Greater Fort Lauderdale Beach Guide for First-Time Visitors

Renowned for the Dania Beach Fishing Pier, this beach is perfect for anglers, sunbathers, swimmers, and  those who want to capture stunning sunset photos. Following your visit, head over to the nationally recognized Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant for a sweet treat. Once you indulge in this local gem, you'll quickly understand why this shop  is always at the top of things to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

This coastal community is ideal for families seeking relaxation by the shore while enjoying sandcastle building, seashell collecting, volleyball playing, and swimming. The crown jewel is the nearly 1,000-foot Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier. Rent a fishing rod and hang out on the pier for the day. See what’s swimming 30 feet below the pier without going underwater thanks to the pier’s livestream  footage showcasing sea life in real-time.

Whether visiting Fort Lauderdale for the first time or the fifth, Fort Lauderdale beach should always be on your list. It’s the headquarters for year-round happenings like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), so there’s always something to explore once you’ve finished laying out in the sun. Catch the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers Antiques and Artisan Market on Saturday, enjoy a light bite at Park & Ocean inside Hugh Taylor Birch Park, or grab a nightcap at the Living Room at the W Fort Lauderdale.

Hallandale Beach is home to all things racing, thanks to Gulfstream Park, but it also boasts a great culinary scene and beautiful beaches. If you visit, choose between South City Beach Park and North City Beach Park to set up for the day; both offer excellent amenities to enhance your beach outing. After the beach, enjoy dinner at nearby ETARU, a contemporary restaurant known for its modern Japanese cuisine and robatayaki grill. Alternatively, eat at the newly opened KAO Bar & Grill, Hallandale Beach’s first two-story container restaurant.

This quaint beach is known for its picturesque, natural setting. It’s ideal for those seeking ultimate relaxation vibes. Spend time with the family, climb up 175 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse, or keep your eyes peeled for leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtle nests, visible between March and October.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of fun and relaxation, make Hollywood Beach your pick. There’s plenty to see and do along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.2-mile-long pedestrian promenade featuring outdoor eateries, ice cream shops, and fun outposts to pop in and out of. Cool off at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort with a tasty cocktail, or head to the Hollywood Beach Theatre to catch free concerts and enjoy sweet tunes all night long. 

The family-friendly town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea offers a charming downtown area with boutiques, ice cream shops, cafes, and more. Plenty of fun awaits offshore. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is known as Florida’s Beach Diving Capital and is a popular lobster diving destination, attracting recreational divers in search of the tasty crustaceans. This year’s miniseason falls on July 26-27, before the regular season picks up on August 6. You’ll also find a three-tiered natural coral reef system offshore. Swim out from shore to go snorkeling or scuba diving and explore the diverse ocean habitat. 

Known as the “Wreck Capital“ of Florida, Pompano Beach is home to 18 dive sites and features stunning coral reefs, so it’s a must if you’re an avid snorkeler or diver. The newly constructed Fisher Family Pier is also a popular draw for fishing or a stroll. Afterward, enjoy one of the town’s popular restaurants for dinner, such as Beach House Pompano featuring stunning rooftop views, or Lucky Fish for a more laid-back, tiki-inspired experience.