Ft. Lauderdale's Best-Kept Secret, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
by Wendy Maxey, Managing Editor

Forget the rowdiness of spring breakers (although Ft. Lauderdale has, for the most part, shed that party image). Forget the crowds of hipsters that swarm Las Olas Blvd. Forget the high-rises and trendy, expensive shops. Instead, take a breather in a lesser-known spot of Ft. Lauderdale. Situated at the northern end of the well-known Florida city is Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, possibly one of the state's best-kept secrets.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a charming beach town that boasts a number of restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts along a one-mile stretch of beach. It’s a familiar town. One that is sure to remind you of vacations past. The area’s main attraction is the fishing pier, which hosts a restaurant (the breakfast crowd is unbelievable) and is suitable to lazy days spent fishing in the sun.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea has that “Andy Griffith” appeal. There’s no need for a car in this little enclave. Within walking distance are several restaurants, a couple of bars, accommodations, Walgreens and several family-owned beachstyle shops for all your touristy needs. Not to mention the beach itself.

The crux of the town is El Mar Drive, the Ocean Drive of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Of course, you’ll find your usual roller bladers, joggers and bikers doing their thing along El Mar Drive, but nothing like the traffic of South Beach. The town is laid-back. The kind of place where you are sure to know almost everyone in a couple of weeks’ time. (Again, a modern-day Mayberry).

As far as when to go, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, like much of Florida, is best visited during the winter months. (Generally, you’ll find prices to be a tad higher at this time of year, but not as pricey as a getaway to Key West or Miami).

If it’s a family of four you’re planning for, stay at Villas By the Sea Resort and Beach Club. The accommodations are perfect for families. Guest rooms are equipped with refrigerators (some even have full kitchens). Villas By the Sea offers guests everything from single rooms to one- and two-bedroom apartments. There are also five heated swimming pools, a jacuzzi, two tennis courts, beach volleyball, shuffleboard, a children’s playground, exercise room and a full dive operation on site (including a complimentary scuba class).

At Sandy Shoes Cafe, where you can dine with your feet in the sand, breakfast, lunch and dinner are available everyday - as well as drink specials at Iguana Beach Bar! What more could you ask for? Oh yes, moderate prices.

Villas’ rates vary depending on the time of year you plan to visit. From April 18 through Dec. 21, a standard hotel room ranges from $75 (gardenside) to $85 (beachfront). A one-bedroom suite runs $118 (gardenside) to $142 (beachfront). If it’s a big family you’re accommodating, Villas has two bedroom suites from $179 (gardenside) to $220 (beachfront). (All rates are subject to change and some restrictions apply).

These rates take an upward turn during the winter months. For instance, a basic beachside hotel room runs $150 per night, and a one-bedroom suite sells for $215 (beachfront) from Dec. 22, 2000 through April 22, 2001. However, these rates are significantly lower than those you’d find in greater Ft. Lauderdale or Miami.

Ft. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea also is an ideal vacation spot for lovebirds. If it’s romance you’re after, check out some of the family-owned and operated bed and breakfast-style establishments that line the area’s beachfront.

One such hotel is Little Inn By The Sea, which sits directly on the ocean. You can literally open your door and step out onto the beach. Little Inn By The Sea is exactly what its name says it is. It’s small, but charming, and like many bed and breakfast accommodations in South Florida, it’s very European. (Owners of Little Inn even speak Dutch and French).

In addition to its smaller rooms, which boast private balconies overlooking the ocean, Little Inn also has efficiency studios (with full kitchens) and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Not only does Little Inn specialize in above-average accommodations (it’s been awarded the Superior Small Lodging award), it will impress you with its complimentary breakfast spread, which is available to guests each morning in the lobby dining area.

Little Inn doesn’t boast as many amenities as Villas By The Sea, but the establishment is ideal for visitors in search of a quiet, relaxing getaway. You can even take the “in-house” bikes out for a stroll when the sun goes down.

During the summer months, a hotel room with a private balcony is $89 per night. A one-bedroom apartment, with private ocean balcony and kitchen is $139 per night. Again, these rates are higher during the winter, cashing in at $119 and $189 respectively.

Ft. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea has something for everyone. And, given its climate, the town is ideal for year-round vacationing. Although summers are rather humid, the gentle ocean tradewinds keep the averages in the low ‘80s. Not bad for Florida. Not bad at all.