So you just moved to sunny South Florida? After you get settled into your apartment in Fort Lauderdale, get out and discover all the awesome things about your new home! Living so close to the ocean has a lot of perks, but there’s also a rich history to explore around Fort Lauderdale. Here are a few historical sites we love:
Stranahan House & Museum
Built by Frank and Ivy Stranahan in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest remaining structure in the Broward County area. Originally built as a trading post, the house has a rich history in the Fort Lauderdale community. Not only has it housed a series of restaurants over the years, but the Stranahan House has also served as a community hall and hotel. These days, you can visit the museum year-round, attend numerous events, and many couples even choose the Stranahan House as their wedding venue.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Mixing architecture, art, and ecology, the Bonnet House & Gardens is one of the few places which preserves the native habitat of South Florida. Although the house was constructed in 1920, the surrounding land has been a site of Native American importance for thousands of years. For those more interested in flora, the Orchid Showroom at the Bonnet House contains one of the largest collections of orchids in the country.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Just a short walk from the beach shops and condominiums, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a perfect tropical retreat in Fort Lauderdale. Featuring four distinct ecosystems within the park, there’s plenty to do at Hugh Taylor Birch. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking trails and learn about the local wildlife. If watersports are more your thing, don’t worry! With beach access and a mile-long lagoon, visitors can swim, canoe, kayak, fish and more at the park.
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
There’s plenty of history enclosed in the Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. Founded by Arthur Stone, this museum boasts a collection of pre-WWII Packard Motor Co. cars and other automobile memorabilia dating back to 1900. For the U.S. history buffs, the museum also features a special exhibit dedicated to the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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