Dating back to 1901 and built by the “Father of Fort Lauderdale,” Stranahan House is also referred to as the Pioneer House. In 1984, this mansion was opened for public viewing as a house museum, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting this landmark annually today. Now a historic riverside museum, the elegantly restored house contains antiques, turn-of-the-century furnishings and old photographs of the area. It is also an example of classic Florida Frontier architecture, which is also seen in post offices, town hall and general stores of the city. This lovely museum can also be hired for private events and special celebrations. The events hosted here include the Pineapple Jam, the Peter Pan Pirate Party and more.

A 1920s construction, this historic two-story, 35.4-acre (14.32-hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, making the land all the more special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named after a waterlily, that once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.

The Carrie B offers three daily sightseeing cruises at 11a, 1p, and 3p. Stroll around the Sun Deck, seating outside under a canopy or enjoy air conditioned comfort on the main deck. The boat is Coast Guard certified for up to 300 passengers. The cruise also has entertaining and informative live narration from the captain. There is full bar service onboard with light snacks available. All cruises last for an hour and a half. Visit their website for more information.

Fort Lauderdale's impressive canal system has earned it the title of the 'Venice of America', and Las Olas Gondola ensures that it lives up to its name. The gondola makes the perfect setting for a romantic outing, irrespective of whether you choose the simple Casa Magnifico Tour or the more elaborate Lovely Romantico Tour. The typical Venetian gondola can be hired for a number of events.

You can see the city from cruises that depart from Las Olas Riverfront, itself a waterside dining and shopping spot. These cruises chug by the city's most historic sites, mega-yachts and cruise ships, showy hotels, the city's International Swimming Hall of Fame and Marina. Tours are 90 minutes long, leaving every two hours on the half hour beginning at 11a. It is wise to call ahead, however, as times may change seasonally.

The Fort Lauderdale History Center, managed by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, is a museum complex that comprises three buildings: the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 King-Cromartie House, and the 1915 Schoolhouse. The 1905 New River Inn is the main history museum with period artifacts, dioramas and photos. The 1907 King-Cromartie House gives visitors a glimpse of an early 20th-century home. The center offers programs for children, including hands-on re-enactments, schoolhouse classes, guided tours of exhibits in the history museum, guided walking tours of the grounds and lectures throughout the year.

For more than 50 years, visitors have sailed on the stately Jungle Queen Riverboat. Touted as the city’s “longest running tourist attraction”, this majestic boat ride has been alluring locals and tourists alike. Tours sail past estates while an entertaining monologue by the captain points out the homes of the famous and the infamous. On three-hour day tours or four-hour dinner voyages, you can sail to an island where you will dine amid tropical foliage. Evening cruises feature a dinner of barbecued ribs and shrimp, with a variety revue and sing-a-long cruising back. The preferred destination for offbeat, yet entertaining, family parties and corporate outings, the Jungle Queen Riverboat is a must visit.