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Fort
Lauderdale has grown up from its crazy wild
days of spring break in the 1980s. Still
attracting yummy boys and sexy silver
daddies, Fort Lauderdale has found itself in
the gay travel spotlight as one of the
leading GLBT travel destinations in the
world. Boasting a massive resident GLBT
community, this once sleepy seaside city
offers a massive choice for the gay
traveler.
A multitude of luxury and hip
hotels, such as the St. Regis and the W,
will be opening soon in the Fort Lauderdale
area. With affordable and fashionable
dining, outstanding shopping and one of the
nicest beaches in the USA, Fort Lauderdale
has something for everyone. Whether you’re
coming up from Key West and Miami Beach or
down from West Palm Beach, here are some
helpful tips for your Fort Lauderdale visit:
Planning your itinerary:
• Check out
www.southfloridafun.com and pick your
gay or gay friendly lodging. From budget to
leather to luxury you should be able to make
your choice of where to stay. Also check
out VisitFlorida.com.
• A car is essential. Try Gold Coast
Car Rental at
www.goldcoastcarrental.net or call
1-800-421-8752 and ask for Carol.
• The two most popular gay beaches are
located at Sebastian Street and A1A and also
NE 18th Street and A1A. The Sebastian beach
is akin to a gay penguin colony, and the NE
18th street beach is more cruisy and local.
If a nude beach is more of your thing, then
Haulover Beach in North Miami is for you.
• Swim at the International Swimming
Hall of Fame, where Greg Louganis used to
train. Located at 501 Seabreeze Blvd on Fort
Lauderdale Beach. Visit
www.ishof.org or call 954-828-4580. The
pools are open daily from 8.00am to 4.00pm
at a cost of $4 per person.
• Shopping at Sawgrass Mills is a huge
gay shopping must. Visit
www.sawgrassmills.com located at 12801
West Sunrise Blvd. Tel # 954-846-2300.
• The Jungle Queen (aptly named) is a
boat that takes you on a 3 hour cruise on
the inter-coastal waterway. For $15.50 this
is the best way to see Fort Lauderdale and
you will find out why Fort Lauderdale is so
aptly called the Venice of America. Call
1-954-462-5596 or visit
www.junglequeen.com. The boat leaves at
9.30am and 1.30pm.
• Be different and rent a Segeway and
cruise along Fort Lauderdale beach.
www.mcruzrentals.com or call
1-954-235-5082. A 30 minute ride costs $50
and a sixty minute ride $75. It’s well worth
it!
• Take a Gondola Tour at Stork’s Café
at 1109 East Las Olas Blvd. Cost is $100 per
person for an hour’s magical ride. (Friday
and Saturday only) Visit
www.storkscafe.com or call 954-561-7650.
• Rent a Harley and join the large Fort
Lauderdale leather biking community. Located
at 2871 North Federal Highway or call
1-954-724-2800.
• Go to a concert at Bank Atlantic
Center. Cher, Tina Turner, Barbara
Streisand…they all perform at this amazing
arena. Visit
www.bankatlanticcenter.com or call
1-954-835-7825 and see who is performing and
when.
• Ice Cream time. Check out Jackson Ice
Cream Parlor at 128 South Federal Hwy in
Dania, (just south of Fort Lauderdale
airport) or call 1-954-923-4445. This
Florida ice cream institution is a secret
that many locals don’t even know about!
• OK, it is raining. You have been to
Sawgrass Mills, so check out The Gateway
Cinema at 1820 East Sunrise
Blvd (954-763-7994) or visit
www.sunrisecinemas.com. Great
Independent movies as well as the occasional
blockbuster!
• Flamingo Gardens is an unforgettable
eco experience. Located at 3750 S. Flamingo
Rd in Davie.
www.flamingogardens.org or call
954-473-2955. A breathtaking botanical
paradise and a Bird of Prey Sanctuary.
Admission is $17 per person.
• Dining is great in Fort Lauderdale
and if you find yourself there on a Monday
night then a visit to La Bamba is must.
Packed with gays this Mexican restaurant has
wooed gays with great food and potent
pitchers of margaritas! Located at 4245 N.
Federal Hwy. (954-568-5662). |
