The ride starts at Hollywood Beach, where a wide paved broadwalk runs alongside the sand, then follows State Road A1A north along Fort Lauderdale Beach, with the ocean on one side of the car for several miles. From the beach the route turns inland toward Las Olas Boulevard, a street of boutiques, galleries and cafés that anchors the city's downtown social life.
Fort Lauderdale is built around water almost as much as Miami is, and this tour shows why the city is nicknamed the Venice of America: mile after mile of canals lined with yachts and waterfront homes, seen from the road and from a series of bridges along the way. The route also follows part of the Riverwalk along the New River and passes the outside of the Bonnet House, a historic estate near the beach.
Toward the end of the drive there are views of Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the country, before the ride heads back toward Miami. The full version takes about five hours from a Miami hotel; guests already staying in Fort Lauderdale or on a stop before a cruise can arrange a shorter version of the same route.
Highlights
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk along the sand
- Fort Lauderdale Beach along scenic State Road A1A
- Las Olas Boulevard's boutiques and cafés
- Canals and waterfront homes behind the Venice of America nickname
- A stretch of the Riverwalk along the New River
- A pass by the historic Bonnet House estate
- Views of the Port Everglades cruise port
Itinerary
- 1
Pickup
Pickup in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or at your cruise hotel, heading north.
- 2
Hollywood Beach
A stop at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk before continuing up the coast.
- 3
Fort Lauderdale Beach
A drive along State Road A1A with the ocean beside the car.
- 4
Las Olas Boulevard
Time to walk Las Olas Boulevard's shops, galleries and cafés.
- 5
The canals
A drive past the canals and waterfront homes that give the city its nickname.
- 6
Riverwalk and Bonnet House
A stretch along the Riverwalk and a pass by the Bonnet House estate.
- 7
Port Everglades and return
Views of Port Everglades before the drive back to your hotel.
Included
- Private car and driver-guide for your group
- Pickup and drop-off in Miami or Fort Lauderdale
- Bottled water on board
- Stops at the beach, the canals and Las Olas Boulevard
- A route shaped around what you want to see
Not included
- Meals and shopping on Las Olas Boulevard
- Entrance to the Bonnet House estate
- Parking fees, if any
- Gratuity for your driver-guide
Good to know
- Comfortable shoes for walks on the beach and Las Olas Boulevard
- Shorter version available if you are already staying in Fort Lauderdale
- Good option before or after a cruise from Port Everglades
- Sun protection for the beach stops
- Suitable for families and small groups
FAQ
Can this tour start from Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami
Yes. If you are staying in Fort Lauderdale or nearby, the route runs the same stops in less time and at a lower price for the shorter distance.
Can we see the canals from a boat instead
This ride is by car, with canal views from the road and bridges. If you are interested in a boat tour, mention it and we can help you look into options.
Is this a good tour to do before a cruise from Port Everglades
Yes. Many guests combine this ride with a cruise pickup or drop-off — tell us your ship and departure time and we will plan around it.
How much time do we get on Las Olas Boulevard
The standard route allows a comfortable walk and browsing time. If shopping and cafés are the highlight for your group, tell us and we can extend that stop within your five hours.