Located 35 mi (56 km) north of bustling Miami, Fort Lauderdale, FL is a sunny vacation haven boasting miles of sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, trendy boutiques and a relaxed atmosphere. Known as the Venice of America due to its extensive network of canals and waterways, the city of under 200,000 saw its population boom after the Second World War, with tourism eventually becoming a major force in the local economy. (continue...)