By We Can Help Network
Fort Lauderdale earns its reputation as the "Venice of America" for its canals, but it's the 24 miles of Atlantic coastline that keep people coming back. Each beach along Broward County's Gold Coast has its own personality, and knowing which one fits your mood makes all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Lauderdale Beach along A1A is the area's most iconic and energetic stretch, with a wide promenade, dining, and water sports
- Lauderdale-By-The-Sea offers a laid-back, small-town vibe with some of the best snorkeling in South Florida just offshore
- Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a historic and natural gem in Dania Beach that most visitors overlook
- Hollywood Beach's 2.5-mile Broadwalk is one of the most walkable and family-friendly stretches of coastline in Broward County
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the heartbeat of the city's coastline — a wide, lively stretch along A1A lined with a promenade that draws runners, cyclists, and people-watchers year-round. It's the most social of the area's beaches and the best choice for a day that combines sun, water sports, and easy access to food and nightlife.
What to Know About Fort Lauderdale Beach
- The beachfront promenade runs the length of the beach and connects to hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops without ever requiring you to leave the waterfront
- Water sports rentals — jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and parasailing — are readily available directly on the beach
- Volleyball courts, a fitness area, a basketball court, and a playground make it one of the most activity-rich stretches of sand in South Florida
- A farmers market runs on weekends, and the beach hosts events year-round that draw a lively mix of locals and visitors
Parking fills up quickly on weekends — arrive early or use the LauderGo MicroMover electric shuttle, which runs along the beachfront from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea sits just north of Fort Lauderdale and feels like an entirely different world — a walkable barrier island community with mid-century architecture, locally owned shops, and one of the most accessible natural coral reef systems in South Florida.
What Makes Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Worth the Trip
- A three-tiered natural coral reef system begins just offshore, including a shipwreck snorkel trail featuring a British cargo steamer that sank in 1900
- Anglin's Fishing Pier operates 24 hours a day with a bait shop on site, making it a go-to for anglers at any hour
- The beach village's low-rise, no-resort character gives it a distinctly local feel that's rare this close to Fort Lauderdale
- Live music performances at the pier and walkable dining in the village make it easy to turn a beach day into a full outing
Snorkel and dive gear rentals are available near the beach for those who don't bring their own.
Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk
Hollywood Beach sits between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and offers one of the most classic South Florida beach experiences in Broward County. The 2.5-mile brick-lined Broadwalk is the centerpiece — a promenade packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, bike rentals, and entertainment venues that runs parallel to a wide, clean stretch of sand.
Why Hollywood Beach Stands Out
- The Broadwalk is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly beachfront stretches in South Florida, with rental bikes and beach cruisers available at multiple points
- Beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and open green space make it one of the most family-oriented beach destinations in the area
- The Anne Kolb Nature Center on the southern end offers a look at the coastal mangrove ecosystem and native wildlife — a worthwhile stop for those who want more than just sand
- On the fourth Sunday of each month during season (December through April), South City Beach Park hosts the Beach Entertainment Series with live local musicians
Hollywood Beach tends to be less crowded than Fort Lauderdale Beach on weekends, making it a good alternative when the main strip feels overwhelming.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Known simply as "Neighborhood Beach" by locals, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach is one of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful stretches of coastline in Broward County. Named for two civil rights leaders, this was the first beach in the country accessible to African Americans — and it remains one of the most unspoiled beach experiences near Fort Lauderdale.
What to Expect at Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
- The wide, sandy beach is flanked by coral reefs that create a natural lagoon — one of the calmer swimming environments in the area
- A boat ramp, kayak access, and nearby trails make it a strong choice for those who want activity beyond sunbathing
- The Terramar Visitor Center, built in 1940 in a Mediterranean-Art Deco style, is open weekdays and features environmental displays and local history exhibits
- Three picnic pavilions with electricity and water can accommodate groups of up to 75 — ideal for family outings away from the more crowded public beaches
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, with annual passes available for frequent visitors.
FAQs About the Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale
Which Fort Lauderdale beach is best for snorkeling?
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is the clear answer — the natural coral reef begins just 50 to 100 yards offshore and is accessible without a boat or guided tour. The shipwreck snorkel trail adds an extra layer of interest for more adventurous swimmers.
What is the most family-friendly beach in the Fort Lauderdale area?
Hollywood Beach and its Broadwalk offer the best combination of amenities for families — wide sand, bike rentals, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a walkable promenade with food options at every turn. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is also an excellent family option for those who prefer a quieter, more natural setting.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale beaches?
Winter and early spring — roughly December through April — offer the most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity. This is also peak season, so popular beaches and parking fill up faster. Early mornings on weekdays are the best strategy for a quieter experience year-round.
Live Where the Beach Is Part of the Lifestyle
Fort Lauderdale's coastline isn't just a weekend destination — it's a way of life for the people who call Broward County home. At We Can Help Network, Jeremy Willard, Ken Calhoun, and our team have spent years matching buyers and sellers to the right properties across Fort Lauderdale and all of Broward County. We specialize in residential real estate, luxury homes, investment properties, and relocation, and nobody knows this area's neighborhoods better. We don't just sell real estate. We're matchmakers.
Connect with We Can Help Network today.
Connect with We Can Help Network today.
