So, you’ve decided to call the “Venice of America” home? Welcome, congratulations and we’re glad you’re here.
The cosmopolitan, canal-clad city itself is home to 180,000-plus residents, with surrounding Broward County boasting a population of 2 million. And, as you’d expect with any world-class city, there is oh-so-much to do and see, much of which you’ll have plenty of time to explore during your time here.
But, when it comes to getting acclimated to the best-of-the-best that Fort Lauderdale has to offer in your first week, there are a few things you should pin to the top of your itinerary. As a Fort Lauderdale newbie, here are five quintessential things to dive headfirst into:
1) Take a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard. This boutique and restaurant draped thoroughfare is Fort Lauderdale’s undeniable artery. Running east to west, connecting Downtown Fort Lauderdale, you get the best of all worlds with a walk (or bike ride, or drive, or... you name it!) down Las Olas. Its staples on the culinary front include the no-frills Floridian Restaurant, bustling Gran Forno bakery and place-to-be El Camino Mexican restaurant. For shopping, the boutiques span the high-end to surf shop spectrum.
2) Hit the beach and bask in the South Florida sun. Broward County has 23 miles of beaches, from Hillsboro Beach in the north down to Hallandale Beach in the south. There is perhaps no better way to soak up your new home (literally) than setting yourself up on one of our white sand beaches and dipping your toes in the Atlantic. And, each beach very much has its own vibe, from the quaint, village-like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to Hollywood Beach with an extensive boardwalk. Don’t worry, you’ve got time to explore them all.
3) Navigate the canals. Yes, the “Venice of America” has canals, canals and more canals. Fun fact: There are 300-plus miles of Intracoastal waterways and inland canals in Broward County alone. An awesome (and cheap!) way to get your water bearings is to take the Water Taxi, which has 11 total stops throughout Fort Lauderdale and neighboring Hollywood. Among the stops – that are also local staples – are the downtown Riverside Hotel, Stranahan House Museum and the Margaritaville Beach Resort.
4) Get funky in Flagler Village. Sure, Fort Lauderdale is known for its glitz and mega-yachts. But, the city has an emerging artsy edge, too. Often billed as the “next Wynwood,” Flagler Village is where you’ll find some of the city’s hippest establishments, graffiti and towering condos housing many of the city’s creatives. Fun finds in Flagler village include the retro and indie game-filled Glitch Bar, the Chops and Hops ax-throwing bar and The Hub Spark, a co-working space that evolves into a lounge by night.
5) Park it at a park. Amid beaches and canals, Fort Lauderdale has some incredible green spaces as well. Holiday Park is essentially the city’s “Central Park,” complete with the Florida Panthers’ new practice facility, the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, soccer and baseball fields and some of the city’s hottest pickleball action. Most sports have frequent pick-up games, so jump on in and make some new friends while you’re settling in.
Tim Singer is a Fort Lauderdale real estate agent with more than three decades of experience in luxury properties. Tim is a dedicated and compassionate realtor with an established reputation for helping buyers and sellers achieve successful outcomes.
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