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Fort Lauderdale is a sun-drenched paradise on Florida’s beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastline. Known as the ‘Venice of America’ because of its intricate network of canals and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA, with crystal-clear waters and white sands wherever you go.
Here are our top ten best beaches in the Fort Lauderdale area!
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and is arguably the crown jewel of the city, with its much-loved promenade and two miles of stunning sandy beach. This family-friendly public beach boasts clear, calm, and shallow waters and is considered one of the best beaches for kids in Fort Lauderdale, if not Florida.
The promenade behind the beach is lined with swaying palm trees and is a great place to soak up the lively atmosphere. It is a haven for in-line skaters, runners, cyclists, and walkers. Water-based activities, like diving, snorkeling, and swimming, can be found on the beach itself.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is just a short stroll from some of the best resorts and restaurants in the area, as well as some fantastic boutique shops. It’s worth noting that there are no amenities at Fort Lauderdale Beach, so be sure to come prepared.
2. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Located in Broward County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a fantastic spot for nature lovers. The park itself is an undeveloped 250-acre barrier island with pristine beaches and mangrove-lined waterways. The park is also one of Florida’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles, so you could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse if you’re there during the right season. Birdwatchers are certain to be entertained by the swooping pelicans diving for fish.
Amenities on the beach here are limited, but the Whiskey Creek Hideout has bathrooms, food, and water sports rentals, including stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
3. Dania Beach
Located about six miles south of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is a bit of a hidden gem and is perfect if you are looking for a quieter beach experience. The beach here is uncrowded, and there is plenty of space to spread out on the wide stretches of unspoiled white sand. Dania is a great spot to try your luck at fishing, too, and you can join the regular anglers who catch popular sportfish from the fishing pier.
There are plenty of shade-providing tiki huts at Dania Beach, equipped with grills and picnic tables. If you don’t want the hassle of packing a picnic, some excellent local waterfront restaurants are serving delicious Florida seafood. Top tip: head to the Quarterdeck Dania Beach Pier during golden hour for classic beach bar fare and stunning sunset views.
4. Hillsboro Beach
Just 15 miles north of Fort Lauderdale is the tiny town of Hillsboro Beach. This small but perfectly formed beachside spot runs three miles in length and is conveniently sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic.
The picture-perfect Hillsboro Lighthouse is at the south end of the beach, next to Hillsboro inlet, and is one of the area’s most important historic landmarks. Climb the 175 steps to the top for sweeping sea views. Hillsboro Beach is also home to one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests along Florida’s East Coast, so be sure to watch your step as you explore this tranquil haven.
5. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is famous for being South Florida’s scuba diving capital, so underwater explorers will want to check out this spot.
Whether you dive or snorkel, you should have the opportunity to see marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, reefs, and lobsters. Just 100 yards offshore is a three-tiered natural coral reef system which makes for a fascinatingly diverse dive site. Or, if you prefer to snorkel, check out the shipwreck snorkel trail instead, where you can spot wrecks, including a 1900 British cargo steamer.
Anglins Fishing Pier is a long, wooden pier that can be seen from most parts of the beach and is a fisherman’s dream. Anglers don’t need a license to fish from the pier and typically have a good chance of catching a variety of sand and reef dwellers. The pier is open 24 hours and is home to a bait and tackle shop if you need supplies. The pier also hosts live music on most Friday nights in high season.
6. Hallandale Beach
South of Greater Fort Lauderdale, just before you get to Miami, is Hallandale Beach. It’s easy to find: just look out for the giant beach-ball-shaped water tower, which doubles as a great Instagram background. Hallandale is known for its outdoor sports, including kite surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and body boarding, but there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation here, too.
Hallandale Beach is actually home to two beach parks: South City and North City. South City has a playground and volleyball courts and showcases local musicians during its Beach Entertainment Series on the fourth Sunday of the month (between December and April). North City is smaller but right by the ocean, with wheelchair-accessible parking and beachfront entrances.
This part of the offers all the comforts and conveniences you could need, including lifeguards, a snack bar, restroom facilities, and shady picnic pavilions. There is also plenty of parking nearby.
7. Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is a stunning Florida beach resort with exceptionally clear waters and pristine beach conditions, making it a beachgoer’s paradise. The sandy shores are peaceful, and there’s an incredible amount of space, giving visitors plenty of space for family getaways and romantic days out.
For adventurous visitors, check out nearby Ski Rixen, an amazing cable water ski park where you can learn to water-ski, kneeboard, or wakeboard. There is also an inflatable Aquapark for younger kids. For anglers, there is the 1,000-foot-long international fishing pier, which features a live underwater camera located 30 feet below the pier at the bottom of the ocean. This nifty attraction means you can see what’s happening in the water without even getting wet!
8. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a Florida State Park located off Sunrise Boulevard that has direct access to Fort Lauderdale’s beach. This hidden gem is home to an abundance of wildlife and offers an idyllic break from the hustle and bustle of some of the busier beaches in the area.
Even though this is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most tranquil spots, there are plenty of activities to keep guests occupied. Choose from paddling through the lagoon, hiking the trails among giant trees, or simply heading to the beach and relaxing on the sand. The Adventure Center rents everything you need for a fun day out, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
There are fantastic amenities at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, including picnic benches, tables, restrooms, and pavilions. But if you don’t want to bring your own picnic, head to Park & Ocean, the popular on-site restaurant that serves up great food on an outdoor patio.
9. Las Olas Beach
Las Olas Beach is located east of Las Olas Boulevard, which is one of the best areas in Fort Lauderdale for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This prime location means the beach is a little busier than some of the others on this list, so you might want to get here early to get a good spot during the high season.
Las Olas is a fantastic place for people-watching, and there’s a real mix of age groups on the beach that gives this spot a wonderful community vibe. Once you’ve had your fill of sand and surf, head to Las Olas Boulevard for lunch or dinner at one of the many highly-rated restaurants there.
Or, for a more laid-back approach, take a picnic and grab a spot in the shaded areas under the towering palm trees. There are restroom facilities at Las Olas and umbrella and beach chair rentals. Parking is limited, but you can get a great space near the beach if you arrive before 10 am.
10. Hollywood Beach
Sandwiched between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beach towns in the Fort Lauderdale area. It has a glamorous, Old Florida feel, complimented by the palm tree-lined boardwalk that stretches over two and a half miles from Jefferson Street to Sheridan Street.
The boardwalk is a great spot for walking and cycling but is also home to plenty of excellent cafes and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for some live music, the Bandshell hosts free concerts in the high season. A convenient shuttle runs between the beach and downtown Hollywood for just $1 per ride.
The beach at Hollywood is vast and offers visitors lots of space to spread out. If you don’t want to lug your beach equipment with you, Boucher Brothers offer beach chair and umbrella rentals that’ll keep you comfortable during your day at the beach. There are 28 lifeguard towers guarding 4.5 miles of beach, making Hollywood one of the safest swimming beaches in the area. There are also several beach access points from the boardwalk for wheelchair users, making it one of the most accessible options in Fort Lauderdale.
If you are traveling with children, Hollywood North Beach Park is a 56-acre park with plenty of entertainment options. Kids will love the climbing equipment, observation tower, and sea turtle exhibits. There are plenty of parking spots here, and the park is wheelchair accessible, but leave your canine companions at home as no dogs are allowed.
Enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s Sun, Sea, and Sand in Style
Whether you are seeking total tranquility or want to make a splash in the crystal clear ocean, you’ll instantly fall in love with Fort Lauderdale’s beaches. So pack your sunscreen, grab a beach towel, and enjoy your vacation in this tropical paradise.
