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Fort Lauderdale Florida Vacations
and Stays Fun for the whole family Fort Lauderdale is a city in the State of Florida, on the Atlantic coast 23 miles (37 km) north of Miami. It is the county seat of Broward County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 165,521. It is a principal city of the South Florida metropolitan area, which was home to 5,564,635 people at the 2010 census. The city is a popular tourist destination, with 10.35 million visitors in 2006. Fort Lauderdale is sometimes known as the "Venice of America" because of its expansive and intricate canal system. The city is a major yachting center, with 42,000 resident yachts and 100 marinas and boatyards in 2006. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area hosted over 4,000 restaurants and 120 nightclubs in 2006. Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. 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 on the New River between the Colee Hammock and Rio Vista neighborhoods, and the third near the site of the Bahia Mar Marina.
Click or Tap Image to Play (or Pause) Video ! Popular & Recommended Properties B Ocean Resort - Located directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach, this iconic South Florida resort was formerly known as the Yankee Clippers. It features a contemporary ballroom and a state-of-the-art meeting room. Free WiFi is featured throughout B Ocean Resort and every guestroom comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, Keurig coffeemaker, and a private bathroom. Located directly on the white sands of a private beach, B Ocean Resort offers food and beverages from the comfort of beach loungers. Two pools are on site, and private cabanas are available for added ease. Upscale shopping is 10 minutes' away at the Galleria Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 6 mi away. Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale - Located in Fort Lauderdale, 8 miles from Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms. The hotel offers a hot tub. Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is 9 miles from Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale, while Las Olas Boulevard is 9 miles away. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 13 miles from the accommodation. Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort - Showcasing a hot tub and fitness center, the beachfront Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort is located in Fort Lauderdale. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi and a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV with movie channels are provided in every room at Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort. The warmly decorated rooms also have a microwave, fridge and coffee maker. The oceanfront, outdoor pool is perfect for lounging while the Tiki Bar prepares cocktails nearby. The hotel offers an on-site convenience store and gift shop. Jet skis, kayaks, and boogie boards are available for rent. Cedar's Palace offers ocean views and serves American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on site. Ocean Sky Resort is only 10 minutes' drive from Galleria Shopping Mall and 15 minutes' from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 14 mi drive. Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel - Located in Fort Lauderdale, 6 miles from Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a fitness center. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, all guest rooms at Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms come with a seating area. Guest rooms feature a closet. A business center and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on site at the accommodation. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale Shopping Center is 6 miles from Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel, while Las Olas Boulevard is 6 miles away. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 11 miles from the hotel. Sea Club Ocean Resort - Nestled directly across the street from the beach, this cozy hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere and convenient facilities within walking distance of attractions, restaurants and nightlife in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Enjoy breakfast, dinner, and drinks with ocean views at Sea Club Ocean's on-site restaurant, The Deck. Stop by the gift shop for the necessary beach amenities, then spend the day swimming and lounging in the Florida sun. Guestrooms include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. Private bathrooms are also included. Sea Club Ocean Resort offers an on-site pool and fitness center as well as an on-site launderette for guests' use. The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center is 11 minutes' drive from the property while the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is just 5 minutes' drive away. World-class shopping is available nearby at the Galleria (7 minutes' drive). Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port - This Fort Lauderdale hotel offers a transfer service to and from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, which is 2 mi away. Free WiFi is also provided. Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale 17th Street Convention Center features a 42-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi in every spacious guest room. Rooms are also equipped MP3 compatible alarm clocks and mini-bars. A 24-hour reception is available at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hyatt as well. Guests can buy a cup of Starbucks coffee from the Bakery Cafe or order a meal from the 24-hour guest kitchen. Facilities at the Hyatt Place near Fort Lauderdale Airport include an outdoor pool. A business center with computers and a printer is available. TRYP by Wyndham Maritime Fort Lauderdale - TRYP by Wyndham Maritime Fort Lauderdale features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and bar in Fort Lauderdale. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, all guest rooms at the hotel have a TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms here will provide you with a balcony. Guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at trypbywyndham. The accommodation has a sun terrace. A business center and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on site at TRYP by Wyndham Maritime Fort Lauderdale. Broward Center for the Performing Arts is 4.4 miles from the hotel, while Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is 4.4 miles away. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, 2.8 miles from trypbywyndham, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service. Royal Beach Palace - Located 8 minutes' walk from public beach entrance, Royal Beach Palace offers 4 outdoor pools. Discover art, botany, and wildlife at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, which is located 2.7 miles away. A 40-inch flat-screen TV and private bathroom are features in all Royal Beach Palace guestrooms. Microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee-making facilities are also provided. Lounge by the poolside tiki bar or enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site restaurant. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk is offered for guests' convenience. Express check in and check out services are also available. Fort Lauderdale city centre is 13 minutes' drive from the property. Anglin's Fishing Pier is located 1 miles away. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 9.8 miles from Royal Beach Palace. Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach - This beachfront Fort Lauderdale, Florida hotel is located across from Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel offers on-site dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Sea Breeze Poolside Bar, and The Bistro. Las Olas entertainment district is within walking distance. Guest rooms at the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach offer free high-speed internet access and a flat-screen LCD TV. The rooms also provide a small refrigerator and a coffee maker. Select rooms are equipped with a living area with a sofa bed. A fitness center and an outdoor pool are on-site at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel offers Starbucks coffee in The Bistro, and laundry facilities are on site. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is a short drive from the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach. The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center is also within driving distance of the hotel. Pelican Grand Beach Resort, a Noble House Resort - Adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Pelican Grand Beach Resort features an oceanfront pool, private beach, and lazy river tubing ride. Beach-inspired guestrooms feature a small refrigerator and 42-inch flat-screen TV. In-room movies, games, and music are provided, as is a coffee maker. Boasting unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, the on-site fitness center and Pure Spa offers Swedish massages, cleansing facials, and other spa services. Oceanfront dining and a poolside cocktail are available at Ocean 2000. The Emporium gift shop is an old-fashioned ice parlor that also serves bakery and coffee treats. Enjoy an upscale shopping experience at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, just 6 minutes' drive from the property. Broward County Convention Center is 10 minutes' drive. Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport - Located just one block from Port Everglades and 2 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, this Florida hotel offers free 24-hour airport shuttles. Its comfortable guest rooms provide free Wi-Fi. Each room at Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport includes a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. The bright rooms have a work desk along with expanded cable TV. During their stay, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet that includes fruit, scrambled eggs and sausage. They can also workout in the on-site gym or use the business center. Concierge service is available. Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport is within 2 miles of the Museum of Art, South Beach Park and the Museum of Discovery and Science. Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach - Located opposite Fort Lauderdale Beach, this hotel features an on-site restaurant and a heated outdoor pool. Free WiFi is provided in every room, and Bonnet Gardens is 2 minutes' drive away. Wide windows with an ocean or park view are featured in all rooms at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. A small refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi are provided en suite. The spa suite offers traditional Swedish massages in addition to deep tissue massages and hot stone therapy. A business center and 24-hour health club are also located on site at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. The state-of-the-art fitness center is accessible 24 hours a day, is ADA accessible, and is located in the building adjacent to our pool. Steelpan is a beachfront Caribbean-American fusion kitchen and bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This hotel is 12 minutes' drive from Port Everglades and 7 minutes' drive from Venice on the Beach. The Galleria shopping center is less than 1 mi away. Bahia Mar - Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton - In Florida, this resort features an outdoor pool, lighted tennis courts and a water sports facility with Jet Ski hires. The resort has a private walkway to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guest rooms include a 40-inch flat-screen TV. The bright rooms at Bahia March - Fort Lauderdale Beach - DoubleTree by Hilton include a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. Each room features warm accents. Wi-Fi is available for a charge. A state-of-the-art fitness center is available at the resort. A variety of hires are available, including bicycles, snorkeling equipment and boats. DoubleTree Bahia March Fort Lauderdale Beach features a 250 slip marina. Breezes Bar & Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A poolside restaurant, Waves Poolbar & Grille, features a variety of sandwiches and wraps. Quick meals can be found at All About Food Market Deli. International Swimming Hall of Fame is a 5-minute walk from the resort. Jungle Queen Riverboat is also a 5-minute walk away. The Link Hotel on Sunrise - Featuring free WiFi and a fitness center, The Link Hotel offers accommodations in Fort Lauderdale, 2,300 feet from The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale Shopping Center. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast during their stay. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk is available at the property. Free transport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is available. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is 0.9 mi from The Link Hotel, while City of Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Marina is 1.5 mi away. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 5 mi from the property. Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port - Located just off of Interstate 95 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. It is 8 minutes' drive from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. A cable TV come standard in each room at Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port. A coffee machine and ironing facilities are included. A free airport transfer service is offered at this Fort Lauderdale Airport Cruise Port Days Inn by Wyndham as well as a 24-hour reception. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, luggage storage, and a vending machine. The property offers free parking. The beach is 10 minutes' drive from this hotel. Guests will be 4.8 mi from Broward County Convention Center, and 1.1 mi from Broward Center for the Performing Arts. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Ft. Lauderdale Northeast - The La Quinta Fort Lauderdale Northeast is just a 5 minute drive from the sands of Lauderdale Beach. This hotel has an outdoor pool and offers a daily continental breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with cable are included in each room at this Fort Lauderdale hotel. Coffee-making facilities are also provided for added convenience. A fitness center is on site at the Fort Lauderdale Northeast La Quinta Inn as well as a laundromat. Meeting facilities are also available at the hotel. This property is a 20 minute drive from the Butterfly World attraction and 15 miles from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. The Port Everglades Cruise Port is 11 miles away. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort - Located beachside, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort features a 24-hour fitness center and a heated outdoor pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Direct beach access is available via a skywalk. Rooms include a 50-inch flat-screen TV and a work station, complete with desk and chair. At 6500-square feet, Heavenly Spa By Westin offers plenty of space for massages, body treatments, and skin care services. On-site Lona serves Mexican cuisine. Snacks, light meals, and drinks can be had at Waves Bar & Grill. For coffee enthusiasts, Starbucks Cafe is located on site. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is 1.2 mi away. The resort is also 7 minutes' drive from The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale shopping center, 3.7 mi from Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, and 6 mi from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. La Quinta by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Tamarac - The Tamarac La Quinta Inn and Suites is just 15 minutes' drive from the shores of Lauderdale Beach. This hotel features an outdoor pool onsite. A TV with cable channels is featured in every guestroom of this Fort Lauderdale hotel along with free WiFi. Guests will also enjoy coffee-making facilities provided in each room. Laundry facilities is on site at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Tamarc and guests will enjoy free parking. This is a pet-friendly hotel. Guests at the Tamarac La Quinta Inn and Suites can enjoy a free continental breakfast that includes waffles, hot and cold cereal, bread, muffins, and fresh fruit. Unlimited coffee and juice are also available. The property is 15 minutes' drive from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and 9 miles from the Butterfly World attraction. The Fern Forest Nature Center is less than 10 minutes' drive away. HomeTowne Studios Fort Lauderdale - HomeTowne Studios Fort Lauderdale - Commercial Blvd is located in Fort Lauderdale and especially designed for longer stays, with all rooms featuring a kitchenette. The hotel offers free WiFi. Every kitchenette at HomeTowne Studios Fort Lauderdale is equipped with a stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. The hotel also provides guests with laundry. The property offers free onsite parking and free local phone calls. Attractions within close proximity to the hotel include the Butterfly World, the Bonnett House Museum and Gardens and the Museum Discovery & Science. GALLERYone - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel - This Fort Lauderdale hotel is adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and luxury shopping at the Galleria Mall. Guests can enjoy the water taxi and visit Fort Lauderdale Beach, just 5 minutes' walk away. A kitchenette with stainless steel appliances and a flat-screen cable TV are featured in all suites at this Fort Lauderdale Gallery ONE DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel. A view is included with select suites. Guests can relax at the outdoor pool or on the garden patio with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. A fitness center is on site. A business center and meeting facilities are also available at Gallery ONE A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel. Vue On The Water serves casual American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu offers international cuisine and unique cocktails on a seasonal basis. A poolside and indoor bar are offered as well. Guests can take the water taxi to shops and restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard, which is 5 minutes' drive away. The Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is 7 miles from the property. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort - Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this luxury resort features fine dining at ilios restaurant and spacious suites with a private balcony. The property is 11 minutes' drive from Port Everglades and 6 minutes' drive from the shops of The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. Spa baths and flat-screen TVs are standard in every modern suite at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. All suites feature a large seating area, ocean views, and a kitchen or kitchenette. Spa Q offers massage treatments that can be enjoyed poolside in a private cabana. The Hilton Beach Resort pool and hot tub showcase panoramic views of the ocean. Oceanfront S3 restaurant features coastal cuisine, live music, and entertainment while Le Marche Gourmet Market serves casual French and American specialties amid a European-style atmosphere. Active guests can enjoy free access to the state-of-the-art fitness center or hire a bicycle to travel the city. A full-service business center is available at the resort and an electric car charging station is located on site. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale - 17th Street - This Fort Lauderdale, Florida hotel features an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and bar. The pet-friendly Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale-17th Street is 8 minutes' walk from the Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades Cruise Port. The vibrant nightlife, charming shops and gourmet restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard are also easily accessible. With a complimentary daily cooked-to-order breakfast, a fully equipped fitness center and complimentary evening reception, every stay at the 17th Street-Fort Lauderdale Embassy Suites is sure to be pleasant. Guests can also enjoy many in-room amenities, including flat-screen TVs, microwaves and refrigerators. Candlewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise - This all-suite hotel offers fully equipped kitchenettes in each guest suite. Transfer services to and from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and to Port Everglades Cruise Port are available. Candlewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport - Cruise features a fitness center and an on-site convenience store. Guests will also appreciate free laundry facilities and CD and movie rentals from the on-site lending library at this pet-friendly hotel. Guestrooms include a cable TV and free WiFi. Private bathrooms are also provided for guests' convenience. Within a short drive of the Fort Lauderdale Airport Candlewood Suites, guests can explore the Las Olas Riverwalk entertainment district. Guests can also spend the day at the beach, which is located 14 minutes' drive from the property. History The area in which the city of Fort Lauderdale would later be founded was inhabited for more than a thousand years by the Tequesta Indians. Contact with Spanish explorers in the 16th century proved disastrous for the Tequesta, as the Europeans unwittingly brought with them diseases, such as smallpox, to which the native populations possessed no resistance. For the Tequesta, disease, coupled with continuing conflict with their Calusa neighbors, contributed greatly to their decline over the next two centuries. By 1763, there were only a few Tequesta left in Florida, and most of them were evacuated to Cuba when the Spanish ceded Florida to the British in 1763, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1763), which ended the Seven Years' War. Although control of the area changed between Spain, United Kingdom, the United States, and the Confederate States of America, it remained largely undeveloped until the 20th century. The Fort Lauderdale area was known as the "New River Settlement" before the 20th century. In the 1830s there were approximately 70 settlers living along the New River. William Cooley, the local Justice of the Peace, was a farmer and wrecker, who traded with the Seminole Indians. On January 6, 1836, while Cooley was leading an attempt to salvage a wrecked ship, a band of Seminoles attacked his farm, killing his wife and children, and the children's tutor. The other farms in the settlement were not attacked, but all the white residents in the area abandoned the settlement, fleeing first to the Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key Biscayne, and then to Key West. The first United States stockade named Fort Lauderdale was built in 1838, and subsequently was a site of fighting during the Second Seminole War. The fort was abandoned in 1842, after the end of the war, and the area remained virtually unpopulated until the 1890s. It was not until Frank Stranahan arrived in the area in 1893 to operate a ferry across the New River, and the Florida East Coast Railroad's completion of a route through the area in 1896, that any organized development began. The city was incorporated in 1911, and in 1915 was designated the county seat of newly formed Broward County. Fort Lauderdale's first major development began in the 1920s, during the Florida land boom of the 1920s. The 1926 Miami Hurricane and the Great Depression of the 1930s caused a great deal of economic dislocation. When World War II began, Fort Lauderdale became a major US base, with a Naval Air Station to train pilots, radar operators, and fire control operators. A Coast Guard base at Port Everglades was also established. Downtown Fort Lauderdale After the war ended, service members returned to the area, spurring an enormous population explosion which dwarfed the 1920s boom. The 1960 Census counted 83,648 people in the city, about 230% of the 1950 figure. A 1967 report estimated that the city was approximately 85% developed, and the 1970 population figure was 139,590. After 1970, as Fort Lauderdale became essentially built out, growth in the area shifted to suburbs to the west. As cities such as Coral Springs, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines experienced explosive growth, Fort Lauderdale's population stagnated, and the city actually shrank by almost 4,000 people between 1980, when the city had 153,279 people, and 1990, when the population was 149,377. A slight rebound brought the population back up to 152,397 at the 2000 census. Since 2000, Fort Lauderdale has gained slightly over 18,000 residents through annexation of seven neighborhoods in unincorporated Broward County. Today, Fort Lauderdale is a major yachting center, one of the nation's largest tourist destinations, and the center of a metropolitan division with 1.8 million people. Geography and climate According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.6 square miles (99.9 km2), 34.7 square miles (90.0 km2) of which is land and 3.8 square miles (9.9 km2) of which is water (9.87%). Fort Lauderdale is known for its extensive network of canals; there are 165 miles (266 km) of waterways within the city limits. The city of Fort Lauderdale is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, includes 7 miles (11 km) of beaches, and borders the following municipalities: On its east: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Sea Ranch Lakes On its south: Hollywood Dania Beach On its southwest: Davie On its west: Plantation Lauderhill Lauderdale Lakes On its northwest: North Lauderdale Oakland Park Tamarac On its north: Wilton Manors Pompano Beach Fort Lauderdale Beach The northwestern section of Fort Lauderdale is separate from the remainder of the city, connected only by the Cypress Creek Canal as it flows under I-95. This section of Fort Lauderdale borders the cities of Tamarac and Oakland Park on its south side. Oakland Park also borders Fort Lauderdale on the west side of its northeastern portion. The greater portion of Fort Lauderdale in the south is bordered, along its north side by Wilton Manors. Off the coast of Fort Lauderdale is the Osborne Reef, an artificial reef made of discarded tires that has proven to be an ecological disaster. The dumping began in the 1960s, with the intent to provide habitat for fish while disposing of trash from the land. However, in the rugged and corrosive environment of the ocean, nylon straps used to secure the tires wore out, cables rusted, and tires broke free. The tires posed a particular threat after breaking free from their restraints. The tires then migrated shoreward and ran into a living reef tract, washed up on its slope and killed many things in their path. In recent years, thousands of tires have also washed up on nearby beaches, especially during hurricanes. Local authorities are now working to remove the 700,000 tires, in cooperation with the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard. Neighborhoods Fort Lauderdale has an official program for designating and recognizing neighborhoods. Under the Neighborhood Organization Recognition Program, more than 60 distinct neighborhoods have received official recognition from the city. An additional 25-30 neighborhoods exist without official recognition, although the city's neighborhood map displays them as well. Climate Fort Lauderdale features a tropical rainforest climate (Koppen Af) with little seasonal variation in temperature. Average monthly temperatures are always above 66 F (18.9 C) and average monthly precipitation is above 2.39 inches (60.71 mm). This qualifies the city's climate as a tropical climate, and the city does not have a true dry season. While significant rain does fall in winter, the majority of precipitation is received during the summer months (see climate chart below). Summers ("wet season") from May through October are hot, humid, and wet with average high temperatures of 86-90 F (30-32 C) and lows of 71-76 F (22-24 C). During this period, more than half of summer days may bring afternoon or evening thunderstorms. The record high temperature of 100 F (38 C) was recorded on June 22, 2009. Winters ("dry season") from November through April are warm and mostly dry with average high temperatures of 75-82 F (24-28 C) and lows of 59-67 F (15-19 C). However, the city experiences occasional cold fronts during this period, bringing high temperatures in the 60s F (16-21 C) and lows in the 40s F (4-10 C), lasting only for a day or so. Rare freezes do occur every few years, which are devastating to the tropical plants. Only once in reported history have snow flurries been reported in the air or trace amounts on the ground - on January 19, 1977. During the dry season (winter), brush fires can be a concern in many years. Annual average precipitation is 64.2 inches (1,630 mm), with most of it occurring during the wet season from May through October. However, rainfall occurs in all months, mainly as short-lived heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Fort Lauderdale has an average of 143 rain days and 250 sunshine days annually. The hurricane season is between June 1 and November 30 with major hurricanes most likely to affect the city or state in September and October. The most recent storms to directly affect the city were Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma, both of which struck the city in 2005. Other direct hits were Hurricane Cleo in 1964, Hurricane King in 1950, and the 1947 Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 68,468 households, and 33,001 families residing in the city. There were 68,468 households out of which 19.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.2% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.8% were non-families. 40.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The median income for a household in the city was $37,887, and the median income for a family was $46,175. Males had a median income of $34,478 versus $27,230 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,798. About 13.8% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.0% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those aged 65 or over. Fort Lauderdale has a significantly higher percentage of foreign-born residents than the United States as a whole; the 2000 census data indicated that 21.7% of the city's population was foreign-born. Of foreign-born residents, 69.2% were born in Latin America and 17.3% were born in Europe, with smaller percentages from North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In 2000, Fort Lauderdale had the twenty-sixth highest percentage of Haitian residents in the US, at 6.9% of the city's population, and the 127th highest percentage of Cuban residents, at 1.7% of the city's residents. Like South Florida in general, Fort Lauderdale has many residents who can speak languages other than English, although its proportion is lower than the county average. As of 2000, 75.6% of the population spoke only English at home. Speakers of Spanish were 9.4%, Haitian Creole 7.5%, French 2.0%, Portuguese 1.0% and Italian 0.8%. The city, along with surrounding cities Oakland Park and Wilton Manors, is known for its large LGBT community and has one of the highest ratios of gay men and lesbians, with gay men being more largely present, in the United States. The city is also known as a popular vacation spot for gays and lesbians. Economy Fort Lauderdale skyline, featuring Las Olas River House, completed in 2004. 110 Tower can be seen on the far right of the photo, and the spire of the Bank of America Plaza can be seen on the far left. Fort Lauderdale's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. From the 1940s through the 1980s, the city was known as a spring break destination for college students. Cruise ships and nautical recreation provide the basis for much of the revenue raised by tourism. Fort Lauderdale now attracts a more sophisticated and affluent tourist, while largely ignoring the dwindling college crowd. There is a convention center located west of the beach and southeast of downtown, with 600,000 square feet (55,742 m2) of space, including a 200,000-square-foot (18,581 m2) main exhibit hall. Approximately 30% of the city's 10 million annual visitors attend conventions at the center. The downtown area, especially around Las Olas Boulevard, first underwent redevelopment starting in 2002 and now hosts many new hotels and high-rise condominium developments. The downtown area is the largest in Broward County, although there are other cities in the county with commercial centers. Office buildings and highrises include Las Olas River House, Las Olas Grand, 110 Tower (formerly AutoNation Tower), Bank of America Plaza, One Financial Plaza, Broward Financial Center, One East Broward Boulevard, Barnett Bank Plaza, PNC Center, New River Center, One Corporate Center, SunTrust Centre, 101 Tower, and SouthTrust Tower. The Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area foreclosures increased 127.4% from 2006 to 2007, or one filing per 48 households in the quarter. Fort Lauderdale ranks fourth in the list of top 10 metropolitan areas ranked by foreclosure filings per household for the third quarter of 2007. Fort Lauderdale is a major manufacturing and maintenance center for yachts. The boating industry is responsible for over 109,000 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. Gulfstream International Airlines, a commuter airline, is headquartered in nearby Dania Beach. An Online Trading Academy center is also located in the city. Government Fort Lauderdale has a Commission-Manager form of government. City policy is set by a city commission of five elected members: the mayor and four district commission members. In 1998, the municipal code was amended to limit the mayoral term. The mayor of Fort Lauderdale now serves a three-year term and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms. The current mayor is John P. "Jack" Seiler. He succeeds the longest serving mayor, Jim Naugle, 1991-2009. Administrative functions are performed by a city manager, who is appointed by the city commission. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department provides Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Federal representation The United States Postal Service operates post offices in Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office is located at 1900 West Oakland Park Boulevard in the city of Oakland Park. Post offices within the city limits include Alridge, Colee, Coral Ridge, Gateway Station, Melrose Vista, and Southside Station. Education According to 2000 census data, 79.0% of the city's population aged 25 or older were high school graduates, slightly below the national figure of 80.4%. 27.9% held at least a baccalaureate, slightly higher than the national figure of 24.4%. Broward County Public Schools operates 23 public schools in Fort Lauderdale. 2007 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results for Fort Lauderdale's public schools were mixed; while ten (of sixteen) elementary schools and one (of four) middle schools received "A" or "B" grades, Sunland Park Elementary School and Arthur Ashe Middle School received failing grades. Boyd Anderson High School, which is located in Lauderdale Lakes but whose attendance zone includes part of Fort Lauderdale, also received a failing grade. None of the three failing schools have failed twice in a four-year period, thus triggering the "Opportunity Scholarship Program" school choice provisions of the Florida's education plan. Eight institutions of higher learning have main or satellite campuses in the city: Broward College BC (Willis Holcombe Downtown Center) City College Florida Atlantic University FAU (satellite campus) Florida International University FIU (satellite campus) Keiser University Nova Southeastern University NSU (satellite campus) The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale University of Phoenix (Cypress Creek Learning Center]) Additionally, the Davenport, Iowa-based Kaplan University's Corporate headquarters and an academic support center are located in the city. Transportation Local bus transportation is provided by Broward County Transit (BCT), 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. Tri-Rail, a commuter rail system, connects the major cities and airports of South Florida. In November 2006, Broward County voters rejected a one-cent-per-hundred sales tax increase intended to fund transportation projects such as light rail and expansion of the bus system. Four railroads serve Fort Lauderdale. Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) and CSX Transportation are freight lines, Amtrak provides passenger service to other cities on the Atlantic coast via the Fort Lauderdale station, and Tri-Rail provides commuter service between Palm Beach County, Broward County (including two stations in Fort Lauderdale), and Miami-Dade County. The Wave (streetcar), a new 2.7-mile (4.3 km) electric streetcar system costing $125 million, is being planned for the downtown. Most of the construction funding will come from federal ($62.5 million), state ($37 million) and city taxpayers ($10.5 million), with approximately $15 million from assessments on properties located within the Downtown Development Authority. Broward County (BCT) has committed to operating the system for the first 10 years at an expected annual cost of $2 million, and has guaranteed funding to cover any shortfall in ridership revenues. The construction cost of $50 million per mile is considerably higher than other recently built streetcar projects, in part due to the challenges of building an electric transit system over the 3rd Avenue drawbridge. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, in neighboring Dania Beach, Florida, is the city's main airport and is the fastest-growing major airport in the country. This is, in part, attributable to service by low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines, resulting in lower airfares than nearby Miami International Airport. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood is an emerging international gateway for the Caribbean and Latin America. Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport also serve the city. Fort Lauderdale is home to Port Everglades, the nation's third busiest cruise port. It is Florida's deepest port, and is an integral petroleum receiving point. Broward County is served by three major Interstate Highways (I-75, I-95, I-595) and U.S. Highways such as U.S. 1, US 27 and US 441. The interchange between I-95 and I-595/SR 862 is known as the Rainbow Interchange. It is also served by Florida's Turnpike and State Highway 869, also known as the Sawgrass Expressway. Healthcare Fort Lauderdale is served by Broward General Medical Center and Imperial Point Medical Center, which are operated by Broward Health, the third largest hospital consortium in the United States. Broward General is a 716-bed acute care facility which is designated as a Level I trauma center. It is also home to Chris Evert Children's Hospital and a Heart Center of Excellence. The hospital serves as a major training site for medical students from Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as nursing and paramedic programs from throughout the area. Imperial Point Medical Center is a 204-bed facility with a hyperbaric medicine program. Holy Cross Hospital, a 571-bed hospital operated by the Sisters of Mercy, was named by HealthGrades as one of the 50 best hospitals in the country for 2007. Lifestyle As is true of many parts of Florida, the city's population has a strong seasonal variation, as snowbirds from the north spend the winter and early spring in Florida. The city is also sometimes referred to as "Fort Liquordale" because of its beaches, bars, nightclubs, and history as a spring break location for tens of thousands of college students. However, the city has actively discouraged college students from visiting the area since the mid-1980s, passing strict laws aimed at preventing the mayhem that regularly occurred each year. The city had an estimated 350,000 college visitors for spring break 1985; by 2006, that number had declined to about 10,000. Media Fort Lauderdale is served by English-language newspapers South Florida-Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald, Spanish-language newspapers El Sentinel and El Nuevo Herald, and alternative newspaper New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Culture Fort Lauderdale's arts and entertainment district, otherwise known as the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, runs east-west along Las Olas Boulevard, from the beach to the heart of downtown. The district is anchored in the West by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and runs through the city to the intersection of Las Olas and A1A. This intersection is the "ground zero" of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is the site of the Elbo Room bar featured in the 1960 film Where the Boys Are, which led in large measure to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca. The city and its suburbs host over 4,100 restaurants and over 120 nightclubs, many of them in the arts and entertainment district. The city is also the setting for the 1986 movie Flight of the Navigator, and host of Langerado, an annual music festival. Sports Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale is the current home of the Second Division Fort Lauderdale Strikers which play in the current incarnation of the North American Soccer League. It was previously the home of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, which played in the previous version of the North American Soccer League. The Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer played at this stadium from 1998 to 2001. The Florida Atlantic University Owls football team played its home games at Lockhart Stadium from 2003 through 2010. Although Fort Lauderdale does not host any top division professional sports teams, the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League play at BB&T Center in suburban Sunrise. Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association all play in neighboring Miami-Dade County. The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles used to conduct spring training in the city at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, and NCAA Division I college sports teams of Florida International University and University of Miami play in Miami-Dade County. Florida Atlantic University's athletic programs (other than football) are played in neighboring Palm Beach County. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, which is located at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It contains two 25-yard (23 m) by 50-meter competition pools, as well as one 20 by 25-yard (23 m) diving well. The complex is open to Fort Lauderdale residents, and has also been used in many different national and international competitions since its opening in 1965. 10 world records have been set there, from Catie Ball's 100 m breaststroke in 1966 to Michael Phelps' 400 m individual medley in 2002. Sites of interest In addition to its museums, beaches, and nightlife, Fort Lauderdale is home to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, a large indoor/outdoor flea market and the site of the world's largest drive-in movie theater, with 13 screens. The International Swimming Hall of Fame is located on Fort Lauderdale beach, and houses a large aquatic complex as well as a museum, theater, and research library. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a 180-acre (0.73 km2) park along the beach, with nature trails, camping and picnicking areas, canoeing, and features the Terramar Visitor Center, with exhibits about the ecosystem of the park. The Henry E. Kinney Tunnel on US Route 1 is the only tunnel on public land in the state of Florida.[100] It was constructed in 1960, and its 864-foot (263 m) length travels underneath the New River and Las Olas Boulevard. The James Randi Educational Foundation is also located in Fort Lauderdale. |
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Fort Lauderdale is a city on Florida's southeastern coast, known for its beaches and boating canals. The Strip is a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It's lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques and luxury hotels. Other attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, with pools and a museum of memorabilia, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, featuring trails and a lagoon. The inland network of canals and bays, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, can be traversed by water taxi or rental boat. Downtown's Las Olas Boulevard has lively nightlife, with options like wine bars, cocktail lounges and dance clubs. Several museums lie in the Riverwalk Arts district, with displays of frontier life at Stranahan House, and works from American Impressionists at the NSU Museum of Art. Art-filled Bonnet House Museum & Gardens dates from 1920. Port Everglades, in nearby Hollywood, is a busy cruise terminal. Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals, Beach Condos, Houses, & Apartments provides weather information and reservation services for the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Book online or call 24/7 at (850) 696-7730. Visit our Fort Lauderdale website to view instant weather conditions and forecasts, including beach & surf reports, while exploring property listings for hotels, resorts, condos, b&bs, and vacation rentals. Book your stay or vacation today! |
