23 miles (37 km) of popular beachfront and 300 miles (480 km) of navigable waterways surround Fort Lauderdale, which has the title of "The Venice of America". The Atlantic coastline north of Fort Lauderdale is known as the Gold Coast, which refers to several Spanish galleons loaded with treasure that ran aground along this stretch of coast.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful wide beaches lined with modern, trendy shops, great restaurants and a variety of hotels and condominiums in all price ranges. Intermixed with shopping malls and a trendy town center is a landscape of beaches, parks, golf courses and tennis courts.
As Fort Lauderdale continues its expansion, so to does its near neighbors. Hallandale Beach, once a small, oceanfront town now has a skyline dominated by condominiums and resort developments. The fast developing Hollywood is now a area of 1.5 million people made up of many different ethnic backgrounds.
Port Everglades is Florida's deepest harbor and second only to Miami for the number of cruise passengers passing through the port terminal. Most cruises from this port are bound for the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Latin America, although several casino day cruises operate from this port.
** Fort Lauderdale Vacation Highlights
Fort Lauderdale lies at the center of more than 50 golf courses, making the area a popular vacation destination for keen golfers. Sometimes referred to as the "Yachting Capital of the World," Fort Lauderdale provides great opportunities to cruise or sail along the Intracoastal Waterway and on the open ocean.
The waters around Fort Lauderdale are rated by scuba divers as amongst the best in North America, having excellent water temperatures and visibility and a diverse array of fish and marine life. There is a natural off-shore reef plus 81 man-made artificial reefs and 18 major shipwreck sites. Jupiter has a dive site onto a 17th century wreck.
Fishing of all types is very popular in and around Fort Lauderdale, whether it be simply casting a line from the pier, drift-boat fishing or blue water excitement on a deep-sea charter. The International Game Fish Association World Fishing Center is an angler's heaven, being a combined museum, library and park with virtual-reality simulations.
The historic Bonnet House and estate provides a glimpse of Florida history. The spacious two-story waterfront mansion and surrounding gardens was the home of Evelyn Bartlett, the wife of acclaimed artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Dating back to 1901, Stranahan House is an example of "Florida Frontier" architecture and is the oldest standing structure in Fort Lauderdale.
A popular visitor attraction is the paddle wheel steamer dinner cruises and sightseeing tours that take visitors past Old Fort Lauderdale, the new downtown and Millionaires' Row.
** Fort Lauderdale Transport
The area is serviced by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with carriers such as Air Canada, Air Tran, American Airlines, Continental and Delta. Several budget carriers also operate from this airport. The local BCT city bus service has routes that include the airport and several shuttle bus services provide delivery to the door connections. Amtrak, the USA train system, has stations at Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.
Tri Rail is a south Florida commuter train service that connects all the major centers from Miami through to North Palm Beach. Broward County Transit (BCT) operates a community bus service that runs throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas.
Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely
Fort Lauderdale Vacation Packages
Imagine if, amidst a sunny and delightful hubbub of beach activities, light-hearted music, eating, drinking and people-watching, there was a little space you could call your own. A place with a comfortable bed, a tastefully decorated and inviting living space, and even your own little kitchen. This is exactly what a Fort Lauderdale vacation rental offers to those savvy enough to reserve them, so for those who want a little bit of everything, read on.
Many miles of high-quality coastline provide much of the attraction surrounding Fort Lauderdale, giving it a solid foundation as a prime vacation destination. A happenin? night life, arts and culture, and a playful attitude provide a few more elements to the mix, ensuring that visitors have plenty of chances to delve into their hedonistic sides while achieving the hopeful goals of any vacation ? rest and relaxation.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of this fun-for-all locale, so if you'd rather not be right in the middle of it there are vacation properties to be had on the outskirts of the town or on a less busy part of the beach. These quieter spots will be just as accommodating, including amenities like wireless internet, washer and dryers, and plenty of towels and linens. You'll feel pretty privileged having privacy and a little slice of solitude in such close proximity to a colorful place like Fort Lauderdale; the tension between chaos and calm will never cease to amaze you.
But more about the properties'If you've never had the chance to stay in a vacation rental, you'll find surprises around every corner that will keep you feeling constantly pampered and taken care of. From granite countertops in the kitchen to a shelf full of books and games, these temporary digs have a way of making you feel immediately at home. Sometimes it even happens that visitors regret having to go back to real life, where the sound of the surf isn't constantly in earshot and the sun doesn't shine as brightly through the floor-to-ceiling windows. At least most vacation rentals are available for weeks at a time, so plan to put up your feet and stay awhile.
Vacation properties also allow fulfillment by meeting the most whimsical wishes you may have. Always wanted to have a porch swing? There a place that offers just that. Enjoy drinking your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise? Sit on your private lanai and do it every morning. Can't get enough palm trees? Pick a place that has these Florida icons everywhere you look. Basically, perusing the pictures of various properties in search of a sign or omen of some kind will likely lead you to the place you've been dreaming about.
Big family groups usually fit well in home-like situations, where bedroom doors can be closed and kids and adults can inhabit separate floors. Groups of couples also enjoy spacious houses, as many have multiple master bedrooms. Better than nearby hotel rooms because of shared living spaces, conversation and quality time are encouraged without having to sacrifice alone time. If it's just you and your special someone, there are romantic little cottages, too, of course. No matter who you bring along, a vacation rental will step up to deliver what is needed.
Planning vacations can be a little stressful, but if there's a in your future then believe that it'll be worth it. Plus, going online to look at dozens of funky, cool-in-their-own-way houses and condos is actually kind of fun, and will sweeten the process a little bit. See for yourself as you start to put together your upcoming trip, and remember that when all goes well, you'll be the one who gets to take credit for it.
Both Terry Hely & Vagabondgrl are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Terry Hely has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Travel Insurance and Family Travel. Terry Hely is the author of several travel destination guides that provide planning resources for holiday makers. Find out more about
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