Fort Lauderdale City Guide

Fort Lauderdale Sights

That Fort Lauderdale is so well-endowed in the museum and gallery department shows how serious its denizens are about moving on from spring-breakarama. Art, science and history are well-represented, although incurable gossips should make for the National Enquirer Headquarters.

Bonnet House

Significant house, Garden

Another of Fort Lauderdale's historic residences, the Bonnet House is a beautiful estate filled with native southern Florida and imported tropical plants, including an extensive orchid collection. To see the house and grounds you have to be on one of the tours but you can stroll the grounds and nature trails at your leisure.

Old Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum

Museum

This organization maintains the brand new Hoch Heritage Center, a historic research facility; the century-old New River Inn, Philemon Bryan House and King-Cromartie House, open for tours; and the 1899 Replica Schoolhouse. The museum mounts exhibits on Fort Lauderdale and Broward County history and Seminole folk art and also offers guided walking tours of historic downtown. Call for details and reservations.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area

Reserve

This state park, which has recently undergone a major renovation of trails and landscaping, contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks left in Broward County, as well as mangroves, a freshwater lagoon system and several endangered plant and animal species (including the gopher tortoise and golden leather fern).