Located on a sizable barrier island to the north east of Fort Lauderdale, this is one of the most picturesque areas Florida has to offer. With a large assortment of inns and hotels, this is a great place to vacation, retire or find a perfect waterfront home. There is no question that Lauderdale by the sea is a beach apes paradise with an average temperature year round of 76 degrees. Here you can scuba dive incredible coral reefs just 100 yards out in the water.

Lauderdale by the Sea was founded in the early 1920s. Over time, the area developed numerous condos right on the sand. Even so, the town limits building heights so that the beauty of the ocean never gets lost. Neat fact: Lauderdale by the Sea is on a barrier island just 7 feet above sea level! If you come here you’ll be within about a 30-minute drive of Miami or Palm Beach.

During summer months the town hosts about 6,000 residents, but come the winter that population rises to 11,350 winter-fleeing apes. So if you’re in tourism and hospitality, winter is the time to hang your hat.

If you’re flying in for a look-see, use Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International. Alternatively Palm Beach and Miami work just as well if you don’t mind the short commute.