Boca Raton's Old Town Hall (71 N. Federal Hwy.; 561-395-6766), is easily identified by its shining gold dome. Originally designed by Addison Mizner, it houses a museum of the city's history and a quaint gift shop in the bay of the old fire station. A few blocks away is the 1930 Florida East Coast Railway Station, built to welcome guests traveling to Mizner's Cloister Inn - now the Boca Raton Resort and Club (501 E. Camino Real; 561-447-3000). Tours are available (561-395- 6766).

Broward County's history can be seen in exhibits at two locations along the New River: The Stranahan House (Las Olas Blvd. at S.E. 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-524-4736) is the oldest house in the city, dating to 1901. It was the home of Frank and Ivy Stranahan and began its existence as a trading post with the Seminoles. Later, it served as the post office, a bank and the town hall for the fledgling community of Fort Lauderdale. Today, it is furnished to recreate life in the town in the early 20th century. It's on the Riverwalk and just around the corner from the shops and restaurants of Las Olas. Look particularly for the French Quarter (215 S.E. 8th Ave.; 954-463-8000), which occupies the historic home of Fort Lauderdale's first major, and Le Café de Paris (715 E. Las Olas Blvd.; 954-467-2900), which was the first French restaurant in Fort Lauderdale when it opened in 1960.

Nearby on the Riverwalk is the Old Fort Lauderdale Museum of History (231 S.W. 2nd Ave.; 954-463-4431), a complex of buildings including the New River Inn (1905), the Philemon Bryan House (1905), and the King-Cromartie House (1907) and a replica of Fort Lauderdale's 1899 schoolhouse. Permanent and changing exhibition, a movie theater and living history programs tell the city's story.

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