Located on the southeastern coast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a city known for its sandy beaches and canals. A1A, the oceanside highway, features a promenade lined with upscale restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Fort Lauderdale is home to many attractions, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame, a swimming complex with pools and trails, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which has a lagoon and hiking trails.
Residents of Fort Lauderdale lead active lifestyles, and they are often associated with successful aging. The area has many parks, playgrounds, and recreational activities that are popular with families. People can walk their dogs, ride bikes, paddle kayaks, or inline skate. In addition to outdoor activities, Fort Lauderdale also boasts a high-ranked public school system, art galleries, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. The city is an excellent place to retire and enjoy the Florida sunshine!
While the city experiences warm, humid summers, it is rarely chilly. Winters are mild, with average low temperatures in the 60s, and the rainy season can last from mid-May to late October. Despite these relatively mild climates, residents should be prepared for winters with cooler temperatures. With mild winters and mild springs, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live or visit for many reasons. However, if you do decide to move to Fort Lauderdale, make sure to plan your vacation accordingly.
If you’re looking for something more culture-oriented, take a walk through the arts district. The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is an indoor/outdoor flea market that attracts locals and tourists alike. The city is also home to the world’s largest drive-in movie theater. In addition to the beach, you’ll find the International Swimming Hall of Fame, home to a massive aquatic complex, a museum, a theater, and a research library.
Near the Bahia Mar Resort, the city’s beaches offer picnic areas and facilities that can accommodate a wide range of interests. There are restrooms and outdoor showers for those who need them, as well as a playground for kids. There’s even a boat ramp for non-motorized boats. The beach is open from 5:00 am to midnight, which means you’ll never have to worry about missing the beach.
The city was originally home to the Tequesta Indians. The Spanish claimed the area, but in 1763, it was ceded to the British. After the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years’ War, the Spanish ceded the Florida peninsula to the British. After this, the area passed through various hands, including the United States, Spain, and the Confederate States of America. Until the 20th century, however, this area remained largely undeveloped.
The first major development of Fort Lauderdale took place in the 1920s during the Florida land boom. However, the devastating 1926 Miami Hurricane and the Great Depression of the 1930s brought much economic dislocation to the region. During the Second World War, Fort Lauderdale grew into an important US base. The area’s Naval Air Station served as a training ground for fire control and radar operators. The city also became home to a Coast Guard base.