Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

For a small, walkable beach to visit while in Greater Fort Lauderdale, choose Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. The relaxing, casual town has the breezy atmosphere of a seaside village, mid-century modern architecture, and lowrise-only development reflecting the charming style of Old Florida.

Things to Do

The beach is the heart of things to do and see in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. 




Lauderdale-by-the-sea

Public parks and oceanfront spaces are favorites for visitors and locals alike. El Prado Park is the area’s most popular beachfront park and the Beach Pavilion is another restful spot for people watching with an ocean view. Lined with Adirondack chairs and boat benches, you can sit and take it easy between beach activities or shopping in Anglin’s Square.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is Florida’s Beach Diving Capital. Just 100 yards from the beach is the first reef of a three-tiered natural coral reef system. This proximity means visitors can swim out from shore to go snorkeling or even scuba diving and explore the diverse ocean habitat.

Events

Don’t miss out on fun events in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. For the Fourth of July, the holiday kicks off with a parade in the morning, family-friendly gatherings all day, and caps off with a fireworks display launched from the beach at El Prado Park. Later in July, the town welcomes a two-day lobster season with BugFest-By-The-Sea which features lobster diving competitions, seminars, cooking demos, parties, concerts, and more. The last week of October brings Boo-By-The-Sea, a trick-or-tricking event for kids 3 to 11 years old. And, from late fall through spring, be on the lookout for the farmers market at El Prado Park and free dancing lessons at the Beach Pavilion.

Restaurants

For breakfast, pastries, and a cup of coffee, stop by Bean and Barnacle in the Plunge Beach Hotel. Casual restaurants near Anglins Pier include Anglin’s Beach Cafe for breakfast classics, seafood, and Greek-style dishes; and Aruba Beach Cafe for a surf-and-turf menu and weekday happy hour specials. For a classy yet casual restaurant, try 101 Ocean featuring a large outdoor bar, or head to Sea Watch on the Ocean, an old time Florida seafood restaurant with sweeping ocean views.

Hotels

Places to stay in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea are all within walking distance of the beach. Boutique hotels and resorts on the beach include Plunge Beach Hotel and the Sea Lord Hotel & Suites. The recently renovated High Noon Resort has two heated pools with palm-covered umbrellas and tropical landscaping. For rooms with kitchens, perhaps 4145 By the Sea Inn & Suites or the Sea Cliff Hotel will suit you. The Courtyard Villa on the Ocean has quiet and well-appointed rooms with French doors that open to private balconies; while the top-rated Beachside Village Resort serves light breakfast on weekdays and offers guests free beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and outdoor sports equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lauderdale-By-The-Sea walkable?

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Visitors and residents love Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for its walkability, with beachfront parks, bustling shops, and a diverse variety of restaurants, all connected by pedestrian friendly streets and walkways. Bike, jog, or stroll around town and take in the many sights of this charming beach community.

Can you drink alcohol on Lauderdale-By-The-Sea beach?

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Beach visitors are welcome to enjoy packed food and non-alcoholic beverages but should be aware that alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, and glass containers are prohibited on the beach. Beer, wine, and cocktails can be enjoyed at one of the many nearby beachfront restaurants. 

Do you need a car in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?

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Though ample parking is available throughout Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, the ease of getting around without a car is part of the community's unique appeal. Without a car you can people-watch at Beach Pavilion, hit the beach, pop in to one of the neighborhood's many restaurants for a bite, check out the shops at Anglin's Square, and take a stroll on the fishing pier, all in a single day.

Is Lauderdale-By-The-Sea dog-friendly?

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Thanks to its walkability and welcoming attitude, furry-friends will enjoy Lauderdale-By-The-Sea as much as their humans. Well-behaved dogs can be spotted on the outdoor patios of many local restaurants or cruising around town with their owners, though it's important to note that the beach is restricted to humans only.

Where is Lauderdale-By-The-Sea located?

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The entire town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is located on a barrier island east of the Intracoastal. Nestled between Fort Lauderdale to the South, Pompano to the North, and the Village of Sea-Ranch-Lakes on the west, the town covers just under one square mile and spans approximately 6 blocks across from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic.

Does Lauderdale by the sea have a boardwalk?

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While Lauderdale-By-The-Sea doesn't have an official boardwalk, visitors can enjoy 2.5 miles of beautiful beachfront, perfect for strolling and taking in the area's natural beauty. Other beachfront attractions include Anglin's Fishing Pier, the longest pier in South Florida (currently closed due to damage by Hurricane Nicole); and Beach Pavilion, a laidback communal space with games and lounge chairs.

Is Anglin’s Fishing Pier open?

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Though the historic pier remains closed to the public after sustaining damage from Hurricane Nicole in 2022, plans to rebuild and restore it to its former glory are currently underway. Visitors can still enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and live music, seven days a week at Beach Café, located at the entrance of the pier. 

Does Lauderdale-by-the-sea have a webcam?

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A live feed of the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea beach is available by webcam broadcasting from the Windjammer Resort Hotel. Check it out here