Greater Fort Lauderdale, famously known as the "Venice of America," boasts an extensive waterway network similar to the ancient Italian city. While its canals and waterways have made Fort Lauderdale famous, it's the local beaches that truly make the area a travel destination in its own right.
Stretching for more than 24 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, Florida's Gold Coast features some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country. While every beach features sparkling, soft golden sand and crashing turquoise waves, each beachfront offers its own distinct atmosphere. If you are one of the many travelers looking to spend a day at one of the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale, you will find that options range from quiet beaches, perfect for enjoying some light reading, to a more lively atmosphere where you can sip on an umbrella drink by the water.
Our guide to the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale will help you pick the perfect place to relax in the warm sunshine and enjoy the ocean breeze that South Florida is known for.
Quietest Beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale
As a tourist destination, Greater Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from around the globe, which means that many of its beaches boast a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. However, sometimes you just need a day at the beach that is quiet, peaceful and serene.
If you are in search of a stretch of coastline where you don't have to compete for a spot on the beach, consider one of the quiet beaches in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Dania Beach
- Address: 300 N. Beach Rd., Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Best For: People who don't want to have to show up at sunrise to get a spot on the beach.
- Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport - Dania Beach
Considered to be a hidden gem near Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is often described as the most peaceful beach on the Gold Coast. At other more popular beaches, you may find yourself having to get up early in order to snag a great spot with an excellent view. The competition is not as fierce at Dania Beach, appealing to travelers who want to leave the fret and frenzy back home. After a serene day on the ocean, cap off your time in Dania Beach with a scoop of ice cream at Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, which has been serving beachgoers their favorite frozen concoctions since 1956.
2. Hallandale Beach
- Address: 2800 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
- Best For: Vacationers who enjoy the finer things in life and who want a truly luxurious beach experience.
Where to Stay: The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Situated just south of Hollywood Beach and just north of Miami, Hallandale Beach is a luxurious oasis along the Gold Coast. Elegance and grandeur meet on the soft sands of the ocean in this exceptional town, which has long welcomed high-end travelers searching for a peaceful and private escape.
In Hallandale Beach, you can choose from two distinct beach parks. South City is a favorite among families, as it is home to the city's public volleyball courts and an inviting playground. North City is an oceanfront beach with an intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples who are looking forward to a more laid-back beach experience.
True to its sophisticated nature, Hallandale Beach is home to many excellent restaurants. From oceanfront dining experiences to dimly lit romantic restaurants, there is a restaurant for every occasion in Hallandale Beach. Consider making a reservation at AAA Diamond-designated restaurants, Juniper on the Water or Padrino's - Hallandale.
Family-Friendly Beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Going to the beach is a rite of passage for most families, with people from across the country and around the world coming to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy some quality time on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Choosing a beach that caters to families is essential, as this will allow you and your kids to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline while making memories together that will last a lifetime.
Consider visiting one of the top family-friendly beaches in Fort Lauderdale.
3. Deerfield Beach
- Address: 200 N.E. 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
- Best For: Travelers who want to enjoy a fun, family-friendly atmosphere on the beach.
Where to Stay: Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
When you arrive in Deerfield Beach, you may feel as if you have stepped back in time to a simpler era, when fun in the sun was the only way to spend a summer afternoon. Everywhere you turn you will see families enjoying their time together. From young children toddling in the surf while holding their parents' hands to young people tossing a Frisbee into the air, Deerfield Beach is a place where families can disconnect from the world around them and reconnect with one another.
Deerfield Beach allows you to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Most vacationers will spend their days building sandcastles with their children, searching for seashells along the shoreline or learning how to paddleboard. The International Fishing Pier is a favorite among travelers of all ages, with the ever-popular underwater camera offering insight into the creatures who are swimming beneath the ocean waves.
4. Hollywood Beach
- Address: 101 S. Broadwalk, Hollywood, FL 33019
- Best For: Travelers who want to enjoy a lively, vibrant atmosphere while experiencing the local culture.
- Where to Stay: The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Oozing with coastal charm, Hollywood Beach is a quintessential Florida beach town. Famous for its iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that stretches along the edge of the sand, this beach town is perfect for families and adults alike, giving people a place to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach as well as the comforts of modern life.
A day on Hollywood Beach may look different depending on the types of activities that you enjoy. Some people prefer to rent a bicycle and ride along the broadwalk, while others prefer to set up a beach chair and listen to the waves crash against the shore with their families. There's no right or wrong way to spend your time in Hollywood Beach, as long as you take the time you need to appreciate the energy and beauty of this community.
With many different cafés and restaurants, it's almost impossible to choose where to eat. Avoid having to choose by taking the Hollywood Beach Food Tour. This walking tour takes you to five incredible dining locations in Hollywood Beach, allowing you to sample seafood dishes, Latin-inspired culinary creations and savory American fare.
Beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale for Water Sports
There are several iconic Fort Lauderdale area beaches to choose from those who would rather be in the water instead of relaxing in the sand under the shade of an umbrella. The beaches that are best for people who love water sports provide plenty of opportunity for adventure, allowing you to enjoy a day at the beach that is exciting and reinvigorating.
These are the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale for adventure-seekers.
5. Pompano Beach
- Address: 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062
- Best For: Those who want to snorkel among coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Where to Stay: Tru by Hilton Pompano Beach Pier
When you imagine a day on the beach in Florida, you may picture sinking your toes into the warm, golden sand and relaxing under the shade of a beach umbrella. But those who want to skip the sand and get straight into the water will find that Pompano Beach is one of the best beaches in the Fort Lauderdale area for water activities.
With coral reefs that are within reach of the shoreline, Pompano Beach is a favorite among snorkelers. Whether you have your own gear or you rent equipment when you arrive, you will find that a snorkeling excursion allows you to see the vibrant beauty of the reefs in this area and is one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale. While the reefs are inviting, the numerous shipwrecks in the area juxtapose the natural beauty. There are more than 18 shipwrecks off the Pompano Beach coast, and if you are interested in learning more about them, book a guided snorkeling or scuba diving tour.
6. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach
- Address: 4229 N. Ocean Dr., Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308
- Best For: Those in search of small-town vibes and a beach experience that offers plenty of opportunity for adventure.
- Where to Stay: Plunge Beach Resort
Travelers who are searching for a truly local experience in Fort Lauderdale will love Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Often described as a walkable seaside village, this charming town features an idyllic beach and plenty of amenities.
Adventurers will be delighted by the fact that the shipwreck snorkel trail is located along this beach. When you swim along this trail, you can spot many iconic shipwrecks below, such as the wreckage of a British cargo steamer that sank at the turn of the 20th century. The shipwrecks are reachable by boat while the Anglin's Pier Reef is reachable from the shore. (Note that Anglin's Pier, the reef's namesake, is closed.)
After a day of thrills in the water, you deserve to enjoy a premier dining experience. The Blue Moon Fish Co. is a fine dining restaurant featuring waterfront views and serving fresh seafood creations. This AAA Three Diamond-designated restaurant also boasts homemade desserts, so make sure you leave room for a sweet treat at the end of your meal.
Best Beaches in Greater Fort Lauderdale for a Lively Atmosphere
If beachside bars, competitive volleyball games and the energy of a bustling shore filled with fellow beachgoers sounds like your scene, consider making a trip to one of the livelier beaches in Fort Lauderdale. These stretches of sand attract both locals and tourists alike, who are looking to socialize, people-watch or sip cocktails by the ocean while today's top hits blend seamlessly with the sound of the crashing waves.
7. Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Address: 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Best For: Vacationers who want to experience the heart of Fort Lauderdale and who don't mind the crowds.
- Where to Stay: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Stretching for three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale Beach is the largest and most well-known beach in Fort Lauderdale. Arguably the most prominent tourist attraction in the city, the beach is a hotbed of activity throughout the year, so travelers can expect to be sharing the sand with plenty of people.
Despite the crowds, Fort Lauderdale Beach boasts a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you want to put up your umbrella and pick up the latest beach read, or you want to stroll along the surf, you will find that Fort Lauderdale Beach is a quintessential Floridian destination.
For a bird's eye view of the beach — and an unbelievably thrilling experience — book a 90-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure. This tour allows you to see the Gold Coast from hundreds of feet in the air, leaving you with a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Whether you spent your day relaxing on the sand and in the surf, or you opted for a beachfront adventure, you can cap off your evening at Coconuts. This local favorite offers waterfront views and a delicious dining experience, making it one of the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale.
8. Las Olas Beach
- Address: 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Best For: Beachgoers who want to experience shopping, dining and plenty of local entertainment throughout the day.
- Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
While Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier beach in the city, many tourists find that Las Olas Beach has the energy that they are looking for. This intimate oceanside park is where all the best activities and events take place in Fort Lauderdale. During the day, you can spend your time enjoying the public green spaces in the park, including the Intracoastal Promenade and the Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace. On any given evening, you will be able to discover live music at multiple restaurants, allowing you to soak up the city's eclectic energy.
9. Canine Beach
- Address: 1269 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Best For: Pet parents who believe that their dog deserves the chance to experience Florida's Gold Coast as well.
Where to Stay: Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
While not as lively in the traditional sense, Canine Beach will certainly be exciting with all the furry friends splashing in the water. Visitors who have included their dogs as part of their travel party will be delighted to find out that there are many pet-friendly hotels and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale as well as this designated dog beach.
Canine Beach is a municipal beach in Fort Lauderdale that provides dogs and their human parents with exclusive access to a stretch of oceanfront to enjoy. The Canine Beach is a 100-yard stretch of beach that is open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day as well as from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each evening. All dogs must remain on a leash and must be vaccinated and licensed.
If you take the time to travel outside the city, you will find that there are many other coastal towns worth visiting like Pompano Beach, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. From family-friendly locales to luxurious destinations, the beach towns on the Gold Coast are both inviting and intriguing.
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