Pompano Beach, Florida is one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s emerging beachside communities, drawing visitors and new residents with its sandy beaches, buzzing pier, thriving dining scene, and plenty of things to do. For your next trip to Pompano Beach, here is a curated three-day itinerary of exciting experiences not to be missed.
DAY 1
Start the day with breakfast at Amy’s French Bakery & Bistro, a casual and locally driven cafe serving pastries, crepes, hot and cold sandwiches, and all-day hearty breakfast meals. The spot is so popular that it ranked No. 34 on Yelp for the best places to eat in the United States!
After enjoying the morning at Amy’s, head east to Pompano Beach for fun in the sun. The three-mile stretch of beach, which is lifeguard-protected, provides views of the Greater Fort Lauderdale coastline and plenty of space to put out your beach towels and beach chairs to soak in some rays. Or, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean for some swimming, or bust out the boogie boards and skimboards for some water sports.
Lunch is just a few steps away from the beach, with a row of restaurants along the pier available. Lucky Fish is a popular choice, an alfresco, tiki-style restaurant that allows you to throw on a swimsuit cover-up or a towel and order a cold tropical cocktail. There’s sure to be live music playing as you enjoy a plate of their famous ahi tuna nachos.
As the sun starts to dip into the horizon, watch the sky turn colors while walking along Fisher Family Pier. At almost 900 feet long, there are paintings of local marine life, and black-and-white photos of what the pier looked like in the ‘60s. Plus, from a bird’s-eye view, the pier is actually in the shape of a pompano fish, with a fishing hole at the end serving as its eye!
Downtown Pompano will buzz with excitement starting in October 2024 as Old Town Untapped resumes on the first Friday of each month. This popular craft and beer fair features live music and local vendors selling art, clothing, homewares, and vintage finds. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you dance to the music, grab a bite from the food trucks, and explore the latest exhibit at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center.
If your travels bring you to Pompano Beach in November, be sure to make time for the city’s annual Drone Show Extravaganza that lights up the skies above the Atlantic Ocean. Check out other annual events here!
DAY 2
After a full day of fun in Pompano Beach, get a slow start and make reservations for brunch at Beach House, a popular two-story restaurant along the beach. The eatery offers both indoor and outdoor dining, with pristine views of the ocean. On the menu, guests can expect American favorites with a Floribbean twist, and for 25 dollars, guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas.
After brunch, gather the swimsuits and snorkel gear because this city is considered the “Wreck Capital“ of Florida. Between its thriving natural reefs and the eighteen wrecks off the coast, there’s plenty to explore underwater. Lady Luck and Okinawa both sunk off the shores of Pompano Beach, and artists frequently add sculptures and fun discoveries for divers and snorkelers to encounter.
For dinner, gather the crew for a meal and live music at Galuppi’s, located within the Pompano Beach municipal golf course. The menu features dishes like beer-battered fish and chips, firecracker shrimp, goat cheese-encrusted lollipop lamb chops, and more. Opt for indoor or outdoor dining, but with the latter, guests have the chance to hit the dance floor with a lively band on stage.
DAY 3
Pompano Beach has a growing beer scene, and the largest brewery in the city is 26º Brewing. At more than 21,000 square feet with a 4,600-square-foot taproom and a 54-foot-long bar, even the biggest gatherings will feel comfortable here, including groups with children and dogs. Try a flight of beers to discover your favorite brew — maybe the Pompano Ale or Ziko’s Rage?
Make dinner reservations at South Bar & Kitchen, one of the newer additions to Pompano Beach’s growing dining scene. From the same foodies who brought Yot Bar & Kitchen and Jet Runway Cafe to Greater Fort Lauderdale, South Bar & Kitchen serves up elevated southern favorites in a trendy space. Inside, cozy up in emerald green banquettes or sit beneath a banyan tree outside. Live music is also regularly featured at South Bar & Kitchen (?).
For your final night in Pompano Beach, test your luck at the slots at Harrah’s Pompano Beach. The sprawling casino includes three dining options, more than 1,200 slot machines, and over 40 live-action poker tables. It’s no wonder that Harrah’s was voted Friendliest Casino and the Casino Where You Feel the Luckiest!
As you bid farewell to Pompano Beach, you carry the unforgettable experiences of this thriving coastal community. From exploring shipwrecks and savoring fresh seafood to sipping craft beers and trying your luck at the casino, Pompano Beach offers diverse activities that cater to everyone under the sun. This three-day itinerary is just the beginning—there’s always more to discover in Greater Fort Lauderdale.