Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale

Part of Florida’s ritzy Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale holds some 25 miles of the area’s most pristine and popular beaches. Along this stretch, sunbathers will find much to enjoy and indulge in, from secluded cove-like beaches and snorkeling coral reefs to strolling along a promenade and sipping tropical drinks with panoramic skyline views. These 5 beaches all offer something unique and distinctive.

Hollywood Beach
Hip and retro cool, Hollywood Beach is home to the much-loved Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, a people-watching promenade that stretches some 2 ½ miles. Along this lively stretch you’ll find a coterie of people from families to stylishly dressed couples, all here to enjoy the sand, sun, and shops. For active visitors, it’s a perfect spot to bike or skate. A short trolley ride away is Arts Park, where the areas finest culture meets it finest cuisine.

Deerfield Beach
Families love Deerfield Beach, with its plethora of family-friendly activities. Here, active families can water ski at Ski Rixen, one of America’s first cable water ski parks, fish off Deerfield Pier, or head to the beach to play volleyball, build sand castles, and swim in placid waters. Plenty of open air restaurants offer a variety of dining options for the famished. Get up early and come for a spectacular sunrise.

Dania Beach
This hidden gem offers of low-key, secluded setting that’s perfect for couples. Alongside one of the least crowded stretches of sand, Dania Beach’s famous fishing pier provides an idyllic spot to enjoy freshly caught seafood and panoramic ocean views. Nearby John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, a 250-acre barrier island, is an inviting spot for swimming, sunning, picnicking, kayaking, and hiking its nature trails.

Pompano Beach
Named for a tasty saltwater fish native to its waters, Pompano Beach draws for its warm, clear surf, perfect for anglers and divers. Visitors will also find plenty off-the-beach activities, from championship golf courses to harness horse racing. The beach is also home to the annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, held at the end of April.

Fort Lauderdale Beach
Boutique shopping and sophisticated dining along Las Olas Boulevard highlight Fort Lauderdale Beach, one of the most chic beach destinations in South Florida. It’s all about luxury here, and its palm tree-lined beachfront promenade has some of the best people watching around. The sand draws sunbathers and volleyball players, while the crystal clear water draws swimmers and snorkelers. The mornings are the most peaceful, but even on the weekends, there’s enough space for everyone and it never feels crowded.