Ask anyone who comes to Fort Lauderdale and it's all about the beaches. You are legendary. They appear on postcards, in films and on the internet. From kids to college students, newlyweds to movie stars, Ft. They've all seen Lauderdale's beaches. Whether you're planning the perfect vacation day, soaking up the sun, playing in the sand or swimming in the ocean, our Fort Lauderdale travel guide has you covered. Our 10Best list shows the best places to soak up the sunFort Lauderdale Beacha favorite of our editors and readers alike. However, if you are more interested in getting close to nature on pristine shores, schedule a dayJohn U. Lloyd Beach State Park, or the more refinedHillsboro-Strand. Families in particular love the popular play sandHirschfeld Strand,Pompano-StrandeLauderdale-By-The-Sea, where sunbathers and pranksters gather for the complete Florida experience. It is famous for the visitor who wants not only sun, fun and sea but also convenient shopping and diningHollywood-Strandwith its broadwalk and endless fun. And of course, for those whose ideal day at the beach means rest and relaxation surrounded by a calm tropical breeze and swaying palm trees, it's time for thatHallandale Beachor the silenceDania Strand. So switch off your laptop and cell phone, pack your beach clothes and get ready for a lazy day in the sun.
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Don't be distracted by South Florida's endless development and seemingly extinct natural terrain. It's not just skyscrapers and beachfront properties. There are some selected places that regain their natural state for everyone to enjoy. Hallandale Beach is one of them. This is the region's southernmost coast and a village-like paradise with a mile of tranquil, unspoilt shoreline where beach-goers enjoy a non-stop soundtrack of crashing waves and chirping seabirds. Cozy chickpea shacks offer respite from the midday sun, while playgrounds, bocce courts, boat trips and saltwater fishing trips provide plenty of fodder for afternoon adventure. At lunchtime, visitors can enjoy delicious snacks at the waterfront concession stand.
recommended forbeachesWhy: Beautiful for its pristine shoreline with chickee cottages, playgrounds and saltwater fishing trips, this is a true Florida experience.
Tip from Dale Expert: A great break in the center of everything.
Read more about Hallandale Beach →
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Pompano-Strand
Hailed by many as the most stunning of all Greater Fort Lauderdale beaches, North Ocean Park's shoreline is simple seaside beauty at its best. With its convenient entrance on Northeast 16th Street off A1A at Pompano Beach, boaters, swimmers, sunbathers and divers enjoy the warm sands and clear waters while fishermen leave the pier and the Hillsboro Lighthouse serves as a picture-perfect backdrop. Picturesque views in every direction are exactly how Florida's coastline should be. As the park is also designated a beach for wind-powered instruments, the landscape is often awash with the bright colors of soaring kites and outdoor enthusiasts.
recommended forbeachesWhy: This picturesque beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the region.
Tip from Dale Expert: Bring your camera. It's breathtaking!
Read more about North Ocean Park →
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Dania Strand
Truly American at its finest and home to some of the most beautiful and secluded sandy beaches in the area. Dania Beach, Florida is a small family beach with lush palm trees and nestled between gently sloping dunes and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps one of the least crowded beaches in the area, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the golden shore or cool off in a Seminole "cabin" while little beachgoers are entertained at the beachside playgrounds. The popular pier is ideal for hopeful fishermen and hungry sunbathers, who can enjoy freshly caught seafood at the pier's restaurant. Conveniently located just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale on the Federal Highway, this is the perfect location for the perfect day at the beach.
recommended forbeachesWhy: A quiet beach that almost feels like a local's secret, it's a great place to escape.
Tip from Dale Expert: This is a wonderful mix of Mayberry and South Florida, with a beach!
Read more about Dania Beach →
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Hollywood
One of the area's most popular beaches, Hollywood Beach, Florida draws visitors and residents from far and wide. Featuring miles of clean, beautiful shorelines surrounding the famous 1920's Boardwalk, a popular attraction that runs 2 1/2 miles up and down the coast and was named one of America's 10 Best Nostalgic Walkways by USA Today. This enchanting paradise offers countless places for water fun, including a water park, paddle ball, volleyball, yoga classes, water sports, live shows and festivals, as well as a plethora of delicious restaurants, waterfront shopping, and rows of cozy lounge chairs that beckon with promises of intoxicating beach bliss .
recommended forbeachesWhy: A truly Old Florida experience with its amazing boardwalk and beautiful coastline.
Tip from Dale Expert: Come and join other beach enthusiasts at one of South Florida's most popular beaches.
Read more about Hollywood Beach →
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Lauderdale-by-the-sea
Known as an understated hideaway, the quaint seaside village of Lauderdale By The Sea sits on a picturesque barrier island where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of the waves and the occasional cheering of the lucky fishermen at Anglin's Pier. Lauderdale By The Sea still has that laid-back beach village charm that draws visitors year after year. This beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling, as it is one of the few places in Florida where the magnificent three-tiered natural coral reef system is just a short distance offshore. Plan to visit on a Friday night when the road that runs through town is closed to traffic, a stage is set up, and live music is enjoyed.
recommended forbeachesWhy: With nearby restaurants and shops, its famous pier for walking or fishing, this is a great experience.
Tip from Dale Expert: Plan a stay here if you can. It's pure Florida in its most versatile form.
Read more about Lauderdale by the Sea →
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Pompano-Strand
Due to a bend in the Gulf Stream, Pompano Beach, Florida boasts some of the warmest and clearest waters in South Florida, satisfying even swimmers who have been known to test the waters and then head straight back to their sun-soaked towels. Named for the saltwater fish found only in the area's waters, this popular coastline also features a wide, sugary beach for sunbathing, an offshore reef for diving and snorkeling, and a 24-hour pier that allows visitors to explore the to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of a moonlit ocean. This is what people think of when they think of a Florida beach. Make time to also enjoy the city's popular annual Pompano Seafood Festival and Fishing Rodeo.
recommended forbeachesWhy: Ideal for sunbathing, diving and snorkeling and an incomparable family atmosphere.
Tip from Dale Expert: For the true beach lover who wants to spend the day there from dawn to dusk.
Read more about Pompano Beach →
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Hirschfeld Strand
Florida's award-winning Deerfield Beach is a bay-like paradise with 3,000 feet of sparkling shoreline. The beach is wide and tranquil, perfect for romantic retreats or family outings, but there are also plenty of activities for adventurous swimmers. For fun lovers, plan a day at Ski Rixen, one of America's premier cable water ski parks. This amazing water ski system is designed to silently tow your guests across crystal clear waters without a boat! Show off your talent at a game of volleyball or your architectural skills building sandcastles. Then up the ante with watersports excursions or catch the catch of a lifetime from the 920-foot pier. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or have a day of fun and adventure, Deerfield Beach is the place for it all.
recommended forbeachesWhy: An award-winning, family-friendly beach known for its popular Ski Rixen, a cable water ski park.
Tip from Dale Expert: A really fun family beach that will keep you coming back!
Read more about Deerfield Beach →
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With spectacular views of the 1907 Hillsboro Lighthouse, the brightest light on the East Coast, Hillsboro Beach is among the most serene of all Fort Lauderdale's beaches. This pristine and secluded beach is the perfect place to get away from it all. Amid the warm sands and sparkling blue-green waters, beachgoers can swim, sunbathe, search for sea turtle nesting sites, and relax while watching a stream of yachts enter Hillsboro Inlet. In addition, visitors can see an enchanting 19th-century stone statue dedicated to the "Barefoot Postman," depicting the mailman who walked from Palm Beach through Broward County to Miami for seven days between 1885 and 1892 to deliver mail.
recommended forbeachesWhy: A charming Florida beach, ideal for families, clean and safe.
Tip from Dale Expert: Ideal for a day at the beach for the family and history buffs.
Read more about Hillsboro Beach →
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Dania Strand
Not all South Florida beaches teem with crowds. Visitors looking for quiet, uncrowded beaches love this Fort Lauderdale-area retreat, located on a pristine 650-acre barrier island. Located north of Dania Beach and south of downtown, guests can kayak along mangrove-lined waterways, snorkel at one of the area's easiest and most enchanting dive sites, or simply relax on the wide, sunny beach. The park is also one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the county, and a summertime educational program allows visitors to learn more about and often witness the nesting phenomenon. Perfect for nature lovers or just a day away from it all.
recommended forbeachesWhy: Known for its beauty and as an oasis in the urban environment, this is well worth a visit.
Tip from Dale Expert: A beautiful beach to take a camera and enjoy nature.
Read more about John U. Lloyd Beach State Park →
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This chic beach destination is one of Broward County's outstanding blue wave beaches. World-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach features four miles of publicly accessible shoreline lined with a colorful array of unique shops, inviting sidewalk cafes and exciting entertainment venues. And for those who just can't get enough of this prime stretch of coastline, there are some of the best luxury condominiums in the world. Once known as the spring party zone for college students, this newly renovated beach is now a family-friendly destination where visitors can swim in exceptionally clear waters, jet ski, snorkel and scuba dive, or simply stroll along the beach-awarded breakwaters and majestic, palm-lined boardwalk and enjoy the unique buzz in the air that is Fort Lauderdale's beach.
recommended forbeachesWhy: Known for its blue wave beaches, first class hotels and restaurants.
Tip from Dale Expert: It is. From the fabulous to the glamorous, people come here to see and be seen.
Read more about Fort Lauderdale Beach →
FAQs
How are the beaches in Fort Lauderdale? ›
The beaches in Fort Lauderdale consistently rank among the best Florida beaches. Top beaches in the area include Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and Hollywood Beach, which are some of the highest rated beaches in the state.
What is the beach like in Fort Lauderdale? ›Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a stunning destination, boasting sand that is white and powdery, and water that's crystal clear. You will also have abundant tropical shade thanks to numerous palm trees and other tropical plants.
What is Fort Lauderdale known for? ›Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront, this is the "Venice of America." Along Las Olas Boulevard, shopping, dining, and the historic districts.
What is the cleanest beach in Fort Lauderdale? ›1. Fort Lauderdale Beach. Seven miles of the cleanest, whitest sand entice visitors to dig in their toes, don a swimsuit and laze about for hours on Fort Lauderdale Beach. A true gem, this is the nicest beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Is Fort Lauderdale a party beach? ›For enthusiasts seeking to party, Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice.
Is Fort Lauderdale a family beach? ›There are seven miles of beaches in Ft. Lauderdale, so there is plenty of room for your kids to swim, build sand castles, and play! For peace of mind, you'll find lifeguards every couple hundred yards on Ft. Lauderdale Beach from the South Beach Picnic Area to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
What do the flags mean on Fort Lauderdale beaches? ›Green Flag: Low hazard- calm conditions, exercise caution. Yellow Flag: Medium hazard- moderate surf and or currents. Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life present. Single Red Flag: High surf and or strong currents. Double Red Flag: Closed to the public.
Is Fort Lauderdale beach clean? ›Fort Lauderdale's beaches, canals and rivers are some of the cleanest urban waterways and shores in the nation, but even pristine sand and blueways need attention now and then.
Does Fort Lauderdale have public beaches? ›1. Fort Lauderdale Beach. Home to 4 miles of stunning coastline, Fort Lauderdale's main beach is a Blue Wave certified public beach and one of the most popular beaches in Fort Lauderdale. Anyone from families and couples to celebrities would come over to celebrate its impeccable beauty.
What is a very unique tourist attraction in Fort Lauderdale? ›Riverfront Gondola
They call Fort Lauderdale the Venice of America, and you can experience a bit of its Italian counterpart with a gondola ride through the New River. Riverfront Gondola Tours drive through the river and canals for tours, as well as intimate and romantic dinner cruises.
Is Fort Lauderdale a party town? ›
If there's one place that's great for partying it's Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is a fun city with many things to see and do during the day. At night, this city is a great place for partying. Whether you are going for a long weekend or even one night, you can find ways to let your hair down!
Why is Fort Lauderdale called the Venice of America? ›“Venice of America” is more than a humble-brag on Fort Lauderdale's official city seal. It is this destination's world-famous sobriquet, a nickname based on the 300 miles of inland waterways that run through Greater Fort Lauderdale, with about 165 of those miles in the city of Fort Lauderdale itself.
What beach in Florida has the whitest sand and clearest water? ›Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet.
What beach has the cleanest water in Florida? ›Just east of Destin on Hwy 98, Panama City Beach marks the end of the beaches of South Walton. These beaches are widely considered to be the clearest and pure in the country.
Are people friendly in Fort Lauderdale? ›Fort Lauderdale is family-friendly
A relatively safe place to live, find your fair share of family-friendly neighborhoods and homes as well as a highly ranked public school system.
Home to elating attractions, exciting events, and breathtaking scenery, Fort Lauderdale in Florida is one of the most charming travel locales in the U.S. This vibrant city offers couples a wealth of activities to enjoy together, from exploring the beaches and parks to sampling the local cuisine and nightlife.
Is Fort Lauderdale for older adults? ›Fort Lauderdale has an enormous number of senior-friendly attractions to offer. Whether it be immersive cultural experiences, beautiful nature escapes, or satisfying wellness classes, this Florida city can be a delightful home for older adults.
Does Fort Lauderdale have private beaches? ›Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a secluded and hidden beach that offers easy access to waterfront dining and quirky souvenir shops but is also serene and peaceful. It's a hideaway that lets you not only relax, but it also offers access to a coral reef for snorkeling just offshore.
What beach in Florida is more family friendly? ›What is the most family-friendly beach in Florida? Our favorite area to visit with kids is Clearwater because the beaches are beautiful, and there are so many great family-friendly activities nearby. Clearwater and St. Petersburg have a good selection of hotels and restaurants that cater to families.
Is it safe to walk Fort Lauderdale Beach at night? ›Tourist-friendly places like Las Olas, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Fort Lauderdale Beach are the best to visit, but you must avoid walking or strolling at night.
What does the purple flag on Fort Lauderdale beach mean? ›
YELLOW and PURPLE FLAGS for Moderately Hazardous conditions and Jellyfish. Rip currents possible. Exercise caution. Remember that the ocean is a dynamic environment that is constantly changing. For up-to-date beach safety information, please consult the Lifeguards on the guarded section of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
What does purple flag mean at Fort Lauderdale beach? ›Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life
Finally, a purple flag means that there is dangerous marine life out on the water or beach. This could mean jellyfish, stingrays, sea snakes, or other marine life except sharks. If a shark is in the water, then a red flag or double red flag will be hoisted.
Meaning: Dangerous conditions, high surf and/or strong currents. No swimming. Swimmers are discouraged from entering the water while the red flag is up.
Where not to stay in Fort Lauderdale? ›Areas to be avoided for tourists in Fort Lauderdale include areas as you go west of I-95, where the crime rate increases. A few neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown should be avoided, as well.
Which beach has the best shells in Fort Lauderdale? ›One of our favorites is Jupiter Island, located just north of Fort Lauderdale. This small stretch of island is known for producing more than 200 different types of shells. Locals rave about all the bittersweets, lion's paws, and sand dollars they've found over the years.
What is the safest area in Fort Lauderdale? ›- Coral Ridge.
- Imperial Point.
- Rio Vista.
- Tarpon River.
- Victoria Park.
- Canaveral National Seashore. ...
- Ormond Beach. ...
- Fort De Soto Park. ...
- Santa Rosa Beach. ...
- Sanibel Island.
1: Manele Bay, Hawaii
For most of the year Hulopoe Bay is the best place for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling on the island. In fact, snorkeling and diving spots here are considered some of the finest in Hawaii, making a swim in the 70-degree water all the more tempting.
- The Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the ultimate Florida boating destination for gin-clear water. ...
- Jupiter. Jupiter is another one of Florida's amazing boating destinations with gin-clear water. ...
- Destin. ...
- Panama City Beach. ...
- Freshwater Springs. ...
- Miami. ...
- Palm Beach. ...
- Tampa.
The City of Fort Lauderdale continues to provide drinking water that meets or exceeds local, state, and federal requirements.
Can you drink beer on the beach in Fort Lauderdale? ›
7.4(e) Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach. 7.4(f) Glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
Can you sleep on the beach in Fort Lauderdale? ›Fort Lauderdale's law, enacted in 1953, states that allowing people "to sleep upon the city's beaches during nighttime hours will negatively affect the appearance of the city's beaches" and "will have a deleterious effect upon the city's tourism industry." It says that because the city is significantly dependent on ...
Are Fort Lauderdale beaches free? ›Fort Lauderdale Beach
This beach chic destination is one of Broward County's exceptional Blue Wave Beaches, and enjoying it free.
Fort Lauderdale does not have an open container law, so drinking will not be allowed on the beach. “No alcohol or containers or beverages are allowed on the sandy portion of the beach,” said Sousa.
Is Fort Lauderdale Beach an island? ›The Town is located on a barrier island that is 7 feet above sea level. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is 30 miles north of Miami and 33 miles south of Palm Beach.
What is the germiest tourist attraction? ›Blarney Stone, Ireland
But, there's a general consensus that this chunk of limestone, part of the battlements of Blarney Castle, is one of the “germiest” tourists attractions in the world. That's because more than 400,000 people kiss it every year, hoping to receive the gift of eloquent speech.
What is this? Walt Disney World, located in Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, is the flagship of Disney's worldwide theme park empire and the most popular tourist attraction in Florida. It is also by far, the world's largest and most-visited theme park resort.
What is the #1 tourist attraction? ›1. Eiffel Tower, Paris. Spring flowers in front of the Eiffel Tower. The symbol of Paris and one of the most photographed structures in the world, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must for all travelers. Few landmarks inspire such a passion for travel as this single iron structure.
Is Fort Lauderdale good for singles? ›Nestled between Rio Vista and Tarpon River, Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers singles and young professionals a trendy neighborhood with lots of things to do!
Can you walk around with alcohol in Fort Lauderdale? ›It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage or manually possess any unsealed or open container of any kind which contains any alcoholic beverage while on any public street or sidewalk unless within premises licensed for sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, or at special events where ...
Where do older singles go in Fort Lauderdale? ›
- Senior Lunch Group. ...
- Savvy Senior Club. ...
- 55+ Singles and Single Again Group Discussions. ...
- Retirees Social Group of Broward County. ...
- Fort Lauderdale - Budget Travels & Vacations. ...
- Palm Beach Budget Travels & Vacations. ...
- South Asian inclusive Fortlauderdale and beyond.
Our 165-miles of scenic inland waterways wind through the city, highlighting what makes Fort Lauderdale unique and why it truly lives up to its designation as the “Venice of America.” Our semi-tropical climate is highlighted by more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and pleasant year-round ocean breezes.
Is Fort Lauderdale Hispanic? ›The largest Fort Lauderdale racial/ethnic groups are White (46.0%) followed by Black (29.8%) and Hispanic (19.5%).
What is Fort Lauderdale short for? ›FTL stands for Fort Lauderdale (Florida)
What is the main strip in Fort Lauderdale? ›Las Olas Boulevard is the main strip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Las Olas Boulevard is the epicenter of things to do in Fort Lauderdale and the primary entertainment district. The decorative and eclectic street is filled with boutiques, luxury restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops.
What is the main area of Fort Lauderdale? ›The main part of Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Between the two, tourists will find most of the things to do including boat tours, the Riverwalk, public parks, beaches, bars, and restaurants.
Which is the nicest beach in Florida? ›- Delray Beach, Palm Beach County.
- Lummus Park Beach, Miami Beach.
- Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
- Siesta Beach, Siesta Key.
- South Beach, Miami Beach.
- Clearwater Beach, Clearwater.
- Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne.
- Deerfield Beach, Deerfield Beach.
- Jay Leno.
- Jason Taylor.
- Papa Johns founder John Schnatter.
- Andrew Heller of Heller Capital.
- Billionaire Wayne Huizenga.
- Actor David Cassidy.
- Brazilian Race Car Driver Hélio Castroneves.
- Alamo Rent-A-Car Founder Michael Egan.
From luxury shopping areas to pristine beaches, some of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale feature excellent amenities in walkable areas. Prepare for some fresh air and a relaxing stroll; let's step to the most walkable neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale.
Is Fort Lauderdale a beach town? ›As one of the highlights of the Sunshine State, Greater Fort Lauderdale's 24 miles of golden sandy shores are home to some of Florida's finest beaches.
What kind of base is Fort Lauderdale? ›
Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale.
Is Fort Lauderdale an expensive area? ›The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 20% higher than the state average and 21% higher than the national average. Fort Lauderdale, FL housing is 51% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 1% pricier.