Best beaches in miami and fort lauderdale

Set along the Atlantic Ocean, the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale will sink anyone into deep bliss. With their shimmering white sands, turquoise waters, and ocean breezes, they’re the perfect place for the ultimate South Florida seaside escape.

Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches are ideal for laying down a towel or renting a beach chair and soaking up the sun. If you’re looking for a more adventurous beach vacation, there are loads of other fun activities to experience, too. Deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, swimming, and oceanfront hikes are all popular activities in the Lauderdale area.

Ready to experience Fort Lauderdale’s seaside allure? Whether you’re going solo, with a partner, or on a family getaway, plan your South Florida vacation with this list of the most beautiful Fort Lauderdale beaches.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Not sure where to start? Sink your toes into the soft sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Located just east of the downtown core, the city’s main public beach is one of the most popular beaches in Fort Lauderdale for sun worshippers.

The white sand and turquoise water at Fort Lauderdale Beach will lull you into a relaxed state of mind. The promenade follows a long stretch of sand and is filled with restaurants offering perfect ocean views. Its central location also makes it easy to slip over to the legendary Las Olas Boulevard, dotted with art galleries and various shops.

In Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, you can find people playing beach volleyball on its volleyball courts as well as shooting some hoops on its basketball courts. On certain days of the week, you’ll find people gathering for public fitness classes like yoga and pilates. There are always plenty of parking spaces, making it easy to get to & from the classes.

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Fort Lauderdale Beach is also home to the Hang Loose Surf School. Visit to check learning how to surf off your bucket list.

Pompano Beach

Known as “The Heart of the Gold Coast,” Pompano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Broward County. Located between West Palm Beach and Miami, Pompano Beach is a lovely place for a South Florida beach vacation. Around the shores, you’ll find restaurants serving fresh seafood, small cafes with perfect cups of coffee, and loads of shopping.

Among the coolest places to see in Pompano Beach is its fishing pier. The pier extends over 920 feet over the ocean. Visitors from all over the Sunshine State descend on this popular spot to fish for both sport and leisure.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the quintessential South Florida beach town. If you’re looking for an ideal beach day around Fort Lauderdale, this could be the perfect spot for you. Located just 20 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, the small seaside town is also one of South Florida’s best dive spots. 

Diving and snorkeling along the vibrant coral reef are amongst the most popular activities in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. You’ll get up close and personal with tropical fish, lobster, and nurse sharks. If you’re a diver and would like to explore under the sea, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is an excellent option. There are plenty of dive options here, including an artificial reef.

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Once you’re done exploring underwater, you can enjoy any of the various restaurants and bar and grill locations while still enjoying the views. The 24-hour pier, Anglins Fishing Pier, is a popular hang-out spot for locals and travelers alike.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Looking to squeeze a little nature into your vacation? Scoot up to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Located just north of Central Beach, this beautiful state park is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm. The park offers ranger-guided walks and live animal presentations. 

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is popular for its outdoor adventures. In the park, you’ll enjoy fun activities like biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking. On its coast, you’ll even get a chance to tackle water activities like surfing, swimming, diving, and snorkeling.

If you’re up early enough, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a great place to dazzle at breathtaking views of the sun rising above the Atlantic.

Dania Beach

Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Dania Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm, azure water, and lush palms lining the shores. It’s exactly what you picture when you dream of a South Florida beach vacation. This relaxing & beautiful oceanfront town is the perfect place for swimming and lazy sunbathing.

After your day on the sand, you’ll love wandering the streets, ducking into its antique shops, and enjoying a bite at its restaurants, including the popular Quarterdeck Restaurant at Dania Beach Pier. Visiting in the evening? Try your luck at the Casino @ Dania Beach.

Deerfield Beach

On a Florida family getaway? Deerfield Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach town vibe. Deerfield Beach is known for its silky soft sand and blue waters as well as The International Fishing Pier. Popular both day and night, the fishing pier is a perfect spot to catch the sunrise, look for shooting stars, and, of course, whip out your fishing pole and cast in a line.

Deerfield Beach is also home to Ski Rixen USA. This amazing water skiing system is the first cable water ski park in the country. At Ski Rixen, you’ll be able to water ski without needing to get towed by a boat. This unique experience makes the town an excellent choice for water sports enthusiasts visiting Florida.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the legendary Brooks Restaurant or any of the other mouth-watering eateries around town.

Hollywood Beach

Located in Broward County 30 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is famous for its historic beachfront promenade. Extending 2.5 miles alongside the sand, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a wonderful place to dig into the seaside town’s culture scene. Along the oceanfront walkway, you’ll slip past an array of restaurants and dozens of shops.

The calm waters of Hollywood Beach are a favorite for spring break and, during the rest of the year, Florida family vacations. Besides splashing around, you’ll also find plenty to do here. It’s one of the best beaches along Florida’s East Coast for learning how to surf thanks to its soft sand and gentle surf.

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After a day on the sand, bring your appetite to one of Hollywood Beach’s excellent beachside restaurants. If you want to stay the night, the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a superb place to lay your head.

Hillsboro Beach

Hillsboro Beach is most notable for its “Millionaire’s Mile.” The main road, officially called Hillsboro Mile, is adorned with luxurious mansions on both sides. Visitors and locals love to ogle the homes before heading to the colorful shoreline.

The soft, sandy beaches and green-blue water of Hillsboro Beach make it one of the more popular beaches to visit around Fort Lauderdale. The pristine conditions make it ideal for kids and perfect for bodyboarding. For an extended stay, you’ll find plenty of beach equipment rentals nearby.

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Got extra time? Carve out time to visit the Hillsboro Lighthouse or take a boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Hallandale Beach

To locals, Hallandale Beach is affectionately referred to simply as Hallandale. Just 30 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County beach town is most famous for its horse races and the greyhound racetrack at the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino.

The award-winning beach is home to the famous 135-foot-tall Beach Ball Water Tower. In the area, you’ll also find parks & playgrounds, bocce ball courts, public showers, and bathrooms.

Hallandale Beach splits into South City Beach Park and North City Beach Park. Both are equally fun & entertaining and offer popular activities like deep-sea fishing.

North Ocean Park

Located north of Pompano Beach, North Ocean Park is a beautiful sandy stretch of sand along the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside its crystalline waters, you’ll dazzle at breathtaking views of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, dating back to 1907.

North Ocean Park is also a popular spot for kitesurfing. In favorable conditions, you can see dozens of kiteboarders zig-zagging through the water. Boaters, swimmers, and snorkelers will also enjoy launching their water adventures from North Ocean Park.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Formerly John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is home to one of Broward County’s most popular Blue Wave beaches. The park’s beautiful mangrove-lined waterways showcase a major dedication to habitat conservation. Paddle along them to catch glimpses of its preserved native Floridan flora & wildlife.

There are loads of activities to do in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, rollerblading, and running. At its popular shoreline, you’ll also enjoy plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Didn’t bring your own equipment? Head over to Whiskey Creek Hideout for kayak and paddleboard rentals. You may even be able to time your visit with one of the outfitter’s eco-tours through the mangroves.

Delray Beach

Located in Palm Beach County north of Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach is a South Florida hotspot for vacationers in the know. The popular beach is one of the finest stretches of sand on Florida’s Atlantic Coast and a must-visit if you want to escape the busier shorelines further south.

To experience Delray Beach at its best, head up South Ocean Blvd to Atlantic Dunes Park. Walk on the boardwalk and nature trail over the dunes to enjoy the pristine shore, manned by lifeguards.

After splashing around the turquoise waters and lazing on the soft sand, make your way to Atlantic Avenue. The town’s main drag is chock-loaded with boutiques and art galleries along with plenty of trendy restaurants and bars.

Las Olas Beach

Want a less-crowded stretch of sand without escaping the city center? Beeline for Las Olas Beach. Located on the eastern edge of Las Olas Boulevard, the narrow sandy shores are a great alternative from the city’s main beach areas further north.

While Las Olas Beach is quieter by day, the scene at night can get a little more rambunctious—especially during spring break. If you don’t want to participate in the shoreline festivities, walk west along Las Olas Boulevard to indulge in some of the city’s top-rated restaurants & bars.

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