Lauderdale-by-the-Sea FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida.
1. El Prado Park Beach
POPULAR BEACHFRONT GATEWAY
El Prado Park Beach is the area's most popular beachfront park offering ADA accessible walkways via Mobi-mats that extend from the park to the beach. The park is equipped with showers, benches, paved walkways, shaded Addy chairs, and a grassy lawn perfect for relaxation. Visitors appreciate the convenience of the Mobi-mat which provides a nonslip path for strollers and wagons while being barefoot friendly to avoid hot sand.
2. Washingtonia Park Beach
SHADED BEACH ACCESS
Washingtonia Park Beach is located at the intersection of El Mar Drive and Washingtonia Avenue, providing a peaceful access point to the town's beautiful shoreline. The park features trees and benches, offering visitors a shaded retreat before or after beach activities. Washingtonia serves as one of the many portals to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's 2.4 miles of stunning sandy beaches.
3. Beach Pavilion
LAIDBACK COMMUNAL SPACE
Beach Pavilion is a relaxed communal space along Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's beautiful shoreline offering games and lounge chairs for visitors to enjoy. This oceanfront plaza provides a convenient gathering spot for beach-goers looking to take a break from the sun and sand. The pavilion contributes to the town's reputation as a charming, walkable beach destination with easy access to its 2.5 miles of pristine beachfront.
4. Anglin's Fishing Pier Beach
HISTORIC PIER VIEWS
Anglin's Fishing Pier Beach sits at the base of the longest pier in South Florida, though the pier itself is currently closed due to hurricane damage with restoration plans underway. Visitors can still enjoy the Beach Café at the entrance of the pier, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and live music seven days a week. The surrounding beach area remains a popular destination for sunbathers and swimmers who appreciate the historic atmosphere and ocean views.
5. Ocean Plaza
CENTRAL BEACHFRONT HUB
Ocean Plaza offers residents and visitors a central gathering place along Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's beautiful Atlantic coastline. The plaza provides easy access to the town's 2.4 miles of sandy beaches while serving as a vibrant recreational hub. Visitors appreciate the convenience of this well-positioned waterfront space that exemplifies the town's commitment to great recreational opportunities.
6. Fort Lauderdale Beach
ICONIC PALM-LINED SHORE
Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches along a picturesque coastline with its iconic wave wall and palm-lined promenade just south of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. The beach features crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and water activities, with nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, clean shoreline, and excellent facilities including lifeguards, restrooms, and shower stations.
7. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
URBAN OASIS LAGOON
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a freshwater lagoon perfect for paddling and fishing in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. This urban oasis provides a stark contrast to the nearby ocean beaches with its lush vegetation, walking trails, and peaceful waterways. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the mile-long freshwater lagoon while spotting local wildlife in this natural retreat.
8. Deerfield Beach
BLUE WAVE AWARD WINNER
Deerfield Beach is a Blue Wave Award-winning beach known for its clean shoreline, excellent water quality, and well-maintained facilities just north of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. The beach features a beautiful fishing pier, volleyball courts, and a scenic beachfront promenade perfect for walking or jogging. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, lifeguard protection, and the vibrant International Fishing Pier that extends into the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Pompano Beach
DIVING AND FISHING PARADISE
Pompano Beach offers clear waters and golden sands along with one of the most accessible coral reef systems in the nation, making it popular with divers and snorkelers. The revitalized beachfront features a modern playground, interactive water fountain, exercise equipment, and volleyball courts. Fishing enthusiasts are drawn to the 1,000-foot fishing pier while families enjoy the gentle surf and clean, wide shoreline.
10. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT PRESERVE
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (formerly John U. Lloyd Beach State Park) features 2.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront with historical significance as Broward County's designated "colored beach" during the segregation era. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience both ocean swimming and the calm waters of Whiskey Creek, a manatee sanctuary running through the park. Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing from the jetty, and observing diverse coastal ecosystems in this natural haven.