Fort Lauderdale and Florida's Gold Coast

One might logically think that the Gold Coast is so nicknamed because of its endless white sandy beaches, bathed in sunshine for most of the year, but the explanation goes back a little further: on this coastline, which faces the Atlantic currents, a number of shipwrecks containing gold have been found in the past!

Fort Lauderdale lies at the heart of the famous Gold Coast. For a long time, its reputation was that of a destination for spring breakers, American students arriving en masse to a debauchery of noise and drink. Tired of this label, the town has made great efforts to change its image, and its clientele: its large, gleaming hotel complexes along the seafront have become a symbol, as have its golf courses and marinas.

Fort Lauderdale is built on a former marshy plain, a classic Florida site. The drained soils are dotted with canals and navigable waterways, where motorboats and a good number of yachts moor peacefully: it didn't take much to nickname Fort Lauderdale the 'Venice of America'!

But don't expect old stones or the authenticity of the original Venice here, but rather its very touristy side. Fort Lauderdale is a lively resort at night, with its entire waterfront, known as 'The Strip', packed with trendy restaurants and atmospheric bars. Its port is the departure point for gigantic cruise ships bound for the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Mexico in particular...

From Palm Beach in the north to Miami in the south, a discontinuous urban agglomeration covers the entire Gold Coast. Unlike other parts of Florida, you don't travel here to enjoy nature, even if the long stretch of beach is magnificent, but to take advantage of every imaginable leisure activity typical of seaside resorts. The Gold Coast is the* American Way of* Life personified for holidays.

Just north of Miami and Miami Beach, Hollywood (not to be confused with California's Hollywood), with its Broadwalk running along the beach, has recaptured the spring break left behind by Fort Lauderdale: American students party hard here in March in particular. A period to be avoided, or to be marked with a white cross, depending on your tastes.

Hollywood serves as an introduction to Fort Lauderdale, beyond which are a string of more or less upmarket seaside resorts, all bordered by a single long strip of white sand bathed by the Atlantic: the source of the Gold Coast's success, which benefits in particular from ventilation from the open sea.

To discover the coast, simply follow Highway A1A(Ocean Blvd), which runs along the Gold Coast from south to north and vice versa. Highlights include Deerfield Beach or Delray Beach, with their relaxed atmosphere, or Lake Worth for surfing fans.

In a different style, Boca Raton, known simply as Boca most of the time, is a golden retreat for wealthy snowbirds, those retired Americans who come to Florida in search of sunshine.

Further north, the Gold Coast concludes with its most prestigious resort: Palm Beach, one of the richest cities in the United States! A favourite destination for the country's wealthy and those from abroad, particularly politicians and the show biz, Palm Beach is renowned for its concentration of large villas and luxury estates, such as Mar a Lago, Donald Trump's residence...