Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale has something to offer everyone including snowbirds who want gorgeous towering views from their condos, to partying college students on spring break, to the lovers of the arts, to lovers who just want a romantic stroll along the New River.

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Skyline of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida - Encircle Photos

1 Skyline of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale. This Florida gem has 23 miles of beaches along the Atlantic coast. This is home to 170,000 people in the city and a total of 5.7 million in the metropolitan area. Many residents are snowbirds who head south for the winter. Fort Lauderdale is also a popular tourist destination with over 12 million visitors a year. Who can resist the sun, sand, water and glamor of the “Venice of America?”

3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Downtown Skyline of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

2 Downtown Skyline of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Your walking tour starts in downtown. This skyline is a sample of the 175 high-rises in Fort Lauderdale. Unlike most cities, the majority of these towers are residential instead of commercial space. There are also 560 hotels with about 35,000 rooms.

300 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
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Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

3 Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Broward Center of the Performing Arts has four theaters. The venue hosts over 200 performances a year including plays, operas, ballets and concerts. Constructed in 1991, it became the centerpiece for the revitalization of the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
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Great Gravity Clock at Science Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

4 Great Gravity Clock at Science Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Even before children rush through the front door of the Museum of Discovery and Science, they are mesmerized by this 52 foot Great Gravity Clock in the open-air atrium. As giant balls twist along tracks, they make wheels spin and sounds blare in an orchestra of fun. Inside they find interactive displays that entertain and educate. The Science Museum welcomes 150,000 school-age children a year. Over half of the kids arrive during a school field trip.

401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
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Lone Sailor Statue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

5 Lone Sailor Statue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Lone Sailor Statue was created by artist Stanley Bleifeld in 1987 and erected at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. This replica in the Esplanade Park near New River is one of a dozen placed around the U.S. They are a tribute to all of the people who have served in “our Sea Services for securing our democracy.”

400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
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Broward County History Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

6 Broward County History Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This is a detail of an 85 x 30 foot mural on the side of the Broward County Governmental Center Parking Garage. The painting illustrates iconic images of Broward County’s history. They include the Wanderer paddleboat, The Stranahan and Company Trading Post plus citrus fruit. In the center is Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, the county’s namesake. Dan Daddona created this outdoor art in 1988.

151 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Museum of History in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

7 Museum of History in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society maintains a small neighborhood of early 19th century buildings plus an old schoolhouse replica along the Riverwalk. This was the New River Inn when built in 1905 using sand from the local beach to create the blocks. It operated 24 guest rooms until 1955. The Museum of History occupies the oldest hotel building in Broward County.

219 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Rising Drawbridge for Yacht in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

8 Rising Drawbridge for Yacht in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

There are about a dozen drawbridges along the intercostal waterways of Broward County. They accommodate the passing of enormous yachts. Most of them elevate at scheduled times. This one is a rail bridge operated by the Florida East Coast Railway. It runs parallel to Moffat Avenue and crosses over the New River in the Riverwalk district.

Riverwalk North, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Riverwalk Promenade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

9 Riverwalk Promenade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A growing trend among cities located along a waterway is to create a promenade that attracts locals and tourists. Downtown Fort Lauderdale has done an exemplary job with their Riverwalk district. The area features several cultural centers, a historic neighborhood, plenty of bars and restaurants, a large park, shops and this brick walking path. The walkway extends for a mile along the bank of the New River.

300 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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New River Flowing in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

10 New River Flowing in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The New River, which begins in the Everglades, flows through downtown Fort Lauderdale before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Port Everglades. The Seminole Indians’ name was “Himmarshee” meaning “new water.” Today, it is an active waterway for yachts and pleasure boats. On the left is part of the Riverwalk promenade.

400 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Water Fountain in Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

11 Water Fountain in Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This beautiful Spanish water fountain is in Huizenga Plaza between the NSU Museum of Art on Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk. Formerly called Bubier Park, it features 18 acres of grass. The urban greenspace is ideal for dog walking, kite flying, causal strolling and outdoor socializing.

32 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

12 NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale exhibits primarily contemporary art. It houses more than six thousand works. One of the most popular collections is by Pablo Picasso. There is also an extensive section for photography. The museum is located on the downtown campus of Nova Southeastern University, a private research school. The institution has seven satellite campuses.

1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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People Riding Pub Crawl Quadracycle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

13 People Riding Pub Crawl Quadracycle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

All vacations are too short. So, when you are visiting Fort Lauderdale and can’t decide whether to spend the day sightseeing, at the beach, sipping cocktails or maintaining your exercise regime, then Cycle Party has the perfect solution. You and 13 friends can climb aboard their quadracycle and peddle to different beaches and pubs while seeing a few of the sights along the way.

1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Colorful Sailboat Sculpture in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

14 Colorful Sailboat Sculpture in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This colorful sailboat sculpture features a scene from the Grand Canal in Venice. The public art was created by Ilea Haber. The work is one of several painted sailboats sponsored by Art in Public Places. You will find several along the Riverwalk. On the left is the band shell at Huizenga Plaza. It is the scene of frequent outdoor concerts.

32 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Las Olas River House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

15 Las Olas River House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

At 452 feet, Las Olas River House twin towers became the tallest buildings in Fort Lauderdale when the condominium opened along New River in 2004. But it lost that distinction in 2017 when the Icon Las Olas was completed. Although this new high-rise also has 42 floors, it is three feet taller.

333 N New River Dr E, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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WaterGarden Condominiums in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

16 WaterGarden Condominiums in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

WaterGarden on New River Drive East is an example of the luxury condominiums available in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Much of Florida’s real estate was financially hit hard during the Great Recession. However, most of the condo market in Broward County rebounded. Sales have increased despite rising prices while the inventory was decreasing. Several new towers are under construction.

347 N New River Dr E, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Historic Stranahan House on New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

17 Historic Stranahan House on New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In 1893, Frank Stranahan arrived on the New River and soon founded a trading post with the Seminole Indians. Seven years later, he built this house for himself and his new wife Ivy. This humble beginning evolved into the New River Settlement and then a city in 1911. It was named after Fort Lauderdale. The defense and stockade was used during the Second Seminole War (also called the Florida War) from 1838 to 1842. Since 1980, the Historic Stranahan House has been a museum. This is Broward County’s oldest structure.

335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Mansions on Millionaires’ Row in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

18 Mansions on Millionaires’ Row in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Several boat operators offer fascinating gawking tours of mansions along the Intercoastal Waterway and the New River. The exorbitantly-priced estates are nicknamed Millionaires’ Row. An example is Tarpon Pointe. This 20,653 square foot residence was owned by Wayne Huizenga. The entrepreneur became a billionaire by starting Waste Management and AutoNation. He also co-owned Blockbuster Video plus the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and the Marlins. Other rich and famous names who owned exclusive waterfront properties include Hollywood stars (Nick Nolte, Burt Reynolds, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Lucille Ball), recording artists (Sonny & Cher), businesspeople (Anheuser-Busch family, Ray Kroc the founder of McDonald’s) and gangsters (Bugsy Siegel, Al Capone).

1575 Ponce De Leon Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Las Olas Boulevard Store Fronts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

19 Las Olas Boulevard Store Fronts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Las Olas Boulevard means “the waves” in Spanish. The one-mile thoroughfare is lined with shops, art galleries, jewelry stores, bars and restaurants. The street was built in 1917. After suffering decay, an extensive renovation was launched in 2002. Las Olas Boulevard is now an upscale, tree-lined neighborhood and a quaint extension of downtown.

945 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Yellow Porsche 911 GT3 Parked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

20 Yellow Porsche 911 GT3 Parked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It is not surprising to learn Florida is ranked second in the United States (behind California) as having the most expensive cars. Over 75,000 of them are sold in the Sunshine State every year. But high-performance sports cars like this bright yellow Porsche 911 GT3 parked in front of an art gallery on Las Olas Boulevard still turn heads. Its base price is $130,000. Of course it is essential you have all 475 horsepower under the hood in order to look cool while you are stuck in endless traffic jams.

1028 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Young Couples on Speed Boat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

21 Young Couples on Speed Boat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Every young guy dreams of driving his dad’s powerboat as fast as he can along the Intracoastal Waterway while three girls are lounging across the bow in their bikinis. Life is good in Fort Lauderdale.

Las Olas Bridge, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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Centennial Sign for City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

22 Centennial Sign for City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The land now known as Fort Lauderdale was first inhabited by the Tequesta Indians more than a thousand years ago. Most of them died during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Although the British began ruling in 1763 until the end of the Revolutionary War, this area was sparsely populated until the first U.S. Fort Lauderdale was built in 1838. In 1911, the City of Fort Lauderdale was incorporated. 100 years later, this sign along Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard was part of the centennial celebration. Broward County’s 100th birthday was in 2015.

299 S Atlantic Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Wavy Wall along Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

23 Wavy Wall along Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a long island formed by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. It is reached by crossing one of several draw bridges. Starting at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and heading north along the main boulevard is a low, white wavy wall separating the sand from the walkway. This boardwalk is perfect for strolling while people watching. When you are ready for the shops, hotels and restaurants, just cross the street.

320 S Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Flashing Lights of Nightlife in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

24 Flashing Lights of Nightlife in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

After the sun sets and the beaches in Fort Lauderdale become deserted, crowds of young people fill the bars and clubs. Inside the drinks flow, the music is loud and the lights become a kaleidoscope of colors. Perhaps the most famous nightlife venue of “Fort Liquordale” is the Elbo Room. This landmark of southern Florida opened in 1938. The club was featured in the 1960 movie “Where the Boys Are” with Connie Francis and George Hamilton.

241 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Attractive Woman on Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

25 Attractive Woman on Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A beach can be filled with hundreds of sun tanning people yet it is easy to spot an attractive young blonde like this one who was strutting toward the camera. Typically, it is men who do the staring. On this occasion, however, the two older women sitting in beach chairs were doing the admiring.

201 Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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People Walking along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

26 People Walking along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A1A is a state road covering over 338 miles along Florida’s Atlantic coast. For the short distance where it is also called Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, pedestrians can often move faster than cars. This is where you will find endless bars, night clubs, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and hotels all facing the beach across the street.

101 Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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College Boys Watching Girls in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

27 College Boys Watching Girls in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In a ritual as old as spring break itself, these three young men watched two cute girls playing catch with a football in the surf. They discussed their game plan, practiced their opening lines and debated who was going to talk with which girl. Suddenly, it all became a moot point when two other guys swooped in and introduced themselves to the girls.

17 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Old Man Filming at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

Old Man Filming at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In spring, the beaches at Fort Lauderdale are crowded with young people in small bathing suits while sunning, swimming and having a great time. Then there are those whose idea of a great time is filming all those young people in their small bathing suits.

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College Students Watching at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

28 College Students Watching at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The throngs of college students who descend on Fort Lauderdale Beach during spring break can be a bit overwhelming. Some introverts just sit and watch as the majority cavort, party, socialize, drink, swim, play catch and get sunburned.

17 S Atlantic Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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College Students Party at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

29 College Students Party at Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the mecca for college students during spring break started in the mid-1930s. The area really became popular when the book and then the movie “Where the Boys Are” hit the market in 1958 and 1960 respectively. By the 1980s, about 350,000 students swarmed the beach during their winter vacation. That number dropped by 90% after tough laws were enacted in 1989. But the numbers slowly rose again until now Fort Lauderdale Beach is as crowded as ever.

17 S Atlantic Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Beach Volleyball in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

30 Beach Volleyball in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Beach volleyball is an amazing sport to watch as an Olympic event or among talented, professional athletes. At the other end of the spectrum is the version played by college students during spring break. When they are lucky enough to serve the ball over the net, the volley rarely lasts more than one or two times. Occasionally you see someone like this young man who is competitive enough to jump high and then spike the ball.

21 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Beach in Front of Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

31 Beach in Front of Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The section of sand in front of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Beach Place outdoor mall are the epicenter for sunshine partying at Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you like to share your beach time with lots of people, then pitch your umbrella here. If you want something quieter, then walk about a half mile in either direction along Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.

1 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Man with Woman Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

Man with Woman Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Going to spend a day at the beach always sounds like so much fun. Sometimes when you get there it is crowded with people who frankly look better fully clothed. Apparently, this man was proud of the woman he had tattooed on his arm. But the tat’s only color was the red lips. At least he was not going to get her sunburn because the suntan lotion was within easy reach.

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Island Theater at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

32 Island Theater at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a beautiful attraction to visit. The property suspends in time the winter estate of an elite, early 20th century family. It is built on a barrier island with backwaters, sloughs and foliage similar to when the Tequesta Indians lived here millenniums ago. This is a reproduction of their Island Theater. The original was built in 1938. The Bartlett’s used to charge their guests two matching seashells to come inside to watch movies.

900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Chickee Bridge at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

33 Chickee Bridge at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The bonnet lilies floating in this pond were the inspiration for the name Bonnet House, the former estate of Frederic Bartlett in Fort Lauderdale. Perhaps that is not surprising because when he married his second wife Evelyn, her last name was Lilly. The thatched building is a pedestrian bridge called Chickee. This scene on the museum property could have inspired Claude Monet to create an impressionist painting.

900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Greetings from Fort Lauderdale Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

34 Greetings from Fort Lauderdale Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Perhaps you are old enough to remember sending postcards when you traveled. They often looked like this mural on the side of the Tattoo Blues shop in Fort Lauderdale. Many people wrote “Wish You Were Here” not because that is what they really wanted but to taunt the recipient.

927 Sunrise Ln, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Classic Convertible at Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

35 Classic Convertible at Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

If you love to shop then you will love the dozen shopping malls in Fort Lauderdale. At the high end is The Galleria Mall on Sunrise Boulevard. The complex has 120 stores and is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Dillard’s. Just make sure to park your classic convertible out front for everyone to gawk at. This red beauty is a Pontiac Grand Ville, a very low production car from the early 1970s.

2430 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Palm Trees along Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

36 Palm Trees along Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A beach lined with palm trees is an iconic sight in Florida and is often pictured in marketing materials for the Sunshine State. Most of them are either a royal of coconut palm but about twenty other species are common. There are about 2,500 types of palm trees across the world. The majority could thrive in the Florida’s warm and humid climate.

441 Florida A1A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

37 International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The International Swimming Hall of Fame is located a few blocks from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Since 1965, it has inducted and honored the best athletes in competitive, marathon and synchronized swimming plus water polo and diving. The educational displays tell the history of these water sports. The museum also has a giant pool measuring over 164 feet long.

1 Hall of Fame Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Beach Chair and Umbrella Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

38 Beach Chair and Umbrella Mural in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In the summer of 2009, Mimi Botscheller, an instructor from the Art Institute of Florida, led a group of students to paint this colorful mural on particleboard along Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. This beach chair and umbrella is a small detail of the 174 foot artwork designed by Alfonso Frontera. He was a participant in the class called Art in Public Spaces. This mural is now gone.

545 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Florida AIDS Walk Banner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

39 Florida AIDS Walk Banner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

On March 22, 2015, the 10th Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival was held in Fort Lauderdale. These men holding the banner led a procession of people who participated in the 5K walk. The annual event raises awareness of HIV and AIDS. The charity walk was a successful fundraiser for several Southern Florida groups who are dedicated to education, prevention, testing and treatment initiatives.

600 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Lifeguard Tower on Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

40 Lifeguard Tower on Beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Since 1926, the Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue has been committed to public safety. Today, there are 20 lifeguard towers positioned along the three miles of sand at Fort Lauderdale Beach. This number is increased with temporary stations during the peak season. Each year, the lifeguards help with about 2,000 medical emergencies and save over 100 victims from drowning.

801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Mother with Baby Playing in Sand in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

41 Mother with Baby Playing in Sand in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

When families want to enjoy a day at the beach without the crowds, they often take their children to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Moms like this one playing with her baby appreciate the amenities such as restrooms and showers plus the playground and picnic tables.

1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Jungle Queen Riverboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

42 Jungle Queen Riverboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Since 1935, the Jungle Queen Riverboat has delighted tourists with dinner and show cruises or a 90 minute sightseeing excursion along the New River. Other options to see Fort Lauderdale’s waterways are kayak tours and water taxis. As you would expect from an area whose nickname is “Venice of America,” you can also experience a ride in a gondola.

801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Boats at Pier 66 Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

43 Boats at Pier 66 Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In Fort Lauderdale, many guests arrive at their hotel by boat and then moor along the attached marina. An example is the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-six. You can visit just long enough for a bite to eat at one of their five restaurants or long enough until you sail off to your next destination. You don’t have a boat? No problem. You can rent a sailboat or powerboat or charter a yacht or deep-sea fishing excursion.

2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Boats of All Sizes on Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

44 Boats of All Sizes on Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

You will see watercraft of every size cruising or moored along the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale. They range from super-mega luxury yachts to ultra-small aluminum boats. The best way to tour the “Venice of America” is by water taxi. These double-decker vessels will take you past spectacular mansions and hotels, beneath drawbridges and provide wonderful skyline views of downtown. They also make frequent stops at the most popular restaurants, bars and intersections.

2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Superyacht at Hilton Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

45 Superyacht at Hilton Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This superyacht docked at the Hilton Marina is just one of the 45,000 yachts in Broward County. That is one yacht for every 39 residents. There are over 100 marinas available to accommodate them all. Most are located within the Intracoastal Waterway.

1881 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Port Everglades near Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

46 Port Everglades near Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The calm water in the foreground used to be called Lake Mabel. In 1913, a passageway for small boats was dredged from the New River to the Atlantic. Then, in 1928, the mouth of the harbor to the ocean was greatly expanded to form Port Everglades. Today, the busy seaport processes over 22 million tons of cargo and countless cruise ships. Port Everglades has been called the “World’s Top Cruise Port” by an industry publication.

8010 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004
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Cruise Ship Leaving Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Encircle Photos

47 Cruise Ship Leaving Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Each year, over 3.5 million passengers board cruise ships leaving from Port Everglades. Together with commercial and pleasure watercraft, all of this traffic amounts to $26 billion in economic activity. Hopefully, someday you will be sailing away from Fort Lauderdale at the start of an exciting cruise vacation.

Atlantic Ocean
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