When you’re looking for a collection of diverse, world-class beaches, restaurants, and shopping destinations in Florida, turn your attention to Broward County.
Broward County, Florida, is home to several beaches, each with a unique vibe. From secluded and quiet to trendy and touristy, there’s a beach for everyone.
Beach activities include sunbathing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, parasailing, kite surfing, and more – and many of the beaches offer concessions, casual dining, oceanside dining, and fine dining options.
And, each community has a diverse collection of shopping centers, outlet malls, small boutiques, tourist shops, and more.
Broward County Beaches
There are eight beach communities in Broward County that range from free or affordable to high-end and luxurious.
Broward County Beaches include:
- Dania Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Hallandale Beach
- Hillsboro Beach
- Hollywood Beach
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Pompano Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach and Trendy Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale Beach, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, spans seven miles of beaches with powdery sands, shimmering waters, and golden rays of sunshine.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is a bustling recreation area, ideal for sunning and swimming, but superb for water-sports like boating, jet-skiing, snorkeling, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and more.
Fort Lauderdale Beach’s A1A leads to trendy downtown Las Olas, known for its eclectic collection of unique boutiques, small shops, and a wide array of restaurants.
Las Olas Boulevard is a shopper paradise offering more than 100 stores to puruse, and the community hosts numerous special events and festivals throughout the year.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a quiet beach town known most for its diving and snorkeling experiences amidst coral reefs with sea turtles and sea oats.
But the main draw to the beach is the SS Copenhagen, a historic shipwreck of a 19th-century British cargo steamer.
Away from the beach, in the small community that’s entirely walkable, you’ll find hotels that are family-owned and operated, mid-century architecture, and low-rise buildings to protect the area’s stunning skyline.
Visit stores like Alexsandra’s Treasures (and Aleksandra’s Caribbean Cafe), Sea Grape Surf Shop, or visit Billy Jack’s Shack, Ocean Mist Pub, Pizza on the beach, and more.
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Hollywood Beach and Hollywood Broadwalk
Hollywood Beach in Florida between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is the ideal beach for those who want to relax in a low-key environment, and yet still be close to the shops and restaurants Hollywood Broadwalk is known for.
While you may see the occasional parasail rider drifting by, Hollywood Beach is less about adrenaline-rushing water-sports, and more about enjoying a tranquil day in Florida’s generous sun on the sands by the ocean.
But the crowned jewel of the area is the Hollywood Broadwalk, a 2.5 mile stretch of unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, motels, and hotels creating resort-style living.
The brick-paved roads of Hollywood Broadwalk attract walkers, joggers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and more for its wide open space and spectacular views (and scents, and sounds, and tastes) of the Atlantic Ocean.
Along the palm-lined promenade, residents and guests enjoy shopping and dining in an “Old Florida” vibe.
Pompano Beach in Florida
Pompano Beach, north of Fort Lauderdale, is all about luxury, comfort, and relaxation while still near adventures like boating, surfing, paddle-boarding, kite surfing, and more.
Pompano Beach, home to the Pompano Yacht and Beach Club, is also a main attraction for its shipwreck diving sites.
The area is vibrant with community events including a beach and seafood festival, an Irish Festival, and for the holidays, there’s a beach holiday boat parade and a holiday Yuletide parade.
There are tantalizing options for casual and fine dining, as well as intriguing shopping destinations such as Festival Marketplace, Pompano City Centre, Beachway Shopping Plaza, and a variety of outlet malls.
Dania Beach
Dania Beach is a small beach town with a passion for fishing.
The most popular area is the 900 ft. long Dania Beach fishing pier. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing from the pier or casting your line from shore, the views are spectacular and there’s a wide variety of fish for the catch.
Although you will find residents and visitors soaking in the rays or taking a dip in the waters, fishing is the main attraction.
Unlike the bustling beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is filled with historic buildings, landmarks, and antique shops.
For shopping, check out Dania Pointe, Beachway Plaza, Sheridan Square, or Jaxson’s Dania Plaza.
Feed your hunger at one of many local restaurants including Mundi’s Italian Restaurant, Tuscany Cafe, Robert’s Restaurant, Historic Dockers, and more.
Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is another of Broward County’s collection of beautiful beaches.
While other beaches may be crowded and buzzing with activity, Deerfield Beach is more of a quiet atmosphere, centered around a 976 ft. fishing pier.
In addition to the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, there are nine volleyball courts on the sand.
Areas of Deerfield Beach offer boating and surfing, and the occasional encounter with sea turtles.
The beach is lined with hotels and condos, as well as shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafes.
For shopping, visit the Deerfield Beach Shopping Center, The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Mall, or Sawgrass Promenade, among others.
Favorite eateries in the beach town include JB’s on the Beach, Oceans 234, The Whale’s Rib, and Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and grill.
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Hallandale Beach in Florida’s Broward County
The city of Hallandale Beach offers two beach parks.
South City Beach Park features a children’s playground, sand volleyball court, bocce courts, and offers a full service concessions stand on the beach.
North City Beach Park is a bit quieter with a full-service restaurant with beachside dining and a stunning view.
Shop nearby at The Village of Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Place, Lakeside Shoppes, and more.
Satisfy your hunger at restaurants like Juniper on the Water, Falafel Achia, Padrino’s Cuban, Urban Thai and Sushi, and more.
Hillsboro Beach
Hillsboro Beach is another city in Broward County with beautiful beachfront lifestyles.
There’s a wide array of recreation, particularly through the Hillsboro Club, that offer sailboating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, boogie boarding, volleyball, and more.
There are plenty of places to shop in and around Hillsboro Beach, including Hillsboro Inlet Plaza, The Cove Shopping Center, Hillsboro Square, Shopper’s Haven Shopping Center, and other shopping destinations in nearby Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.
There are a wide variety of restaurants peppered throughout Hillsboro Beach, but local favorites include Ruby’s by the Sea, Cap’s Place, Le Val de Loire Restaurant, and endless eclectic food choices.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-rushing water-sports adventure amidst trendy tourist shops and beach themed restaurants, a fisherman’s paradise, a place to brush up on your volleyball skills, a luxurious waterfront experience, or a quiet place by the water to relax, Broward County has a beach that fits your personality.
