It was the “Spring Break Capital of the Universe'' in the 1960s.

     But, as the saying goes ''lost time is never found again'', and those returning to Fort Lauderdale to relive the party more than 40 years will hardly recognise the place.

     The destination has exploded from shabby beach resort to glittering metropolis.

     Do you want to know what the city like today? The best way to find it out is to explore Fort Lauderdale on your own trip there with Booked.net. From cheap hotel in Fort Lauderdale to one packed with luxuries we have them all listed with maps, photos and secure forms at Booked.net.

     For gambling Fort Lauderdale offers Las Vegas style, in shopping it reminds you of Milan at a more affordable price and food seems to take something from well-peppered Chinese cuisine. When on a visit to this city you will also see its expansive canal system making Fort Lauderdale - the "Venice of America".

     Twenty-first century Fort Lauderdale is full of upscale restaurants, exquisite shopping and striking outdoors. Bingo, poker, and slot machines can be found in Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, the Mardi Gras Racetrack & Gaming, Dania Jai Alai Casino, and the Isle Casino & Racing of Pompano Park.

     You may also add to these The "Elbo Room" bar located at Las Olas Boulevard - famous as a location for the 1960's film ''Where the Boys Are'' - a movie that led to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca. Hollywood came to Fort Lauderdale to capture the once forbidden theme of teenagers' sexuality and changing sexual morals.

     And the stars never stopped coming to Fort Lauderdale, from Adam Sandler, famous actor who bought a condo in The Palms on A1A to Opera Winfrey.

     Stick your head into Cafe Martaramo - a usual place to dine out for celebrities like Dwayne Wade, professional basketball player and Benny Binion, a legend of modern gambling and a father of original Horeshoe casino in Las Vegas.

     And this is only to start in the city that in 1838 was a small fort named after Major William Lauderdale. At the time, it was poorly inhabited numbering only 175 residents, but it grew rapidly during the Florida boom of the 1920s. This change issued into contemporary population of 150,000 people that keeps growing to the mark of 1.6 million residents with suburbia.

     You can see it all on your own right there in Fort Lauderdale if you consult Booked.net – a website to fing great deals on accommodation.