Sports & Recreation

Beaches, Beaches, Beaches

Arguably, Greater Fort Lauderdale's stellar attraction - since the dawn of the American vacation - has been of the natural variety: the beach. So much so that the call of the ocean has helped to entice more than 5 million visitors annually to the area's 23 miles of surf-kissed shores. Offering something for everyone, a balmy climate and the year-round warmth of the Gulf Stream lure swimmers, sun worshipers, boaters, wind surfers, water-skiers, parasailors, and fishermen, who repeatedly flock to the Gold Coast's best natural resource in search of recreation and relaxation.

Fort Lauderdale Beach: A metamorphosis from spring break vacationers to families and international tourists began in the 1980's with the city's beach revitalization plan to reorient the natural beauty of its shores from cars and traffic to tropical landscaping and pedestrian and bicycle-friendly paths. An entirely new environment was created using hundreds of coconut palms and other indigenous plants, incorporating a wave motif in a serpentine wall, column wraps at pedestrian crossings, and "waver pavers" in the crosswalks.

What was once beachfront parking became a night-lit beachfront pedestrian promenade. Widened sidewalks on the west side of the nation's eastern-most boulevard, A1A, changed the vista from cars to people, encouraging maximum use of the city's finest natural asset by residents and tourists of all ages. Beach shops, nightspots, seaside cafes, and restaurants line the west side. From sprawling ocean resorts to cozy inns, the beach--on both the east and west sides of A1A -- accommodates visitors in style, offering them a wide scope of recreational opportunities from boating and deep-sea fishing to beach volleyball and international swimming and diving competitions.

Ballooning

Hot-air balloons are a great way to see the sights. Local companies offer regular trips if you feel like getting up, up and away.

Golfing

Would you believe there are more than 60 courses within a few minutes drive? From municipal courses to spectacular private courses, Broward County has a course to suit every golfer. The Honda Golf Classic, one stop on the national PGA tour, takes place in March.

Nearly every housing development, condominium, apartment complex and country club has its own courts. There are also public courts throughout Broward County. All in all, tennis lovers have over 500 courts from which to choose.

Water Sports

The multitude of public beaches makes water sports a year-round activity. Whether you enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing or swimming, Broward County has it all. For the daredevil at heart, we even have windsurfing and parasailing.

Boating and Yachting

Yachts, sailboats, ski boats and windsurfers colorfully dot the horizon on any given afternoon. With over 165 miles of navigable waterway Fort Lauderdale has become known as the boating and yachting capital of the world.

Fishing

With the warm Gulf Stream just off-shore and the outlying reefs for protection, fishing is unsurpassed in South Florida. Charter boats are readily available at most local marinas. There are also many fishing piers which dot the shoreline along Broward County's coastal waters.

Boating, Hunting & Fishing Registration and Licensing

Boat registration certificates and registration numbers should be obtained from the County Tax Collector at 815 N.E. 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Phone: 765-5050

Hunting and fishing licenses can be obtained at 1155. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale (Phone: 468-3474), or one may apply at most sporting goods and bait and tackle shops in the area.

Spectator Sports

Aquatics

The International Swimming Hall of Fame attracts major national and international meets in swimming, diving and other aquatic sports. In fact, 97 nations have ratified the International Swimming Hall of Fame as the aquatic sports center of the world. In addition, the Hall of Fame Museum is dedicated to honoring great moments in swimming history.

Baseball

Major league baseball arrived in South Florida when the Florida Marlins began playing in 1993 at Joe Robbie Stadium. Call for schedule and ticket information. (305) 623-6100.

Basketball

Since 1988 South Floridians have caught the excitement of live NBA action with the Miami Heat in their home at the Miami Arena. Call for schedule and ticket information.

Football

Watch gridiron action as the Miami Dolphins take on the best of the NFL at Joe Robbie Stadium, AKA Pro Player Stadium. Call for schedule and ticket information. (305) 623-6100.

The Orange Bowl Classic on New Year's Day, featuring two top-ranked teams, is one of the nations top Bowl Games.

Greyhound Racing

Race excitement abounds December through April at the Hollywood Greyhound Track. Races run Monday-Saturday

Harness Racing

Trotters and pacers thrill crowds November through April at Pompano Park. Races run daily except Tuesday.

Hockey

The Florida Panthers, a NHL team, play at the Miami Arena. Scheduling and ticket information are available by calling.

Horse Racing

Watch some of the finest thoroughbreds in the country race January through March at Gulfstream Park. Races run daily.

JaiAlai

Pronounced "Hi-Lie" it is the world's fastest sport. The season runs almost year round, dosing during the month of May, at the Dania Jai Alai Fronton.

Rodeo

Roping, riding and entertainment abound at the Davie Rodeo Arena. Local rodeos are held weekly, as well as the Florida Championship Rodeo and popular concerts. (954) 797-1166