Lauderdale by the Sea

Although Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, not everyone has heard of the smaller town situated just north of Fort Lauderdale on the eastern edge of Broward County: the charming community of Lauderdale by the Sea. Visitors will find plenty of enjoyable things to do in Lauderdale by the Sea, and they can also find an array of accommodations from quaint bed and breakfast inns to grand five-star hotels. This really is the place to be for those who are looking for a place far from the bustle of traffic and crowds.

The area that is now Lauderdale by the Sea changed hands a number of times before a building contractor and investor, Melvin I. Anglin, bought up the land to create a new community in Florida. Lauderdale by the Sea Florida was incorporated in 1927, and though the charter was revoked in 1933, it was reinstated in 1947. Most important, while many coastal municipalities became largely commercialized to attract visitors, Lauderdale by the Sea took a different approach, maintaining its small-town atmosphere and natural ocean views by restricting the height of buildings.

Separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Lauderdale by the Sea Florida is a small town on an island bar that attracts many visitors from around the world for its charm and beauty. With an area of only about 1.23 square miles and a population of nearly 6,000, Lauderdale by the Sea Florida offers a quiet vacation in an enchanting atmosphere with breathtaking surroundings. There are a number of ways to get to Lauderdale by the Sea from Fort Lauderdale if you are not staying at one of the town's hotels; driving is one of the most popular, but if you are inclined to a bit of leisurely exercise, once you are on Lauderdale Beach, walking along the shore is a more scenic option.

Visitors and tourists have various options of things to do in Lauderdale by the Sea, from snorkeling to fishing to simply enjoying the sights. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular activities at the local beach; off the coast of this island bar is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, a coral reef. What makes this particular reef so unique is its close proximity to shore, which makes it easily accessible for swimmers and snorkelers. Before entering the water, divers should note a couple of rules: It is important to steer clear of the pier at the end of Commercial Boulevard, which is a designated fishing pier, and always carry the "Diver Down" flag to indicate your whereabouts to others. Anglin's Pier overlooks the Atlantic on the beach and offers visitors beautiful vistas and a chance for a bit of saltwater fishing.

The Lauderdale by the Sea beach is also part of one of the largest nesting sites for the Loggerhead Sea Turtles, and there are specific laws to protect these intriguing animals. During the nesting season, bright lights along the shores are strictly prohibited, and the law also forbids the disturbance of nesting turtles and the stealing of eggs. There are a number of different ways to help the Loggerhead conservation efforts from limiting your contact with the turtles (if you find yourself near a nesting turtle, it is recommended to remain very still and refrain from talking until the turtle leaves) to contacting the Sea Turtle Hotline in the event of a turtle emergency. The most important rule to remember about these turtles, as with most wildlife is that when possible, they should never be disturbed.

Quality accommodations add to the delightful experiences of a vacation, and the hotels in Lauderdale by the Sea are no exception; there are numerous options for lodging in this town, offering various amenities and facilities to suits everyone’s desires. From small beginnings, Lauderdale by the Sea has maintained its charm and quaint ambience, attracting hundreds of visitors each year while other coastal cities have become more commercialized. There is a long list of things to do in Lauderdale by the Sea, and visitors can either plan a day trip to the town from Fort Lauderdale or make reservations at a local hotel for a small-town beach vacation.