Planning a Trip

Getting There

If you're driving from Miami, it's a straight shot north to Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale. Visitors on their way to or from Orlando should take the Florida Turnpike to exits 53, 54, 58, or 62, depending on the location of your accommodations.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is small, easy to negotiate, and just 15 minutes from both of the downtown areas it services. However, its user-friendliness may not last much longer: Due to its popularity, the airport is still undergoing a $650-million expansion and renovation that often renders it just as maddening as any other major metropolitan airport. The airport has wireless Internet access and a fantastic car-rental center where 10 rental companies are under one roof -- very convenient. Levels 1 through 4 are home to Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z, Hertz, National, Royal, and Thrifty. Levels 5 to 9 provide 5,500 spaces for public parking.

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL) stations are at 200 SW 21st Terrace (Broward Blvd. and I-95), Fort Lauderdale (tel. 954/587-6692), and 3001 Hollywood Blvd. (northwest corner of Hollywood Blvd. and I-95, Hollywood; tel. 954/921-4517).

Visitor Information

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1850 Eller Dr., Suite 303 (off I-95 and I-595 E), Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (tel. 954/765-4466; fax 954/765-4467; www.sunny.org), is an excellent resource for area information in English, Spanish, and French. Call in advance to request a free comprehensive guide covering events, accommodations, and sightseeing in Broward County.

Also available for brochures, information, and vacation packages in Fort Lauderdale are operators at Greater Than Ever Fort Lauderdale (tel. 800/22-SUNNY).

The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, 330 N. Federal Hwy. (at U.S. 1 and Taylor St.), Hollywood, FL 33020 (tel. 954/923-4000; fax 954/923-8737; www.hollywoodchamber.org), is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Here you'll find the lowdown on all of Hollywood's events, attractions, restaurants, hotels, and tours.