While Fort Lauderdale was introduced to many Americans by the movie "Where the Boys Are," the only vestiges of the rollicking 1960s beach-party scene that still endure four decades later are the sun-kissed Atlantic beaches.

The Spring Break scene was driven elsewhere in the late 1980s, and Fort Lauderdale since has developed into a delightful, increasingly cosmopolitan city. The spendors of the Atlantic are still on display along a two-mile stretch of unobstructed Fort Lauderdale beachfront perfect for evening strolls. But north and south of the city, the ocean is lined by magnificient mansions with prices that exceed the budgets of many Hollywood productions.

While the oceanfront is the attraction for some, the draw for many is boating, and Fort Lauderdale's hundred-plus miles of navigable waterways. Each fall, the world's largest in-water boat show -- this year featuring 230 megayachts 80 feet and up in length -- burnishes Fort Lauderdale's claim to be the America's yachting capital.

At the heart of the city is the picturesque New River, which meanders among glass office towers and lovely shade trees, linking the business and historic districts. A stroll along Riverwalk -- which actually extends a bit beyond its reputation as Florida's most-beautiful mile -- leads to cultural events at the Broward Center of the Performing Arts. And like many other venues in this city, the arts' center also is accessible by water taxi.

Only a short walk away is stylish Las Olas Boulevard, a fashionable street known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, fine restaurants and relaxing cafes.

The Fort Lauderdale area is served by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a burgeoning facility with non-stop commercial service to Europe, Canada, Bahamas, Caribbean and over 30 U.S. cities.

Fort Lauderdale

With its miles of premier frontage along the waterways of America's Venice, Fort Lauderdale has a great number of magnificient waterfront homes (and megayachts).

Among the choicest waterfront locations are those on the Intracoastal Waterway, along the historic New River and the Tarpon River, and in historic Rio Vista, with its finger isle cul de sacs.

A variety of new luxury condominiums are also under development both on Las Olas and in the city's downtown district.

Pompano Beach

Residents of Pompano Beach enjoy magnificent beaches, dozens of golf courses and tennis facilities, and some of the world's best sport fishing. The fishing orientation of the city is reflected in Pompano Beach Pier, which stretches one thousand feet into the Atlantic.

In addition to luxury oceanfront condos with spectacular views, grand beachfront estates run well into the millions. Some of the most magnificient homes are located in a beachfront community called Hillsboro Shores, a neighborhood surrounded on three sides by water.

Lighthouse Point

Just north of Pompano Beach, the city of Lighthouse Point sits under the beam of the Hillsboro Inlet lighthouse. With its tree-shaded neighborhoods and 18 miles of waterways, the housing mix of this half-century-old community is varied. But increasingly, older homes with spectacular waterfront views, or directly on the ocean, are being torn down and replaced by magnificient mansions.

Hillsboro Beach

Just south of Boca Raton is the town of Hillsboro Beach. Situated on a narrow peninsula, Hillsboro Beach -- bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway -- is about 900 feet wide at its widest. The stretch of A1A that runs through Hillsboro Beach is called the the Hillsboro Mile (even though it is longer than that) and is lined by some of the most luxurious homes along South Florida's 'Gold Coast.'

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

A charming seaside village, which modestly proclaims itself "The Prettiest Small Town in America," Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a tiny Atlantic-Ocean-to-Intracoastal Waterway community sandwiched between Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Its mile-long stretch of sandy beach is home to ultra-luxury condos, and magnificient waterfront homes can be found on the town's waterways.

Weston

To the west of Fort Lauderdale (and not shown on the map) is the town of Weston, a master-planned community developed in the 1980s that today has a population of more than 50,000. While sometimes described as the epitome of the American middle class dream, Weston's toniest neighborhood, Windmill Ranches, has homes running well into the millions.