Six Beautiful South Florida Beaches
At least six beautiful south Florida beaches are just a short drive away from Port Everglades. From old-fashioned Lake Worth Beach to fast-paced South Beach, we have a beach for you in south Florida!
All six of these beaches are staffed with full-time lifeguards, and all offer municipal parking nearby. Five of our favorite sandy spots are located on State Route A1A, the road that travels the mainland seaside. The sixth, South Beach, is east of Ocean Drive on the man-made islands of Miami Beach.
Our favorite half dozen south Florida beaches include:
About 45 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, this throwback beach is worth the drive. The1/4-mile long public beach features a fishing pier, a shopping-and-dining complex, and chair and cabana rentals. The complex, which contains restrooms and picnic areas, is very close the beach.
The recently refurbished Lake Worth Casino stands at the center of the beach’s shopping-and-dining complex. Opened in 1922, the casino featured slot machines until the city outlawed gambling in 1933. It’s available now for special events, such as weddings and birthday
Lifeguards: Yes, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Parking: The nearby municipal lot parking, behind the Lake Worth Casino, costs $2/hour.
Just north of Fort Lauderdale, this beach also is one of the few in the area to include a fishing pier. You can take a stroll on the pier for a dollar, or fish from the pier for $2.65. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from the pier.
The public beach is about a mile long, and maybe 100 feet wide. Kids can play in the new waterfront park. The public restrooms are nice. Beach chair rentals are available on the beach, and bike rentals are available nearby. Plenty of shops and cafes within a short stroll of the beach.
Lifeguards: Yes, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Parking: Oceanside Parking Lot, between North Riverside Drive and Ocean Boulevard (A1A) north of E. Atlantic Boulevard, costs $1.25/hour.
Just east of downtown Fort Lauderdale, this beach on State Road A1A features seven miles of beautiful sand, surf and sea. The beach’s award-winning wavewall and shopping promenade provide a backdrop to the awesome ocean views. Look to your right for cruise ships and cargo ships using Port Everglades, which is south of the beach.
Once a raucous spring-break destination, Fort Lauderdale beach has been transformed into a family-friendly venue. The Elbow Room, the famous bar where spring-break movie “Where The Boys Are” was filmed in 1960, still stands at the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.
Lifeguards: Yes, 9:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. 30 towers during the season, 20 towers during off-season.
Parking: In the lots near the beach, the cost is $1.75/hour. It’s a little less at other city lots.
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful beach, try Dania Beach. The beach has nice little chickee huts you can use for free. The other main attraction is the fishing pier at north end of beach, one of only five in south Florida. It costs $1 to stroll the pier, which is open 6 a.m. until midnight, and $3 to fish off the pier.
The pier has a nice restaurant attached. Also, the bathrooms at the end of the pier recently have been remodeled. Since you’re so close, head south a couple miles to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor. Jaxson’s is the happiest place in south Florida!
Lifeguards: Yes, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Parking: Municipal lot next to the beach costs $1.75/hour. Meters also accept credit cards, with a $3.50 minimum.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Hollywood Beach offers seven miles of sun-drenched sand and more than two miles of paved boardwalk. Call the Broadwalk, the beach-front path features restaurants, shops and snack stops.
The Broadwalk features a concrete bandshell that hosts live music regularly. You can grab a ride on the trolley that runs the length of the Broadwalk, rent bikes, or just take a stroll. The beach also features one of the area’s best dog beaches.
Lifeguards: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Twenty one lifeguard towers.
Parking: Municipal parking costs $1.50/hour during the week, $2 on weekends including Friday. There are twelve public lots and one public garage close to the beach.
South Beach encompasses the southernmost 2 ½ square miles of Miami Beach. Lummus Park Beach is the best place to get your sun on in South Beach. The beach runs for about 30 blocks, with prime star-watching potential between 5th Street and 15th Street on the east side Ocean Drive. From Fort Lauderdale, it’s a half-hour drive.
Rent a beach chair, or bring your volleyball. Just to the west of Ocean Drive, you can explore the area’s Art Deco buildings, grab some lunch or sip a cocktail. Public restrooms are available at the beach. South Beach is where people go to see and be seen!
Lifeguards: Yes, 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. 29 lifeguard stands on Miami Beach.
Parking: $1.75/hour at meters on the streets. 7th Street Garage and 13th Garage are close by.
