Pompano Beach Guide And Information

Pompano Beach is a Broward County, Florida city which has grown in the past two decades, largely because of tourists visiting its beach and related attractions.  Sitting on the Atlantic coast, and just north of Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach has a population of close to 105,000.  This is in addition to the thousands of visitors the city receives annually.  Pompano Beach is in the midst of massive redevelopment, especially at its beachfront area, in order to completely reinvent the city and tourist spots.  CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Money Magazine, because of the current renovation, have all listed it as one of the United States' best vacation home markets for investment purposes.

It was around 1900 when Pompano Beach was first settled.  A few years later, in 1908, the city was incorporated officially as a town.  The name "Pompano" refers to a fish found in the area, off the Atlantic Coast. 

During the land boom in Florida during the 1920s, Pompano Beach went through a period of tremendous growth.  The population reached over 5,600 in the 1950 census, and then in the latter part of the 20th century, Pompano Beach joined the rest of southeast Florida in experiencing tremendous growth. This was largely because many people, especially seniors, moved there from the northern United States.  The population goes up even further in the winter, when many residents move there to wait out the cold weather.

It wasn't until 2004 that Pompano Beach had its first mayor. Then, they elected John Rayson to that position.

Pompano Beach has an abundance of natural landmarks for tourists to visit--besides, of course, the beach.  There is, for instance, Flamingo Gardens. This sixty-acre wildlife sanctuary / botanical gardens hosts possibly the most spectacular array of flamingos you'll see anywhere.  They are found on the many flamingo bonds.  The ponds also host storks, herons, ibises, cranes and egrets.  Many people find that their favorite creature in the area is the hilarious sea otter.There are also many peacocks patrolling the grounds, that give Flamingo Gardens some spectacular color. 

The other major nature attraction you'll want to visit is the Fern Forest Nature Park.  This is a 254-acre wilderness area that's great for hiking. It also has a boardwalk that is wheelchair-accessible.

Pompano Beach is also host to the Ocean Sands Resort.  This spa facility has earned a reputation as one of the world's best wellness retreats.  It features amazingly lovely guest rooms, each with its own private balcony.  There are also enjoyable amenities such as the health & fitness center, full-service spa, whirlpool, a pair of outdoor pools, and a vegetarian restaurant.

And for something unique, visit the Goodyear Blimp Base on Northeast 5th Ave.  This is one of just four blimp bases on earth and has served as home of Stars & Stripes blimps.  Tours are available.

And of course, there are numerous restaurants available in everything from sea food (naturally) to Italian, Mexican and good old American fast food. All of these make a trip to Pompano Beach a unique travel experience--and quite affordable.