Biking in Fort Lauderdale — Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

What could be a better way to explore the many interesting sites in Fort Lauderdale than on bike?

Nothing is more encouraged or expected here than outdoor activities. With the city's award-winning Blue Wave beaches, over 300 miles of glistening and enticing waterways, well-kept natural parks open to the public and endless sub-tropical temperatures, Fort Lauderdale couldn't be more conducive for the biking enthusiast.

And while there is plenty of urban sprawl with paved streets, sidewalks and gated communities, Fort Lauderdale has held true to the real reason this South Florida treasure has remained one of the nation's most popular vacation destinations, as well as home to over a million residents. With well-kept parks and biking trails, there is no shortage of places to ride that are ideal for a half-day adventure.

Option One

One of the city's best-kept treasures is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 180-acre park that lies on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Inland Waterway; the park's popular for its peaceful beaches and swimming, saltwater fishing and surfing on the north shore.

For a small fee per car, you can park and grab the bikes and enjoy. The area includes freshwater lagoons, mangrove swamps and a hardwood coastal hammock. Pause to watch a parade of boats as they pass by on the waterway. The Terramar Visitor Center is unmanned, but visitors can request a ranger-guided tour of the beach hammock nature trail.

A Broward B-cycle station — Photo courtesy of Dale Mack

Option Two

For those who fly or drive and cannot bring their own bikes, a convenient option is available. Broward B-cycle, sponsored by Humana, is an option for biking enthusiasts that is a must. Set on an honor system, participants pay a nominal fee, choose their bike, pick up a convenient map and take off to explore and visit many of the city's landmarks. And when you're done, leave the bike at the station where you started or at the many other locations available.

Offered are mapped-out, suggested areas to ride, such as the city's popular Historic Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk, Victoria Park Neighborhood Ride - with its leafy streets and picturesque parks - and the Atlantic Beachfront Trail, which is an absolute must.

Points of interest to pencil in include Anglin's Fishing Pier, Broward Art Guild, Bonnet House, Museum and Gardens, a little shopping and R&R at the Fort Lauderdale Galleria Mall, Holiday Park, the historic Stranahan House, Museum of Art, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and even Broward Convention Center and the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.

There really is no better way to experience Fort Lauderdale than on a bike, and especially with that special someone or the entire family. Plus, biking is a great way to explore the city in an environmentally-friendly way.