Beaches near Fort Lauderdale

What would Florida be without its beaches? Thanks to its position between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida has almost limitless options for enjoying some time by the water. Fort Lauderdale lies on the eastern side of the state with the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, and it enjoys the same tropical climate as nearby Miami, meaning there is no shortage of warm sunny days perfect for spending some time swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or playing beach sports. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is just north and is quieter for those preferring to be away from the action.

Miami often steals the show, but Fort Lauderdale has some truly spectacular beaches that rival any in the United States. Although the waters of the Atlantic are a little cooler than those in the Gulf of Mexico, you can find plenty of places here that are ideal for swimming. While the rest of the US endures winter, Florida is a great place to visit, with November to April offering an escape from the heat of summer and dryer days with less chance of storms. Really, though, there's no bad time to visit Florida.

4 great beaches near Fort Lauderdale

There are so many fantastic beaches near Fort Lauderdale, you really can't miss. From Hollywood Beach to Hallandale Beach, and of course Fort Lauderdale Beach Park itself, you'll be spoilt for choice. Whether you want to enjoy jet skiing, beach volleyball courts, and lively nightclubs, or would rather go looking for sea turtles in a hidden cove, Fort Lauderdale has the perfect beach for you.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, just 30 minutes north of Miami and a short drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (about 15 minutes). If you're staying downtown, the beach is easily accessible by car, bicycle, or the Sun Trolley, which provides convenient transportation along the beach and downtown area. Several public parking lots and street parking options are available near the beach, though they can fill up during peak times.

Fort Lauderdale Beach is best known for its pristine, wide sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's truly one of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida. The beach spans more than seven miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. One of the beach’s standout features is its iconic, palm-lined promenade, which is perfect for walking, jogging, or rollerblading while enjoying ocean views. The gentle waves and warm waters make it ideal for swimming and water sports, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and snorkeling.

Unlike the more party-oriented atmosphere of nearby Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a more relaxed and family-friendly vibe, though there’s still plenty of energy and entertainment. Its Blue Wave certification ensures top-notch water quality and beach cleanliness, which should suit every beachgoer.

Beyond the beach itself, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area. The lively beachfront promenade is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, where you can enjoy a drink or meal with ocean views. Las Olas Boulevard is the place for upscale shopping, dining, and galleries, perfect for a post-beach stroll. And you can stop by Las Olas Beach right next to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

If you're into water sports, many rental shops along the beach offer rental equipment for jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant coral reefs are just offshore, so make sure to bring your snorkel! You can also take a boat tour or yacht charter to explore the famous Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway, known as the "Venice of America," with its picturesque canals and waterfront mansions.

Because Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is so easily accessible from the city, it's tempting to head here as soon as possible. But first, you need to choose what to do with your things. Don't worry if you're too early to check into your hotel or vacation rental; Bounce partners with local businesses to provide convenient Fort Lauderdale luggage storage so you can leave the bags behind and focus on enjoying yourself.

South City Beach Park, Fort Lauderdale

South City Beach Park is located just south of Fort Lauderdale in Hallandale Beach. It's easy to add this picturesque spot whether you're staying in either Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The park is about a 30-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale and around 20 minutes from Miami’s northern suburbs. If you're driving, there’s a convenient large parking lot right at the beach. To secure a spot, get here early on weekends.

South City Beach Park is a smaller, quieter beach compared to the more bustling Fort Lauderdale Beach. Known for its clean, well-maintained facilities and soft, golden sand, the park provides a peaceful escape for those seeking a relaxing day by the ocean. The beach’s calm waters are great for splashing around, swimming, wading, and beach activities, especially for families with children.

The park also boasts excellent amenities, including picnic areas, outdoor showers, clean restrooms, and a playground for kids. There’s a fitness area with outdoor gym equipment for those who like to stay active, as well as sand volleyball courts for some beach sports fun.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Etaru Restaurant is located right on the beachfront and has a menu of modern Japanese cuisine paired with stunning ocean views. For a more casual option, there are plenty of cafes and snack stands nearby where you can grab ice cream, snacks, or cold drinks to enjoy on the beach.

Sometimes, relaxing on the beach is the perfect way to prepare for your flight out of town. But you don't want to carry heavy bags to the beach with you, so let Bounce and our network of local partners look after your extra things for you.

Hillsboro Beach

Located about 20 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale and 10 minutes south of Boca Raton, Hillsboro Beach is a perfect place to spend a waterside day. The beach is accessible via Hillsboro Boulevard, which connects to the main A1A coastal road. While there’s limited public access and parking due to the exclusive residential area, nearby public beaches like Deerfield Beach offer parking and are just a short distance from Hillsboro Beach.

Hillsboro Beach is known for its quiet, exclusive, and residential vibe, which isn't the case when compared to the busier beaches in South Florida. The beach stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and features pristine sandy shores with calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The area’s most iconic feature is the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, a historic landmark that provides a stunning backdrop for beachgoers and an important point of navigation for ships entering the Hillsboro Inlet.

What sets Hillsboro Beach apart is its peaceful atmosphere. It is a place to escape the crowds and enjoy a more private, tranquil experience, often frequented by locals or residents of the nearby luxury homes. When you want a quiet, laid-back beach day without the hustle and bustle of busier tourist spots, this is the spot for you.

If you’re up for a scenic walk or bike ride, the A1A road along Hillsboro Beach is lined with picturesque waterfront mansions, giving you a glimpse of South Florida’s luxury living while enjoying ocean views. For nature lovers, the nearby Deerfield Island Park, accessible by ferry, provides walking trails and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

In this largely residential area, you might think it would be hard to find a place to leave your things. But thanks to Bounce's partnership with local businesses near all the major Fort Lauderdale beaches, you can easily find somewhere to leave the heavy bags behind. Drop off your bags with us so you can make the most of your time here.

Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is set in northern Broward County, about 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and 35 miles north of Miami. It’s easily accessible by car via I-95 or A1A, with the drive from Fort Lauderdale taking about 20-25 minutes. There are plenty of public parking lots available close to the beach. If you’re coming by public transportation, the Tri-Rail system connects to Pompano Beach Station from Fort Lauderdale in 15 minutes, and local buses can take you to the beach.

One of the most distinctive features of the beach is its well-maintained beachfront and the recent improvements to the Pompano Beach Pier, which offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and is perfect for fishing or a relaxing stroll.

The beach has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, with less of the crowd and noise often found in nearby Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and it’s also a popular spot for water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing, like pretty much all the beaches near Fort Lauderdale.

If you're into snorkeling or diving, Pompano Beach is part of the “Gold Coast” of Florida, known for its beautiful coral reefs just offshore. The area has been dubbed the “Wreck Capital of Florida” due to the numerous shipwrecks that have become popular dive sites. You can book snorkeling or diving tours to explore these underwater treasures.

This is another of the greater Fort Lauderdale beaches that you really ought to make time to see. Leave the bags behind with Bounce so you can explore this wonderful beach hands-free.

Remember that wherever you go in Florida, whether that's big cities like Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, or Miami or smaller beach towns like Dania Beach and Hillsboro Beach, you'll always have a place to store your excess bags and other items with Bounce.