Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Get in

By plane

South Florida is served by four airports:

• Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (IATA: FLL) (ICAO: KFLL), 100 Aviation Boulevard, A major airport, a popular low cost carrier destination, and the most convenient airport to Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airlines maintains a hub here; JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Continental Connection all also have substantial operations here. FLL is South Florida's main domestic airport. It is also an emerging hub for Latin America and the Caribbean. There are limited charter flights to Europe.
• Miami International Airport (IATA: MIA), is located 25 miles south of Fort Lauderdale. It is the major international airport in South Florida, and is known as 'The Gateway to the Americas'. American Airlines Latin American hub is located here. There are also frequent flights to Europe and many direct flights to the US West Coast; it is a 30 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale using I-95, but can be much slower during rush hour.

You can catch the Tri-Rail from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale for about $5 a head. Then get a cab from the Rial station to the hotel. You can take one of the shuttle vans from Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale, price varies by destination but will be around $50 a head.

• Palm Beach International Airport (IATA: PBI), 1000 Turnage Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Phone: (561) 471-7420, Primarily serves the Palm Beach area with flights to the Northeast Corridor.
• Fort Lauderdale Executive Aiport (IATA: FXE), West Commercial Boulevard and NW 21st Av. One of the ten largest general aviation airports in the country. It is located in the Cypress Creek area of the city.

By train

• Amtrak, 200 S.W. 21 Terrace, 1-800-872-7245, Provides service to cities up the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Amtrak has two stops in the Fort Lauderdale Area, one in Fort Lauderdale located on Broward Boulevard and I-95, and another one in the suburb of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard and I-95, the train then continues onto Miami going south or Boca Raton going north.
• Tri-Rail,1-800-TRI-RAIL, Tri-Rail is a commuter rail line linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Florida. It is run by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. The 72-mile system has 18 stations along the South Florida coast. The rail connects to the Metrorail in Miami at the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station. See Wikipedia's entry for more detailed information.

By car

• Interstate 95 (I-95) is the major North-South artery along the East side of the city. It connects Fort Lauderdale with the downtowns in Miami and West Palm Beach and goes north to Jacksonville and beyond.
• Florida's Turnpike runs North-South west of the city. To the south it connects to Homestead and the Florida Keys. It runs north to Orlando and North Florida.
• I-595/I-75 connects Ft. Lauderdale to Florida's West Coast,including: Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area.

By bus

• Greyhound Bus Lines, 510 NE 3 Street downtown, telephone 1-800-229-9424.

Get around

By Car

The easiest way to get around Fort Lauderdale and South Florida is by car. If renting, it is substantially less money to rent a car from a location outside of the airport. The city is set up on grid system, and is fairly easy to navigate. Downtown is roughly 2 miles west of "The Strip," or main beach area.

Broward County is served by three major Interstates (I-75, I-95, I-595) and some U.S. Highways including U.S. Highway 1, US 27 and US 441. It is also served by Florida's Turnpike and State Highway 869, also known as the Sawgrass Expressway.

Car Rental Companies include:

• Alamo Rent A Car, +1-800-462-5266.
• Avis Rent A Car, +1-800-331-1212.
• Budget Rent A Car, +1-800-527-0700.
• Dollar Rent A Car, +1-800-800-3665.
• E-Z Rent-A-Car, +1-800-277-5171.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, +1-800-261-7331.
• Hertz Car Rental, +1-800-654-3131.
• Thrifty, +1-800-847-4389.

By Taxi

Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place.

• Yellow Cab, +1 954-777-7777. The largest company in the city.
• Water Taxi, via the Intracoastal waterway and New River. A different way to see the city, its beautiful waterfront mansions, and stately yachts.

By Bus

• Broward County Transit (BCT), +1 954-357-8400. The county bus system. BCT provides for connections with the bus systems in other parts of the metropolitan area: Metrobus in Miami-Dade County and Palm Tran in Palm Beach County. Buses are available, but often slow and inconvenient. There is a push to increase bus service.
• Sun Trolley, +1 954-761-3543. An inexpensive trolley serving the downtown, beach, and convention center areas. It also provides a link from downtown to the Broward Blvd. Tri Rail station.

By Train

Tri-Rail, +1 800-872-7245, Commuter train which runs north and south parallel to I-95, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Tri-Rail provides access to South Florida's three major airports, as well as links to Miami's Metrorail. However, Tri-Rail trains can sometimes be thirty minutes to an hour late, and you will probably have better luck taking the city bus system. Tri-Rail also does not offer a very scenic tour -- if you're looking for a cheap scenic route through Fort Lauderdale, try the 11 bus along Las Olas Blvd and A1A.

By Boat

Fort Lauderdale is America's yachting capital, and as such has numerous boat charter companies. It is a great way to see the area. There are many restaurants and bars along the intracoastal that cater to this clientèle.

Water Bus has 11 pick up/drop off locations in east Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River. Float to and from hotels, shopping areas, restaurants, beaches, nightlife and more!

History

The first inhabitants of the land were Seminole Indians who arrived in the 18th century. During the Second Seminole War, Major William Lauderdale led his Tennessee Volunteers into the area and raised New River Fort on the site of the modern city in 1838. In 1893, a young Ohioan named Frank Stranahan arrived and built a house that served as the first trading post, post office, bank and town hall of the area. The house was built near the site of the New River Fort and still stands today as a museum, Stranahan House.

Fort Lauderdale was officially incorporated as a town in 1911, and became the seat of newly formed Broward County. It began as a predominantly agricultural community of dairy farms and citrus groves.

More growth came with establishment of the Naval Air Station, which is now Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The infamous disappearance of Flight 19, which originated at Fort Lauderdale N.A.S led to the city being considered one point of the legendary Bermuda Triangle.

The city and its surrounding suburbs have experienced tremendous growth following the end of World War II, and the arrival of home air-conditioning. In the 1960s, Fort Lauderdale became the center of Spring Break after the debut of the movie "Where the Boys Are." It is now an anchor of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Metropolitan area, the nation's 6th largest area.

Climate

Fort Lauderdale has a humid subtropical climate. The city does experience cold fronts from November through March, however most of the year is warm and humid, and the summers are reminiscent of a true tropical climate. In addition, the city sees most of its rain in the summer (wet season) and is mainly dry in winter (dry season). The wet season, which is hot and humid, lasts from May to September, when it gives way to the dry season, which features mild temperatures with some invasions of colder air, which is when the little winter rainfall occurs — with the passing of a front. The Atlantic hurricane season largely coincides with the wet season.

In addition to its sea-level elevation, coastal location and position just above the Tropic of Cancer, the area owes its warm, humid climate to the Gulf Stream, which moderates climate year-round. A typical summer day does not see temperatures below 75 ºF (24 ºC). Temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s (30-35 °C) accompanied by high humidity are often relieved by afternoon thunderstorms or a sea breeze that develops off the Atlantic Ocean, which then allow lower temperatures, although conditions still remain very muggy. During winter, humidity is significantly lower, allowing for cooler weather to develop. Average minimum temperatures during that time are around 59 ºF (15 ºC), rarely dipping below 40 ºF (4 ºC), and the equivalent maxima usually range between 65 and 75 °F (18-24 °C).

Fort Lauderdale receives abundant rainfall, one of the highest among major U.S. cities. Most of this rainfall occurs from mid-May through early October. It receives annual rainfall of 63.8 inches (1488 mm).

See

Fort Lauderdale Beach (The Strip)

The heart of the world famous strip is A1A between Las Olas Blvd north to Sunrise Blvd. The intersection of Las Olas and A1A is the "ground zero" of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is the site of the "Elbo Room" bar featured in the 1960's film Where the Boys Are. This led, in large measure, to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca.

Spring Break peaked after 1984, and the city attracts a more upscale crowd today. Fort Lauderdale is in the midst of a luxury condo building boom, this is displacing the hotels that once lined the beach.

The city is more cosmopolitan than most, having lots of Europeans and gay residents. The beach culture reflects the laid back nature of the community. You will find European food in the restaurants and bathers in thong swimsuits.

• Beach Place, Located on A1A, north of Las Olas Blvd. A collection of bars, restaurants and retail stores connected to a Marriott hotel.
• Bonnet House, 900 N Birch Rd, +1 954 563-5393.
• Elbo Room, Las Olas Blvd and A1A. The most famous spring break bar, and one of the few remaining from that period.

Downtown/Las Olas Blvd

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. Other improvements include a wide array of new boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

The entertainment district runs east-west along Las Olas Boulevard. East Las Olas Blvd has a mile of upscale shops and restaurants. Across the railway lines, West Las Olas caters to a younger crowd: There are funky nightclubs and restaurants between the railway lines and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. In between East and West, there is a new set of shops called Riverside.

East Las Olas Blvd has a mile of upscale shops and resturants. Across the railway lines, West Las Olas caters to a younger crowed: There are funky nightclubs and resturants between the railway lines and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. In between East and West, there is a new set of shops and bars called Riverside that sits on the RiverWalk. The RiverWalk runs along the north side of the new river, from the shops at Las Olas to the performing arts complex.

• Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, +1 954 522-5334.
• Las Olas Boulevard. An upscale collection of store, restaurants and bars near downtown.
• Museum of Art, E Las Olas Blvd, +1 954 525-5500.
• Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., +1 954 467-9937.
• Old Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum.
• Stranahan House, 335 SE 6th Ave, +1 954 524-4736.

Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors, a city surrounded by Fort Lauderdale. It is a popular area for gays and lesbians. It has many guesthouses, restaurants, and bars/nightclubs catering to its gay clientèle. The busy center of the city is Wilton Drive near NE 26 Street. This is only two miles north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Suburban Fort Lauderdale/Broward County

Greater Broward County is home to 1.8 million people, and offers an wide array of activities.

• African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
• Antique Car Museum, 1527 Packard (SW 1st) Av., +1 954 779-7300. Collection of pre-war Packard automobiles and other memorabilia.
• Boomers! Rollercoaster Park, 1801 NW 1st Street, +1 954 921-1411. Go here for exciting rides and to let lose.
• Butterfly World / Tradewinds Park, 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, +1 954 972-4400, Come here to see exotic butterflies and to get in touch with nature.
• Cypress Airboat Rides, +1 561 798-2884. Explore this ecosystem on a heart pounding ride, or a more relaxed airboat tour. Open year round.
• Florida Everglades Holiday Park, 21940 Griffin Rd (west to end of Griffen road), +1 954 434-8111. Here you can see our amazing wetlands and possibly an alligator or two.
• Flamingo Gardens and Wray Botanical Collection, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie, +1 954 473-2955. If you are an outdoors person, or just want to see our state bird you have to visit here.
• Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. A large indoor/outdoor flea market with the Thunderbird Drive-In Movie Theatre.
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
• Sawgrass Mills, Located in the suburburb of Sunrise, some 10 miles to the west.. One of the world's largest shopping malls.

Do

There are many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, but the beautiful beach is a prime attraction. There parking just south of Las Olas Blvd or if that is full, there is plenty more under the Las Olas Blvd Bridge. The machines take cash or credit cards. (Parking on A1A, north of Sunrise Blvd is free.)

Athletes enjoy running along the road by the beach in the early mornings. On Saturdays mornings there is a continual stream. Best viewed from one of the numerous coffee shops or restaurants on the other side of the road.

You can rent a bicycle and explore the beach, Las Olas Blvd and the RiverWalk. Parking at some beach hotels is a little short and things are close so bicycles are a good way to get around. Use the sidewalks if the traffic scares you.

You can go boating on the miles of waterways, take the water taxi, or take one of the river cruises like the Jungle Queen. There is also sport or deep sea fishing. If boating is not your thing, then you can just watch the boats go by from the many waterfront bars and restaurants.

There is plenty of shopping. The metropolis has lots of malls. The closest to the beach is the Galaria, about 10 minutes walk from the beach, but the biggest by far is the huge Sawgrass Mills out on the west side of the city. With over 300 retail outlets it is one of the largest malls in the USA. After Disney World, Sawgrass Mills is the second most visited tourist attraction in Florida! There is also the 'Swap Shop', that bills itself as 'the largest Drive-In movie theater and daily flea market in the world.'

From Fort Lauderdale you can take a day trip to Miami's South Beach, or closer to home, Hollywood beach. Day or overnight trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas are also very popular. Popping down to visit the night clubs and restaurants along Hollywood Blvd near Young Circle is a close and interesting evening outing.

Sports

Golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep sea fishing are very popular sports in the area. The metropolitan area also offers the following spectator sports:

• The Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League play at BankAtlantic Center in suburban Sunrise, Florida.
• The Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball and the Miami Dolphins play at Dolphins Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium is 17 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
• The Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association play at AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown Miami, located 23 miles south of Fort Lauderdale.
• The Baltimore Orioles conduct Spring training in the city at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
• International Swimming Hall of Fame is located at Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• South Florida also hosts the college sports teams of Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and University of Miami.

Other

• Jungle Queen Dinner cruise featuring sites along the New River in and around downtown.
• Pier Fishing at Commercial Blvd, Atlantic Blvd, Hillsboro Blvd, and Dania Beach. Each area has long piers into ocean, and fishing available.

Buy

Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida in general, is a shoppers paradise. There is something to satisfy everybody's shopping desires. Here are is a list of some of the main districts/destinations:

• Galleria Mall, Sunrise Blvd and Bayview Dr. Fort Lauderdale's regional mall. Has over 200 stores including: Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
• Sawgrass Mills, located in city of Sunrise at Sunrise Blvd and NW 136 Ave. One of the world's largest malls for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Broward Mall, located in Plantation at Broward Blvd, and University Drive.
• Coral Square Mall, located in Coral Springs at Atlantic Blvd. and University Dr.
• Festival Flea Market, located in Pompano Beach on Sample Rd, just east of Florida's Turnpike. Large indoor flea market.
• Pembroke Lakes Mall, located in Pembroke Pines at Pines Blvd. and Flamingo Rd.
• Pompano Square, located in Pompano Beach at US1 (Federal Hwy) and Copans Rd.
• Aventura Mall, large, upscale regional mall located in Aventura.
• Boca Town Center, large, upscale regional mall located in Boca Raton.
• Swap Shop. 1+954-583-2221. The Swap Shop is an older flea market located west on Sunrise Blvd. at a drive-in movie. Along with getting your hair braided you can shop for fruits, vegetables, clothes, nick knacks, and practically any other things other locations would not have.

Independent Stores

• Archives Book Cafe, 1948 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Phone: +1 954-764-8212. Good selection of hard to find books and has a small coffee shop and cafe.
• Clothes Encounters, 1952 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Phone: +1 954-522-2228. Huge selection of funny t-shirts along with basic swimwear and gifts.
• Flagler Antiques, 720 Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. 10,000 Square Feet of antiques.
• Shop at Swap Shop. Get your hair braided there Phone: +1 954-583-2221. The Swap Shop is an older flee market located east on Sunrise Blvd. Along with getting your hair braided you can shop for fruits, vegetables, clothes, nick knacks, and you can practically find other things that other locations would not have.
• Zoo 14, 1208 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Phone: +1 954-763-9666. Men's designer clothing and club wear.

Work

Fort Lauderdale's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. During the 1970s, the city was known as a spring break destination for college students; since the 1980s, police have cracked down on underage drinking and other illicit activity, and the tourist dollars have been largely redirected toward cruise ships and other nautical recreation. Fort Lauderdale now attracts a more sophisticated and affluent crowd

Fort Lauderdale is a major manufacturing and maintenance center for yachts. The boating industry is responsible for over 100,000 jobs in the area. With its many canals, and proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean, it is also a popular yachting vacation stop. The boating industry is in transition as high land cost are forcing marinas to sell and relocate out of the area. Addtionally, the number of boat slips are declining as marinas are more actively seeking the large mega-yachts.

Several large companies are based in the Fort Lauderdale area including: AutoNation USA, Citrix Systems, DHL Express, Spirit Airlines, One Model Place, and National Beverage Corp. Due to its proximity to Miami, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as a location for Latin American headquarters for companies such as Microsoft.

Eat

Fort Lauderdale has countless dining options. Among the most popular areas are Las Olas Blvd, Olde Town Fort Lauderdale, and the Beach.

Downtown/Old Town/Las Olas Blvd

• Big City Tavern, 623 E.Las Olas Blvd. Great atmosphere, outside seating available. Sandwiches to steaks served.
• Capital Grille, Galleria Mall. Upscale restaurant featuring excellent service and great steaks. Incredible wine selection.
• Cheesecake Factory, 620 E.Las Olas Blvd, (954)463-1999. Located at base of Riverside Hotel where Las Olas meets the Tunnel. Popular chain featuring a large menu and countless desserts.
• Chima, E.Las Olas Blvd. Excellent Brazilian rodizio. Great salad bar too.
• Jalisco, 700 N.Federal Hwy, (954)462-9695. Small, family owned Mexican restaurant. Looks can be deceiving as excellent, yet affordable cuisine is served with a smile.
• Jackson's Steakhouse, 450 E.Las Olas Blvd. Excellent steakhouse and cigar room available. Jackets required.
• Laffing Matterz, 219 S. Andrews Avenue, 954-763-5236. After you dine on chef-prepared fare, their cutting-edge musical satire will leave you wiping tears of laughter from your eyes!
• Mango's, 900 E.Las Olas Blvd. Popular and reasonably priced. Outside seating is available and there is often live music.
• PF Chang's, Galleria Mall. Popular national chain, serving non-traditional Chinese food.

Beach/The Strip

• Monster Subs, 1978 E Sunrise Blvd, 954-463-7997. Sub shop known for handing you some of the meat to sample while you are waiting for them to make your sub.
• Trina, Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd (A1A). At The Atlantic Hotel. Award winning restaurant featuring a Florida-Caribbean cuisine.

Wilton Manors/Close In

• Mai Kai, 3599 N. Federal Highway. Phone: +1 954-563-3272. Along Polynesian food, you can view a show with fire.
• Rosie's, Wilton Drive. Great hamburgers and lite fare, with large outdoor seating area. Fun gay-themed restaurant, with live music on weekends.
• Tasty Thai, 2254 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, Phone: +1 954-396-3177. True authentic Thai Cuisine, get there early for dinner and get a complete meal at a reasonable price.
• Georgies Alibi, 2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, Phone: +1 954-565-2526. Gay bar & casual restaurant (hamburgers & sandwiches). Friendly, diverse "straight-friendly" crowd; lunch & dinner served both indoors & outside under covered patio area. Very reasonably priced.

Lauderdale by the Sea area

• Pomperdale' 3055 East Commercial Boulevard (954) 771-9830 An excellent New York Jewish style deli.

Surrounding Area

• LeTub, Hollywood. Considered to have the best hamburgers in America.
• Rustic Inn, Dania Beach. Home of the Garlic Crabs.

Drink

Fort Lauderdale's former reputation was built by Spring Break, and the city still does not disappoint. There are countless places to have a drink from little 'hole in the walls' to the ultra chic.

Downtown/Old Town/Las Olas

• O'Hara's Jazz Bar on Las Olas Blvd. Great live jazz music.
• Riverfront is a collection of stores and bars on the west side of the downtown district.
• Tarpon Bend, 200 SW 2 Street (Old Town). Great beer specials and popular on weekends.
• Voodoo Lounge, 100 SW 2 Avenue,Old Town. Popular dance club.

Beach/The Strip

• Beach Place is located on A1A across from the beach. It has many bars and restaurants, and is very popular on the weekends.
• Elbo Room famous spring break landmark at Las Olas Blvd and A1A.
• Fat Tuesday's, Beach Place. Great ocean views and strong frozen drinks. Perfect combo for fun.
• Shooters is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, south of Oakland Park Blvd. Very popular with the yacht crowd, as there are boat slips available.

Wilton Manors/Gay & Lesbian

• Georgie's Alibi, at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Wilton Dr. and NE 6 Ave.
• Boom, a nightclub at Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Wilton Dr and NE 6 Ave.

Oakland Park

• Roxanne's on Main, on the corner of Dixie Highway and Oakland Park. Music, drinks and food.

Sleep

• The Atlantic, a Starwood Luxury Collection resort. On Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (A1A).
• The Bonaventure Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 250 Racquet Club Rd, +1 954-389-3300, Full-service spa, two 18-hole PGA championship courses and five inviting pools.
• Embassy Suites, 1100 SE 17th St., Phone: +1 954-527-2700, An all-suite hotel situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and just ten minutes' drive from Fort Lauderdale Airport.
• Sheraton Suites - Cypress Creek, 555 NW 62nd St., Phone: +1 954-772-5400, In the middle of the north business district. Also just a few minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
• Wyndham - Airport, 1870 Griffin Road, Phone: +1 954-920-3300, Adjacent to the FLL Airport and features 388 sound-proof rooms.
• Best Western Ft. Lauderdale Inn, 1221 W State Road 84, Phone: +1 954-462-7005, Toll-free: 1-888-744-7005, Fax: +1 954-462-5949.
• Best Western Oakland Park Inn, 3001 N Federal Highway, Phone: +1 954-565-4601, Toll-free: 1-800-633-6279, Fax: +1 954-565-0384.
• Best Western Oceanside Inn, 1180 Seabreeze Boulevard, Phone: +1 954-525-8115, Toll-free: 1-800-367-1007, Fax: +1 954-527-0957.
• Best Western Pelican Beach Resort, 2000 N Ocean Boulevard, Phone: +1 954-568-9431, Toll-free: 1-800-525-6232, Fax: +1 954-565-2622.
• Courtyard Fort Lauderdale East, 5001 North Federal Highway, Phone: +1 954-771-8100, Toll-free: 1-800-321-2211, Fax: +1 954-776-7980.
• Courtyard Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek, 2440 W. Cypress Creek Road, Phone: +1 954-772-7770, Fax: +1 954 772-4780.
• Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Weston, 2000 N. Commerce Parkway, Phone: +1 954-343-2225, Toll-free: 1-800-356-9775, Fax: +1 954-343-2277.
• Fairfield Inn Fort Lauderdale North, 5727 North Federal Highway, Fax: +1 954-491-2500, Fax: +1 954-491-7945.
• Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 North Andrews Avenue, Phone: +1 954-771-0440, Fax: +1 954-772-9834.
• Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive features a private beach and an 8,000 square foot tropical lagoon pool. Recognized as a Top Ten World's Best Wreck Diving, Marine Life and Value Dive Destination located off the ¼ mile shores of Harbor Beach are two reefs and four dive sites. With 637 guest rooms and 35 suites the resort offers an almost endless variety of choices for fun in the sun.
• Holiday Inn, 999 Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Phone: +1 954-563-5961.
• Holiday Inn, 4116 North Ocean Drive A1A, Phone: +1 954-776-1212.
• Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale-Convention Center, 1500 SE 17th Causeway, Phone: +1 954-728-2577. We are only minutes from Port Everglades, the Broward County Convention Center, championship golf, and Butterfly World.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1150 W. State Rd 84, Phone: +1 954-828-9905.
• Marriott's BeachPlace Towers, A Marriott Vacation Club Resort, 21 S. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Phone: +1 954-525-4440, Fax: +1 954-767-1100.
• Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 Southeast 17th Street, Phone: +1 954-626-1700, Fax: +1 954-626-1717.
• TownePlace Suites Fort Lauderdale West, 3100 Prospect Road, Phone: +1 954-484-2214, Fax: +1 954-484-4533.
• FTL Vacation Rentals, offering 1, 2 and 3 bedroom vacation homes. NE 17th Ave @ NE 12th St, Phone: +1 954-907-9069.
• Elysium Resort, 552 N Birch Road, Phone: +1 954-564-9601, Large resort catering to gay men. Jacuzzi and two pools.
• Marys Resort, 1115 Tequesta (SW 4th) Street, Phone: +1 954-523-3500 or 1-866-805-6570, Pet friendly gay men’s resort features 4 unique, Key West-style cottages separated by tropical gardens with a clothing optional central heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
• Worthington Guest House, 543 N.Birch Road, 1-800-445-7036, The Worthington Guest House is a gay men's resort in "The Island" area of Ft Lauderdale. They boast 12 man jacuzzi and a large pool, both of which are open 24 hours a day. The Worthington is convenient to the town's gay nightlife, dining and shopping and only a 5-minute walk to the popular Sebastion Street Beach.
• Windamar Beach Resort, 543 Breakers Avenue, +1 954-561-0039, Fort Lauderdale's friendliest gay guesthouse. Clothing optional throughout. Large heated 24 hour pool and a brand new hot tub. Lush landscape, newly renovated fully air conditioned rooms. Video lounge / dark room complex. Day passes available. Free BBQ & refreshments on weekends. Great place to meet locals. A few steps away from the gay beach, at Sebastian. Pet friendly.
• Liberty Apartment & Garden Suites, 1500 S.W. Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale (Dania Beach), +1 954-927-0090, Greater Fort Lauderdale's first and only exclusive extended stay resort hotel welcoming the gay and lesbian community and their pets. An Award Winning Superior Small Lodging, with beautifully furnished Studio, One & Two Bedroom apartments with full kitchens, at affordable daily & weekly rates. Minutes to Fort Lauderdale Airport & Port Everglades, near Dania Gay Beach & Haulover Nude Beach, downtowns Hollywood & Fort Lauderdale dining, gallery, shopping and nightlife districts, and Broward's Four new Gaming Casino's.

Contact

In order to make local phone calls, all ten digits of the phone number are required. As such, you'll notice that all local phone numbers include an area code. Currently the local area codes are are (954) and (754), both local so you don't dial a 1 first but do dial the area code.

i.e. You dial 954 555 1212

To call anywhere else you must dial 1 then the area code. i.e. 1 + (305) 555 1212

Area codes in Miami are (305) or (786). For Boca or Palm Beach (561).

Media

Fort Lauderdale is served by two English-language newspapers, the Sun-Sentinel|South Florida-Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald, as well as two Spanish language|Spanish-language newspapers El Sentinel del Sur de la Florida|El Sentinel and El Nuevo Herald.

Fort Lauderdale is a part of the Miami media market, which is the 12th largest radio market and the 17th largest television market in the United States. Television stations serving the Miami area include WAMI (Telefutura), WBFS (UPN), WBZL (WB Television Network|The WB), WFOR (CBS), WHFT (TBN), WLTV (Univision), WPLG (American Broadcasting Company|ABC), WPXM (i television network|i), WSCV (Telemundo), WSVN (Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX), WTVJ (NBC), WPBT (PB), and WLRN (also PBS).

FM Radio Stations

• WIRP 88.3 FM Religious
• WKPX 88.5 FM Top-40
• WDNA 88.9 FM Jazz
• WMCU 89.7 FM Christian Contemporary
• WVUM 90.5 FM University of Miami College radio
• WLRN 91.3 FM Public Radio
• WCMQ 92.3 FM Spanish language
• WHDR 93.1 FM Rock
• WLVE 93.9 FM Smooth Jazz
• WMGE 94.9 FM Spanish language
• WXDJ 95.7 FM Spanish language
• WPOW-FM|WPOW 96.5 FM Urban/Rhythmic Top 40
• WFLC 97.3 FM Adult Contemporary
• WRTO 98.3 FM Spanish language
• WEDR 99.1 FM Mainstream Urban
• WHYI 100.7 FM Top-40
• WLYF 101.5 FM Adult Contemporary
• WMXJ 102.7 FM Oldies
• WMIB 103.5 FM Mainstream Urban
• WHQT 105.1 FM Urban Adult Contemporary
• WBGG 105.9 FM Classic Rock
• WRMA 106.7 FM Spanish language
• WAMR 107.5 FM Spanish language

AM Radio Stations

• WQAM 560 AM Miami Sports radio|Sports
• WIOD 610 AM Miami News/Talk
• WMEN 640 AM Miami Hot Talk
• WWFE 670 AM Miami Spanish language|Spanish
• WAQI 710 AM Miami Spanish language|Spanish
• WAXY 790 AM South Miami Sports radio|Sports
• WACC 830 AM Hialeah Spanish
• WFTL 850 AM Fort Lauderdale News/Talk|Sports
• WINZ 940 AM Miami Talk radio|Talk
• WMYM 990 AM Miami Children's
• WRHB 1020 AM Kendall, Florida|Kendall Caribbean
• WLVJ 1040 AM Boynton Beach Religion/variety
• WVCG 1080 AM Coral Gables, Florida|Coral Gables Caribbean
• WQBA 1140 AM Miami Spanish
• WAVS 1170 AM Davie, Florida|Davie Caribbean
• WNMA 1210 AM Miami Springs, Florida|Miami Springs Spanish
• WSUA 1260 AM Miami Spanish
• WLQY 1320 AM Hollywood, Florida|Hollywood Ethnic
• WKAT 1360 AM North Miami, Florida|North Miami News/Talk
• WFLL 1400 AM Fort Lauderdale Carribean
• WOIR 1430 AM Homestead, Florida|Homestead Spanish
• WOCN 1450 AM Miami Spanish
• WMBM 1490 AM Miami Beach, Florida|Miami Beach Black gospel|Gospel
• WRHC 1550 AM Coral Gables, Florida|Coral Gables Spanish
• WRHC (CP) 1560 AM Kendall Lakes, Florida|Kendall Lakes Spanish
• WJCC 1700 AM Miami Springs, Florida|Miami Springs Caribbean

Stay safe

Fort Lauderdale can be as safe or as dangerous as you want it to be. If you pay attention and avoid specific areas, the possibilty of experiencing crime is lessened substantially. Auto theft is a problem in the city. Never leave valuables in a visible place, and always lock your car doors. Another possible problem is that due to the amount of traffic, South Florida drivers are somewhat impatient. Keep in mind the number of senior citizens on the road, and be alert at all times. As long as you're careful as a pedestrian, there shouldn't be a high risk of getting hit at all.

Emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911.

Cope

When driving, realize traffic is heavy, and there are people from all over the world with completely different driving habits. This feeds South Florida's reputation for having rude drivers. The problem lies in different people with different driving habits. Ignore people displaying road rage.

Get out

• Port Everglades is the nation's second busiest port for cruise ships, after Port of Miami. There are many cruises of varying lengths (1 day to several weeks) available to choose from.
• South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach) is home to over 5.5 million people, and is the 6th largest metropolitan area in the United States. As such, the areas surrounding Fort Lauderdale have plenty to offer, particularly Miami.
• Everglades National Park