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Ft. Lauderdale bills itself as the "Venice of the Americas,"
and not without good reason. This is a city in which water makes
up a significant part of the geography. In addition to having
miles of unobstructed views of the Atlantic, the city is bisected
by the Intracoastal waterway and the New River, both of which
are honeycombed with finger canals.
Not surprisingly, some of the most popular places to stay are
either on the water or provide easy access to it.
There are more than 28,000 hotel rooms in the greater Ft. Lauderdale
area and prices range from budget to superdeluxe, varying with
the season. From December through April, expect to pay a premium
almost everywhere, although with a little searching some relative
bargains can still be found a few miles inland. Other times of
the year, prices are more moderate and reach the lowest point
in the summer months, making the city a perfect destination for
the budget-minded "off season" traveler.
Spring Break, which used to be a big factor in Ft. Lauderdale's
tourist economy, is still lively, although a shadow of what it
once was. Millions of dollars have been poured into redevelopment
of "The Strip," a central area of the city's beachfront
that was once slightly seedy and honky-tonk. Now it's been successfully
reincarnated as an upscale mix of restaurants, clubs and shopping,
with dozens of great places to stay clustered within easy walking
distance.
Though the beach is still the city's prime draw and the focus
of much of its activity, there are plenty of other things to do
here year-round. Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk and the Himmarshee
Village historical district feature unique shops and eateries
housed in charming architecture on tree-lined sidewalks and footpaths.
Many hotels throughout greater Ft. Lauderdale offer vacation packages
tied to favorite pastimes, such as golf, arts and museums, and
diving. Boats and other water toys can be rented for personal
use and deep-sea fishing trips can be chartered.
Without a car, getting around in Ft. Lauderdale can sometimes
be difficult because the demand for public transportation in South
Florida's commuter culture isn't strong enough to justify funding
a really comprehensive transport system. But buses and a few city-operated
trolleys can fill in most of the day-time gaps for non-drivers
who aren't in a hurry. Taxis, while expensive, are reliable and
plentiful around the clock.
And speaking of taxis, probably the most novel and certainly
the most entertaining way to tour the city is by Water Taxi, a
service that floats customers between designated stops for dining,
shopping and nightlife. Tickets are sold one way, round-trip or
for all-day cruising.
Because Ft. Lauderdale is a favorite tourist destination, it's
easy to find accommodations in all price ranges that cater to
those seeking a fun-loving tropical lifestyle. But business travelers,
families and the more serious-minded will also find much to choose
from in the way of lodgings.
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