East Las Olas Blvd, Beverly Heights

Las Olas is one of those streets that make you wish you were rich, like Collins Avenue in Palm Beach. Las Olas is filled with great boutiques and restaurants, and lots of bars. Boutiques are open 'til 5:00, and during the day it's busy and crowded. In season count on waiting for restaurant tables, especially those that have outdoor dining. Restaurants are busy at night both in-season and out, but it is not the same vibe. Good retaurants are well-lighted and quiet. You can hear the bar sounds and see the patrons on the street - not always a good thing..

I have visited Las Olas Blvd numerous times over the past 30 years and have relished seeing it change and grow over the years. It truly is a tony little cosmopolitan shopping and dining district that has a european feel long before the whole international vibe set in on south beach in miami. My most very favorite part of las olas blvd is the restaurant Cafe de Paris. It is a haven from the typical south florida fare.

For years fort Lauderdale has been griping about its lost place in the tourist world after they ban the spring breakers. Twenty years later, the city is back. Thanks to the rejuventated las Olas Boulevard. The nightlife rivals that of South Beach and the shops are swankier than Bal Harbor's. It is accessible by land and water and there is something for everyone to do.

There are so many shops, restaurants and places to see on Las Olas that we spent the entire day wandering. This street goes all the way to the beach, where you can see the famed Elbo (no “w”) Room Bar, where they filmed the movie “Where The Boys Are”. It’s an awesome place to have a few. Just do not go during Spring Break. For lunch, we went to Big City Tavern. Try the thin crust pizzas – delicious!

Las Olas is located in downtown Ft Lauderdale. While that means LOTS to do- dining, nightlife, beach, artsy museum areas, it also means a bit dangerous at night. It is not uncommon there are drunk drivers leaving late night hop spots crushing around this area. As well as teens speeding/racing their cars from time to time trying to be "cool". I would not recommend living in this area unless it is in one of the nicer spots by the ocean. There is tons of traffic on this road and many small streets that you can easily got lost in. If you are visiting, I'd recommend getting a good map or a plain old taxi to take you around here!