Visiting South Florida
Getting Here and Getting Around
Greater Fort Lauderdale is Florida’s LGBT+ capital and one of the most progressive destinations in the United States. We welcome everyone under the sun! Whether coming by ground or sky, coming to our fair city is a breeze.
Fort Lauderdale sits at the conjunction of I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike, providing drivers from the Deep South, Midwest, and Northeast a simple route. Fort Lauderdale is also serviced by Amtrack’s Silver Star line.
Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2019, along with much success and growth. FLL continues to be one of the fastest-growing large hubs in the
U.S. The airport saw more than 36 million passengers travel through, experienced record levels of boardings and enhanced the overall guest experience with many new additions, and in 2019, FLL had the lowest average domestic fare in the region.
and the second-lowest average domestic fare among large-hub airports. If you are looking to extend your trip after the conference, FLL is an up-and-coming international hub with many airlines servicing South and Central America and the Caribbean at prices far less than Miami.
The conference hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street, is only 2 miles from FLL and from Fort Lauderdale beaches, making for short and economical ride shares or taxi trips. While you are here, transportation will be provided from the hotel to the concert and parade by charter busses. Also, getting to Wilton Drive, our LGBT+ arts and entertainment district, is an average ride share cost of $14, surge price pending, of course.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the city you never want to leave. From the rich, natural beauty of our world-famous beach, waterways, and cultural offerings, to the array of entertainment and educational opportunities, Fort Lauderdale offers an outstanding quality of life.
Our 165-miles of scenic inland waterways wind through the city, highlighting what makes Fort Lauderdale unique and why it truly lives up to its designation as the “Venice of America.”
Our semi-tropical climate is highlighted by more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and pleasant year-round ocean breezes. The picturesque Riverwalk serves as the cornerstone of the City’s arts, science, cultural and historic district which features the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old
Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum. Las Olas Boulevard has gained international acclaim as Fort Lauderdale’s centerpiece of fashion, fine dining, and entertainment. In addition, the City’s downtown area is home to Broward College, Florida Atlantic University, the award-winning Broward County Main Library, federal, county and school district offices.
Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, Fort Lauderdale now supports a diverse range of industries, including marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film and television production. Fort Lauderdale is establishing itself as a world-class international business center and one of the most desirable locations for new, expanding or relocating businesses.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the City looks forward to continuing to build upon its success to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and beyond.
Wilton Manors – Second Gayest City in America
As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the “Second gayest City” in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Wilton Manors has been a progressive place to live, work and play for many years. In 2012, and again in subsequent years, Wilton Manors was named by South Florida Gay News (SFGN) as the Best City in its “Best of Competition” You can read the story here.
The City of Wilton Manors has embraced its reputation as a destination for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The city regularly partners with LGBT+ organizations and is home to the Pride Center at Equality Park, Broward County’s gay and lesbian community center. The city is a joint sponsor of the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival that takes place in June in Wilton Manors and attracts approximately 35,000 participants from across the state, country, and globe.
The City of Wilton Manors requires every contract for or on behalf of the City to incorporate an anti- discrimination clause for sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. All vendors with the city must provide proof they do not discriminate. City Hall is a place where the LGBT+ community is embraced whether as a resident utilizing one of our services or as an employee.
The City of Wilton Manors Police Department conducts police training that is geared towards working with the City’s LGBT+ population and has gay and lesbian officers amongst its ranks.
Wilton Drive – The main business district of the city is centered around the internationally known Wilton Drive. This shopping area boasts many stores and services. Home to over 30 restaurants, lounges, and nightclubs, it has become a destination for tourists and locals alike. Consistent with our pedestrian friendly designation, many people specifically look for housing options that are within walking distance to Wilton Drive. Located adjacent to Wilton Drive are a collection of LGBTQ+ friendly bed and breakfast establishments providing visitors instant access to “The Drive” and the unique Wilton Manors hospitality. While Wilton Drive has a large concentration of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, one of the most unique qualities of the City of Wilton Manors is that there is no “gay neighborhood” as found in many other LGBT+ friendly cities. Instead, all the neighborhoods in this two-square mile Island City are diverse and safe for all residents. Many LGBTQ+ residents take an active role in community leadership serving on neighborhood association boards, City boards and within the many community resources.
Miami Beach
Over 7 miles of Beaches. 3 Golf Courses. 20 Parks. Art and Culture. Dining and Nightlife. World-Class Shopping. An island city of just 7.1 square miles that separates Biscayne Bay from the radiant blue waters of the Atlantic.
Miami Beach is seen as a trend-setting arts and entertainment Mecca, and a shopping and cultural wonder by visitors, world travelers, celebrities and locals alike. Miami Beach has always been a tourist-friendly vacation hot spot, but the city offers so much more now. Miami Beach is no longer just a place to lay on the beach, soaking up the sun, due to an economic boom that has sprung from the refurbishment of the Art Deco Historic District. From cafés, clubs and shopping along South Beach’s Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and Washington Avenue; the international hotels and restaurants of Collins Avenue and Middle Beach; to the re-emerging neighborhood in North Beach, Miami Beach offers visitors and residents a dazzling array of amenities to enjoy.