Fort Lauderdale is practically a paradise, with an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Perfect weather is the reason the city has become a popular destination for tourists. With over 500 hotels, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area hosts about 13 million overnight guests yearly. It's home to Port Everglades, the 3rd largest cruise port in the world, which sees over 3 million passengers every year. Fort Lauderdale is more than a vacation spot, though. As of 2019, about 182,000 people call the city home. Most locals work in the hospitality industry or for one of the many companies based nearby. This includes Spirit Airlines, Commcare Pharmacy, and AutoNation.

The city is new, compared to many of its neighbors. Though the land changed hands from the Tequesta tribe to the Spanish, it went on to the British and finally, to the United States. The city's development did not begin in earnest until the 20th century. Fort Lauderdale, as we know it today, came into being after Frank Stranahan arrived in 1893 and began operating a ferry across the New River. In 1896, the Florida East Coast Railroad built a route through the area, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fort Lauderdale incorporated as a city only 15 years later in 1911. In 1915, it became the county seat of the newly formed Broward County. During World War II, further growth and development stemmed from the Florida land boom of the 1920s and the construction of Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale.

Today, residents and tourists alike enjoy Fort Lauderdale's many attractions and restaurants. The city's top destinations are its beaches. From the village-like natural paradise of Hallandale Beach to the picturesque scenery at North Ocean Park, there's a lot to love. Bustling Hollywood Beach is famous for its 1920s-era boardwalk. Whatever kind of beach day you're looking for, Fort Lauderdale has the perfect place for you. After a day of fun in the sun, explore the local nightlife scene on Las Olas Boulevard, a shopping and dining area with eclectic architecture. You'll also find the Historic Stranahan House Museum in the Las Olas area. Fort Lauderdale's founding father lived there in the 1900s. Don't forget to check out NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, where guests can view a collection of over 6,000 various art pieces. The Boulevard is the city's go-to dining spot. Get the full experience with restaurants like Louie Bossi, a popular Italian eatery known for authentic dishes. There's also Chima Steakhouse, a Brazilian meat extravaganza. For your caffeine fix, head over to Java & Jam, a coffeehouse with freshly-baked pastries and sit-down menus for breakfast and lunch.

With so much to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale, your biggest struggle is finding enough time to take in everything. It's especially hard to enjoy the city's beaches and cuisine when you're spending the weekend taking care of your yard. That's where LawnStarter can help.

LawnStarter matches you with the best local landscaping pros. You don't even have to search for them yourself. Get the app, enter your ZIP code, and choose a seasoned landscaping company to handle your project. LawnStarter's pro network includes experts that install new plant beds, lay pavers, and build custom features like waterfalls or outdoor kitchens. They'll also maintain your landscape with regular pruning and yard cleanups. LawnStarter helps you take back your weekends, so the only thing left for you to worry about is what you'll do with all that extra free time.