Fort Lauderdale is a busy town on Florida’s southwestern coast, recognized for its beautiful beaches and large boating canals. The strip is also lined with luxury hotels, bars, restaurants and other attractions. Other local attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The International Swimming Hall of Fame includes an exhibition that features swimming memorabilia and displays, including an Olympic-size pool and all-time records. The exhibit runs yearly.
Another notable landmark in Fort Lauderdale is Fort Lauderdale International Airport. It serves major airports in several states and has flights to Chicago and Orlando. The airport, built in 1931, has two terminals, one east of the larger west terminal. Both have terminals with concierge services and direct flights to Miami. The airport is highly congested, but getting to your hotel is usually simple and inexpensive. There are also affordable options for car rental car.
South Florida is less compact than northern Florida, but it is home to more unique sites. Fort Lauderdale Beach has developed into one of the premier destinations in the United States for beachgoers. Located on the southern end of the city, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its location, access is easy to the beach, along with nearby attractions like the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and the West Palm Beach Golf and Country Club. At the southern end of the beach is the St. Lucie Island Beaches State Historic Site.
Across the street from the south end of the beach is the Miami International Airport, which is the largest airport in the state. Travel to downtown Miami is quick and easy by taking a bus or taxi. Other means of transportation include rental cars, bridges, airports and the Greyhound Bus system. Greyhound offers convenient riding for tourists who may not otherwise live near the airport.
Along the Intracoastal are the Venice Beach Resort and Crystal Springs Hotel. The resort offers many activities, including an eighteen-hole championship golf course, public swimming beaches, fishing, hiking, golfing and tennis. It is considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Crystal Springs has five restaurants and one golf course. The suites contain private decks and fireplaces.
Just north of Fort Lauderdale on the Gulf Coast is the small community of Vero Beach. Like Fort Lauderdale, Vero Beach has beautiful beaches and natural beauty. The most notable landmark is the Sandestin Peninsula. The peninsula protects the harbor from harsh winds. Much of the Vero Beach real estate is devoted to oceanfront property.
The beach at Vero Beach has always been a favorite among vacationers. In addition to the beach, Vero features a public tennis court. A second beach, called the Wild Dunes, is also open to the public. Other attractions on Vero Beach include a skateboard park, boating, picnic, a restaurant and a gas station. It has been reported that Fort Lauderdale may soon have as much as three golf courses in its city.
In southern Fort Lauderdale, the small community of Pompano Beach lives up to its name. The community has many attractions, including Pompano Beach Park and a small marina. It is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, many have said that Pompano Beach is an ideal place to raise a family.
The largest community within Fort Lauderdale is Coral Gables. Coral Gables features some of the most luxurious homes around. Many of the gated communities are built in the shape of a tree, or in the shape of the city of Miami. Coral Gables has all the amenities of other gated communities. The closest large city to Coral Gables is Hollywood, so those who live here are very familiar with the sight and feel of Miami. The largest lake in Fort Lauderdale is in Coral Gables.
Those interested in shopping may want to visit the North Broward area of Fort Lauderdale. The northern part of the community is known for Brickell, an international district. The southern part is known as South Broward. Both areas feature many privately owned boutiques and specialty shops. These shops attract many visitors who enjoy browsing and looking at merchandise.
The north end of South Broward contains a privately owned beach. This beach offers swimming and is a favorite among families. The beach is usually closed to the public. There are also public accesses to the south end of the beach.