The best beaches near Fort Lauderdale

You can’t visit Fort Lauderdale without visiting the beach with the same name. There’s plenty to do on this stretch of sand, which runs a little over a mile from the infamous Las Olas Boulevard. Along the shore you’ll find people learning how to surf, paddle board and even taking part in underwater adventures like snorkeling. The area is also known for its high-class hotels like the W Fort Lauderdale and the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, as well as incredible restaurants, many of which boast beach-front views.

Along the shores of Hollywood Beach you’ll find Oceanfront Boardwalk. This walkable path is home to dozens of hotels and restaurants located just steps away from the sand. Many of the restaurants in this area are known for serving stone crabs, which are a local delicacy that are only available from October to May. When the sun gets to be too much at the beach, head inside to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort and live your best Jimmy Buffet life — it's 5 o’clock somewhere.

Deerfield Beach is located in the northern part of Broward County and is known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Along the International Fishing Pier you can watch local fisherman at work or try your hand at catching something yourself. As you walk along the beach, take in the salty air and the smells from the beachside restaurants. One worth visiting is The Whale’s Rib, which was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The place always has a line, but it moves quickly and the fresh seafood is worth the wait.

The iconic lighthouse at Hillsboro Beach is a perfect spot for your daily Instagram photo. You can tour the lighthouse and climb the 175 steps to get panoramic views of the ocean. This area is also known as a sea turtle nesting ground, so if you’re visiting between March and October you may see tiny turtles hatching and making their way to the water (especially if you’re out exploring late at night).

Pompano Beach is a fantastic diving spot thanks to the 18 shipwrecks that happened just offshore. The area is also big into sport fishing – consider chartering a boat to take you out into the open ocean if you want to try your hand at catching 'the big one.' Along the sandy beachfront you’ll find your standard array of restaurants and high-rise hotels with ocean views. 

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds consider Dania Beach’s Ocean Park. The beach has a marina and pier where you can park your boat or bring your fishing pole to catch a few fish next to expert fisherman. When it’s time for a bite to eat, head to Quarterdeck Restaurant, which is located on the pier. Or bring your own picnic of sandwiches and snacks to have lunch right on the sandy beach with uninterrupted views of the ocean.

Hallandale Beach is the last beach in Broward County before crossing into Miami. The beach has two distinct parks, South City and North City. South City Beach Park is known as a family destination with a kids play area, volleyball courts and outdoor pavilion. North City Beach Park is slightly smaller, but is a foodie dream with restaurants like ETARU Restuarant, a waterfront Japanese establishment that is known for incredible sushi and freshly caught fish. At its open central grill guests can see their meal being cooked right in front of them.