Fort Lauderdale may not be as culturally rich as Venice, Italy, but its expansive and intricate canal system is reason enough to nickname the Florida city the “Venice of America”. This American version of an Italian city got its name from Major William Lauderdale, the commanding officer in charge of building a series of forts in Florida during the Second Seminole War.

Located in the South Florida metropolitan area (23 miles north of Miami), Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination as well as a great place to live. Home to over 42,000 resident yachts and 100 marinas and boatyards, Fort Lauderdale is one of the largest major yachting centers of the south. Boat owners and non-boat owners alike can enjoy the many opportunities a yacht center has to offer. Couples frequently rent yachts for romantic private getaways and eligible bachelors host classy yacht parties nightly. Also, the waters of Fort Lauderdale provide valuable fishing opportunities offshore and out in the deep sea.Even if you don’t partake in the boating scene, the city and its surrounding area contain over 4,100 restaurants and more than 120 nightclubs. Between the shopping and beach opportunities during the day and the dining and nightlife options during the evening, Fort Lauderdale never witnesses a dull moment.While “Venice of America” is suitable for the city’s waterways and boating activity, Fort Lauderdale has another nickname that isn’t quite as conventional. Dubbed “Fort Liquordale” by college students, the city has no shortage of beaches, bars, or nightclubsmaking it an optimal spring break destination for college students. Don’t worry though; strict laws have been enacted to prevent the mayhem associated with these yearly visits. In fact, the city actively discourages college students from flocking to the area, decreasing college spring breakers from 350,000 in 1985 to 10,000 in 2006. Now, the city is a perfect combination of culture, leisure, and fun for the whole familycollege students included