Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive canal system. The city is most famous for its beaches and boats, and while the city of Fort Lauderdale is relatively small in area, the term 'Fort Lauderdale' is often used to refer to the larger metropolis that has grown up around it.
The "Strip" also known as A1A is amongst the most popular locations in Fort Lauderdale. There are a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels amongst the strip creating a very unique experience right on the beach. The most popular section of beach is where A1A runs along side the beach, between Las Olas Blvd north to Sunrise Blvd.
The entertainment district runs east-west along Las Olas Boulevard. East Las Olas Blvd has a mile of upscale shops and restaurants. The RiverWalk runs along the north side of the new river, from the shops at Las Olas to the performing arts complex.
The metropolis has lots of malls. The closest to the beach is the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, about 10 minutes walk from the beach along Sunrise Blvd. The biggest by far is the Sawgrass Mills located in Sunrise approximately 20 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale. With over 350 stores it is one of the largest outlets in the USA. There is also the 'Swap Shop', that bills itself as 'the largest Drive-In movie theater and daily flea market in the world.'
Places near Riverwalk (20 N New River Dr):