Review: It's always a good time at the Fort...

Fat Tuesday's at BeachPlace. (Also a nice place to people watch.)

Since I was a little girl – which is about 13 years ago – I would always go to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Not much has changed since then.  And I’m talking about me visiting this beach – I actually work on it now – but the beach itself.

Fort Lauderdale is the go-to beach because of its versatility and history. Many locals and tourists flock to this beach for different reasons.

The most popular area is directly in front of the shops and restaurants and the infamous three-story plaza called BeachPlace. With restaurants and bars, like Hooters and Fat Tuesdays, this is one of the most popular places to be at on spring and summer breaks or any sunny “Sunday Funday.” Sometimes it can look like one big beach party as college students set up tents, umbrellas, and bring coolers and drinking games. However, it is still a less chaotic version of Miami Beach. And despite the crowds, it is also kept very clean.

 If you want to go somewhere along the beach that is less crowded or more family oriented just travel north and south of this area. To the north there is endless beach, a jet ski rental, and a playground. And you can go south until you reach the port of Fort Lauderdale and also hit another water sport rental spot along the way. There are also picnic tables and BBQ stations on this side. If you forgot a few items at home, don’t worry; conveniently, there is a 24 hour CVS Pharmacy located in the BeachPlace plaza.

Part of Fort Lauderdale Beach taken from the W hotel.

As for safety, there are lifeguards every few feet. Police officers and security patrol the area day and night by car, foot, and bicycle -- sometimes even by horseback.

Restroom and shower facilities are available along the strip. There is plenty of parking (meter and flat rate options). However, sometimes finding spots can be difficult during weekends and holidays. There are plenty of big chain hotels like the Sheraton, the W, and the Hilton across the beach. Several motels also spot the area. Chair and umbrella rentals can be found by these hotels.

BeachPlace at night.

As for the view underwater, there is not much wildlife or reefs at this location. Sadly, I didn't find any unique shells but at the same time I wasn't bothered every minute by seaweed. Because of the crowds, surfing is not allowed at this beach. Due to erosion causing a thin stretch of sand, it isn’t a far walk to the water. This comes in handy when the sun makes the sand feel like you are walking over hot coals.

During the morning, you will see the roadside or boardwalk (there is no board) being utilized by joggers and bike riders. And at night, there are crowds at the restaurants that serve giant margaritas and have live bands playing.

Overall, great places to eat, plenty of bars, liquor stores, souvenir and tattoo shops, random street entertainers, a lot of people watching to do; it’s hard to get bored here. An interesting atmosphere indeed and a great place to relax by your lonesome or with others.