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.
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.
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.
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.
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.