Name: Venice USA Paddle Adventure + ZIMSCULPT + Grounds+Gardens+Museum Access
Start: 2026-01-27T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-19T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Fort Lauderdale Adventures (Bonnet House)

Venice USA Paddle Adventure + ZIMSCULPT + Grounds+Gardens+Museum Access

An action-packed day filled with paddle adventures, mesmerizing ZIMSCULPT art, and access to beautiful grounds, gardens, and museum
About this Event

Discover the Venice of America on a Paddleboarding & Kayaking Adventure

Embark on the Venice of America Paddle Tour and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive waterways. Known as the “Venice of America” for its intricate canals and luxurious lifestyle, this paddle tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the canals that line the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Glide past mega-yachts, historic mansions, and vibrant wildlife as you paddle through serene waterways.

Aftetr the paddle be one of the first to experience:

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBIT

Beginning now thru April 18, experience over 2,000 inspiring, hand-carved stone sculptures by 150 artists from Zimbabwe. Displayed throughout Bonnet House, this extraordinary exhibit transforms the grounds into a sanctuary of global artistry.

Curated by award-winning ZimSculpt, each sculpture is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, crafted using traditional Shona techniques. An art form that gained international recognition in 1957 and helped shape European modern art. Ethically sourced and carved from serpentine and semi-precious stone, these powerful works—some weighing several tons and soaring up to 7 feet high, embody the distinct artistic heritage of Zimbabwe’s Shona tribe. All this while exploring amazing:

GROUNDS &GARDENS!

Tropical Tranquility – Historic South FloridaIn addition to their historic significance, the Bonnet House grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. The gardens are all part of:

BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM, GALLERY, and STUDIO

By the time early settler Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the Bonnet House site in 1895, the grounds had already witnessed 4,000 years of Florida history. Bonnet House’s modern history began when Birch gave the Bonnet House property as a wedding gift to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919. Upon Helen’s death, Frederic’s visits to Bonnet House became sporadic until 1931 when he married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. Together they embellished Bonnet House with the decorative elements that delight visitors to this day.The Adventure starts dialy at 8:30am by advanced reservations only:

WORLD FAMOUS VENICE OF AMERICA

This tour includes a guided paddle along the western border of the Bonnet House, a 35-acre historic estate filled with art, lush gardens, and natural beauty.

Tour Highlights

Award-Winning Adventure: Recognized by USA Today as one of the “12 Epic Places to Paddle,” this tour combines adventure with historical exploration.
Exclusive Access to Fort Lauderdale’s Waterways: Paddle through the luxurious canals, past mansions, yachts, and the scenic Bonnet House estate.
3-in-1 Experience: Enjoy a guided paddle, entry to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, and a self-guided tour of the historic estate.
Stunning Wildlife: Spot manatees, exotic birds, and other native species as you explore the waterways.
Fun for Everyone: Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this tour provides a fun and educational experience with expert guidance.

The Venice of America Paddle Tour is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and luxury of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. Paddle past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including multi-million-dollar mansions and yachts, while soaking in the natural beauty that makes Fort Lauderdale the “Venice of America.”