Take a Water Taxi on the Riverwalk, Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale General Attractions
Riverwalk
DESCRIPTION: Spanning the north and south banks of Fort Lauderdale’s New River is a waterfront park in the heart of downtown; along these historic banks, Native Americans plied their trade, and early settlers brought their harvest for rail shipment north; it is the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. Today the Riverwalk is lush tropical landscape and winding walkways that link art kiosks, entertainment events, shopping and restaurants. Some visitors even dock their yachts here for daytime activities. Pardon their dust — a portion of the Riverfront is being developed into condos, which are increasing downtown residents.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: dawn to late night
ADDRESS: SE 6th Ave near East Las Olas Blvd, spreading east and west, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAP
PARKING: garages and lots nearby
PHONE: 954-468-1541
WEBSITE: http://goriverwalk.com
Las Olas Boulevard
DESCRIPTION: In 1915, Broward County was officially created and named for Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, Florida’s governor from 1905 to 1909. The attractive beach was only accessible by boat, so a bridge and road were built connecting Fort Lauderdale to the beach. That first road to the oceanfront was called Las Olas, which is Spanish for “The Waves.” Today, Las Olas Boulevard is considered the premier shopping and dining district of downtown. Responding to visitor demand, it includes many events, spas, art galleries for rewarding sightseeing and shopping.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: dawn to late night
ADDRESS: SE 6th Ave at East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAP
PHONE: varies by business
WEBSITE: http://www.lasolasboulevard.com
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
DESCRIPTION: This 500-room casino resort is a treat for singles and couples. Families also enjoy the 4-acre tropical lagoon with a theme-park water slide. Authentic Seminole Chickee poolside cabanas and a fantastic spa are great for the privacy and relaxation craved by singles and couples. Among the 22 retail shops, 17 restaurants and 11 lounges on campus, there’s a Hard Rock Café, Ben & Jerry’s and and Johnny Rockets for families; Knight Time Billiards and Park Sports Club for sports fans; Pangea and The Gryphon ultra-lounges. Lastly, the property includes Improv Comedy Club and Hard Rock Live concert venue that attract national artists.
ADMISSION: enter Free, but fee for Hard Rock Live concerts
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7 casino, late night for other venues
ADDRESS: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL MAP
PHONE: 866-502-7529
WEBSITE: http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Fort Lauderdale Historical Museum
DESCRIPTION: Located in the city’s first hotel on the banks of the new river, the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibits depict the development of Fort Lauderdale. Did you know the city of Fort Lauderdale is named for a fort built during the Second Seminole War on the banks of the New River. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the 1905 New River Inn, the first building in Broward County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places AND A guided tour of the 1907 King-Cromartie House, a pioneer house museum, and the 1899 Replica School House.
ADMISSION: adults $10, students w/ID $5, age 6 and under FREE
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sun Noon-4p; Docent-led tours begin at 1p, 2p and 3p
ADDRESS: 231 SW 2nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAP
PARKING: nearby garages
PHONE: 954-463-4431
WEBSITE: http://www.oldfortlauderdale.org
Anne Kolb Nature Center
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1996, this 1,500-acre coastal mangrove for native wildlife includes an interpretive center, intracoastal fishing pier, observation tower, walking, canoe and bicycle trails and the exhibit hall features a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a eco-theme video that you are sure to find educational. Entry is Free, but the fee-based tours are more interesting.
ADDRESS: West Lake Park at 750 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, FL MAP
PHONE: 954-926-2410
WEBSITE: http://www.broward.org/parks/pri02300.htm
Everglades National Park
DESCRIPTION: Third largest national park encompassing 1.5 million acres of rare and beautiful ecosystems. For curious adventurers, the park contains a visitor center, nature trails, a full service marina with boat rentals and overnight camping facilities.
ADDRESS: 40001 State Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAP
PHONE: 305-242-7700
WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/ever
