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Hollywood: Fun, Diversity, and an Eclectic Flavor

Hollywood, Florida was envisioned as a ritzy community for the moneyed elite. Thankfully, a hurricane in the 1920's ended those plans. Hollywood today proudly boasts of its cultural diversity, eclectic feel, and relaxed atmosphere. Hollywood is a city of such diversity that in 1995 Money Magazine dubbed it, "The City of the Future," claiming that Hollywood represented what most American cities would resemble by the year 2022.

Hollywood has five miles of beautiful beaches. The most popular, Hollywood Beach, is a great spot for sun bathing, water skiing, wind surfing, riding a wave runner, or cruising the coast in a rented ocean kayak.

The Hollywood Boardwalk, patterned after the boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ, is a 2.5 mile promenade for walkers, joggers, roller bladers and bicyclists. The boardwalk is lined with tee shirt shops, cafes, and plenty of places to sit and people watch!

Hollywood is conveniently located just 20 miles north of Miami and its famous South Beach. Fort Lauderdale, the serene and sophisticated city, is right in Hollywood's back yard.

Fort Lauderdale: Stylish Sophistication

With 20 miles of Atlantic coastline, and miles of navigable waterways on the Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is an outdoor lover's paradise. More than 300 miles of navigable inland waters wind through estates, citrus groves and the Everglades, beckoning boats of all sizes and shapes. Fishing charters are available, as are boat rentals for water skiing and parasailing. Hire a dive master and snorkel or scuba dive to your heart's content. Play golf on some of the finest courses in all of Florida. Or visit the International Swimming Hall of Fame and have your picture taken beside the statue of Johnny Weissmuller, before swimming in one of the most famous competitive pools in the country.

The city itself got both its start and name from Major William Lauderdale, who in 1838 led his Tennessee Volunteers into the area during the Seminole War. In its early years, Fort Lauderdale was a predominantly agricultural community, raising dairy cows and citrus groves. Fort Lauderdale found its calling as a tourist destination during the 1960's, when teeny-bopper propaganda films, like "Where the Boys Are", began to hype it as America's Spring Break mecca. In the early 90's however, the citizens of Fort Lauderdale decided that a "spring break heaven" wasn't exactly the image they wanted for their beautiful city. They cracked down on the youngsters who caused the annual ruckus, striking fear in their hearts by implementing strict rules against public drinking and raising the age of consumption to 21. The kiddies got the hint and hit the dusty trail. Fort Lauderdale today is a modicum of modern style and sophistication.

When you aren't sunning yourself on one of the beautiful beaches, shopping is also a popular activity in Fort Lauderdale. Specialty areas include Las Olas Boulevard, Antique Row and the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries specializing in the latest fashions and fine art. (In addition to shopping, Las Olas Boulevard is also the scene of many sidewalk cafes and hip jazz houses. Stroll along the Riverwalk, or use a Horse-drawn carriage for transportation.) In nearby Dania, Antique Row delights collectors with its 250 dealers situated in a two-block area just south of the airport. Eighty acres of garage sales, farmers market, international bazaar and county fair are all rolled into one at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop - the south's largest flea market.

For something completely different, check out the Museum of Discovery & Science. Hang out with bats, buzz by a bee hive or pet a big green iguana. Wrap yourself inside a giant bubble or become a human hurricane. Test your skills at virtual volleyball or experience flight astronaut-style. That's the kind of fun families can expect! This 85,000-square-foot facility uses science to entertain and educate adults and children alike. Along with the Blockbuster IMAX 3D Theater, visitors can explore more than 200 hands-on exhibits.

If you are a history buff, visit Big Cypress Reservation, home to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Learn about the land, history and culture of the Seminole Indians. Skim over glittering waterscapes in an airboat, experience a swamp buggy eco-tour, paddle a canoe, or walk the Swamp Trail and come face-to-face with the resident alligators.

Fort Lauderdale is also close to many other vacation choices. Take a day and swim with dolphins in the Florida Keys. Visit beauty-conscious South Beach, Miami, and ogle the gorgeous people and architecture. Or head to all the themed attractions around the Walt Disney World area.

Whatever you decide, as long as you decide it in Fort Lauderdale, you couldn't have made a better choice.