Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean in the US state of Florida. It is known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive canal system. Situated in Broward County in South Florida, the city's population is over 170,000.

The city is most famous for its beaches and boats, and while the city of Fort Lauderdale is relatively small in area, the term 'Fort Lauderdale' is often used to refer to the larger metropolis that has grown up around it. It is the county seat for Broward county, and is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, which has over 5.5 million people.

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 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 city and its surrounding suburbs 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 metro area.

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate. Summers are very humid with temperatures in the upper 80s °F and low 90s lasting into early fall. The city sees most of its rainfall in the summer (the wet season). Winter is warm and mild and mainly dry (the dry season) with mild temperatures that are occasionally broken up by some rain when cold fronts come through.

May to September is the summer wet season. During the summer, it is warm and humid, with the prevailing wind bringing tropical breezes blowing up from the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and equatorial Atlantic. It is often clear and sunny in the mornings but as the land heats up the air rises and the sea breeze kicks in. This brings in more damp moist air from the sea and so by noon it often starts to cloud over, and then there are commonly short showers in the afternoon, which helps to cool the air off for a cooler and generally dryer evening. The Atlantic hurricane season largely occurs from late July through early November, with peak activity generally occurring from mid-August through early October.

Fort Lauderdale, positioned just above the Tropic of Cancer, owes a lot of its winter warmth to the Gulf Stream that runs just a couple of miles off shore. The Gulf Stream brings warm water up from the tropics year-round.

On a typical summer day the temperature does not get below 75 °F (24 °C). Summer temperatures are commonly in the high 80s to low 90s (30-35 °C), which is often relieved by the sea breeze, which in turn brings some afternoon thunderstorms.

During winter, humidity is significantly lower. The average daily high in the winter is usually between 65 and 75 °F (18-24 °C) and the low normally around 59 °F (15 °C), rarely dipping below 40 °F (4 °C) when a front comes through.

Fort Lauderdale receives abundant rainfall, most of it falling in the summer. The annual total of 63.8 inches (1488 mm) is one of the highest for a U.S. city. This sounds like a lot, but it does not rain that often; when it does rain, it is a real tropical downpour.

Fort Lauderdale has the Gulf Stream running next to its shoreline. This allows South Florida to have very mild winters and humid summers. The temperature of the water does not depend on temperature of the air, as the water continues to flow from warmer regions. In winters it is possible to have warmer water than the air temperature. Average coldest temperature of the water falls to 74 °F (24 °C), while temperature of the air may briefly fall as low as low 40s (6 °C). December is the last month of lukewarm 80 °F (27 °C) water; in January it quickly cools to its lowest, 74 °F (24 °C). In the end of May, it climbs to 80 °F (27 °F). However, a comfortable 84 °F (28 °C) comes only at the end of June. July is known for balmy 86 °F (30 °C) and August is the warmest month with shore waters reaching high 90s (37 °C), a temperature that holds until the middle of September. After September the temperatures start to cool off: October is 84 °F (28 °C), November 82 °F (27 °C), December is 80 °F (27 °F). For scuba divers the temperatures don't change much with depth: recreational divers might see a 2 °F (1 °C) degree difference from the surface temperatures.

The most popular section of beach is where A1A runs alongside the beach, between Las Olas Blvd north to Sunrise Blvd.

The "Elbo Room" bar, at Las Olas Blvd and A1A, was featured in the 1960s film Where the Boys Are. The movie led to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca. The bar anchors the Southern end of the 'Strip', a strip of eating and drinking establishments that run along the land side of the beach road.

Spring Break peaked in the mid 1980s and the city now attracts a more upscale crowd. 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.

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.

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 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 stores, 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, +1 954-467-6637.
• Old Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum.
• Stranahan House, 335 SE 6th Ave, +1 954-524-4736.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, +1 954-522-5334.

Las Olas Boulevard. An upscale collection of stores, 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, +1 954-467-6637.

Old Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum.

Stranahan House, 335 SE 6th Ave, +1 954-524-4736.

Wilton Manors is 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.

• African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
• Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. A large indoor/outdoor flea market with the country's largest drive-in movie complex (13 screens).
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 East Sunrise Blvd, +1 954-564-4521. Contains some of the area's last stands of native forest, with short nature trails. $2 per car, $1 per person.

African American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. A large indoor/outdoor flea market with the country's largest drive-in movie complex (13 screens).

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 East Sunrise Blvd, +1 954-564-4521. Contains some of the area's last stands of native forest, with short nature trails. $2 per car, $1 per person.

• The beach. A prime attraction. There is 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. There is more parking on A1A, North of Sunrise Blvd. Athletes enjoy running along the road by the beach in the early mornings. On Saturday mornings there is a continual stream. Best viewed from one of the numerous coffee shops or restaurants across the road from the beach. You can rent a bicycle and explore along the beach, or head inland via Las Olas Blvd, to explore the upscale shops that line Las Olas towards the downtown. From Las Olas the RiverWalk connects to the Arts and Entertainment district. Parking at some beach hotels is limited and with things quite close you will find bicycles are a good way to get around. Bicycle on the sidewalks if the traffic scares you.
• Boating. You can go boating on the miles of waterways. Take the water taxi, take a ride in a glass bottom boat 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.
• SW 2nd Street. On Friday and Saturday evenings the bars and clubs along SW 2nd Street come alive with young people. If you are under 35 this is the place to be on weekend nights. Known by locals as Colee Hammock, this is the two blocks on SW 2nd St just West of the rail way tracks, near the Science Museum and Performing Arts Center. For tourists, or people over 35, there is the RiverSide complex with bars and restaurants just East of the same railway lines.

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.
• Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens is the home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and the annual Orange Bowl college football game held in early January. The stadium is 17 miles South-West of Fort Lauderdale.
• Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins play home games at Marlins Park in Miami, 28 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.
• 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.
• The Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League play at Lockhart Stadium in North Fort Lauderdale only 12 miles from the downtown area.

The Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League play at BankAtlantic Center in suburban [[Sunrise]], Florida.

Sun Life Stadium in [[Miami Gardens]] is the home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and the annual Orange Bowl college football game held in early January. The stadium is 17 miles South-West of Fort Lauderdale.

Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins play home games at Marlins Park in Miami, 28 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.

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.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League play at Lockhart Stadium in North Fort Lauderdale only 12 miles from the downtown area.

There are sports and events held year round; although less frequent in the summer due to the intense heat. There are so many local running races during the cooler months that they may be held just several weeks apart. Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners keeps a central listing of running races on their web site.

• The swimming Hall of Fame pool complex is one block back from the beach. A world class venue where top athletes swim. There are a number of national swimming meets throughout the year.
• There are a good number of local Triathlons, mostly the shorter sprint distances.

• 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.
• Bahia Mar Marina. Just across from the beach. You can walk around the marina and look at luxury boats and yachts owned by the well-heeled. On one jetty there is a monument and plaque announcing slip F-18 as an American Literary Landmark - this is where author John D MacDonald's fictional hero, Travis McGee , moored his 52-foot houseboat The Busted Flush (21 Travis McGee novels were published).
• Flamingo Fishing. A drift fishing boat that makes 3 trips daily from the Bahia Mar Marina. The boat supplies all the equipment and supplies needed for deep sea fishing.
• Lagerhead Cycleboats, 1525 SE 15th St #5 Fort 33316, +1 954-300-2401.

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.

Bahia Mar Marina. Just across from the beach. You can walk around the marina and look at luxury boats and yachts owned by the well-heeled. On one jetty there is a monument and plaque announcing slip F-18 as an American Literary Landmark - this is where author John D MacDonald's fictional hero, Travis McGee , moored his 52-foot houseboat The Busted Flush (21 Travis McGee novels were published).

Flamingo Fishing. A drift fishing boat that makes 3 trips daily from the Bahia Mar Marina. The boat supplies all the equipment and supplies needed for deep sea fishing.

Lagerhead Cycleboats, 1525 SE 15th St #5 Fort 33316, +1 954-300-2401.

The beach. A prime attraction. There is 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. There is more parking on A1A, North of Sunrise Blvd. Athletes enjoy running along the road by the beach in the early mornings. On Saturday mornings there is a continual stream. Best viewed from one of the numerous coffee shops or restaurants across the road from the beach. You can rent a bicycle and explore along the beach, or head inland via Las Olas Blvd, to explore the upscale shops that line Las Olas towards the downtown. From Las Olas the RiverWalk connects to the Arts and Entertainment district. Parking at some beach hotels is limited and with things quite close you will find bicycles are a good way to get around. Bicycle on the sidewalks if the traffic scares you.

Boating. You can go boating on the miles of waterways. Take the water taxi, take a ride in a glass bottom boat 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.

SW 2nd Street. On Friday and Saturday evenings the bars and clubs along SW 2nd Street come alive with young people. If you are under 35 this is the place to be on weekend nights. Known by locals as Colee Hammock, this is the two blocks on SW 2nd St just West of the rail way tracks, near the Science Museum and Performing Arts Center. For tourists, or people over 35, there is the RiverSide complex with bars and restaurants just East of the same railway lines.

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:

• Shops on Las Olas Blvd, little specialty shops and upscale restaurants line Las Olas Blvd, starting down town and running east on Las Olas Blvd for a mile, to SE 15th Avenue. Most shops and restaurants are open late in the evenings.
• 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. This is only 1/4 of a mile, about ten minutes walk from the beach.
• Sawgrass Mills, 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, in Plantation at Broward Blvd, and University Drive.
• Coral Square Mall, in Coral Springs at Atlantic Blvd. and University Dr.
• Festival Flea Market, in Pompano Beach on Sample Rd, just east of Florida's Turnpike. Large indoor flea market.
• Pembroke Lakes Mall, in Pembroke Pines at Pines Blvd. and Flamingo Rd.
• Pompano Square, 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 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.

• Clothes Encounters, 1952 E Sunrise Blvd, +1 954 522-2228. Huge selection of funny t-shirts along with basic swimwear and gifts.
• Flagler Antiques, 720 Flagler Dr. 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 Ave, +1 954-763-9666. Men's designer clothing and club wear.
• Lilac And Lilies Boutique, 2541 E. Sunrise Blvd, +1 954-530-3109. Women's designer clothing and accessories.

Clothes Encounters, 1952 E Sunrise Blvd, +1 954 522-2228. Huge selection of funny t-shirts along with basic swimwear and gifts.

Flagler Antiques, 720 Flagler Dr. 10,000 square feet of antiques.

Zoo 14, 1208 NE 4th Ave, +1 954-763-9666. Men's designer clothing and club wear.

Lilac And Lilies Boutique, 2541 E. Sunrise Blvd, +1 954-530-3109. Women's designer clothing and accessories.

Shops on Las Olas Blvd, little specialty shops and upscale restaurants line Las Olas Blvd, starting down town and running east on Las Olas Blvd for a mile, to SE 15th Avenue. Most shops and restaurants are open late in the evenings.

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. This is only 1/4 of a mile, about ten minutes walk from the beach.

Sawgrass Mills, 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, in Plantation at Broward Blvd, and University Drive.

Coral Square Mall, in Coral Springs at Atlantic Blvd. and University Dr.

Festival Flea Market, in Pompano Beach on Sample Rd, just east of Florida's Turnpike. Large indoor flea market.

Pembroke Lakes Mall, in Pembroke Pines at Pines Blvd. and Flamingo Rd.

Pompano Square, 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 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.

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

• 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, +1 954-463-1999. 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, +1 954 462-9695. Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant. Looks can be deceiving as excellent, yet affordable cuisine is served with a smile.
• Laffing Matterz, 219 S. Andrews Ave, +1 954 763-5236. 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.

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, +1 954-463-1999. 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, +1 954 462-9695. Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant. Looks can be deceiving as excellent, yet affordable cuisine is served with a smile.

Laffing Matterz, 219 S. Andrews Ave, +1 954 763-5236. 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.

• Dos Caminos, 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard (in the B Ocean Hotel, +1 954-727-7090. Su noon-3PM 5:30PM-11PM, M-Sa 7AM-2:30PM 5:30PM-11PM. Modern Mexican cuisine, made-to-order guacamole & tequila cocktails. $12-26.
• Monster Subs, 1978 E Sunrise Blvd, +1 954 463-7997. 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.
• St Barts Coffee Shop, On the beach (A1A), 2 blocks south of Las Olas Blvd. Outside tables under umbrellas. It's where the locals go for coffee and breakfast.

Dos Caminos, 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard (in the B Ocean Hotel, +1 954-727-7090. Su noon-3PM 5:30PM-11PM, M-Sa 7AM-2:30PM 5:30PM-11PM. Modern Mexican cuisine, made-to-order guacamole & tequila cocktails. $12-26.

Monster Subs, 1978 E Sunrise Blvd, +1 954 463-7997. 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.

St Barts Coffee Shop, On the beach (A1A), 2 blocks south of Las Olas Blvd. Outside tables under umbrellas. It's where the locals go for coffee and breakfast.

• Alibi, 2266 Wilton Dr, +1 954 565-2526. Wilton Manors. Gay bar & casual restaurant (hamburgers & sandwiches). Friendly, diverse "straight-friendly" crowd; lunch & dinner served both indoors & outside under covered patio area. Very reasonably priced.
• Galanga, 2389 Wilton Dr (on the main drag in Wilton Manors, +1 954-202-0000. M-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F 11:30AM-11PM; Sa 1:30PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10:30PM. Thai and Asian-fusion food. Great food, great atmosphere, enjoy the patio year 'round
• Mai Kai, 3599 N. Federal Highway, +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, +1 954-396-3177. Wilton Manors. True authentic Thai Cuisine, get there early for dinner and get a complete meal at a reasonable price.

Alibi, 2266 Wilton Dr, +1 954 565-2526. Wilton Manors. Gay bar & casual restaurant (hamburgers & sandwiches). Friendly, diverse "straight-friendly" crowd; lunch & dinner served both indoors & outside under covered patio area. Very reasonably priced.

Galanga, 2389 Wilton Dr (on the main drag in Wilton Manors, +1 954-202-0000. M-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F 11:30AM-11PM; Sa 1:30PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10:30PM. Thai and Asian-fusion food. Great food, great atmosphere, enjoy the patio year 'round

Mai Kai, 3599 N. Federal Highway, +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, +1 954-396-3177. Wilton Manors. True authentic Thai Cuisine, get there early for dinner and get a complete meal at a reasonable price.

• Pomperdale, 3055 East Commercial Blvd, +1 954-771-9830. An excellent New York Jewish style deli.
• The Village Grille, 4404 El Mar Dr, +1 954-776-5092. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just drinks. Next to the beach. $8-12. Try the banana nut pancakes, they are to die for.
• 101 Ocean, 101 E Commercial Blvd (Head East on Commercial blvd to Ocean it's on the corner of El-Mar & Commercial, +1 954 776-8101. 11AM-2AM. Really cool restaurant with a great outdoor bar. Perfect for people watching and 50 yards from the ocean. They have arguably the best happy hour in town: 50% off all drinks from 5-7PM, 7 days a week. Food and drink are both great—try the flatbreads or the cowboy steak.

Pomperdale, 3055 East Commercial Blvd, +1 954-771-9830. An excellent New York Jewish style deli.

The Village Grille, 4404 El Mar Dr, +1 954-776-5092. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just drinks. Next to the beach. $8-12. Try the banana nut pancakes, they are to die for.

101 Ocean, 101 E Commercial Blvd (Head East on Commercial blvd to Ocean it's on the corner of El-Mar & Commercial, +1 954 776-8101. 11AM-2AM. Really cool restaurant with a great outdoor bar. Perfect for people watching and 50 yards from the ocean. They have arguably the best happy hour in town: 50% off all drinks from 5-7PM, 7 days a week. Food and drink are both great—try the flatbreads or the cowboy steak.

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.

• Aruba beach cafe, one east commercial blvd (take commercial avenue east to end, +1 954-766-0001. open for lunch and dinner. A fun place for all ages with free live music from techno, pop to the beatles every day at 10PM average $15 to $30.
• ZEN BAR, 1401 SW 1st AVE (South of Davie & West of Andrews, behind Tap 42, +1 954 937-8546. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Cold-pressed raw, organic juices and smoothies. Zen Bar offers a wide selection of superfoods & also features a beautiful collection of crystals.

• Riverfront is a collection of stores and bars on the west side of the downtown district.
• Tarpon Bend, 200 SW 2 St (Old Town. Great beer specials and popular on weekends.
• Voodoo Lounge, 100 SW 2 Ave. Old Town. Popular dance club.

Riverfront is a collection of stores and bars on the west side of the downtown district.

Tarpon Bend, 200 SW 2 St (Old Town. Great beer specials and popular on weekends.

Voodoo Lounge, 100 SW 2 Ave. Old Town. Popular dance club.

• Beach Place is 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 on the Intracoastal Waterway, south of Oakland Park Blvd. Very popular with the yacht crowd, as there are boat slips available.

Beach Place is 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 on the Intracoastal Waterway, south of Oakland Park Blvd. Very popular with the yacht crowd, as there are boat slips available.

• Grady's Bar, 905 S. Andrews Ave. At is a hangout for locals, open since 1940. Cheap drinks and food, cash only.
• Flossie's Bar and Grill 3985 Angler's Avenue on the opposite side of I-95 from the airport. Outdoor tiki bar with live music some nights. Popular biker hangout.

Grady's Bar, 905 S. Andrews Ave. At is a hangout for locals, open since 1940. Cheap drinks and food, cash only.

Flossie's Bar and Grill 3985 Angler's Avenue on the opposite side of I-95 from the airport. Outdoor tiki bar with live music some nights. Popular biker hangout.

• 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.

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.

Aruba beach cafe, one east commercial blvd (take commercial avenue east to end, +1 954-766-0001. open for lunch and dinner. A fun place for all ages with free live music from techno, pop to the beatles every day at 10PM average $15 to $30.

ZEN BAR, 1401 SW 1st AVE (South of Davie & West of Andrews, behind Tap 42, +1 954 937-8546. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Cold-pressed raw, organic juices and smoothies. Zen Bar offers a wide selection of superfoods & also features a beautiful collection of crystals.

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. The local area codes are 954 and 754, and you don't dial a 1 first but do dial the area code, i.e. you dial 954-555-1212 or 754-555-1212.

To call anywhere else you must dial 1, then the area code, i.e. to call to Miami from Fort Lauderdale you dial 1-305-555-1212.

Area codes for Miami are 305 or 786 and for Boca Raton and Palm Beach it is 561.

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

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be 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).

Fort Lauderdale can be very safe but there are some parts of town you should probably avoid if you are on foot at night. Like all cities, you should ask advice on what areas are safe and what to avoid. The areas likely to be frequented by the tourists, along the beach, shopping along Las Olas and down town are safe. This would be the NE and SE parts of the city. You should use more caution if the address is on the West side of the city NW or SW. The intersection of Andrews Ave and Broward Blvd designates the NW NE SW SE sections of the city. Avoid the NW and SW areas, especially at night. The central part of Broward County West of Andrews Ave to the Florida turnpike is not a place for tourists. Suburban cities that should be avoided include Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill and especially Sistrunk.

Rental cars stand out as obvious targets for thieves, so never leave valuables in a visible place (put any purchases or valuables in the trunk) and always lock your car doors.

Tourists may find South Florida drivers get impatient with the heavy traffic during high season. Try to plan your route before setting off and remember that US1 tunnels under Las Olas Blvd and the river. It may look like the two intersect on a map but they don't. South Florida has quite a few senior citizens on the road mixed in with their crazy teenaged offspring, so be alert.

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

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 and that their ages run from 16 to over 100. Drive carefully and defensively.

Fort Lauderdale has a few honorary consulates, but most diplomatic missions in the area are in Miami, and a few are in Coral Gables.

• the Czech Republic Czech Republic (Honorary), 1 E Broward Blvd, +1 954-987-7550.
• Denmark Denmark (Honorary), 213 East Sheridan Street, Suite 3, Dania Beach, +1 954 967-8800.
• Mali Mali (Honorary), 1710 W Cypress Creek Rd., +1 954-771-1795.
• the Philippines Philippines (Honorary), 1635 Miami Rd., Ste. 3, +1 954-524-2610.
• Sweden Sweden (Honorary), 101 NE 3rd Ave., +1 954-467-3507.

the Czech Republic Czech Republic (Honorary), 1 E Broward Blvd, +1 954-987-7550.

Denmark Denmark (Honorary), 213 East Sheridan Street, Suite 3, Dania Beach, +1 954 967-8800.

Mali Mali (Honorary), 1710 W Cypress Creek Rd., +1 954-771-1795.

the Philippines Philippines (Honorary), 1635 Miami Rd., Ste. 3, +1 954-524-2610.

Sweden Sweden (Honorary), 101 NE 3rd Ave., +1 954-467-3507.

• 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. The airport offers a free shuttle bus to the port for car renters. Many off-airport rental car locations also offer port shuttles.
• Miami
• Miami Beach
• Everglades National Park
• Hollywood (Florida) Popping down to visit the night clubs and restaurants along Hollywood Blvd near Young Circle is a close and interesting evening outing. You can also see the Hollywood beach.
• You can take overnight excursions to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas.
• There are also organized coach trips to the theme parks in Orlando.

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. The airport offers a free shuttle bus to the port for car renters. Many off-airport rental car locations also offer port shuttles.