Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast in the Sunshine State of Florida, and known as the ‘Venice of America’, it does not take much imagination to understand why Fort Lauderdale was once the favourite spring break destination for the college crowd, and has now evolved into a sophisticated yet casual resort town attracting families and couples from all over the United States, and beyond. Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays and waterways, fronted by 23 miles (37km) of sun-kissed golden sands washed by the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Boating is, of course, a favourite pastime, as is cycling, roller-blading or simply strolling along the scenic palm tree-fringed beachfront promenade which gives on to the magnificent beaches. Nearby, divers are delighted by one of the only living coral reefs in the United States accessible from shore, and there are sporting facilities galore throughout the city, particularly some wonderful golf courses. Those with a cultural bent are well catered for at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual renowned Film Festival and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort Lauderdale justly boasts that it has the facilities and attractions to please any visitor, young or old, seeking fun in the sun; and if that is not enough the exciting city of Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, just begging to be explored on a day trip or two.