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Broward Beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Las Olas Blvd. & A1A
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-828-5346
The world-famous Where the Boys Are beach stretches 3.5 miles, offering swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling along three reefs, as well as shops, restaurants, bars and hotels to the south, quieter stretches to the north and a dog-friendly beach in between. The north end, from around Las Olas to Oakland Park Boulevard, is quieter and unguarded for part of its length, with no restrooms. More facilities are in South Beach Park, which starts south of Las Olas and extends south to Holiday Drive. Directions: Take Las Olas, Sunrise or Oakland Park boulevards east. Beach conditions hotline: 954-828-4597. Beach patrol headquarters: 954-828-4595. Parking permit office: 954-828-3700.
Facilities: South Beach Park has restrooms, showers, picnic tables and grills, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, exercise course and playgrounds. The northern stretch of beach has showers, a sand playground, a sand volleyball court at Sunrise Boulevard, along with beach chair rentals as well as Seadoos, aerial kites, kayaks and catamarans. There's a free boat ramp for non-motorized craft just north of the South Beach entrance. A beach wheelchair is available at Sebastian Street. Call beach patrol headquarters in advance to arrange wheelchair. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, dogs are allowed on the beach from Sunrise Boulevard north to lifeguard stand No. 5. Hours for dogs on beach are 5 to 9 p.m. from July to December. A permit is required, and must be initially purchased at 1350 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. One weekend pass may be purchased on site.
Lifeguards: On duty from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with towers located from South Beach north to Birch State Park.
Rules: No alcohol or glass containers, no nudity, no games with hard balls or other objects, no fishing or surf casting between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. No vessel can be launched from the beach for purposes of fishing or surf casting. No sleeping on the beach between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and no pets, except for certain hours in the dog beach area.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Attractions
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Lifeguard, Pets allowed
Beach-facilities Showering
Beach-food Concessions, Restaurants nearby
Beach-rental equipment Chairs, Bicycles, Shaded chairs, Other
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Street parking possible, Pay lot, There are several metered and pay lots along A1A
Pets Allowed Yes
Recreation Activity Basketball, Bike, Boat, Canoeing, Fishing, Inline Skating, Jet Ski, Kayaking, Rafting, Roller Skating, Run, Sailboarding, Sailing, Swimming, Volleyball, Walk, Other
Water Sports Snorkeling
Wheelchair Access Yes
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area
3109 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-3313
954-564-4521
This 180-acre park, which contains four distinct natural areas, is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. With direct access to Fort Lauderdale beach, the park is an easy place to find all-day parking at reasonable rates with re-entry privileges. Get some respite from the sun under shaded picnic pavillions or duck into one of the restaurants along A1A.
But there's more to this park than the beach. Recreational activities include ocean swimming, beaches, saltwater fishing, biking, roller skating, birding and canoeing. Several shaded picnic areas with playground equipment, pavilions and barbecue grills are close to parking throughout the park. The park includes two nature trails, one about a 20-minute walk, the other about a half-hour hike. Canoes are available for rental and a 1.7-mile exercise course for hikers and runners rims the park. Organized youth groups of up to 72 can rent the park's group camp, which includes six sleeper cabins, a meeting and dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. Cabin rentals are no longer available to the public because of reconstruction.
Restrooms and outdoor showers are another added perk.
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
Admissions Entrance/parking is $4 per vehicle for up to eight people and $1 for each additional passenger as well as walk-ups, including bicyclists and skaters (per person). Receipt allows visitors to leave and re-enter the park all day.
Attractions Beaches, Historic Sites, Parks, Camping
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Great for kids, Pets allowed
Beach-facilities Changing rooms, Showering
Beach-food Restaurants nearby
Beach-rental equipment Other
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Beach-width Lots of room on beach
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Free lot, Parking is free with paid park admission
Pets Allowed Pets are welcome in designated areas if they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are well behaved at all times. No pets in camping areas, beaches or concession areas.
Recreation Activity Beaches, Bike, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Inline Skating, Kayaking, Parks, Roller Skating, Run, Swimming, Walk
Wheelchair Access Yes
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm
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John U. Lloyd State Park
6503 N. Ocean Dr.
Dania Beach, FL 33004-3044
954-923-2833
This 251-acre barrier island is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, from Port Everglades on the north to Dania Beach on the south. Boaters have ocean access from two boat ramps through the Intracoastal Waterway to the Port Everglades inlet. Amenities include the Loggerhead Cafe, a full-service restaurant serving beer and wine, and manatee viewing. The beach also is one of Broward County's most important sea-turtle nesting areas.
Recreational activities include beaches, boat ramp, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Canoes and kayaks can paddle Whiskey Creek, a manatee sanctuary that flows through the park, beaching their vessels for a picnic at the north end. Snorkelers and scuba divers can follow submerged markers to reefs in one of the area's easier shore dives. Other amenities include a 45-minute nature trail, shaded picnic areas along the 2.5-mile beach and fishing from the jetty at the north end of the park. Limited picnic supplies and canoe and kayak rentals are available at the refreshment stand.
Hours: 8 a.m. to sundown
Admissions $3 for one person, $5 per vehicle for two to eight people, and $1 for each additional passenger, bicyclists and walk-ins. Boat ramp fee is $5.
Attractions Beaches, Parks
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Great for kids, Pets allowed
Beach-facilities Changing rooms, Showering
Beach-food Concessions
Beach-rental equipment Other
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Beach-width Lots of room on beach
Boat Accessible Yes
Critics Choice Yes
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Free lot
Pets Allowed Pets are allowed in the park if they are kept on a 6-foot hand-held leash. They are not permitted in camping areas, on bathing beaches, or in concession facilities. Service animals are welcome in all areas.
Recreation Activity Beaches, Boat, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Parks, Sailboarding, Sailing, Swimming, Walk, Snorkeling, Picnic
Wheelchair Access Yes
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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Dania Beach
100 N. Beach Road
Dania, FL 33004
954-924-3600
The half-mile beach stretches from John U. Lloyd state park on the north to Hollywood beach on the south. The tranquil, family-oriented beach features a reef for snorkeling and diving at the south end, volleyball, picnicking, surfing, boogie- and skim-boarding and fishing from the beach or the pier. Marine Rescue: 954-924-3696.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, beach volleyball courts and nets, chickee huts and picnic tables. Barbecue grills, a playground and picnic facilities also located on the southwest side of Beach Road.
Lifeguards: Five stations are staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Rules: No alcohol, no dogs; surfing permitted north of the pier only; scuba diving in designated areas only.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Admissions No
Attractions Beaches
Beach Shade available, Great for kids, Lifeguard
Beach-facilities Showering
Beach-food Restaurants nearby
Beach-width Lots of room on beach
Fishing Surf fishing, Pier fishing
Parking Pay lot
Pets Allowed No
Recreation Activity Beaches, Fishing, Run, Sailboarding, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Walk, Snorkeling, Picnic
Water Sports Scuba Diving, Windsurfing
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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North Beach Park Hollywood
3601 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019-3807
Sheridan & A1A
954-926-2480
Hollywood's public beach offers sun and sand for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. The beach extends north from Hallandale Beach Boulevard to county-owned North Beach Park (which has a 60-foot observation tower) and about a half-mile short of Dania Beach Boulevard. Its adjacent 2.2-mile Broadwalk is crammed with cafes, bars, shops and its own band shell and is a popular spot for strolling. There's also a sea turtle hatchery, part of the Endangered Sea Turtle Protection and Relocation Program.
Facilities: Showers, restrooms, three playground areas with slides and swings (Charnow, Harry Berry and Keating) with picnic pavilions at Charnow Park and Garfield Street. Nearby one can play paddleball at the historic Garfield paddleball courts. The Hollywood Beach Theater at Johnson Street offers entertainment and currently hosts three free musical series presented Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (For performance information, call 954-921-3404.) Adjacent North Beach Park, at Sheridan and A1A, features a 60-foot observation tower, picnic facilities, restrooms and (on the Intracoastal side) shelters and fishing piers.
Lifeguards: Twenty-one lifeguard towers and eight first-aid stations operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day during the summer; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. other times.
Rules: No pets, alcohol or glass containers. Saltwater fishing license is not required. Oceanfront fishing is allowed only before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. No feeding animals or strays, or removing plants. No firearms or fireworks.
Fees: Metered parking on side streets. Four automated city lots are located along South and North Ocean Drive and another on South Surf Road near Minnesota Street. Some parking areas are time-restricted. Do not park in "Beach Patrol" spaces until after 6 p.m., at which time these become metered parking until midnight. Long-term parking available at the Maurice Connell parking garage on Johnson Street. Annual parking permits are available for city residents.
Hours: Beach open 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Attractions Beaches, Parks
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Great for kids, Lifeguard
Beach-facilities Changing rooms, Showering
Beach-food Concessions, Restaurants nearby
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Beach-width Lots of room on beach, 55 acres along A1A.
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Pay lot $5 per vehicle before 2 p.m., $3 thereafter. Additional metered parking is available on the street.
Pets Allowed No
Recreation Activity Beaches, Fishing, Parks, Run, Swimming, Volleyball, Walk, Snorkeling, Picnic
Wheelchair Access Yes
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information
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Pompano Beach
10 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33062-5711
954-786-4111
This 1,000-yard-long (100-150 yards wide) beach is another Blue Wave award winner, with water sports, sand volleyball, swimming, picnics and more. There are playgrounds, as well as a 24-hour pier, concessions and nearby restaurants. Beach conditions hotline: 954-786-4005. Pier information: 954-943-1488.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic shelters and tables, barbecue grills and children's playground. One picnic pavilion is on a first-come, first-served basis, or can be reserved; call 954-786-4111 for details. Volleyball courts are first-come, first-served. The pier, 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., is open 24 hours a day, with a bait and tackle shop, as well as vending machines. Two surf chairs available every day at Lifeguard Headquarters, 10 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Rules: Boogie boarding is allowed everywhere on the beach, but surfing is only allowed north of the pier. Wrist or ankle leashes are mandatory. Catamarans and sailboards can be launched only at Northeast 16th Street and must stay 200 yards off the public beach. (Boat and jet ski launching is available at Alsdorf Park at Northeast 14th Street and the Intracoastal Waterway).
Rules: No alcohol or dogs, but pets can be walked on the half-mile-long sidewalk.
Attractions Beaches
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Great for kids, Lifeguard
Beach-facilities Changing rooms, Showering
Beach-food Concessions, Restaurants nearby
Beach-rental equipment Other
Fishing Surf fishing, Pier fishing
Parking Pay lot
Pets Allowed Pets can be walked on the half-mile-long sidewalk, not on the beach.
Recreation Activity Beaches, Bike, Boat, Canoeing, Fishing, Inline Skating, Jet Ski, Kayaking, Run, Sailboarding, Sailing, Swimming, Volleyball, Walk, Other, Picnic
Water Sports Windsurfing
Wheelchair Access Yes
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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North Ocean Park/Wahoo Bay
NE 16th Street and A1A
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
954-786-4111
Maintained and wide (100-150 yards), the beach stretches all the way to the inlet, offering a view of the jetty on the inlet and the Hillsboro lighthouse. Considered by some to be the prettiest beach view in Broward County. Boaters, swimmers and snorkelers hang out in the inlet next to the boat channel. Walk to the bay (really a small lagoon) from Northeast 16th Street, or use the public access off A1A just south of Marine Drive, next to the Canada House East. A long sidewalk leads to a wooden boardwalk over the mangrove bay and out to the beach. Beach access from Northeast 16th Street to Hillsboro Inlet. Take Northeast 14th Street east from Federal Highway. (January 25, 2006)
Facilities: Two picnic shelters, barbecue pits, restrooms, outdoor showers.
Lifeguards: None.
Rules: No alcohol or dogs.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Beach Boardwalk/sidewalk
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Street parking possible, Metered parking along street, a quarter for 15 minutes.
Pets Allowed No
Recreation Activity Beaches, Boat, Fishing, Parks, Run, Swimming, Walk, Snorkeling
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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Deerfield Beach
71 SE 21st Ave. (Ocean Way)
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
954-480-4412
The mile-long beachfront is 50 feet wide and clean. Restaurants and concessions are along the street and nearby, and a beach concession stand has umbrellas, chairs, rafts and more for rent. A private concession rents watercraft near the south end of the beach. Most facilities are just north and south of Hillsboro Boulevard. The beach runs from Southeast 10th Street to the Palm Beach County line. Recorded beach hotline: 954-480-4413. Pier information: 954-426-9206.
Facilities: Picnic tables, benches, shaded sitting areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, changing rooms and drink vending machines. The 920-foot fishing pier near the north end is open 24 hours a day all year for fishing and viewing. Four sand volleyball courts are on the north side of the pier, along with recreational areas. There are three areas available for wedding rentals, with a $10 permit. Surf chairs for the handicapped available from lifeguards.
Lifeguards: On duty at nine towers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Rules: Surfing is permitted on the north side of the pier; no alcohol or dogs.
Admissions Yes
Attractions Beaches
Beach Shade available, Boardwalk/sidewalk, Great for kids, Lifeguard
Beach-facilities Changing rooms, Showering
Beach-food Concessions, Restaurants nearby
Beach-rental equipment Chairs, Shaded chairs, Other
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Beach-width Lots of room on beach
Fishing Surf fishing, Pier fishing
Parking Pay lot
Pets Allowed No
Recreation Activity Beaches, Fishing, Inline Skating, Kayaking, Roller Skating, Run, Sailing, Swimming, Volleyball, Walk, Picnic
Water Sports
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.
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