The city of Fort Lauderdale is centrally located between Miami and Palm Beach and with its 165 miles of navigable waterways is often referred to as the "Venice of America." Ft. Lauderdale is home to nearly 180,000 people and is the largest city in Broward County.

Fort Lauderdale was named after Major William Lauderdale who constructed a fort along the banks of the New River in 1838 and led an attack against the Seminole Indians. 

Once known as a sleeply little portside town, Fort Lauderdale has now evolved into a community that supports a diverse range of industries including marine, finance, insurance, technology,  film and television production.

Entertainment and Tourism

After expanding throughout the seventies, Fort Lauderdale is now one of the largest tourism destinations in the United States as well as a major yachting center.  The many bodies of water of varying size that surround the city make it a top favorite among seafarers. Port Everglades, with its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale Airport, is the preferred home of some of the very best cruise ships in the world, including The Oasis of The Sea.  Currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

Fort Lauderdale is host to a number of events as well as several well known sights.  The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show remains a local favorite and is among the largest shows of its kind in the world, showcasing a parade of boating vessels of various kinds.

World famous Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an array of opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, and enjoyment while the scenic Riverwalk is home to Fort Lauderdale's arts, science, cultural and historic district. The Riverwalk district features the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Museum of Art, and The Museum of Discovery and Science to name a few.

You'll find endless entertainment at The Hard Rock Casino, in Hollywood, FL, just a short 15 minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Great shopping, dining, nightlife, gambling, as well as a great schedule of headline performers and events (Concerts, UFC, Comedy).

Education

Higher education is a major selling point of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  The city is home to several highly respected educational institutions both private and public.

Broward Community College has a campus in the downtown area of the city, directly on Las Olas Boulevard in fact.  Also nearby is Florida Atlantic University (frequently referred to by its acronym FAU) and The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. 

Shopping and Dining

There’s a large collection of places to indulge in Fort Lauderdale for shopping and dining, including popular Las Olas Boulevard. Restaurants include the likes of The Cheesecake Factory, Grill Room, Johnny V's, Mango's, Timpano, Samba Room, Japanese Village, and Yolo's.  Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale has gained international acclaim for fine dining, fashion, shopping, and entertainment.

The Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale is home to many retailers including Macy's and Neiman Marcus. The many fine entertainment and restaurant establishments at the Galleria Mall include: Capital Grill, Truluck's, Seasons 52, P.F. Chang's, and Blue Martini.