Sun Trolley traveling northbound next to Fort Lauderdale Beach; (c) Soul Of America
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach
DESCRIPTION: It is one of America’s most memorable beaches for having a blend of great beach weather, cleanliness, and plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants, and gift shops — facing the beach across the A1A roadway. It used to be overwhelmingly populated during college spring break, but upscale hotels replaced cheap motels and seem to have chased most of the college students away. In many ways, it’s a more family-friendly version of Miami Beach. Rent a chair and umbrella to shade against the blazing sun while taking in ocean breezes. There is plenty of room to roller-skate, grills to barbecue, and tables to host a picnic. On landslide, metered parking is strictly enforced. Don’t ruin a good time sunbathing, swimming, and sightseeing with a ticket.
ADDRESS: Harbor Drive North on AIA Highway to Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAP
Pompano Beach
DESCRIPTION: Often called the Heart of the Gold Coast, the Pompano Beach waterfront is known for its excellent boating and fishing. A pleasant bonus is the offshore coral reef accessible to scuba divers and snorkelers. Fishermen flock to the 1,000-foot-long municipal fishing pier, beachside playgrounds, grills, and picnic tables.
The annual holiday boat parade in December, the seafood festival in April, and the fishing rodeo in May are big attractions.
ADDRESS: Northern tip of Dania Beach, FL; MAP
Hallandale Beach
DESCRIPTION: In a city better known for Gulfstream horse racing, a casino, and greyhound racing, the small beachfront is overshadowed by high-rise condos and hotels. It’s great for residents, but not as much fun for visitors as nearby Hollywood Beach or Fort Lauderdale Beach.
ADDRESS: South of Hollywood Beach, Hallandale, FL MAP
Historican Dr. Kitty Oliver at Historic Colored Beach in then-named Lloyd State Park; (c) Soul Of America
Colored Beach
DESCRIPTION: Before desegregation, African Americans had limited access to the beach. They could only visit when European Americans chose not to visit. After civic activists lobbied and demonstrated in the 1950s, the northern tip of Dania Beach was purchased and designated by the county as Colored Beach in 1954. Even then, it required an undependable boat through swampland to reach the beach on an Atlantic Ocean-facing inlet. After the 1961 Wade-in at Fort Lauderdale Beach, a bridge was finally built that enabled easy access to Colored Beach. A few years later all South Florida Beaches were integrated. In 2016, John Lloyd State Park containing Colored Beach was renamed Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson State Park in honor of the civil rights activists who led the wade-ins that eventually integrated South Florida beaches.
ADDRESS: Northern tip of Dania Beach, Dania, FL MAP
Hollywood Beach
DESCRIPTION: There are more than 5 miles of palm-shaded beach with picnic tables and volleyball nets at some locations. Lifeguards are on duty, restrooms, and showers at this public beach. Arrive early for the best spots, feed the meter, or use a nearby parking lot.
ADDRESS: AIA Highway from Hallandale Beach Blvd up to John Lloyd State Recreation Area, Hollywood, FL MAP