Las Olas Boulevard
On this chic boulevard in the heart of Fort
Lauderdale, you will find boutiques, narrow alleyways, brick
walkways, tiny white lights rimming windows and dozens of
trendy restaurants. Among more than a hundred shopping and
dining options, you will find homemade ice cream at a dessert
cafe and a live jazz bar that is always packed. You'll also
find hot Tommy Bahamas tropical clothing shop with an antique
bicycle parked at the door, a shop specializing in stained
glass lamps and another in needlework, stylish hairdressers,
unique gift shops and a variety of art galleries.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
For more than 50 years, visitors have traveled
on this stately riverboat. Tours sail past estates while
an entertaining monologue by the captain points out the
homes of the famous and the infamous. On three-hour day
tours or four-hour dinner voyages you can sail to an island
where you will dine amid tropical foliage. Evening cruises
feature a dinner of barbecued ribs and shrimp, with a variety
revue and sing-a-long cruising back.
Water Taxi
It is an adventure to travel by water taxi
and arrive at waterside destinations, including dozens of
restaurants and shops and a surprising number of offices,
as well. These little green-and-yellow boats will also take
groups on tours. Piloted by licensed captains, the taxis
scoot around from downtown along the canals, Intracoastal
Waterways and rivers.
Riverfront Cruises
You can see the city from cruises that depart
from Las Olas Riverfront Marketplace, itself a waterside
dining and shopping spot. These cruises chug by the city's
most historic sites, mega-yachts and cruise ships, showy
hotels, the city's International Swimming Hall of Fame and
Marina. Tours are 90 minutes long, leaving every two hours
on the half hour beginning at 10:30am. There is an evening
cruise at 8:30pm. It is wise to call ahead, however, as
times may change seasonally.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
With everything from basic boat supplies
and deck shoes to the most exclusive and expensive yachts,
this five-day event attracts anyone who loves being on the
water. Sailboats, motorcraft, dinghies and inflatable in
all styles and sizes are exhibited and for sale, along with
vendors from major marine manufacturers. Held in several
areas throughout the city, visitors are shuttled to and
fro by trolleys.
Stranahan House
Built in 1901 by the "father of Fort
Lauderdale," this is the oldest residence in the city
and now an historic riverside museum. The elegantly restored
house contains antiques, turn-of-the-century furnishings
and old photographs of the area. It is also is an example
of classic "Florida Frontier" architecture. Previously
used as a post office, town hall and general store, it is
now occasionally used for concerts and other events.
Bonnet House
Built in 1921, this historic two-story,
35-acre waterfront house was once the winter home of artist
Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn, who was the
daughter of financier Hugh Taylor Birch. The Bonnet House
is serenely elegant and several concerts and events are
held here throughout the year. Mrs. Bartlett gave the estate
to the State of Florida in 1983. Named for a flower on the
property, it is open year-round for guided tours.
Broward County Fair
As an 11-day community event that begins
on the Thursday before Thanksgiving and runs through Sunday
the following week, this major festival draws thousands
of visitors and hundreds of competitors to a myriad of contests
and exhibits. Sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture,
the event includes a variety of creative crafters and artisans,
bake sales, farm animal exibits, carnival rides, food vendors
and a spelling bee competition.
Hollywood North Beach Park
This 56-acre park is great for nature lovers,
and contains lush vegetation, oak trees and boardwalks built
over dunes. The park is also a haven for sea turtles, which
often surface to the delight of visitors. Enjoy more than
two miles of walking paths, picnic tables (some picnic areas
are designed for large groups), a beach with lifeguards,
and a 60-foot observation tower. Park amenities include
rest rooms and snack shops.
Las Olas Art Festival
Sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale Museum
of Art, this two-day outdoor street festival features more
than 260 artists from all over the United States and throughout
the world producing work a variety of media. With prizes
and awards in many categories, the festival has a reputation
for a very competitive exhibit acceptance policy. Compeition
for sales of finished arts and crafts is equally competitive.
Jewelry, glassware, ceramics, wood crafting, photography
and clothing are a few of the art fields represented.
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Lauderdale's winter temperatures, averaging 60-76 F/16-24
C, attract visitors from northern reaches (known locally
as snowbirds) November-April. In winter, cold fronts do
occasionally sweep down from chillier climes, which can
drop temperatures abruptly. Summers are hot and humid (average
temperatures are in the low 90s F/32-37 C, and humidity
is often 98%), with frequent brief thundershowers. A high-SPF
sunscreen is a must. A hat will help, and an umbrella comes
in handy to protect against rain and sun. Hurricane season
is June-November.
If you will be spending more than a day in the Fort Lauderdale
area, we recommend a rental car. The most scenic way to
get around is by water bus. Water Bus of Fort Lauderdale
operates a fleet of boats that travel the Intracoastal Waterway
between Port Everglades and Commercial Boulevard and travel
up the New River to downtown Fort Lauderdale. They stop
within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants.
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