat instead of a car, this is the place for it.
Fort Lauderdale is also home to one of the world’s biggest boat shows—the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It’s a huge event every fall, and it brings boat lovers, sellers, and tourists from all over the world. Boats aren’t just for fun here—they’re a way of life.
The Best Time to Visit Fort Lauderdale
Planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten? The best time to go is from November to April. This is the dry season, and the weather is warm but not too hot. You can swim, walk on the beach, and enjoy outside activities without too much rain or humidity.
If you want to avoid crowds and get better hotel prices, May and June are also good options. Just know that July to September can be very hot, and it’s also the rainy season. Hurricanes are possible during this time too, but the city is very prepared for that. Most days still have sunshine, with rain usually coming in short afternoon bursts.
And if you want to catch a big event, visit during the Tortuga Music Festival in spring or the Boat Show in November. These events show the city’s fun side and bring people together from all over.
Top Things to See and Do in Fort Lauderdale
There’s so much to explore in this city. Whether you love nature, art, food, or just relaxing in the sun, you’ll find something special.
One of the best places to start is Las Olas Boulevard. This is a long street full of shops, outdoor cafés, street art, and even rooftop bars. You can start your day with coffee and end it with a sunset cocktail, all on the same block.
Want nature and history together? Visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. It’s a beautiful old home filled with colorful artwork and surrounded by flowers, trees, and even monkeys. It feels like stepping into a different world.
You can also explore the Riverwalk—a pretty walking path along the New River. Or take the kids to the Museum of Discovery and Science, which has fun things for families.
If you’re more into adventure, try an Everglades airboat ride. In just 30 minutes, you can go from the city to a world of alligators, birds, and endless wetlands.
Meet the Neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale
Just like any big city, Fort Lauderdale has many different areas. Each one has its own feel. Knowing about them helps you decide where to stay—or even live.
Las Olas Isles is full of luxury homes, many with boats parked in front. This is where people live the canal life, with water all around them.
Victoria Park is calm and close to downtown. It’s great for walking, has older houses with charm, and feels like a cozy neighborhood.
Flagler Village is where young people and artists live. There are murals, breweries, cool coffee shops, and a fun creative energy.
Wilton Manors is known for being one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the U.S. It’s colorful, welcoming, and full of life.
Some neighborhoods like Harbordale or Dania Beach are more affordable and still close to everything. So no matter your budget or lifestyle, there’s a spot that fits your vibe.
Fort Lauderdale for Dutch and European Travelers
Many people from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany love visiting Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten. Why? Because it offers a calm, warm, and friendly place to relax. You get the sunshine of Miami without the rush or stress. It feels both exciting and peaceful at the same time.
On travel websites in Dutch, you’ll often see the city listed as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Verenigde Staten. This makes it easy to find when booking flights, cruises, or vacation homes. Even real estate sites show listings in Dutch for people looking to buy homes here. You can also find Dutch-speaking agents and services in the city.
Direct flights from Amsterdam may land in nearby cities like Miami, but Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive away. Once you arrive, you’ll notice signs in English and sometimes even in other languages, especially near the airport and cruise terminals. This international vibe makes the city welcoming for European travelers.
What the Weather Is Like All Year
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten, the weather is probably one of the main reasons. The city has a tropical climate, which means warm temperatures all year round. Even in January, it’s still beach weather for most people.
The best months to visit are from November to April. These months are warm, dry, and very sunny. It’s perfect for beach days, outdoor lunches, and boat rides. From May to October, it’s the wet season. That means short but strong rain showers, usually in the afternoon.
During the summer, it can get very hot and humid. This is also hurricane season, but don’t worry—the city is prepared. Hotels and homes are built to handle storms, and most days are still sunny and beautiful. Just keep an eye on the weather if you’re visiting during these months.
Local Life: What It’s Like to Live in Fort Lauderdale
Many people don’t just visit Fort Lauderdale—they fall in love with it and move there. And it’s easy to see why. Imagine starting your morning with a kayak ride, working from a beachside café, then ending the day with a walk along the water. Life here moves at a slower, happier pace.
The city is a mix of all kinds of people. You’ll meet retired couples, young families, boat captains, digital workers, and artists. Each neighborhood has its own feel, so whether you want peace, fun, or something in between, you’ll find it here.
There are also lots of parks, playgrounds, bike paths, and schools. Families feel safe, and outdoor life is a big part of the local lifestyle. Even if you live in a small apartment, the beach feels like your backyard.
The Economy: More Than Just Tourism
Tourism is still very important in Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten. Millions of people come here every year to enjoy the weather, beaches, and boat shows. But the city is growing in other ways too.
The marine industry is huge. Yachts are built, repaired, and docked here year-round. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brings in over a billion dollars to the local economy each year. Many people work in boat-related jobs—captains, engineers, sellers, and even interior designers.
There’s also a rise in tech and green businesses. New companies are working on clean energy, water solutions, and smart city tools. And the real estate market is strong, with many people moving in from other U.S. states or countries. This keeps the city busy and full of new ideas.
How the City Is Adapting to Climate Change
Fort Lauderdale knows it faces big environmental challenges. Being so close to the water means it must deal with rising sea levels and heavy rains. But the city isn’t waiting—it’s taking smart steps to prepare.
New buildings must follow green building rules. That means higher foundations, stormproof windows, and better drainage systems. The city is also planting more trees, building living shorelines, and adding stormwater vaults under parks to collect rainwater.
You’ll see higher sidewalks, stronger seawalls, and even smart pumps that remove water during floods. It’s not perfect, but it shows that Fort Lauderdale is serious about staying safe and beautiful for years to come.
Getting Around the City Made Easy
One of the fun things about Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten is that you don’t need a car for everything. You can ride a water taxi down the canals, hop on a bike, or even use a scooter to explore the streets.
The Brightline train connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. It’s fast, clean, and perfect for day trips. You can also use Uber or Lyft for short rides, or rent a car if you want to travel outside the city.
Inside Fort Lauderdale, there are small trolleys and bus routes. Many parts of the city, like Las Olas and the beach area, are very walkable. You can shop, eat, and enjoy the day all on foot.
Fun Tips and Hidden Gems to Explore
Want to see the city like a local? Here are a few fun things most tourists miss:
Start your day early at the Oakland Park sunrise spot. It’s peaceful and the colors are beautiful. Then head to a hidden bakery on Las Olas Boulevard for fresh coffee and pastries.
Try kayaking through the Himmarshee Canal, where you’ll pass luxury homes and maybe spot a manatee. If you’re into art, check out alleyway galleries in FATVillage—they’re full of bright street art and local talent.
Families love the Flamingo Gardens, where you can walk among flamingos and turtles. And if you’re hungry, visit a local fish market where you pick your fish and they cook it for you on the spot.
Conclusion
So, what’s the real magic of Fort Lauderdale Florida Verenigde Staten? It’s the mix of everything. You get sunshine, culture, history, calm water, and a modern city vibe—all in one place. You can visit for a few days or stay for a lifetime, and it will still surprise you.
For Dutch and European travelers, it feels both familiar and exciting. For locals, it’s a city that keeps growing and improving. Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a beach town. It’s a living, breathing city that’s ready for the future.
Whether you want a quiet morning by the canal or a fun night in the city, Fort Lauderdale has it all. And it welcomes you with a warm breeze, a bright smile, and something new around every corner.
(FAQs)
Is Fort Lauderdale really bigger than Venice, Italy?
Yes! Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of canals, which is more than Venice. Locals even use water taxis instead of cars.
Was Fort Lauderdale once full of smugglers?
Absolutely. During Prohibition, bootleggers used the city’s waterways to secretly move rum and alcohol past the police.
Can you see real alligators near the city?
Yes! Just 30 minutes from downtown, you can take an airboat ride into the Everglades and spot wild alligators in their natural habitat.
Is the city safe from flooding and sea rise?
Not completely. Fort Lauderdale is one of the most at-risk cities in the U.S. for sea-level rise. That’s why it’s spending millions on seawalls and water systems.
Is Fort Lauderdale becoming a new home for Dutch expats?
Yes! There’s a quiet rise in Dutch-speaking travelers and buyers, and even Dutch-language real estate listings in the area.
Other Articles You May Read:
