Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach

Fort Lauderdale

Whether you're seeking relaxation on sandy beaches, adventure in the way of exciting water sports, or fine dining at some of the country's best Oceanside restaurants, Fort Lauderdale has something to please everyone. The town that was once a haven for spring breakers has been made over and now accommodates a much tonier clientele. Often compared to it's flamboyant southern neighbor Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers a similar relaxing and fun holiday experience, but at less cost.

Fort Lauderdale's 20 miles of beaches are its biggest draw. Visitors can meander, bike, or skate along the palm tree-lined brick Beach Promenade, or take part in the many water activities available, such as boating, parasailing, and snorkeling.

Outrigger canoes on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale also boasts a variety of cultural, historical, and social activities. In the downtown area, points of interest include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Museum of Art, and the historic Stranahan House, all within walking distance of each other.

The Water

The water is what brings most visitors to Fort Lauderdale. The area boasts more than 20 miles of sandy beaches and is positioned perfectly along the Atlantic Ocean. Water sports abound, and if snorkeling or diving is your thing, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect vacation destination. Not only will you be able to easily view exotic-looking fish and colorful coral through the clear water, there are many opportunities to dive in and around old wrecks.

Fort Lauderdale has also been referred to as the "Venice of America," due to its extensive canal system. A water taxi tour along the inland canals will give you easy and inexpensive access to major points throughout the city, as well as allow you a glimpse of the rich and famous along what's known as "Millionaire's Row." Or Steer your own boat along the three hundred miles of neatly paved canals to local restaurants or department stores with on-site docks.

Out of the water, but still dedicated to it, is the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It houses more than 10,000 square feet of Olympic aquatic memorabilia, as well as paintings, sculptures and literature dating back over a century, all on the sport of swimming.

Las Olas Boulevard

When you've had enough of the beach, head over to Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale's most charming thoroughfare. Las Olas is full of everything needed for morning brunch, an afternoon stroll or an evening out. From chic boutiques and art galleries, to excellent restaurants, to sidewalk cafés and clubs: night or day, Las Olas is the place to be. Las Olas Boulevard is considered by many to be the most beautiful and exciting street in Fort Lauderdale. Locals and visitors alike choose Las Olas Boulevard as their destination of choice for fine dining, shopping, and fun.

Whether you're looking for fun, relaxation, or a little bit of both, your next holiday can be as breathtaking as miles of blue waterways, as alluring as soft sandy beaches and as relaxing as gentle ocean breezes - if your next getaway is to Fort Lauderdale.

Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is an ideal beach holiday destination. Often referred to as the "the jewel of the south Atlantic coast" (along with neighboring Fort Lauderdale) it includes about three miles of sandy beachfront and an unending array of things to do.

Aerial view of Hillsboro Inlet in Pompano Beach

Things to Do and See

The water on this stretch of the Atlantic Coast is some of the clearest and warmest in Florida due to a bend in the Gulf Stream, and as a result, diving and snorkeling are very popular. The area has a unique natural three-tiered reef system that begins in about 20 feet of water roughly 100 yards from shore at its closest point, and continues out to a depth of over 100 feet. More than 75 artificial reefs have also been added over the past two decades, offering homes to a variety of marine life. There are plenty of opportunities for divers and snorkelers to explore, and there are chartered boat trips available for those who wish to explore beyond what's accessible from the beach.

Pompano Beach fishing pier

A side benefit of the living coral reef system is the fact that some of the world's best sport-fishing can be done not far from the coast. There are plenty of charter open-sea fishing excursions available, as well as terrific boat fishing, and a huge fishing pier for those who prefer to stay close to land. Of course, with this caliber of fishing also comes some of the world's best seafood.

Golf lovers will find vacationing in Pompano Beach a dream come true. Some of the world's most beautiful and challenging courses are just a short drive away. It is said that a golfer could play a different course every day and still not experience all the links within 30 minutes of Pompano Beach.

Butterfly World is a tropical rain forest aviary of over 8,000 square feet, which is the largest butterfly habitat in the world. Tens of thousands of butterflies are in free flight and will likely land on you at some point during your visit (especially if you're wearing bright colors). Also see hummingbirds, lorikeets, various plants and flowers, an insectarium, waterfalls and streams.

Pompano Beach residents are proud to live in the city that is also home to the Goodyear Blimp. Housed at Pompano Beach's Air Park, visitors might just be lucky enough to see the "Spirit of Innovation" in route to or from one of the many sporting events it soars above.

Pompano Beach also offers horse racing at the world famous Pompano Harness Track. While known as the winter capital of harness racing, Pompano Park's racing occurs throughout the year. For those who have never been to the races, this five-eighths mile track is a real treat and is definitely worth a visit.

Whether it's diving, golfing, shopping, or just about any other relaxing activity you desire, Pompano Beach might just be the perfect holiday destination for you and your family and friends.

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See also Cape Canaveral | Daytona Beach | Miami and Miami Beach

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