Introduction to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a city located on the coast in southeast Florida. Fort Lauderdale is located a half an hour north of Miami. It is part of the South Florida metropolitan area.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" because of its extensive canal system. The economy of Fort Lauderdale relies heavily on tourism. Even with its heavy reliance on tourism, Fort Lauderdale is also home to several Fortune 1000 company headquarters. Several more Fortune 1000 company headquarters are located in nearby Miami.
Fort Lauderdale has a hot, sub-tropical climate. Average daily temperature ranges from a low of 76 in January to a high of 90 in July and August. Fort Lauderdale occasionally experiences brief periods of cold during the winter, but otherwise is warm or hot.
Fort Lauderdale History
Fort Lauderdale was originally settled by Seminole Indians. New River Fort was built on the site of the current city in 1838 during the the Second Seminole War. The first trading post was established in 1893 in a house that also served as the first post office, bank and town hall. Fort Lauderdale was officially incorporated as a town in 1911.
Fort Lauderdale Arts and Culture
Fort Lauderdale has easy access to all of the cultural attractions of nearby Miami. In addition, Fort Lauderdale has cultural attractions of its own, including the following museums:
- The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby Danea Beach.
- The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.
- The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum and Aquatic Complex.
- The Museum of Art.
- The Museum of Discovery and Science/Blockbuster IMAX Theater.
- The Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum.
For patrons of the performing arts, Fort Lauderdale offers the following:
- The Bailey Concert Hall in nearby Davie.
- The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Fort Lauderdale Sports and Leisure
Most of the major professional sports teams available to Fort Lauderdale play in nearby Miami. Fort Lauderdale residents have easy access to the the following major sports teams:
- Baseball - The Major League Baseball (MLB) Florida Marlins. For individuals who like Minor League Baseball (MiLB) action, the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals play an hour north in Jupiter, Florida. The Hammerheads are a Class A Advanced affiliate of the Florida Marlins and the Cardinals are a Class A Advanced affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Basketball - The National Basketball League (NBA) Miami Heat.
- Football - The National Football League (NFL) Miami Dolphins.
- Hockey - The National Hockey League (NHL) Florida Panthers play in nearby Sunrise.
- Soccer - The United Soccer League (USL) USL First Division Miami FC.
Nearby, Miami also plays host to the NCAA College Bowl game, the Orange Bowl.
Fort Lauderdale is home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame as well as the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex.
With such a warm climate, Fort Lauderdale is home to many outdoor activities. It is a yachting and fishing resort, and has long been a favorite spot for college students during spring break. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach which offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation
Fort Lauderdale "Must See" Attractions
Fort Lauderdale has attractions too numerous to do justice in a simple list. Some of Fort Lauderdale's more unique attractions include:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach.
- The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby Danea Beach.
- The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.
- The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum and Aquatic Complex.
- The Riverwalk.
Fort Lauderdale at Night
Fort Lauderdale's beach front is home to upscale shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Good guides to local attractions, events, nightclubs and restaurants include the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Friday Broward edition of the Miami Herald, City Link - a youth culture magazine and the Broward-Palm Beach New Times.