During the real estate boom of the 1920s, developer Charles G. Rodes was instrumental in creating many of the area's canals. Rodes studied the parallel canal system in Venice, Italy and applied it here. Using a technique called "finger islanding," he alternated strips of land with channels of water to create waterfront property that would also afford residents a bit of privacy. Rodes named his development of peninsulas the "Isles of Venice."

For a romantic and appealing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city streets, try an aquatic "taxi ride." Water taxis provide visitors with convenient transportation and a great way to experience the area's sights - as well as an inexpensive, safe ride if you're party hopping along Fort Lauderdale's active waterfront restaurant scene. These open-air sightseeing boats operate daily and deliver passengers up and down the river and the Intracoastal to numerous waterfront hotels, world-class shopping locations, theaters, restaurants and nightspots.