Fort Lauderdale Beach

Sugar white sand, beaches stretching endlessly, and turquoise Atlantic waters beckoning swimmers and surfers. All this and more awaits at Fort Lauderdale Beach. 

Steeped in rich history, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a shining beacon to the city's vibrant past and present. 

This iconic destination paints a colorful picture of its evolution from a military fortification to a year-round beach lover's paradise.

In the early days of 1838, Fort Lauderdale was initially a United States stockade during the Second Seminole War. Named after the fortification built on the banks of the New River, it witnessed several battles and historic events. The Tequesta Indians, the city's first inhabitants, left their mark on the area long before the first settlers arrived around 1788.

But it would be the '60s and '70s that made Fort Lauderdale a household name across America. During this era, Fort Lauderdale Beach was a Spring Break hotspot. Tens of thousands of college students made the annual trek to the sun-kissed beaches to party in the lively bars and nightclubs. 

While the beach is still an attraction during the spring, the rowdiness of its past has softened. Today, Fort Lauderdale Beach is renowned as a year-round retreat, trading its seasonal appeal for a more enduring allure.

Fort Lauderdale Beach also showcases the city's multicultural heritage. The Bahamian roots of neighboring Deerfield Beach and Hollywood's Liberia community add an enticing cultural flavor. This heritage is celebrated during local events, festivals, and architectural styles used in the area.

Whether you're visiting on Spring Break, a "snowbird" from up north, or on a family getaway, Fort Lauderdale Beach will leave a lasting impression.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Fort Lauderdale Beach unfurls a dazzling assortment of activities and adventures, making it a must-see destination. 

An intriguing detail about Fort Lauderdale is its similarity to Italy. With over 165 miles of waterways and access to the Atlantic Ocean, it's no wonder it's called the Yachting Capital of the World.

A stroll down Las Olas Boulevard evokes the Italian experience with its vibrant arts, culture, and events. The gondola canal rides are an added attraction and give meaning to the city's being dubbed the "Venice of America."

Fort Lauderdale Beach isn't just a destination; it's a lifestyle. Aside from Fort Lauderdale Beach, five other Blue Wave-certified beaches exemplify the area's cleanliness and beauty. These beaches cover two-thirds of the city and are a paradise for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts.

Another feature of Fort Lauderdale Beach is that the tepid waters are home to numerous shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for divers. Because of the beach's proximity to the Everglades, visiting the swamps is quickly done as a day trip.

While sunbathing on the beach, you will likely spot a cruise ship on the horizon. This is because Fort Lauderdale is the third-busiest cruise port in the world. 

From its historic roots to its contemporary charm, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an eclectic mix of unforgettable experiences on your Florida getaway. 

Getting There

Here are directions from Downtown to Fort Lauderdale Beach:

• Start from NE 3rd Ave in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
• Head north on NE 3rd Ave toward NE 1st St/E Broward Blvd.
• Turn right onto E Broward Blvd.
• After about 2 miles, use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left onto SE 8th St.
• Continue straight to stay on SE 8th St.
• Turn right onto Cordova Rd.
• Turn left onto SE 17th St.
• Use the 2nd from the right lane to turn slightly right onto the ramp to A1A N/Ft Laud Beach.
• Merge with FL-A1A N.
• Continue for about 2 miles to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Cost

While visiting the beach is free, there are some other costs you may incur:

• Parking at the public lot is $4 per hour.
• Renting umbrellas and chairs ranges from $20-25.

Prices are subject to change; check websites for updates.