| The Gold Coast |
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Named after the supposed lost treasure lying somewhere off the coast is also commonly used today to suggest a more wealthy and affluent part of Southeast Florida. It is popular as it is located not far from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and numerous top beaches. Many of these beaches along Ocean Boulevard are untouched and undeveloped which is ideal for the more natural and eco-friendly beach-goer.
Delray Beach.
Found at the Eastern end of Atlantic avenue is definitely one of the more pleasant beaches in the area. With a 1920's feel to it, the promenade and commercial centre is lined with antiques and cultural shops. Nearby is the Cornell Museum of Art and History which houses a range of diverse works of art and the four galleries celebrate many local artists and exhibits. Cason Cottage is also located near by on 1st Street it was built in 1915 and is now a museum run by the local historical society, tours are possible although opening times do vary. For accomodation on Delray Beach click here for more information.
Boca Raton.
Is where you will find the super rich local residents, with grand houses and yachts it is worth seeing purely for the oppulence and grandness. It has a Mediterranean feel to it, so the frequent travellers to Europe will feel immediately at home. The style was driven by local architect Addison Mizner again in the 1920's. Mizner is a name that crops up regularly throughout the area, the history being that the architect used much of the land he owned at the time to develop a brand new community. However, due to a property market crash the dream was ended abruptly. One building worth visiting is the Old Town Hall located on the Federal Highway which was restored back in the 1920's, it offers some insight into the effort and work put into improving the area.
Museum of Art.
Where the Dixie Highway and Federal Highway meet the Boca Raton Museum of Art comes to life. It is well regarded amongst the Art community and has attracted a prominent artists over the decades from Leger to Degas to Picasso. It is only open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and some parts of the weekend so best to check before you set out. Once the art tour is complete the sand dunes and beaches near by offer a welcome retreat and opportunity to relax and take in the sun.
Fort Lauderdale.
A very popular destination with British travellers and well known for its 'Spring Break' where thousands of American students flock each year for partying pre-exams. The lovely white beaches, palm trees which run along the 2 mile stretch of Atlantic Boulevard. Sun bathers can find restaurants, cafe's and bars all around them, click here to have a look at the range of cuisine on offer.
A few streets in from the beach are the canals which originate from mangrove swampland created back in the 1920's. Many local houses have yachts and boats tied up along side their back gardens and visitors can hire boats for a brief tour inland. There is a good walk for those who would like to take in some more of the sights called 'Riverwalk'. It is a bricked walkway, with seating areas along the path and along it walkers will find the Fort Lauderdale Village & Museum, the King-Cromartie House and many other historical landmarks.
Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art.
Is a relatively modern building, erected in the 1980's as part of a regeneration of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. It holds a selection of contemporary art mainly from European artists, items such as paintings, sculptures etc. Andy Warhol also features along with exotic displays from Africa. The museum can be found on Las Olas Boulevard.
The Museum of Discovery and Science.
Ideal for adults and children it houses many interesting works of science and the environment. Everything from simulated airboats that are used on the Everglades, to the gravity-defying bicycle. There is a new eco centre too which focuses on the major environmental issues of the day. Open Monday to Saturday located on 2nd Street.
Bonnet House.
Is a reminder of times gone by, with the huge setting of a plantation with 30 separate rooms. It is owned by the Hugh Taylor Birch State foundation and faces onto the park that was also bought by Hugh back in the 1890's. It is peacful and undeveloped and gives us a bnef glimour into life back then.
Accommodation.
In Fort Lauderdale there is a wide range available - click below for more information.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Located on Morikami Park Road is open Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is a reflection of Japanese society and culture, originating from back in the early 1900's after the passing of a local Japanese business man Morikami, the museum was dedicated to the traditional Japanese architecture. The outside gardens are formal and tranquil. The Bonsai trees allow visitors a view of gardening from the Orient.
Restaurants. If you are looking for a good place to eat, click here to find out more. OpenTable - Restaurant Reservations
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