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Fort Lauderdale [1], known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive and intricate canal system, is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. The city has a population over 170,000. Fort Lauderdale is located in the geographic center of the South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach) Metropolitan area, which has over 5.5 million people.
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SEE DO EAT
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The heart of the world famous strip is A1A between Las Olas Blvd north to Sunrise Blvd. The intersection of Las Olas and A1A is the "ground zero" of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is the site of the "Elbo Room" bar featured in the 1960's film Where the Boys Are. This led, in large measure, to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca.
Spring Break peaked after 1984, and the city attracts a more upscale crowd today. 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.
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There are many things to do in Fort Lauderdale, but the beautiful beach is a prime attraction. There 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. (Parking on A1A, north of Sunrise Blvd is free.)
Athletes enjoy running along the road by the beach in the early mornings. On Saturdays mornings there is a continual stream. Best viewed from one of the numerous coffee shops or restaurants on the other side of the road.
You can rent a bicycle and explore the beach, Las Olas Blvd and the RiverWalk. Parking at some beach hotels is a little short and things are close so bicycles are a good way to get around. Use the sidewalks if the traffic scares you.
You can go boating on the miles of waterways, take the water taxi, 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.
There is plenty of shopping. The metropolis has lots of malls. The closest to the beach is the Galaria, about 10 minutes walk from the beach, but the biggest by far is the huge Sawgrass Mills out on the west side of the city. With over 300 retail outlets it is one of the largest malls in the USA. After Disney World, Sawgrass Mills is the second most visited tourist attraction in Florida! There is also the 'Swap Shop', that bills itself as 'the largest Drive-In movie theater and daily flea market in the world.'
From Fort Lauderdale you can take a day trip to Miami's South Beach, or closer to home, Hollywood beach. Day or overnight trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas are also very popular. Popping down to visit the night clubs and restaurants along Hollywood Blvd near Young Circle is a close and interesting evening outing.
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Fort Lauderdale has countless dining options. Among the most popular areas are Las Olas Blvd, Olde Town Fort Lauderdale, and the Beach.
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