Ft. Lauderdale

HISTORY

 

Ft. Lauderdale’s history dates back thousands of years ago when first aboriginal natives inhabit the area, and later when Tequesta Indians occupied the place for centuries. When the majority of Tequesta tribe died due to smallpox and some left New River, an influx of other Native American tribes settled on the area, forming the Seminole tribe.

 

Seminole tribe’s occupation along the banks of New River resulted to conflicts with US Army; generated three Seminole wars. In 1838, during the second Seminole war, Major William Lauderdale and his troops built a fort along the banks of New River, but was destroyed and abandoned at the end of the war.

 

After the Seminole war, the area remained unpopulated until mid 1890s. In 1892, the government of Dade County approved the construction of railroad to provide easy access to the region. Finally, in 1896 Florida East Coast Railway arrived in Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Named after Major William Lauderdale, the City of Ft. Lauderdale was incorporated in 1911 and appointed as the county seat of Broward County in 1915.

 

 

GETTING THERE

 

Traveling by plane, car, bus or train are the options available to reach Ft. Lauderdale.

 

By Plane

 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport is the closest airport to reach Fort Lauderdale in less time. Major airlines offer flights from key US cities to Fort Lauderdale, so you are sure to find Fort Lauderdale flight deals. Alternatively, you can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Palm Beach International Airport to reach Ft. Lauderdale.

 

By Car

 

Major roads provide easy access to Fort Lauderdale. Visitors departing from the North or South may take Florida turnpike, I-95 or U.S.1. For West-East entry take I-75.

 

By Bus

 

Greyhound bus offers multiple daily services to Fort Lauderdale and other Florida cities.

 

 

By Train

 

Amtrak provides daily service to Fort Lauderdale and neighboring cities and areas.

 

 

WEATHER

 

Fort Lauderdale features a tropical climate with seasonal changes in temperature.

Summer (wet season) begins from May to October with average high temperatures around 86–90 °F  and average lows around 71–76 °F.  Late afternoon thunderstorms are expected during this period, but usually don’t last long. On average, July is the warmest month while June is the wettest month.

 

Winter (dry season) begins from November to April with average high temperatures around 75–82 °F and lows dropping to around 59–67 °F. On average, January is the coolest month.

 

 

WHAT TO WEAR

 

Visiting a warm tropical city like Ft. Lauderdale requires no specific dress code.  Casual wear (light shirt, shorts, flip flops) is the standard attire for daytime sightseeing in Ft. Lauderdale, anytime of the  year. For outdoor activities such as hiking and park visits, wear light shirts, comfortable shoes and shorts.

 

When dining in exclusive restaurants or upscale hotels, men should wear dark jeans paired with collard shirt and nice dress matched with low heeled shoes for women. Furthermore, night time temperature in Ft. Lauderdale gets chilly sometimes, so if you plan to stay outdoors, wear lightweight jacket or sweet cardigan for women. Lastly, swimsuit is acceptable anytime of the year even during winter.

 

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

 

Ft. Lauderdale is a haven for nature lovers, beach freaks, history buffs and sportsmen. Attractions and activities are just about anywhere, surprising first time tourists and  frequent visitors who fell in love with the “Venice of America”

 

Ft. Lauderdale boasts world class pristine beaches ideal for relaxation, romantic and action-packed activities. If you can’t get enough of the ocean blue water and sugary sand, try windsurfing, jet skiing, diving or snorkeling. For laid-back and romantic activity, river and ocean cruises are available showcasing Ft. Lauderdale’s historical buildings and major attractions.

 

Explore the shopping district of Ft. Lauderdale with a handful of shops from high-end to thrift stores, independent boutiques to shop for clothes, accessories, souvenirs and more. Whether you are to shop at Ft. Lauderdale’s malls, flea markets or around downtown area, you are sure to find a unique item, something to remind you of Ft. Lauderdale’s beauty.

 

 

 

Museums and Galleries:

 

  • Fort Lauderdale History Center
  • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
  • Museum of Discovery & Science/AutoNation IMAX Theater
  • Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
  • Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum

 

 

Nature and Promenades:

 

  • Butterfly World
  • Riverwalk
  • Ann Kolb Nature Center
  • Flamingo Gardens

 

FISHING

 

Ft. Lauderdale’s proximity to the Gulfstream, warm climate and great canal system make it an ideal destination for saltwater and freshwater fishing. These factors attract sportsmen, professional and leisure anglers to fish on calm water or rough deep blue ocean of Ft. Lauderdale.

 

The area is famous for its saltwater fishing grounds where some of the word’s best gamefish can be caught. Depending on your budget, time and fish you want to catch, there are several ways of sea fishing in Ft. Lauderdale where different techniques are used including kite fishing, trolling and live bait to achieve fishing goals.

 

Pier fishing

  • is recommended if you want to fish without spending much by renting boats or hiring professional fishing guides. Some of the fish you can catch in pier fishing includes Mackerel, Snapper and Snook.

 

                Deep Sea Fishing

  • provides action-packed fishing and allows you to catch some of these species; sailfish, sharks, tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, swordfish, snapper and kingfish.

                Off-Shore Fishing

  • suitable for fishing enthusiasts who want access to great fishing without spending too much time and money. Snapper, Sailfish and Snapper are the typical fish species you can catch in off-shore fishing.

Wreck fishing

  • bigger gamefish can be caught in Ft. Lauderdale’s natural and artificial wrecks.

 

Other types of fish available in Ft. Lauderdale’s fresh and salt waters:

 

  • Yellowtail
  • Red Snapper
  • Tarpon
  • Barracuda
  • Amberjacks
  • Yellowfin Tuna
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Peacock Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass

 

 

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

 

Although fishing in Ft. Lauderdale is year-round, there’s a specific season to catch a specific type of fish in great number and size. See what’s biting in Ft. Lauderdale for your next fishing adventure.

 

Snapper, Swordfish & Barracuda – year-round

 

Winter – Wahoo, Kingfish, Sailfish, Hammerhead, Tuna & Mahi Mahi

 

Spring – Amberjack, Hammerhead, Sailfish, Kingfish, Grouper, Wahoo, Tuna

 

Summer – Kingfish, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi

 

Fall – Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Sailfish

 

 

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING

 

 

  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Hat
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Soft soled shoes
  • Sunblock with high SPF
  • Rain gear (just in case)

 

You can bring:

 

  • Foods
  • Drinks
  • Camera
  • Seasickness medicine

 

 

 

 

ROOM & ACCOMODATION

 

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, family vacation homes or affordable inns, Ft. Lauderdale has it all. Browse the list below and choose the best accommodation for a relaxing Ft. Lauderdale getaway.

 

Alhambra Beach Resort

Address: 3021 Alhambra St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.alhambrabeachresort.com/

 

Birch Patio Motel

Address: 617 N. Birch Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-4022

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.birchpatio.com/

 

Lago Mar Resort and Club

Address: 1700 S. Ocean Lane Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.lagomar.com/specials/index.php

 

Beach Guest House and Guest Apartments

Address: 2720 N. Atlantic Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.beachguesthouse.com/

 

Deauville Hostel and Crewhouse

Address: 2916 N. Ocean Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.deauvillehostel.com/

 

Flamingo Inn Amongst The Flowers

Address: 2727 Terramar St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.theflamingoresort.com/

 

 

Gigi’s Resort by the Beach

Address: 3005 Alhambra St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.gigisresort.com/

 

Avalon Waterfront Inns

Address: 521 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33304
For more information, visit their site:

http://www.waterfrontinns.com/

 

Casa del Sol Resort/Marina

Address: 2724 NE 14th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33304

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.fortlauderdale-vacation-rentals.com/

 

Tropi Rock Resort

Address: 2900 Belmar St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.tropirock.com/

 

 

 

WHERE TO DINE

 

If you think Ft. Lauderdale is only for beach bums and fishing enthusiasts, then you are wrong. With more than 3,500 restaurants ranging from first-class steak houses to waterfront dining, intimate cafes`, bistro and eateries the “Venice of America” is also a prime culinary destination.

 

 

15th Street Fisheries

Address: 1900 S.E. 15th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-3097

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.15streetfisheries.com/

 

 

Ambry

Address: 3016 E. Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.ambryrestaurant.com/

 

 

Bahia Cabana Patio Bar & Restaurant

Address: 3001 Harbor Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.bahiacabanaresort.com/

 

Wild East Asian Bistro

Address: 2670 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

For more information, visit their website:

http://www.wildeastbistro.com/

 

Zona Fresca

Address: 1635 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.zonafresca.com/

 

 

Anthony’s Runway 84

Address: 330 W. State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315-2547

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.runway-84.com/

 

Baja Fresh

Address: 290 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.bajafresh.com/

 

 

Bimini Boatyard Bar & Grill

Address: 1555 S.E. 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-1701

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.biminiboatyard.com/

 

Bistro Mezzaluna

Address: 741 S.E. 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-2960

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.bistromezzaluna.com/

 

Briny Riverfront Irish Bar & Restaurant

Address: 305 S Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

For more information, visit their site:

http://www.brinyirishpubs.com/