If you've just arrived from your cruise or you've arrived to spend a few days but find the clouds above promising rain, don't be too surprised. Believe it or not, Fort Lauderdale is not fun-in-the-sun all the time. In fact, the winter months see plenty of rain, often at least once a day. This need not dampen your spirits, however. There's more to do than going to the beach, fishing or touring the Everglades. The city is well-prepared to entertain its guests in any weather.
The Galleria — Photo courtesy of sunny.org
The second most popular thing to do here is to go shopping. Put on your comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover and lots of shopping venues to take advantage of. Closest to the beach is the fabulous Galleria. This classiest of shopping malls, just blocks from the beach on Sunrise Boulevard, is home to all of the upscale stores and unique boutiques such as Neiman-Marcus, Dillard's, Banana Republic and William-Somona. If you're looking to get more for your money, head further west on Sunrise Boulevard to the state's second most popular tourist attraction, Sawgrass Mills. This amazing mall is home to retailers with discounted prices that just can't be beat. Here you'll find exclusive and familiar names such as Barney's New York, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Books-A-Million, Marshalls, Game-Stop and Target – just to name a few. Also stick around for a late lunch or dinner and even a movie.
Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art — Photo courtesy of sunny.org
Shopping isn't your thing? No problem. Head to one of many museums that have contributed to Fort Lauderdale's status as a world-class destination. For starters, try The Museum of Discovery and Science. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this child-friendly world of amazing exhibits and artifacts that bring science to life. It is here, too, where you can choose to spend an afternoon at the movies with the AutoNation IMAX Theatre, which features a 60- by 80-foot screen and a 15,000-watt digital sound system that delivers six discrete channels of clear sound through 42 speakers. This theater alone is worth the visit.
If you're an art lover, you'll be delighted to know the Museum of Art has earned a reputation in South Florida for their amazing exhibits of world-known artists and local events. Also don't miss the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This fascinating museum just steps from the beach is the mecca and international showplace for swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming.
Fort Lauderdale is an exciting city in any weather. Here you will be occupied from morning till night and perhaps not even miss the sun after all.