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Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city located in the U.S. state of Florida, 30 miles (48 km) north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean. It is the county seat of and most populous city in Broward County with a population of 182,760 at the 2020 census, making it the tenth-most populous city in Florida. After Miami and Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale is the third-most populous city in the Miami metropolitan area, which had a population of 6,166,488 in 2019.

Built-in 1838 and first incorporated in 1911, Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale (1782–1838), younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale. Development of the city did not begin until 50 years after the forts were abandoned at the end of the conflict. Three forts named "Fort Lauderdale" were constructed including the first at the fork of the New River, the second at Tarpon Bend on the New River between the present-day Colee Hammock and Rio Vista neighborhoods, and the third near the site of the Bahia Mar Marina.

Known as the "Venice of America", Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of inland waterways across the city. In addition to tourism, Fort Lauderdale has a diversified economy including marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film, and television production. The city is a popular tourist destination with an average year-round temperature of 75.5 °F (24.2 °C) and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Greater Fort Lauderdale, encompassing all of Broward County, hosted more than 13 million overnight visitors in 2018. Each year nearly four million cruise passengers pass through its Port Everglades, making it the third largest cruise port in the world. With over 50,000 registered yachts and 100 marinas, Fort Lauderdale is also known as the yachting capital of the world."

The area in which the city of Fort Lauderdale would later be founded was inhabited for more than two thousand years by the Tequesta Indians. Contact with Spanish explorers in the 16th century proved disastrous for the Tequesta, as the Europeans brought with them diseases, such as smallpox, to which the native populations possessed no resistance. For the Tequesta, disease, coupled with continuing conflict with their Calusa neighbors, contributed greatly to their decline over the next two centuries. By 1763, there were only a few Tequesta left in Florida, and most of them were evacuated to Cuba when the Spanish ceded Florida to the British in 1763, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years' War. Although control of the area changed between Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Confederate States of America, it remained largely undeveloped until the 20th century.

The Fort Lauderdale area was known as the "New River Settlement" before the 20th century. In the 1830s, approximately 70 settlers were living along the New River. William Cooley, the local Justice of the Peace, was a farmer and wrecker, who traded with the Seminole Indians. On January 6, 1836, while Cooley was leading an attempt to salvage a wrecked ship, a band of Seminoles attacked his farm, killing his wife and children, and the children's tutor. The other farms in the settlement were not attacked, but all the white residents in the area abandoned the settlement, fleeing first to the Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key Biscayne, and then to Key West.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.6 square miles (99.9 km²), 34.7 square miles (90.0 km²) of which is land and 3.8 square miles (9.9 km²) of which is water (9.87%). Fort Lauderdale is known for its extensive network of canals; there are 165 miles (266 km) of waterways within the city limits.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Fort Lauderdale. The city prioritizes healthcare services with facilities like the Broward Health Medical Center, offering comprehensive medical care to residents. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a luxurious retreat with a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies. The Breakers Palm Beach is situated in Palm Beach, this historic resort features a lavish spa offering ocean-inspired treatments, wellness programs, and beauty services. Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts a stunning design and a wide array of services such as massages, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy. Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton offers a tranquil setting with personalized treatments, relaxation lounges, and a full-service salon. The Spa at Naples Grande provides a peaceful atmosphere with services like massages, facials, and body wraps, along with a private outdoor meditation lounge.

Top sites in Fort Lauderdale, FL are Museum of Discovery and Science, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Historic Stranahan House Museum, and Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Population: 184,255 (2023). ZIP code: 33301. Area codes: 754, 954. Elevation: 9 ft (2.75 m). Area: 36.30 sq mi (94.01 km²).

FAQs

Why is Fort Lauderdale, FL so famous?

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale has an extensive canal network that winds through the cityscape. This aquatic highway has earned Fort Lauderdale its reputation as a premier boating destination, attracting yacht enthusiasts from far and wide. Beyond its natural beauty and maritime allure, Fort Lauderdale also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene that appeals to visitors seeking enriching experiences. The city is home to museums showcasing everything from contemporary art to historical artifacts and theaters hosting performances ranging from Broadway shows to local productions.

When's the best time to go to Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate that's very wet and without a real dry season. Average temperatures range between 60°F in winter and 90°F in summer. The best times to visit Fort Lauderdale are in spring (mid-April–early June) and autumn (October–mid-December). The weather is pleasant, though it’s rainier in autumn. Beaches and attractions are less crowded and it’s when you’ll find the most affordable flight and hotel prices.

What is a fun fact about Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Everyone knows that the city has a beach, but most don't know that Fort Lauderdale is mostly beach. The community is only about 36 square miles, and nearly 23 of those are beaches. This reality dramatically changes the experience of living in and visiting the region. With a nickname like "The Venice of America," it's no surprise that Fort Lauderdale offers a wide variety of waterfront scenery. New residents can find properties overlooking sandy beaches, grassy wetlands, or slow-moving lakes.

Sources

City of Fort Lauderdale

Wikipedia

Josh Dotoli Group

Hotels

Laurie Reader

Broward Health Medical Center

Ritz-Carlton Spa

Breakers Palm Beach

Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton

The Spa at Naples Grande

Museum of Discovery and Science

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Historic Stranahan House Museum

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.