Fort Lauderdale Beach
A1A - between 17 Street and Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you have not been to Fort Lauderdale beach in
the last few years, come now and see the
changes! A $26-million renovation, complete with
wide brick walkways, lush landscaping, and a
"wave wall" with neon accent lighting, has given
Fort Lauderdale's famous beach new style and
sophistication. You will find jogging, biking,
and just taking a stroll a pleasure in this new
setting.
With seven miles of beautiful beaches and 185
miles of local waterways, watersports activities
are the most popular forms of recreation. The
Atlantic Ocean offers the perfect setting for
snorkeling and diving enthusiasts to observe
tropical undersea life, sunken ships and
communities of coral reefs.
For information regarding the beach or general
information on the beach area, call (954)
468-1595.
Fort
Lauderdale Riverwalk - Florida's Most
Beautiful Mile
400 SW 2 Street (along the New River from NE
6 Ave to SW 6 Ave.) Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
One of the most memorable walks you can take in
Fort Lauderdale is on the Fort Lauderdale
Riverwalk. This recently completed linear
promenade along the New River in downtown is
considered by many "Florida's Most Beautiful
Mile," linking boutiques, restaurants, shops and
museums with lush, tropical scenery.
From the Historic District, including the 1901
trading post now called the Stranahan House, to
the exciting Arts & Science District with the
Museum of Discovery and Science, Riverwalk
reflects the many faces of Fort Lauderdale -
past and present.
Riverwalk also encompasses Esplanade Park, with
interactive navigational and meteorological
exhibits, which is located at the foot of the
Broward
Center for the Performing Arts.
Included along Riverwalk's path you'll find
romantic gazebos, a picnic area, native plant
exhibits and a butterfly garden.
Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is a "must see" when
you are in town. For a free brochure, contact
the Parks and Recreation Department at (954)
761-5346.
International
Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum
501 Seabreeze Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 462-6536 (museum)
(954) 468-1580 (pool)
Hall of Fame Museum
Only at Fort Lauderdale's International Swimming
Hall of Fame Museum can you see memorabilia
like:
Johnny Weissmueller's Olympic medals,
Annette Kellerman's scandalous 1908 swimsuit
she was arrested for wearing,
Stubby Kruger's clown diving costume worn
when the "Aquacades" toured around the
world, and
Special exhibits on Greg Louganis and Mark
Spitz.
Located on Fort Lauderdale's beach, the Hall of
Fame annually honors and inducts the world's
greatest aquatic heroes.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame's
forerunner, the Casino Pool, dates back to the
1920's and was the first Olympic-sized pool in
Florida. In 1935, the Casino Pool became the
site of the annual college winter training -
attracting college swim teams from around the
country.
In 1962, the Amateur Athletic Union's idea of a
Swimming Hall of Fame drew strong support from
Fort Lauderdale's residents. As a result it was
selected over many contenders as the site for
the new Hall.
By 1965, upon the first induction of aquatic
greats into the Hall of Fame, the facility was
recognized by the Federation Internationale de
Nation Amateur (FINA) Congress as the official
International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Among the nearly 400 inductees are: Dawn Fraser
(Australia), Alex Baumann (Canada), Zhou Jihong
(China), Kornelia Ender (Germany), and Americans
Buster Crabbe, Penny Dean, Catherine Rawls, John
Naber, and Micki King.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
is open 7 days a week, weekdays from 9am to 7pm,
and weekends 9am to 4pm.
For additional information, call (954) 462-6536.
Hall of
Fame Aquatic Complex:
When
you are ready to make your own waves, jump into
one of two 50-meter Olympic size pools or the
diving well which is open to the public at the
Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex.
Recently renovated, this beautiful center
includes the two pools and diving well, a
teaching pool, swimming flume, and weight room.
National and International aquatic meets are
often held here, taking advantage of the
2,500-seat spectator gallery and two alpha
numeric scoreboards.
The
swimming complex is open 7 days a week from 8am
to 4pm and weekday evenings from 6pm to 8pm
unless a large event is being held.
To
use the locker rooms, bring your own lock. There
is no charge to use the kickboards and pull
buoys.
For
more information on the Hall of Fame Swimming
Complex, call (954) 468-1580.
MUSEUMS
International Game
Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame &
Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania (954) 922-4212. Three
story museum includes five galleries, an outdoor
marina, a theater and indoor/outdoor
demonstration areas.
Bonnet
House
900 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 563-5393
This
35-acre beachfront estate is a tribute to the
history of old South Florida. Its architecture,
artwork, and natural environment are truly
memorable. Registered with the National Register
of Historic Places, this house museum is open to
the public with guided tours May through
November. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Museum
219 SW 2 Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 463-4431
Learn about the history of Fort Lauderdale and
the South Florida area at the Fort Lauderdale
Historical Museum. The current special exhibit
is "Panorama of the Past: A Chronological Look
at the History of Fort Lauderdale and Broward
County."
Also, see history as it still stands in three of
Fort Lauderdale's oldest structures: the New
River Inn, the Philomen Bryan House, and the
King-Cromartie House. There is even a replica of
the city's first schoolhouse!
Active educational programming provided by the
Historical Society includes workshops and
lectures, walking and boat tours of local
historical sites, and children's camps. Open
Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Museum of
Art
One East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-5500
Recognized as one of the finest museums in the
United States, you can view permanent
collections of 19th and 20th century European
and American art, as well as African and South
Pacific wood carvings. Traveling exhibits such
as the recent Botero sculptures attract
residents and tourists year-round.
Tours are available throughout the week. For
information on exhibitions, educational programs
and special events, call the museum's 24-hour
hotline at (954) 763-6464. The Museum of Art is
open Tuesday through Sunday.
Museum of
Discovery and Science and Blockbuster IMAX
Theater
401 SW 2 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 467-6637 (Museum)
(954) 463-4629 (Theater)
Discover over 200 hands-on exhibits in this
"playground for the mind." There are eight
themed areas in this 85,000 square foot museum:
Florida EcoScapes, KidScience, Gizmo City, Space
Base, Sound, Choose Health, No Place Like Home
and the Traveling Exhibit Hall showcasing
changing exhibits from across the country.
Visitors can meet over 100 species of live
animals face to face in Museum exhibits and
programs including sharks, birds of prey,
alligators, turtles and bats!
An
exciting new permanent exhibit called "Gizmo
City" opened in September! This 22,000
square-foot city unlocks the secrets to the way
things work by introducing visitors to simple
science, the key to technology. Gizmo City has
four interactive areas: The Sports Arena, The
Construction Zone, The Factory, and TimeSquared
- Information Central park. Here you can play
virtual reality volleyball, access the
information superhighway, lift a 500-pound
weight with a giant lever, and program a robot.
Wow!
And
do not miss the spectacular films on the
five-story-high movie screen and 42-speaker
digital sound system at the Blockbuster IMAX
Theater. It's South Florida's only IMAX theater
offering a changing schedule of film adventures
for all ages!
Only
minutes from downtown, this interactive science
museum is situated in the Arts & Sciences
District in Riverwalk Park. Open Monday through
Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 8:30pm;
Sunday noon to 5pm.
Stranahan House
355 SE 6 Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 524-4736
Fort
Lauderdale's history as a city began in this
historic building. Once a trading post,
residence to Frank and Ivy Stranahan, a
restaurant, post office and town hall, the
Stranahan House is now a historical museum.
Restored to its original configuration, it
features early 1900 furnishings and paintings.
It is open to the public Wednesday through
Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm.
TOURS
Fort
Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is a
beautiful city to see, with a variety of ways to
see it at its best. Choose your favorite
transportation mode and see the city like you've
never seen it before...
By Land
Downtown Trolley
Save time and money getting around downtown by
using the free, air-conditioned Downtown
Trolley. The route runs from the main bus
terminal on Broward Boulevard through downtown,
to the courthouse and back, with dozens of stops
along the way. The Downtown Trolley runs every
10 minutes, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
Downtown Trolley also runs a "Lunchtime
Express." Following a Las Olas loop, the Trolley
stops at a variety of restaurants and even gives
you a pass to present to your restaurant server
so you will be served promptly. The Lunchtime
Express runs weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and
2:30 p.m.
For
more information on the Downtown Trolley or for
a free brochure, call (954) 761-3543.
WaveLine Trolley
The WaveLine Trolley, is Fort Lauderdale's beach
shuttle and operates between the Crown Sterling
Suites on S.E. 17th Street and the Galleria
Mall. This trolley also runs historical tour
routes and is available for charter.
For
information, call (954) 429-3100.
By Water
The Carrie B
This charming 19th century paddleboat will show
you the sights daily on a one and one half hour
sightseeing cruise. An informative tour on the
scenic New River and Intracoastal Waterway,
highlights include Millionaire's Row, with
gorgeous estates and yachts of the rich and
famous, and Port Everglades, home to several
cruise ships and visiting naval vessels from
around the world.
Aboard the Carrie B, you can relax in
air-conditioned comfort downstairs or take in
the sea breeze from the canopied upper deck. A
full bar service & snack bar are on board.
Cruises run 365 days of the year, departing from
Fort Lauderdale's fashionable Las Olas Boulevard
at SE 5 Avenue.
The
Carrie B departs at 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily.
Sunset cruises are available February 1 to April
31, departing at 5pm. Group rates available
upon request.
Call
(954) 768-9920 for a free brochure, more
information, or to make reservations.
Jungle
Queen
Hop aboard this world famous Fort Lauderdale
sightseeing cruise for a cruise up the New
River. See the "Venice of America's"
Millionaire's Row, and stop off at the Indian
Village to see rare birds, monkeys, and even
alligator wrestling!
The
4-hour Barbeque Ribs and Shrimp Dinner Cruise
includes an "all you wish to eat" dinner,
hilarious vaudeville show, and a sing-a-long.
More than 6 million guests over the last 50
years have been on this cruise!
Daily sightseeing cruises of Fort Lauderdale,
multilingual and guided tours, and handicap
facilities are also available. Open daily 8:30
a.m. to 11 p.m.
For
more information call (954) 462-5596.
River Front Cruises
1 1/2 hour sightseeing cruise aboard luxurious
55-foot catamaran. Multiple departures.
Mon.-Sun. Downtown Fort Lauderdale, 100 New
River Drive, West, (954) 463-3440.
Water Taxi
A
unique and exciting way to see Fort Lauderdale!
Water Taxi is an on-call pick-up service with
many on/off locations along the water, such as
the Broward Center for the Performing Arts,
restaurants, shops and beaches. Group rates and
tours are available. Call (954) 467-6677 when
you need a ride, for a free brochure or more
information.
By Air
Helicopter Charters and Air Tours
Sky
Limo Air Charters
Hot Air Excursions
See South Florida with a bird's eye view: from a
hot air balloon! You will take off for at least
an hour of thrilling air time and head with the
wind over North Fort Lauderdale. Once you come
back to land, you will enjoy the 200 year old
tradition of the "after flight celebration,"
with champagne, crackers and cheese, and
strawberries.
Flights are available every day of the week and
are best if you arrive when the dawn is just
breaking in the early morning. Allow
approximately two and a half hours for this
scenic air tour of South Florida. Three to five
people can fit comfortably in one balloon
(depending on size). Several balloons can sail
at the same time to handle groups up to 15-20
people.
For
more information, call (954) 966-1395.
Hot Air Balloon Rides - Coconut Grove
Hugh Taylor Birch
State Park
3109
East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(954) 564-4521
At
Birch State Park, as it is commonly known, you
will find several ways to enjoy the scenery and
sunshine of South Florida. There's a path for
rollerblading/biking/walking/jogging (whichever
you prefer), a lagoon for canoeing, two marked
nature trails (the Exotic Trail and the Hammock
Trail), two volleyball nets, two play areas, and
a visitors center.
Bird
watching is very popular at this park, so bring
your hats and binoculars to see some fine
feathered creatures. Three pavilions are
available for rent, so gather some of your best
friends, family, or co-workers and enjoy the day
at Birch State Park.
This
park is open every day of the year, 8am to
sunset. Costs are $3.25/per vehicle (up to 8
people) or walk in for $1 per person. Yearly
passes are available: $31.80 for individuals or
$63.60 for a family.
Leisure
Fort Lauderdale WWW
Fort Lauderdale!
Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show
Las Olas Boulevard
Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show
Shopping and Attractions
Shopping
Attractions
Culture
Broward
Center For the Performing Arts
Fort
Lauderdale Children's Theatre
The Museum Of
Discovery and Science
South Florida Newspapers
Miami Herald
Sun-Sentinel
Palm
Beach Post
Town-Crier Newspaper - Palm Beach County
Waterfront News Florida's nautical newspaper and
magazine.
The Palm Beach Daily News
Miami New Times Weekly
Diario Las Américas
