We headed north from Key West along the eastern coast of Florida. After much research, we decided on spending a week or so at a County park in the City of Hollywood which is just north of Miami and south of Fort Lauderdale. We felt it would be a perfect place from which we could explore everything along the coast.
Leaving the "Keys", we headed North on US Hwy 1.
Traffic was very light even though it was a little after 11:30 AM.
As we approached Miami, traffic increased but not by too much.
About 3 PM we finally reached Hollywood, Florida. I looked for the Hollywood sign on the hill but realized there are no hills in Florida!
We chose the Broward County Park, Topeekeegee Yugnee park as our home for the next week. I don't make up these names which is why I posted this picture. Notice the county doesn't even use the name...they call it simply T.Y. Park.
It's a beautiful park set alongside a large lake with a 2 1/2 mile jogging/hiking/biking trail around the lake. Our site was a pull in overlooking the lake.
Hallandale Beach is a small, 4.5 sq. mi., city, just north of Miami. It is home to Gulfstream Park and Casino and the Mardi Gras Casino and greyhound racing track, home of the World Classic. It also houses a sizable financial district, with banks and brokerage houses. It is known as one of Florida's fastest growing cities.
Without a doubt, Fort Lauderdale had the nicest beaches we've seen in all of Florida. The sand was clean, the water was clear and the temps outside were just perfect. Enough of a breeze blowing to keep the humidity in check.
Another 'lizard' to aggravate and tempt Jasmine.
With the day as pleasant as it was, we decided to have some fish and chips at "The Deck" restaurant, overlooking the Atlantic.
I loved the look of these towers. They have character. I'm not sure how many condos were there, but they all had wonderful views.
In nearby Dania, this wooden roller coaster sits dormant. Named the "Hurricane" when it was completed and open for riders November 1, 2000, it claims it's the 'largest wooden roller coaster in Florida'.
However, mysteriously, on April 26, 2011 visitors arrived to find the coaster closed and locked. It now sits vacant and unused but no one seems to know why.
As many of you know, I love seeing skylines. This is the Fort Lauderdale skyline just before nightfall.
Just north of Fort Lauderdale, is Lauderdale By The Sea, the city's rich cousin.
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