Always dreamed of cruising down the canals in Venice, Italy but haven’t gotten around to it? How about skipping the eight hour flight to explore what’s been deemed the ‘Venice of America‘ instead?
Loved for its ever-stretching network of canals, Fort Lauderdale is famously considered the closest thing to Venice, Italy in the United States. And right now, JetBlue is offering flights from NYC for as low as $69 to get there.
Why is Fort Lauderdale called the ‘Venice of America’?
Just like Venice, Italy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida has a large canal system. Fort Lauderdale’s was specifically inspired by the real Venice during urban planning.
This design process began in the 1920s when developers began dredging swamps and using a technique known as “finger islanding” to replicate the Italian canals.
Fort Lauderdale’s waterways within city limits now stretch more than 165 miles long.
What to do in the ‘Venice of America’
There are many ways to explore the canals of Venice. Here are some of the best:
Gondola Ride
If you’re still not pleased that you ended up in Florida rather than the coastal Italian city, at least there’s still Gondola rides in the ‘Venice of America.’ Many companies offer Gondola Tours of the canals. Las Olas Gondolas, for example, uses real Venetian gondolas on the waterways. Let your professional gondolier guide you through jaw-dropping mansions and beautiful gardens for a romantic experience you won’t forget.
Kayaking
For the active visitors, kayaking is a great alternative to explore the ‘Venice of America.’ Kayaking also gives you the freedom to stop as you please, so you won’t miss incredible spots like Whiskey Creek or Deerfield Island Park.
Water Taxi
Looking for something a little less romantic than a gondola and less laborious than a kayak? Climb aboard a water taxi that can take you on a sunset cruise through the waterways. The water taxis have a covered section so you can enjoy your ride rain or shine.
Boat Rentals
If you like the concept of a water taxi without all of the strangers, you might want to rent a boat. Boat rentals are very common all across Florida, and Fort Lauderdale offers personally guided boat tours with a maximum of six passengers.
Flights from NYC to the ‘Venice of America’
JetBlue is having an epic sale right now offering discounted flights from NYC to a wide variety of domestic cities. Travelers can purchase flights to the ‘Venice of America’ that depart from NYC’s JFK, EWR, or LGA for as low as $69. The deal is only available for flights booked today, so act quickly!