Stretching from Andrews Avenue in the Central Business District to A1A and Fort Lauderdale Beach, Los Olas Boulevard is a main thoroughfare through Fort Lauderdale and since the 1950s has been a popular tourist area, lined with stores, restaurants, and nightspots.
Measuring about a mile long, the commercial area of the boulevard was largely established after World War II, as Fort Lauderdale grew in popularity as a vacation destination, and much of the stretch was rejuvenated and improved in the 1970s. In the twenty-first century, a number of low- to mid-rise office complexes and residential condominiums have become part of the Las Olas Boulevard scene.
Strolling, shopping, and dining are the most popular pursuits along Las Olas Boulevard. The street is tree-lined and shady and the stores are pristine and many are quite historic, stretching back to the early days of the boulevard. The 1936-built Riverside Hotel, located on Las Olas, is the oldest hotel in Fort Lauderdale and several other buildings on the street date back to that era as well.
About 100 retail shops line the commercial portion of Las Olas Boulevard. The stores are not typical mall fare. Most of them are one-of-a-kind or are part of a small, exclusive chain of boutique-type stores. Several offer European-made clothing for both men and women and there are also a handful of bridal and formal wear shops located along the boulevard. A number of spas and beauty salons have also taken up residence along Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard.
The art community is an important presence on the boulevard as well. Located at One Los Olas Boulevard is the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, a 65,000-square-foot building that has been the home of the museum since 1986. Designed by Edward Larabee Barnes, the contemporary building houses an impressive collection of a variety of works, including those by regional artists, and also hosts temporary exhibits that attract visitors with a variety of tastes. The museum also runs a Studio Arts program known as The Studio School, which supports individual development in the visual arts and offers classes for all ages. At least two dozen additional independently-owned galleries can be found on Las Olas as well.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are many and visitors to Las Olas Boulevard can choose from a number of eclectic offerings ranging from small Italian and French bistros to tavern-style eateries to high-end restaurants. Nightclubs found along the street offer a variety of live entertainment, from jazz and blues to rock and R&B. Most of the clubs are open for lunch and dinner with music beginning at about 9 pm.
Special events and holiday-related festivals are often held along the street and include juried art shows, craft fairs, farmer's markets, and more.
Las Olas Boulevard is served by Fort Lauderdale's Sun Trolley and by Broward County Transit bus routes, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors. Cabs and pedi-cabs frequent the boulevard as well and can provide transportation to area hotels or business destinations.
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