Driving in Florida is relatively straightforward for its visitors, even if you’ve never driven in the US before. With the Atlantic coast on one side, you can easily get your bearings while basking in its perfect views from dawn to dusk.

The main driving difference to bear in mind is that you’ll be on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking to the left. You’re well served for roads here and the town itself is simple to get around, with access to any part of Florida.

What road you take will largely depend on how much time you want to spend travelling. Here in Fort Lauderdale you can get on the scenic A1A, which traces the coast and even crosses over many of the barrier islands on this side of Florida. Slightly further inland is US-1, another memorable drive, heading to Miami and Florida Keys to the south and West Palm Beach and Jacksonville to the north. If you want to explore Florida somewhat more quickly, you can get on the I-95, the main north to south interstate. Known as the Florida Turnpike, it’s a toll road, but the payment ensures a faster journey from A to B.

If you want to head inland from Fort Lauderdale, you can take the I-595 west, then join the I-75, which leads to Gulf Coast resorts and further on to Tampa. There are numerous parking lots close to the beach, plus garages and on-street parking with meters. Rates vary from around a dollar an hour, but most are free on Sundays and national holidays.

Fort Lauderdale has earned itself the nickname ‘the Venice of America’. While you won’t find the grand squares and Renaissance art of the Italian city on the water, you will find some enchanting waterways, a magnet for visitors. With these, the allure of the beach, top end restaurants, hotels and bars, plus grand yachts moored just off the coast, Fort Lauderdale has a glamour all of its own.

Sun, sea and sand

There’s a simple equation at play here in Fort Lauderdale – sun plus sea plus sand equals holiday bliss. It’s the golden sand and crystal-clear water which is the main attraction for most tourists – and locals – with the occasional palm tree for shade.

There are seven miles of beach here, with a sidewalk at the back where you can leisurely stroll to find cafes, shops and restaurants. The beaches are beautifully maintained, and if lazing on the sand isn’t your thing, you can take to the sea. Whether it’s snorkelling, jet-skiing, fishing or diving that appeals, it’s all on offer here. There’s plenty of on offer here, from family hotspots and dogs friendly shores, while Sebastian Street Beach is especially LGBTQ friendly.

The centre of attention

If you can pull yourself away from sunbathing, head west of Los Olas Beach on East Los Olas Boulevard. It’s very much the best street in the city to wander down, with plenty of interesting shops and eateries lining it. It’ll also take you to Riverwalk which runs next to the New River. You’ll see live outdoor entertainment on the balmy nights, while January sees an annual crab and seafood festival.

The area is also the hub for the cultural side of life in Fort Lauderdale, with the Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science here. Look out too for the Stranahan House, one of the oldest in Florida.

There’s no shortage of places to eat here, either. Rocco’s Tacos is a buzzing joint for Mexican food, with wonderful burritos, chimichangas and fish tacos. If you’re here in the morning, go to the Floridian, a 24-hour diner that has been open since 1937. The all-American breakfast of your dreams is here, whether it’s buttermilk biscuits and gravy, blueberry pancakes or eggs benedict that takes your fancy.

Coastal cravings

While you’ve got everything you need here in Fort Lauderdale, you’re also very close to many more sensational resorts. Head south on the A1A and you’ll soon be in Miami Beach, which parties on from morning until night. Take the same road north and you’ll drive past beach after beach, until you arrive at famed Palm Beach.

Very much a playground for the rich and famous of Florida, you can also get a slice of the glamorous life here. The Gold Coast Beach lives up to its name and the handsome Flagler Museum is housed in the mansion of the man who developed the whole area as a resort. For high-end shopping, drop by Worth Avenue, an elegant strip where you can easily burn through your holiday dollars.

With Fort Lauderdale car hire you can make the most of Florida and be back on your own stretch of beach for the setting of the sun.