Las Olas Boulevard facts for kids
Las Olas Boulevard is a very popular street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. It stretches from the city center all the way to Fort Lauderdale Beach. The part of the boulevard near the beach has many canals and beautiful waterfront homes. This area is known for its cool, breezy walkways and courtyards. You can find many shops, restaurants, art galleries, and even a hotel here. The name "Las Olas" means "The Waves" in Spanish.
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What is Las Olas Boulevard?
Las Olas Boulevard is a famous road in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It connects the downtown area to the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. The eastern part of the boulevard is special. It has many canals and lovely homes right on the water. This section is about one mile long. It is filled with cool, breezy areas and courtyards. You can find many places to eat, shop, and explore. There are bars, nightclubs, bridal stores, and unique boutiques. You can also visit art galleries and the Riverside Hotel.
Fun Things to Do and See
Las Olas has its own historic house. There is also an art museum nearby. You can find an IMAX cinema and an art house movie theater within a short walk. It is easy to get to Las Olas Boulevard by using the Fort Lauderdale water taxi.
This boulevard is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It is a great place for dining and shopping. This is because it is close to Fort Lauderdale Beach. It is also near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
A big project called the Las Olas Oceanside Park was finished in 2020. This project cost $49 million. It replaced an old parking lot at the beach end of Las Olas Boulevard. Now, there is a large parking garage behind it. In its place, there is a beautiful beachfront park and plaza. The park hosts many fun events. These include farmers markets, fitness classes, and art shows.
A Look Back in Time: History of Las Olas
The construction of Las Olas Boulevard began in 1917. Back then, it was just a dirt road. It crossed swampy wetlands to reach the barrier island where Fort Lauderdale Beach is today.
How the Isles Were Made
The Las Olas Isles were created in the 1920s. Workers dug out the land, a process called dredging. This made new land for building. It became one of the most beautiful waterfront neighborhoods in the area. The main shopping and dining part of Las Olas Boulevard was built after World War II. The section closest to downtown was completely rebuilt starting in the 1970s. The boulevard starts at the famous Elbo Room bar near the beach. It ends in the west at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale.
Modern Changes and Famous Homes
In the early 1980s, Las Olas had a big makeover. This was done to make the properties more valuable. The land itself was worth a lot more than the homes standing on it. So, a decision was made. Anyone buying property on one of the isles had to tear down the old home. They then had to build a new home that was worth the same or more than the land.
A few famous people already lived on Las Olas. But the new homes and waterfronts made it even more appealing. Many professional tour companies offer boat tours. These tours take people along the waterways. They show off the homes and yachts of celebrities who live there.
