Travelers have been raving about a US destination nicknamed the ‘Venice of America’, with many calling it one of the ‘most beautiful cities in the world’.
Getting from the US to Italy often means an eight-to-11-hour flight, so it’s no surprise some people look for an easier way to capture a bit of Venice’s charm without committing to a long-haul journey.
With luggage rules, airport queues, passports, and the sheer amount of travel time involved, hopping across the Atlantic can feel like a lot before the trip has even begun.
That’s why the so-called ‘Venice of America’ has caught the attention of travelers—offering a water-centered lifestyle all year round, complete with upscale homes, boating culture, and waterfront places to eat.
And in a nod to its Italian inspiration, visitors can even take to the canals by gondola.
Authentic Venetian gondolas run 75-minute rides, drifting past luxury properties and lush tropical scenery that lines the waterways.
Whether your ideal day involves fishing, fine dining, or paddle boarding, the city’s network of canals and coastal access gives you plenty to do on the water.
The place behind the nickname is Fort Lauderdale, a Florida city on the Atlantic coastline.
It’s also conveniently located around 23 to 30 miles north of Miami, making it an easy add-on for anyone already visiting South Florida.
While some parts of the country spend months in freezing conditions, Fort Lauderdale tends to stay warm—often hovering near 80 degrees—according to Melody, who lives on her boat in the picturesque city for months at a time.
She also said there is ‘never a shortage’ of restaurants worth trying, although dining out can be pricey.
Among the biggest draws along the canals is Millionaire’s Row, where enormous waterfront mansions sit behind docks and palm trees.
Las Olas Boulevard is another standout, widely seen as the city’s lively centerpiece thanks to its high-end shopping and strong dining scene.
Fort Lauderdale’s long, sandy beaches remain a major reason people visit, and once the sun sets, the nightlife keeps the area buzzing.
The city is also a heavyweight in the cruising world: roughly four million passengers pass through Port Everglades each year, making it the third-busiest cruise port on the planet.
If you’d rather stay in town than sail away, accommodation is plentiful, ranging from five-star resorts to smaller boutique properties.
Beyond the water taxis and upscale boulevard atmosphere, Fort Lauderdale also serves as a jumping-off point to explore Everglades National Park.
For travelers chasing sunshine, scenery, and canal-side exploring, it’s an easy place to put on the list.