Fort Lauderdale - Venice of America
Favorite spots include the Las Olas district - Las Olas Blvd between 6th and 11th Avenues - where fine dining, boutique shopping and art galleries create an impressive mix.
Riverwalk is just that, about a mile and a half of boardwalk that runs alongside the New River and buttresses numerous landmarks and sites.
Long gone are the Spring Break crowds that once mobbed the beaches of Fort Lauderdale - too beautiful to be viewed with blurred vision. Ocean boulevard runs along most of the beach and can get congested at times.
Restaurants
Rainbow Palace
Out of this world Chinese. Fine dining at its best with impeccable service, true gourmet renderings, fine linens and a credible wine and spirits list. Although designated dressy casual, gentlemen may find themselves more comfortable with a jacket. 2787 East Oakland Park Blvd.
Floridian Restaurant
An area staple since 1937 - this is the place to get cheap and familiar eatery with flavorful food; great location, quick and friendly service. You'll wish you had one of these places in your own neighborhood back home. 1410 East Las Olas Blvd.
Pier Top
Take a spin at the Pier Top located atop the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Rotating platform makes a complete revolution in 66 minutes. Sunday Brunch specials, USDA Prime all the way, with an almost endless selection of seafood. Always rated as one of Fort Lauderdale's best restaurants and with an unbeatable view. 2301 SE 17th Street Causeway.
Canyon Southwest Cafe
Mix Southwestern with Asian and Latin American with the best of local seafood and the freshest of herbs and spices and you have yourself a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Dinner only. 1818 East Sunrise Avenue - a block west of Federal Highway.
Eduardo De San Angel
Savor Mexican food served up gourmet style. In keeping with Fort Lauderdale chic, you'd have to expect that the local foodies and sophisticated visitors would expect nothing less. 2822 East Commercial Blvd.
Places to Stay
Tropic Seas Resort Motel
One of a handful of local properties that fall under the "Small Lodging" moniker. Located directly on the beach in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea (North of Ft Lauderdale Beach), you'll find this motel styled property has an aura of authenticity about it. From standard motel rooms and efficiencies to one-bedroom apartments - all rooms are ocean front. 4616 El Mar Drive.
Riverside Hotel
Located steps from the downtown area and in the heart of the Las Olas district, this historic hotel has undergone renovation and expansion in recent years. Sits majestically on the New River with many rooms offering commanding views of surrounding area. 620 East Las Olas Blvd.
The Atlantic Resort and Spa
Designed for extended stays as each unit features some sort of kitchen or kitchenette. With balconies to every unit, it's easy to sit outside relax, take in the view - especially after a stint at one of the whirlpools, stream rooms or saunas. 601 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd..
Lago Mar Resort & Club
This stellar oceanfront resort hotel sits on 10 acres in the posh Harbor Beach neighborhood. Accommodations consist of rooms and one and two-bedroom suites. Serving up gracious and elegant hospitality since 1959. 1700 South Ocean Lane.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Grand it is. Oceanfront at 2000 North Ocean Blvd - about a mile north of Sunrise. Spacious accommodations with sweeping ocean views and numerous on-site amenities. 2000 North Ocean Blvd.
Ritz-Carlton - Fort Lauderdale
Among the top tier of this famous luxury branded hotel chain. Located across the street from the famous Fort Lauderdale beach and within easy walking distance to all the nearby restaurants and bars. Sits adjacent to Beach Place.1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Attractions
International Swimming Hall of Fame
If you're in to aquatics and swimming, this facility has almost all facets covered. Yes, you can swim and dive; visit the Museum and take in aquatic-related art at the in-house art gallery. 1 Hall of Fame Drive.
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame
For anglers interested in the historic development of their sport there is the Tackle Gallery, Children's Discovery Room, Salt-Water Marsh and Wetlands habitat - complete with live alligators. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has gone all out with this facility, and makes it easy for non-anglers to appreciate the sport with touch-screen computer displays and much more. 300 Gulf Stream Way.
Jungle Queen River Boat Cruise
Offering a three hour sightseeing cruise that meanders the Intracoastal, the New River and downtown Fort Lauderdale - gives a good idea of the luxury that can be found in these waters. A four hour dinner and entertainment cruise is also offered. Dockside at Bahia Mar on SR A1A.
Carrie B Sightseeing Cruises
Replica 19th Century Paddle Wheeler offers 90 minute tours of Fort Lauderdale waterways with narrated tours of waterfront mansions. Embarks from 440 North New River Drive.
Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale
In addition to the various rotating exhibits that pass through this acclaimed museum, the permanent collection of over 6,000 works of art features Contemporary Cuban Art, American Impressionism, and European Expressionism genres. 1 East Las Olas Blvd.
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
This serpentine mile-long stretch of restaurants, shops, clubs, lush tropical gardens and historic points are a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Strand of Riverfront stretching from SW 7th Ave to US 1.
Local Resources
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Pick up local maps and brochures here. 512 NE Third Avenue.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau
Completely tourist and travel related. Has up to the minute information on events. 100 East Broward Blvd.
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