Fort Lauderdale Mini Guide
Why do so Many People Visit Fort Lauderdale?
Last year over ten million visitors went to Fort Lauderdale attracted by its wonderful beaches and the great sailing that is to be had in the waters offshore. The city is also known as the ‘Venice of America’ as it has an extensive network of canals running through and around the city. First developed as a fort to protect the settlers from the attacks from Native Americans, it came to prominence in the second Seminole War before being abandoned after the last remaining Native Americans were sent to Cuba. It lay abandoned for fifty years before the current city took root.
How do I get to Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale Airport, otherwise known as Hollywood Airport, is only three miles from the centre of Fort Lauderdale and is also used as an alternative airport for
Miami, only 20 miles away. Last year the airport saw 22m passengers pass through its doors making it one of the busiest US airports. British Airways operate a route there from
London Heathrow or you can connect using other airlines flying to
New York or
Washington. There are many ways to get into the city including the Tri-Rail transit which links to the Miami-Palm Beach main line.
What is There to See and Do in Fort Lauderdale?
The city’s sights and things to do are based around the beach and in particularly the part called ‘The Strip’. Everyone meets on the beach or the promenade to sunbathe, eat, drink and take part in sport. The city is a very popular sailing centre and local clubs encourage visitors to charter yachts and motor cruisers to explore the coastline. A great experience is to walk some of the canals, especially in the older parts of the city. In places, little bars and restaurants line the banks giving a great excuse for stopping for refreshment.
What can I buy to Take Home as Souvenirs?
There aren’t many things typical of the area apart from T-shirts emblazoned with Fort Lauderdale insignia. However, shopping is excellent there as the retail sector depends on the trade from incoming cruise ships and the vast amounts of spending money that many of the holiday makers bring leads to a preponderance of upmarket shopping.
What Should I Look out for in the Restaurants?
Fresh fish is plentiful in Fort Lauderdale and especially the meatier fish such as swordfish, shark and tuna. Many of the excellent restaurants on the beachfront have found imaginative ways of serving fish. Apart from fish, the quality of the restaurants means that whatever you eat should be guaranteed to be delicious.
What is There to do at Night?
South West 2nd Street is the place to be at night with fabulous bars and clubs. It’s not uncommon to find celebrities partying the night away there too. Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its relaxed attitude to the gay scene and some of the bars and clubs there cater specifically for them.