The curvy wave wall on Ft. Lauderdale's beach promenade follows the beach for miles.
The focal point of many famous beaches is a pier. But, in Ft. Lauderdale it is the wave wall and the brick-paved promenade that define the space between Highway A1A and the golden sand beach. Bicyclists, joggers, and all manner of folks out for a stroll form a human river on the promenade all hours of the day and night. Truthfully, it could be a bit wider, but it seems to work out fairly well for the mostly well-heeled crowd.
Walking along the promenade you’ll see every shape of humanity imaginable, from the young and lithe, to the aged and barely-moving; you’ll hear every language; you’ll make way for millionaires and dodge the empty stares of the homeless alcoholics; but mostly, you’ll enjoy the ocean breeze and luxuriate in the aura of sparkling blue water and lush green coconut palms. Does that last line sound like Chamber of Commerce sales copy? Sorry. I’m not kidding. It really is nice.
Without the swaying coconut palms and the undulating wave wall, Ft. Lauderdale would be just another overbuilt beach town...well, almost.
