Getting Oriented in Fort Lauderdale
Along Florida's Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County present a delightful middle ground between the posh Palm Beaches and the extravagance of Miami. From downtown Fort Lauderdale, it's about a four-hour drive to Orlando or Key West, but Broward's allure is undeniable. From oceanside to inland, the county's sprawling geography encompasses 31 communities with a resident population of 1.9 million.
- Downtown and Las Olas. The eclectic hub of town is known for its arts and nightlife scenes and is complemented by Las Olas Boulevard's boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and restaurants.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of sparkling beaches are lined with restaurants and hotels.
- Intracoastal and Inland Fort Lauderdale. Even if you're not on the beach, you're likely still near the water: waterways and canals that weave through town are big among the boating community.
- Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Wilton Manors is a progressive area with independent shops and nightlife venues.
- Western Suburbs and Beyond. The suburbs are just as bustling, if not more, than the city center, but out west you're essentially on the edge of the Everglades.
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. North of Fort Lauderdale on State Road A1A, old-school seaside charm draws families and cost-conscious travelers to a more low-rise, low-key beach alternative to Fort Lauderdale.
- Pompano Beach. Explore shipwrecks and coral reefs on a scuba diving adventure off the shore of this beach town, just north of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
- Hollywood. From the beachside Broadwalk to historic Young Circle (now ArtsPark at Young Circle), this South Broward destination provides grit and good times in a laid-back manner.
- Deerfield Beach. The northernmost beach community in Broward County has uncrowded beaches and a wilderness area.
