Named after the saltwater fish found abundantly in its Atlantic waters, Pompano Beach lies towards the northern end of Broward County, bordering Hillsboro Beach to the north and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to the south.

Pompano Beach boasts a wide variety of attractions, quaint tropical hotels and a plethora of culinary experiences from Café Maxx and Bragozzo to Cap's Place waterfront eatery.

As its name suggests, Pompano Beach also boasts 3 1/2 miles of beautiful beach, certified as "Blue Wave" by the Clean Beaches Council for exemplary cleanliness and safety.  The beach also has several playgrounds and other family activities.  But what makes Pompano Beach's coastline all the more alluring is the diving that can be done just a few hundred yards from the shore.  Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to a unique natural three-tiered system, as well as 75 artificial reefs that serve as magnets for exotic marine life.  Not surprisingly, Pompano Beach is home to several dive operators as well as the official South Florida Diving Headquarters.

Another benefit of Pompano Beach's living coral reef system is found in the world-class fishing that can be done off its shores.  Pompano Beach has several venues for chartered, open-sea fishing excursions, and the top-notch boat fishing is complemented nicely by its 1,800-foot municipal fishing pier to which visitors flock like seagulls.

Year-round, Pompano Beach's calendar of events is full of entertaining concerts, exciting sporting events and enriching free concerts for the whole family to enjoy.  Annual events in Pompano Beach include:

    * Pompano Beach Seafood Festival:  Held annually each April, the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is a weekend featuring arts and crafts, adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and a rock-climbers' wall, a full line-up of live music and, of course, a limitless supply of seafood.  Restaurants from across Greater Fort Lauderdale are on hand to peddle their dazzling seafood arrangements, making for a delicious weekend for all involved.

    * Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo: Pompano Beach's annual fishing rodeo allows professionals and amateurs alike to compete and see who can catch the heaviest fish. Several divisions and categories are available, each with entry fees and corresponding prize money. In addition, the rodeo also has a "Small Fry" division for children 10 & under. For more information, visit www.pompanofishingrodeo.com.

    * Live Shows at the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre: A favorite destination for concertgoers, the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre can accommodate up to 2550 fans in permanent, stadium style seating.  Larger special events and festivals are set up on the adjacent grounds.  For a list of upcoming events at this venue, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.