A sparkling gem on Florida's Atlantic Coast, Fort Lauderdale is home to great beaches, top-notch shopping, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Book a weekend or a week at your choice of Fort Lauderdale vacation homes, and make yourself at home right on the waterfront.

Thanks to its tropical rainforest climate, Fort Lauderdale enjoys warm, humid weather year-round. In July and August, temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees, while temperatures drop into the 70s in December and January. Summer is the rainiest season, when the typical afternoon thunderstorms tend to be heavier and last longer.

Getting to Fort Lauderdale is easy, especially if you fly into the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on the south side of the city. Fort Lauderdale is a car-oriented destination, so you'll want to rent a car or drive your own in the city. If you're staying at one of the many downtown Fort Lauderdale vacation homes or just enjoying a night out in the heart of the city, consider exploring on foot or taking a water taxi along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Get to know Fort Lauderdale with a visit to some of the city's best historic attractions. Over 100 years old, the Stranahan House Museum is Fort Lauderdale's oldest residence. Originally a trading post and a home to one of the city's more prominent residents, the house has offered a peek into the past for decades. Nearby, Las Olas Boulevard is a must in Fort Lauderdale, as it's home to the city's best dining, shopping, and people watching. Go window shopping, take yourself on a shopping spree, or settle in at one of the area's many cafés for an upscale meal. Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach for fun in the sun, great swimming, and plenty of space for everyone. This public beach is free, but you'll need to pay to park nearby. For more outdoor action, visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Here you can canoe, kayak, hike, fish, and bird watch. Join a ranger-led tour to discover more about the park.

From spring break to the height of summer to the holiday season, there's always something happening in Fort Lauderdale. Start the new year right with a visit to the Las Olas Art Fair, which features artists from around the world. April brings Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer to the Fort Lauderdale area, along with the Bank of America Wine, Spirits and Culinary Celebration and Ocean Fest. In August dance the night away to the Hollywood Beach Latin Festival, and in October grab some popcorn and hit the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Get in the holiday spirit all December long with the Candy Cane Parade, the Holiday Fantasy of Lights, and Christmas on Las Olas.