Vibrant Fort Lauderdale, Florida is home to the Port Everglades cruise port, historically one of the busiest ports in the world. The Greater Fort Lauderdale area has scores of beautiful beaches and a wide variety of attractions for all ages and interests. While a number of airlines service Fort Lauderdale, this cruise homeport is also popular with vacationers wishing to drive directly to their cruise as well.

Vacationers should plan to spend a few extra days in Fort Lauderdale relaxing and exploring the area before or after their cruise. There's so much to do here, including plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can stroll along Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront promenade, take a boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway, see colorful birds and wildlife at Flamingo Gardens, and hike at local state parks. In addition, the wonders of the Florida’s Everglades National Park are just a short drive away.

If you're cruising from Fort Lauderdale, plan to start your vacation early and arrive a few days in advance. That helps to eliminate some of the travel stresses caused by crowded interstate roads or potential flight delays, so you can start your cruise rested and relaxed.

Here are seven great things to do in Fort Lauderdale during your stay.

1. Relax On The Beaches. Vacationers love soaking up the sun on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches. The area features 23 miles of beaches perfect for vacationers. In addition to being picture perfect, they’re clean as well. Since 1999, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Pompano Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea have been certified as Blue Wave Beaches by the Clean Beaches Council. Las Olas Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach Park are also popular, while Hillsboro Beach is Greater Fort Lauderdale’s destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil spot. Each beach area has its own personality – you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect fit for you. In addition to relaxing on the beach, vacationers can go parasailing, jet skiing, fishing and more in the waters around Fort Lauderdale’s sandy shores.

2. Get Out On The Water. Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway gives the Fort Lauderdale area a Venetian feel, which is one of the reasons it’s sometimes called the “Venice of America.” Plan to explore the lovely Intracoastal Waterway and Millionaire’s Row during your stay. There’s no better way to take in the gorgeous mansions, massive yachts and private islands than getting out on the water on a riverboat tour, cruise, pirate adventure, kayak excursion, water taxi or even a gondola ride. If you’d rather take things into your own hands, head over to the marina at West Lake Park and rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. While you’re in Fort Lauderdale, make sure to enjoy a romantic sunset cruise while you’re in the area as well.

3. Hike In Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.. Vacationers looking for some exercise can hike the Coastal Hammock Trail in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It’s a beautiful location, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale’s Intercoastal Waterway, with plenty of tropical hardwood trees and over 250 species of birds. Vacationers also enjoy biking on the park’s paved 1.9-mile drive. The park offers picnic facilities as well as a beach, fishing area and visitor center. Kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats and bikes are available for rent here, too.

4. Go Back In Time. Set on 35 acres between Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Intercoastal Waterway, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens delights visitors interested in history, art and horticulture. Construction on Bonnet House began in 1920. The house contains a wide variety of artwork and furnishings, but visitors say the lush gardens make the property worth visiting as well. Sometimes monkeys can be seen as guests walk through the grounds. Stranahan House Museum is another of Fort Lauderdale’s historic properties. Frank Stranahan built the house in 1901 and the property was lovingly restored between 1980-1984. The house is beautifully decorated with Victorian Christmas displays during the December holidays.

5. Get Up Close to Nature. Gazing at Fort Lauderdale’s downtown skyline, it’s hard to believe that the wilds of Everglades National Park are just a short drive away. Visiting the Florida Everglades is one of the most popular activities for Fort Lauderdale vacationers. Spanning 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is teeming with wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, turtles, manatees, deer and much more. Boat tours and airboat rides enable guests to explore this incredible area, which encompasses 10,000 islands and five different types of habitats. Nearby Sawgrass Recreation Park also offers airboat tours. Two more attractions, Flamingo Gardens and Butterfly World, provide additional opportunities to experience natural wonders while vacationing in the Greater Fort Lauderdale region.

6. Discover the Museums. While much of Fort Lauderdale’s tourist appeal can be found outdoors, there’s also plenty to see indoors for those who wish to do so. Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science contains an EcoDiscovery Center complete with an Everglades Airboat Adventure ride that's sure to thrill the kids. Here guests can experience hurricane force winds, see sharks, dig for fossils, pet alligators, and even try piloting a plane in a cockpit simulator. An IMAX 3D Theater can be found here as well. The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is popular with vacationers, too. Check with each museum in advance to find out their current hours and exhibits.

7. Take A Segway Tour. Explore Fort Lauderdale’s many sights and attractions on a fun Segway tour. There are a number of different tour options available through vendors such as Segway Fort Lauderdale, including a ten mile full city tour, a five mile yacht and mansion tour, and even a food tour. Tours in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park are available through Segway Fort Lauderdale and Fun Center Fort Lauderdale as well.