Ft Lauderdale FL
Simply the Best Beaches
Fine Dining
Things to Do
Fun in the Sun!
Sightseeing & Entertainment
This popular tourist destination, with 10.35 million visitors in 2006, is a major yachting center with 42,000 resident yachts and 100 marinas and boatyards. Fort Lauderdale and its suburbs host over 4100 restaurants and 120 nightclubs.
Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. However, development of the city did not begin until 50 years after the forts were abandoned at the end of the conflict. Three forts named “Fort Lauderdale” were constructed; the first was at the fork of the New River, the second at Tarpon Bend, in what is now known as the Sailboat Bend neighborhood, and the third near the site of the Bahia Mar Marina. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who build the first fort.
Fort Lauderdale with its hot, humid summers and cooler, dry winters is a major playground for the rich and famous as well as many others who just want to enjoy the cool tropical breezes away from freezing northern temperatures. Consequently, Fort Lauderdale’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism. The one-time spring break destination for college students is now geared toward cruise ships and nautical recreation, attracting more sophisticated and affluent tourists. The city thrives on convention center visitors at a 600,000-square-foot facility located just east of downtown and near the Beach where approximately 30% of the city’s 10 million annual visitors make their sojourn.
The downtown area, especially around Las Olas Boulevard, has seen dramatic growth in the past decade, and now hosts many new hotels and high-rise condominium developments. The downtown area is the largest commercial center in Broward County. Other improvements include a wide array of new boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Fort Lauderdale is a major manufacturing and maintenance center for yachts. The boating industry is responsible for over 108,000 jobs in the county. With its many canals, and proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean, it is also a popular yachting vacation stop, and home port for 42,000 boats and approximately 100 marinas and boatyards. Additionally, the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world’s largest boat show, brings over 125,000 people to the city each year.
Companies based in the Fort Lauderdale area include AutoNation, Citrix Systems, DHL Express, Spirit Airlines, and National Beverage Corporation. The largest employers in the county are Tenet Healthcare, which employs 5,000 people; American Express, which employs 4,200; The Continental Group, which employs 3,900; Motorola, which employs 3,000, and Maxim Integrated Products, which employs 2,000.
Fort Lauderdale boasts five institutions of higher learning. It houses the main campus of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and satellite campuses of Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University.
It's very true what they say. Fort Lauderdale has a beach for everyone! After all, this is what you are really coming to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy. Isn't it?
Here you will find descriptions of the major beach areas with recommended hotels for each one. See you on the sand! The photos above and to the right were taken in the charming, restful town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea where the fishing pier is a major attraction. This guide will give you all the details about the famous beaches in Fort Lauderdale. There are three main beach areas. Explore them here and reserve a room in your favorite spot!
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is located just across the Intracoastal Waterway bridge from the northern end of
Costa Del Sol Resort - directly on the beach with condo-style suites
Great Escape Hotel -- one minute walk to beach, clean, well-run, inexpensive
Windjammer Resort - oceanfront rooms with two pools to refresh you
The photo to the right shows the long and very natural Northern Beach Area located between Oakland Park Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard. Here, the beaches are quiet and separated from the most active areas. On the southern end, nothing is built on the beach for miles making this one of the Best Florida Beaches in Fort Lauderdale. The natural beachfront attraction in the Northern Beach Area is Birch State Park where the native terrain takes over. You can enjoy nature hikes, canoe trips and picnicking along the Intracoastal. The safe underground pathway to the beach beneath A1A makes this park/beach a very special place. Galleria Mall is also nearby for world-class shopping excursions. The following is a link to the most recommended hotel in the Northern Beach Area of Fort Lauderdale:
The photo to the left shows the South Beach Area which has been completely revitalized. The magnificent wavy beach wall separates elegant entrances to some of the prettiest beaches in Fort Lauderdale. Across busy A1A are found numerous beachfront shops, restaurants and nightclubs for your enjoyment.The most famous attraction here is Beach Place Mall which sits at the foot of the brand new Marriott Beach Place Towers (Interval Ownership) near Las Olas Boulevard. There are dozens of upscale shops, bars, eateries and clubs that will please the most discriminating. World-famous Elbo Room is also in this area of Fort Lauderdale's beachfront.
The following are links to recommended accommodations in the South Beach Area of Fort Lauderdale:
Seville Hotel -- super clean and only 100 feet from the beach, moderate prices
Sans Souci at the Beach -- charming poolside courtyard near the beach
Tropi Rock Resort -- most unique hotel in Fort Lauderdale, tranquil and artistic
Wish You Were Here Inn -- quaint guest house on the Intracoastal
Enjoy fine dining in many area restaurants along the Beach, along Las Olas Boulevard, and in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.
A link to view the 2007 Reader's Choice Best of Dining Guide Fort Lauderdale Awards
Sawgrass Mills
The world's largest outlet mall.
Attraction type: Factory outlet
Laffing Matterz is a very unique experience. The food will impress you - it's much better than you would expect to find in a supper club. The actual venue is very comfortable with exposed brick...
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Ponds with bonnet water lilies and tropical gardens surround this historic 1921 plantation-style waterfront home, whose artistic and innovative owners, famed artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn, made equally beautiful inside.
Museum of Discovery and Science and IMAX 3D Theater
Appealing to both children and adults, this interactive science museum makes learning entertaining, with a special Discovery Center for kids 7 and under, a planetarium with powerful telescopes for stargazing and an IMAX Theater that shows daily science-related films on its giant, 3-D screen.
Big Cypress Seminole Reservation and Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum,
Find exhibits and activities featuring Florida's first residents.
201 S.W. Fifth Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-660-6318
800-564-9539
Add to Travel Guide Book It
For over a decade, the Broward Center has been the anchor ...
Butterfly World
3600 W. Sample Rd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-977-4400
Visitors stroll through a lush tropical rain forest as thousands of exotic ...
Dolphin World
Ft. Lauderdale / Miami Area & Key Largo / Key West Area
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-525-4441
866-630-9868
You can Swim with the Dolphins in Florida. One to Four
Flamingo Gardens, Wray Botanical Collection
3750 S. Flamingo Rd.
Davie, FL 33330
954-473-2955
Explore the Wray Botanical Collection and take a narrated tour by ..
Sawgrass Recreation Park
5400 N. Hwy. 27
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329
954-389-0202
888-424-7262
Airboat tour, alligator show, reptile and vanishing species exhibits. Food, beverages, ...
Wannado City
12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Anchor D
Sunrise, FL 33323
954-838-7100
888-WANNADO
Wannado City, America's first indoor role-playing theme park located in Sawgrass ...
AAA Ghosts, Mysteries and Legends Tour of Old Fort Lauderdale
4 W. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-931-5957
801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-779-3866
Captain your own boat for a half day or full day ...
Catamaran Charters by Tropical Sailing
801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-579-8181
Tropical Sailing is your answer for Fun in the Sun. Offering ..
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Everlades Day Safari
Pick-up in Ft. Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33330
239-472-1559
800-472-3069
On "Florida's Finest Eco-tour" trained naturalists guide you through the Everglades ...
Jungle Queen
801 Seabreeze Blvd., Route A1A
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-462-5596
Famous barbecue dinner and sightseeing cruises of "Venice of America." Cruise ...
Sea Experience
801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-467-6000
Glassbottom, snorkel and SCUBA trips. Try their Discover SCUBA one-day class ...
A Sea Trek Charters
Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-463-4304
Seatrek Charters represents the finest Charter fleet in South Florida serving ...
Bass Online, Inc.
1000 N.W. 48th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-771-3682
Captain Hook Charters
801 Sea Breeze (AIA)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-214-9774
Ft. Lauderdale's Premier offshore Charter fishing Boat. Cathching Trouphy Sailfish,Sharks, ...
Fanntastic Fishing, Inc.
801 Seabreeze Blvd., Bahia Mar "A" Dock
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-728-9880
Experience the finest sportfishing South Florida has to offer. The "Fanntastic" ...
For Singles Only Entertainment & Travel Club
3600 S. S.R. 7, Ste. 238
Miramar, FL 33023
954-964-9934
War Memorial Auditorium
800 N.E. Eighth St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-828-5380
Visit the War Memorial Auditorium and you will find a variety
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
901 S. Federal Hwy.
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
954-454-7000
1200+ genuine Vegas-style slots, no-limit poker room, two restaurants (Christine Lee's ...
U.S. 1 and Pembroke Road
Hallandale, FL 33009
954-924-3200
Website
Mardi Gras Gaming opened on January 6th, 2007 with 1100 + ..
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Seminole Casino -- Hollywood
4150 N. S.R. 7
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-961-3220
866-2-CASINO
Website
First in Indian Gaming, Seminole Casino Hollywood offers over 850 hot ...
Seminole Casino -- Coconut Creek
5550 N.W. 40th St.
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-977-6700
866-2-CASINO
Website
You'll find Seminole Casino Coconut Creek nestled away in the butterfly ...
