Here we will provide you with the best of Fort Lauderdale Beach! The moment you take your socks off, you’re free. Warm your toes in Fort Lauderdale’s 23 miles of sun-kissed beaches, an easy walk to the array of hotels, restaurants and activities. Experience a sunny state of mind. Fort Lauderdale is proud to have been continuously certified as Blue Wave Beach by the Clean Beaches Council of Washington DC since 1999. Enjoy The Best of Fort Lauderdale Beach and find everything you’ll need for your vacation in sunny paradise. Fort Lauderdale is a great beach destination with luxury properties along the beachfront and a casual yet chic shopping and dining scene. Enjoy the people watching at Fort Lauderdale Beach and stroll, jog, or blade along the palm tree-fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade. Visit the beautiful beaches of Florida’s East Coast
Weather – When to Visit Fort Lauderdale
The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between December and April. The warm climate (between the high 50s and mid-80s) makes it an ideal getaway for anyone looking to escape bitter winter temperatures. For this reason, many from the north flock to the south, making December through April Fort Lauderdale’s high season, so expect some crowds. Summer and fall are susceptible to rain and hurricanes, with the official hurricane season running from June 1 to Nov. 30.
Best Fort Lauderdale Area Beaches
Deerfield Beach
Located just south of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach is known for its casual and fun beach vibe. Catch all the action at the International Fishing Pier where you can see local fishermen in all their glory and rent a rod to get in on the fun yourself. If you head under the pier for a walk along the beach, don’t forget your phone for a cool Insta-worthy shot—this is a prime spot for sunset pics.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
With its makeover from a college student Mecca to a tonier clientele complete, Fort Lauderdale has been transformed into a beach chic destination. From Lauderdale luxe properties dotting the beachfront skyline to Las Olas Boulevard for casually chic shopping and dining scene, Fort Lauderdale Beach has some of the best people-watching in South Florida. And don’t forget to stroll, jog, or blade along the palm tree-fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade.
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach has some of the warmest and clearest water in South Florida. Pompano Beach features a wide, sugary beach for sunbathing, an offshore reef for diving and snorkeling and a 24-hour pier to enjoy. This beach is great for sunbathing, diving and snorkeling and has a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Hillsboro Beach
Get spectacular views of the Hillsboro lighthouse from this beach. Hillsboro Beach is among the most tranquil of all Fort Lauderdale beaches. This seashore is the perfect place to escape from the everyday. Enjoy warm green-blue water, swimming, sunbathing and viewing turtle nesting spots.
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
Visitors looking for peaceful, uncrowded beaches will love John U. Lloyd Beach State Park set on a 251-acre barrier island. You can kayak along mangrove-lined waterways, scuba dive, go snorkeling or just lounge on the wide, sun-drenched beach. The park is also one of the county’s most important sea turtle nesting sites, and a summertime awareness program allows you to learn about their nesting. Perfect for nature enthusiasts or just a day away from it all.
Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurants
Market 17 $31 – 60
Their Executive Chef Lauren DeShields prepares all their dishes from scratch using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. In addition to their delicious food and friendly service, Market 17 has a big love and dedication to their extensive beverage program. They are very excited to share their passion for wine, craft beer and spirits with the guests of Market 17. Telephone: 954-835-5507 Web: Market 17.
Coconuts $11 – 30
Coconuts Waterfront restaurant, South Florida at its best. You can raft your boat at their dock, valet park your car, bring your dog on a leash, even your mother-in-law will enjoy; where the atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and the food is great. At Coconuts they pride themselves for their great service, quality food and their happy “be nice” perfect place on the water. Telephone: 954-525-2421 Web: Coconuts.
Hot & Soul $11 – 30
They have Filipino chicken adobo, Louisiana gumbo, oxtail gnocchi as well a few vegetarian items such as soba noodle salad and vegan coconut polenta with mushroom gravy. Their beer list changes and includes brews from various craft breweries including Stone, Cigar City, Ballast Point, Founders, Peak Organic & Funky Buddha. Their wine list will also change, but will always feature interesting wines from lessor known small winemakers. Telephone: 754-206-2155 Web: Hot & Soul.
Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill $11 – 30
Gilbert’s 17th’s Street Grill serves up great burgers, ribs, home made soups, and salads. Daily blackboard specials include Pan Seared Tuna, Roast Pork on Garlic Toast and Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger. You can’t beat Mrs. Gilbert’s homemade Key Lime Pie and Cheesecakes. Telephone: 954-768-8990 Web: Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill.
La Dolce Vita $11 – 30
La Dolce Vita serves up Fort Lauderdale’s finest Italian fare with exciting dishes and unique ambiance. At La Dolce Vita, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. They never use frozen ingredients, and their home made pasta make them unique in every dish they prepare at La Dolce Vita. They serve only the finest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables, and breads that are baked fresh daily. Telephone: 954-565-5707 Web: La Dolce Vita.
Best Fort Lauderdale Nightlife
Bar Red Beard
Bar Red Beard, located in Ft Lauderdale Fl, is an American craft beer bar located in Fort Lauderdale. On top of their rotating craft beer menu with over 50+ hand picked beer tasting experiences, Red Beard Bar offers a variety of sandwiches, pizza by the slice, and other gourmet bites. Like the Mariano’s Meatballs, Quinoa & Kabobs, as well as the popular North Beach Pulled Pork Sandwich. Located just north of Oakland Park Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Telephone: 754-223-4665 Web: Bar Red Beard
Treasure Trove
An open air local bar with great food, drinks, amazing staff, music, etc. this place has it all. It’s a dive bar but with an attitude. Right from the start you can tell this place is timeworn, where coolers replace refrigerators. Make sure to get the fish tacos! Telephone: 954-522-8385 Web: Treasure Trove
The Parrot
The World Famous Parrot has been serving Fort Lauderdale locals and visitors since 1970. If you’re looking for a neighborhood atmosphere with friendly service, you have found it. The Parrot features the largest selection of domestic, import, and craft beers on Fort Lauderdale beach. The cool cocktails will keep you visiting again and again. There is always something going on at the Parrot. Watch your favorite games and join them for their famous parties year round. Telephone: 954-563-1493 Web: The Parrot.
Glitch Bar
Glitch Bar redefines nightlife and offers and alternative by infusing original classic arcade machines from the 80’s and 90’s with modern mixology and an incredible selection of craft beer in a modern bar setting. To satisfy your thirst Glitch Bar has a full bar, a twelve tap draft system, a vast array of bottled and canned craft beer, bottled and caned ciders as well as a fine assortment of Craft Sodas. Telephone: 954-616-5762 Web: Glitch Bar.
The Boarding
The Boarding is a chic authentic French restaurant and wine bar with a focus on charcuterie, French tapas, and artisan cheeses. Atmosphere and style just like a cozy soot in France. The people working here and eating here make this place special. They have a menu that you can’t find elsewhere. This is a must for any time you are in the area. Telephone: 954-204-0919 Web: The Boarding
Hello Leahrae,
Great website. It’s very informative. You can find all the information you need on this one website. That’s awesome. I live in Fort Lauderdale and was not aware of all that our beautiful beach has to offer. Thanks for the great information. I’m going to have to start exploring my beach more often.
Yes you are! I live in Florida too, and besides going to beaches outside of Florida, I make it a point to visit ours 🙂 Thanks for visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach Vacation.
Fort Lauderdale does have a couple nice beaches! I like Florida and have been to the city about 4 times. Usually, Fort Lauderdale is a good town that is close to a lot of the most popular beaches in the world. Definite place to visit in the future! Thanks for all the great information on Florida beaches!
Glad you enjoyed reading Kam. Fort Lauderdale is most definitely a great place to visit, and as you say, so close to a lot of other really great beaches.
This location you showed me keyed in on Aloha Watersports. I’m starting to realize just how much adventure I have missed out on. This is another beautiful location that would be a nice place to unwind. Thanks for making me aware of this vacation spot.
You are welcome Ronnie. I think you would enjoy Vero beach and of course a trip with Aloha Watersports. Let me know if you need any more information.
Very imformative planning a trip to the carribean and we will be staying a few days in Fort Lauderdale I bookmarked your site it will come in handy when we arrive. What is the best beach in your opinion to go to which serves drinks or is there a beach like that after all it is a holiday? Anyways thanks for putting together such a great site. It is very easy to navigate love the design.
You are very welcome. Just head to Fort Lauderdale beach, you will find everything there! Thanks for reading the Fort Lauderdale Beach Vacation guide.
Hi,
I love beach destinations. I’ve been to the most beutiful beach places in Europe but to be honest, I’ve never been to the USA.
Your review of the Fort Lauderdale is very well structured and includes very useful information.
I always want to check out the restaurants nearby, so now when I have the possibility to visit this beach, I know where to have a decent meal.
Thank you very much for the detailed description.
You are very welcome ! Thank you for visiting Beach Travel Destinations!
Your post provided me with an immense amount of information to help me plan my trip to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Superb!
Right now we are in a winter freeze and those beaches are looking some inviting.
We were planning to travel in March. I may have missed it but do you have a chart of the busiest times to visit? A chat similar to you weather chart would be phenomenal!
Cheers
Paul
Well Paul I can see what I can find, but I do know from experience, the end of May thru the beginning is going to be busy. Any other time is going to be much less crowded. A friend just sent me a picture of the beach yesterday, above 80 degrees and not many beach goers…just kite surfers.
What to say, given information covering everything you need to know for great beach vacation time. Lots of info about bars and other catering places. It will be great to have some guidance about car parking places and prices, as well as and renting offers of beach accessories. Thanks a lot.
You are very welcome. I will have to start looking into adding that information! Thank you Andre.
Wow this is brilliant information to have, I never realised that Fort Lauderdale has so many things to offer and they all look so great, I also love the restaurants you have pointed out – do you know if any serve up a really good prime steaks? thanks also for the temperature warning – I will have to stay clear on 7th August as i’m unable to cope with that level of heat!
For the best Prime Rib head to the Kaluz Restaurant. You won’t regret it. For me, I love the heat 🙂 Best time to go! Thanks for reading Michael.
I’ve always loved visiting Florida because of the Disney World attraction. Of course, I didn’t know there was other stuff you could do down there, I’ve always wanted to para sail one of these days. Next time I visit Florida, I’m going to check that out. Thank you for all your information.
You are very welcome Nathan. And yes all of the Disney stuff is super close. We were just there 🙂
Great breakdown of all the things that make Fort Lauterdale the great destination that it is! One of my favorite aspects regarding that area is definitely the intercoastal waterways.
I was recently down in Hollywood, FL, where we took a tour of all the amazing yachts and homes down there. It was unbelievable. Great choice of restaurants and hotels as well. I’ll definitely be coming back the next time I go down to FL, which better be soon! 🙂
Yes, you will love it. And I have to agree. The Intercoastal Waterway is a must. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Hello, I have been to Ft. Lauderdale in passing through to Miami, but I have yet to be able to take in the beaches or nightlife. I can only imagine that it would be more inviting than the more popular beaches of the Miami area, and more calm, and that appeals to me. Do you have a specific hotel that you prefer and recommend, close to shopping maybe?
I’d have to say the Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club. This would be my pick, not to mention it is on the beach 🙂 Thank you for reading Christian!
I love the beach and can’t wait to get back. I went to Ft. Lauderdale years ago when I was a kid and we toured the Intercoastal Waterway. I highly recommend it. Great information on finding cheaper airfare. I will bookmark your Airfare Tips article so I can refer to it the next time I fly. Thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome Gary! Glad you enjoyed the information and love the beach too! Thanks for visiting the Fort Lauderdale Beach Vacation Guide.
Hi Leahrea,
Some nice tips for Fort Lauderdale. Have spend a lot of time in California but never been on the other coast, but sounds it would be worth going. The pirate cruise that you are mentioning sounds like a lot of fun. Will definitely consider that if I end up going to that area.
Great, I kind of like it more than California. To me, it’s a much more relaxed atmosphere. Thanks for reading!
Hi Leahrae,
I also love holidays at the beach. I will travel to Miami at the end of March 2017 and I am planning the whole trip at the moment. I guess after looking at your site Fort Lauderdale will be definitely a place where I will stay for one or two nights. When have you been to Fort Lauderdale?
I just returned about a month ago and I was still on the beach and in the water. Granted the water was a bit colder than other times of the year, like when you will be going. I would most definitely spend a couple days in Fort Lauderdale!
Dear Leahrae,
thank you very much for this useful information.
I am from Europe, I love travelling, and I am planning to visit the U.S. next year. I was searching for some good information about places I can stay, beaches I can visit, and activities which I can do. Many times when you arrive at a new place you are searching for places which are not too turistic. Now I know about the spots where the locals go thank to you.
I will definitively com back to your website to recollect more information and book some activities beforehand.
Thank you so much and have a great day!
Simon
Thank you so much Simon for your comments and for visiting my site. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I would love to help you plan your beach vacation!