Fort Lauderdale Beachfront

The Basics

Lined by a wave wall and promenade, Fort Lauderdale’s coastline boasts six different beaches along with an abundance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. Check out family-friendly Deerfield Beach, trendy Fort Lauderdale Beach, and adventure-focused Hallandale Beach, where you can book boat and fishing charters.

Also along the beachfront, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park—known as Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park”—features a freshwater lagoon popular with kayakers, cyclists, and fishers. And if you’re a scuba diver, head just north of Fort Lauderdale to the small town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are less hectic than Miami’s, making them a popular destination for families and those looking for a quieter scene.

• Fort Lauderdale is an easy day excursion for cruise passengers arriving at or departing from nearby Port Everglades.

• There are no fees to access the beachfront.

How to Get There

The Fort Lauderdale beachfront is located between Palm Beach and Miami, along Florida’s Atlantic coastline. You’ll find Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach in the north, and Hollywood and Hallandale Beach in the south. Rideshares, water taxis, and the bright yellow and red Sun Trolley make getting around fairly easy.

When to Get There

Expect the biggest crowds in Fort Lauderdale from December to April, when many people from the north flock to the area; this is also when you’ll experience the most pleasant weather. Hurricane season is from June to the end of November, so plan your trip accordingly.

Why You Should Visit Las Olas Boulevard

In downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is replete with restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops, making it a go-to place for travelers and residents alike. Water taxis are readily available there, and are a scenic way to explore the city’s waterways. Just east of the boulevard, Las Olas Beach tends to be more crowded than Fort Lauderdale’s other beaches.

Ways to explore

Many visitors explore the Fort Lauderdale Beachfront on guided experiences, ranging from sunset cruises and yacht tours with sandbar stops to snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park—often called the city’s “Central Park”—offers kayaking, cycling, and fishing in a peaceful lagoon setting. Scuba divers often head north to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, while nearby Deerfield, Hallandale, and Fort Lauderdale Beach offer family-friendly shores, as well as the perfect setting for bike rides, Segway tours, and even scenic helicopter flights.

Accessibility

The beachfront promenade area is generally flat and accessible to wheelchair users, but beach access points vary depending on where you are.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, towel, bottled water, snacks

What to wear

Swimwear, sandals, hat, light cover-up

Not allowed

Drones, littering, disturbing marine life

Amenities

Restrooms, cafés, shops

Address 

The Fort Lauderdale beachfront is located between Palm Beach and Miami, along Florida’s Atlantic coastline. Rideshares, water taxis, and the LauderGO! Community Shuttle make getting around fairly easy.

Driving

From Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, it takes around 35 minutes if you travel on the I-95N to get to the main beachfront strip. Parking is mostly paid street parking and garages, so getting there early in the day helps.

Public transportation

There are various transit stops depending on where on the beachfront you want to visit. The LauderGO! Community Shuttle is free and covers many areas of the city—be sure to look up the Beach Link route.

Best times to visit

Early mornings are cooler and less crowded than the peak afternoons. Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends. Come on Mondays through Thursdays to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

Crowds flock to Fort Lauderdale from December to April as these months usually have the most pleasant weather. Avoid hurricane season—typically June through November.

Special events

There are beachfront events throughout the year, such as the Tortuga Music Festival in April, with music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.